Claimed by a Steele - Brenda Jackson (HD #2731 - May 2020)

Series: Forged of Steele (Book 13)

This Steele man is always in the driver's seat…

But is this playboy ready for the wildest ride of his life?

Agreeing a PR stunt would be good for business, trucking CEO Gannon Steele invites reporter Delphine Ryland to hitch a ride cross-country. Soon, he's keeping his eyes on his sexy passenger instead of on the destination ahead, and when the trip turns from strictly business to strictly pleasure, the consequences might be more than this rough-and-ready bachelor can handle…

Good book. Gannon Steele has a ten-year plan for his life. He will grow his trucking business first and then consider the possibility of settling down. Now that his five older brothers are married, he looks forward to having the women of Phoenix all to himself. Gannon was one of several CEOs chosen by Simply Irresistible magazine to be interviewed about their companies. Gannon is well-known for taking care of his drivers and their families. He also regularly gets behind the wheel himself, using those trips to make sure their needs are met.

Delphine Ryland is a freelance journalist working on the story. She started working with the magazine several years earlier while caring for her sick mother. She also wrote men out of her life after her fiancé left her for another woman a month before their wedding. She looks forward to doing the story on Gannon, whose reputation intrigues her.

I loved the first meeting between Gannon and Delphine. Her beauty completely gobsmacked Gannon and it was fun to see the playboy struggle for composure. Delphine was a little better off because she had seen plenty of pictures of him, but the real thing was much better. They met for dinner to discuss the interview, but Gannon spent more time trying to get to know more about her. He was confused about why he was so intrigued by everything about her, but couldn't deny his interest.

The sparks between Gannon and Delphine were evident from the start, but both are determined to keep things professional. However, Delphine's effect on him has Gannon second-guessing his ten-year plan. He becomes intent on getting to know her better so that he can decide if she's The One. To that end, he invites her to go along on his delivery trip. Delphine is very wary of the feelings that Gannon stirs in her. She's been burned before and has no intention of risking her heart again. As they give in to their attraction, Gannon becomes more convinced that Delphine is meant to be his. Delphine fights hard against her feelings. But just as she realizes that she is in love with him, she overhears a phone call that sends her running. I hurt for Gannon, who saw his chance for happiness disappearing, and for Delphine, who thought that history was repeating itself. I loved the advice Gannon received from his brothers, motivating him not to give up. Delphine was a little harder to get through to, and it took some straight talk from her best friend to make her realize her mistake. Gannon's heartfelt words to Delphine when he caught up with her were sweet and romantic. There was a neat little twist at the end. I liked the epilogue with their wedding and the presence of all the Steeles.

Brenda Jackson's books are always big on family, and this one was no different. All of the Steele children had a marvelous example of the power of love in their parents. I loved the scenes with them and their obvious love for each other and their boys. The love and respect Gannon had for both parents was evident in his interactions with them. But it was his time with his brothers that was the most fun. They all teased him about his ten-year plan, especially after he met Delphine. Each of them had advice for Gannon that he first fought against, then realized was needed. They were also there for him when he needed support or a kick in the pants.

Falling for Her Viking Captive - Harper St. George (HH #1503 - May 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 2)

The Viking warrior

In her cellar…

Lady Annis must stop Viking Rurik Sigurdsson from discovering the truth about his family's death. Her only solution is to imprison him. But as the ruggedly handsome Viking starts to charm his way out of his cell and into her heart, can she be sure he's not still intent on vengeance -- or perhaps an unexpected alliance is the solution?

Very good book. The sons of Sigurd continue their quest for revenge over their father's death and the murders of their friends and families. The book opens on the day of the attack. Rurik and his brother Brandt, arrive back at the village for Alarr's wedding only to find heartbreaking scenes of death and destruction. Furious at what has occurred, Rurik vows revenge on those responsible.

Two years later, Rurik has traced one of the culprits, Wilfrid, to Glannoventa. While he is in a local tavern, a young woman approaches him and lures him outside where he is captured. He wakes up later, chained in a cell. After a short time, Lady Annis arrives to question him about his reasons for being there. She heard of his inquiries in the town and suspects she knows the reason but needs to hear it from him.

Lady Annis is Wilfrid's daughter-in-law. Her husband was killed in a battle with Rurik's father, Sigurd. Both she and Wilfrid had reasons to want Sigurd dead. While Wilfrid paid for assassins to kill Sigurd, Annis took a much more active role in her revenge. Since that time, she has suffered from guilt over what she saw and did, and would keep that information from Wilfrid.

I loved the scenes between Annis and Rurik in the cellar. Rurik is furious at being captured (a little embarrassed, too) and is determined to confront Wilfrid. Annis is equally determined to keep him away, for reasons of her own. I loved their confrontations. Both of them are stubborn and have their pride, so neither is willing to back down. There are also obvious sparks between them. It doesn't take long for Rurik to decide to use those sparks to his advantage. I had to laugh as Rurik used a bit of trickery to lure Annis into his cell. Their struggle was short, but intense, with Annis giving Rurik more trouble than he expected. Though he did overpower her, his confidence was short-lived. The heat that flared between them proved to be his downfall, allowing her to escape him. But fate left a little on his side, and he soon managed to escape his cell and go in search of Wilfrid.

What he finds puts an end to his plans for Wilfrid, leaving him searching for a new target for his revenge. He is still a captive, but one with more freedom. He and Annis clash frequently, and Rurik discovers that he enjoys the challenges she presents. Rurik stirs Annis's feelings the way no one has before. When word arrives that the local Dane ruler, Jarl Eirik, is on the way to facilitate a marriage between Annis and one of his men, Wilfrid proposes that Rurik marry Annis. This will protect her, as well as give Rurik something he has longed for - a place to belong.

I loved seeing the struggle that both Rurik and Annis had to accept that this was the best option. But once they accepted their fates, it warmed my heart to see how they were all-in. Their troubles are not over, however. First, Annis has not told Rurik of her part in what happened to his father, and the guilt eats at her. She knows she needs to confess to him, but she also fears his reaction. Second, they must deal with Jarl Eirik and his anger over their marriage. There were some tension-filled moments, but Rurik held his own very well. I liked how Annis worried about him. I also liked that Eirik explained the reasons for his actions. During the weeks that Eirik was there, Annis and Rurik grew closer, but she knew that time was running out to tell Rurik the truth.

I ached for Annis because the truth came out before she could tell him herself. Rurik's feelings of betrayal were devastating, and his fury at Annis is so great that he won't listen to her explanation. Her despair is heartbreaking because she can see that she has destroyed any feelings he might have had for her. What she doesn't realize is that his anger is so intense because of how he feels about her. My heart hurt for her as she made the only decision she could see to solve the problems caused by their falling out. I wasn't sure how they would get their future back on track if she succeeded. I loved Rurik's reaction as he realized how much he had to lose.

Also present in the book were two visitors. The first was Rurik's younger brother, Sandulf, who had also been present on the day of the murders. He spent the last two years searching for the assassins, from England to Constantinople and back. His search brought him to Glannoventa and precipitated the problems between Rurik and Annis. I liked how Annis tried to make amends and provided Sandulf with some vital information. I'm looking forward to his book and seeing what is in store for him. The other visitor was Rurik's twin brother, Danr. He arrived for a visit after hearing of Rurik's marriage. An item discovered in Wilfrid's belongings raised more questions about Sigurd's death and sent Danr off on his own pursuit of answers. It stirred up suspicions that I had in the first book, and I can't wait to see if I am right.

Bodyguard with a Badge - Elizabeth Heiter (HI #1717 - June 2017)

Series: Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn (Book 1)

            Lawmen (Book 4)

Take the shot…or take a chance?

FBI sniper Andre Diaz saved Juliette Lawson from a deadly hostage situation. But only hours later, he receives the surprise of his life when she takes him hostage in order to escape Quantico. Now the federal agent knows just how desperate Juliette is to stay hidden from her dangerous cop ex-husband.

Putting her trust in another law enforcement officer is difficult. Yet Juliette senses Andre is definitely one of the good guys. Perhaps he truly can protect her from the secrets she's been running from -- unless her deadly past catches up with them both first.

Fantastic story with intense suspense and a good romance. Andre Diaz and his team were called to a hostage situation where he saved a woman from being abducted and murdered. Imagine his surprise when later that day, she takes him hostage to help her get away unseen.

Juliette is desperate. She is certain that the men who tried to kidnap her were sent by her ex-husband, a cop with secrets to hide. All she wants is enough of a head-start to disappear again. She has been on the run from Dylan for three years and had hoped she was finally safe. She's afraid that if the FBI discovers who she really is, they'll turn her over to her ex.

Andre was intrigued by the pretty woman he saved and thought about asking her out. He changes his mind when he learns she is using a fake name, assuming that she is a criminal. Andre is convinced of it when she holds him at gunpoint. Yet, something tells him that there may be more to the story, so he takes her to his place.

Juliette knows that she needs to trust someone, and has a good feeling about Andre. Andre is wary as he listens to her story until he receives a phone call that backs up her assertions. Uncovering the truth by himself is unlikely, so he enlists the help of his brothers, Cole and Marcos, and his partner, Scott.

This story is full of twists and turns as Andre and the others try to unravel the truth. Did Dylan really accept a bribe to throw a murder investigation? The man's reputation in the department is squeaky clean, but Juliette is pretty sure about what she saw and heard. Further questions come up when Dylan appears to have an alibi for the shots fired at Juliette. Attacks continue to plague their investigation, as other possible suspects are uncovered. Cole, Marcos, Scott, and Andre walk a fine line between legal and illegal as they search for answers. Meanwhile, Juliette feels guilty over the risks that they take on her behalf. When the pieces finally start to come together, Juliette becomes determined to do anything to bring the threat to an end. The final confrontation is intense as she faces off against the man who wants her dead.

I liked the development of the romance between Juliette and Andre. The attraction between them is immediate but still felt realistic. Juliette is wary of jumping into a relationship with Andre too fast. She fell for her ex-husband quickly, and now has trouble trusting her judgment. I liked how Andre didn't try to rush a relationship but gave Juliette the space she needed to process her feelings.

Andre also has some personal issues going on from an event that happened when he was a kid. He is haunted by memories of a fire at the foster home where he, Cole, and Marcos lived. He remembers more about that fire, things that cause him to question what he has believed in the years since the fire. I loved the backstory of how they became brothers, and the depth of love and respect they had for each other. Neither Cole nor Marcos hesitated to put their lives and careers on the line to help Andre.

Secret Investigation - Elizabeth Heiter (HI #1923 - May 2020)

Series: Tactical Crime Division (Book 2)

In the wake of a tragedy,

the Tactical Crime Division is the first call.

When ironclad body armor inexplicably fails and soldiers perish, the Tactical Crime Division jumps into action. Agent and former ranger Davis Rogers asks to go undercover to find the traitor responsible for the death of one of his friends, and Petrov Armor CEO Leila Petrov is happy to provide access to her company…especially once she discovers she's being framed. But will their joint efforts be enough to uncover the truth?

Fantastic story that gripped me from the first page to the last. FBI agent Davis Rogers was devastated to learn of the death of a friend of his when her unit's body armor failed. When he learns that his team will investigate the manufacturer, he wants in on the assignment. He is determined to bring the traitor to justice.

CEO Leila Petrov was horrified to discover that her company's armor had failed so badly. She is more than willing to give Davis unlimited access during his undercover operation. She is also determined to be part of the investigation.

Sparks flew between Leila and Davis from the beginning. Part of it was Davis's certainty that someone at Petrov was a traitor against Leila's refusal to believe that anyone at her company would do something so heinous. The other part was the attraction that flared between them. Unlike some romantic suspense stories, both Davis and Leila are aware of the complications that could arise if they give in to their attraction. I liked the way that they got to know each other, admitted to their feelings, yet still managed to keep things professional between them. There was a little trouble with trust between them near the end when they butted heads over the likely suspects. Both had to take a good look at whether love could overcome those momentary lapses. I liked seeing them come together at the end, ready to move toward a future with each other.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. Davis is driven to discover the truth behind his friend's death. Leila will do anything she can to prevent any more deaths. Leila is working at a slight disadvantage, having only recently taken over as CEO from her father. Some employees feel she isn't up to the job, especially after she ended their weapon manufacturing to concentrate solely on armor production. As the investigation progressed, Davis and his team discovered that the problem was much bigger than they suspected. The more they learn, the narrower the suspect pool becomes. The number of twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. Every time I thought I knew who it was, something would point to someone else. Then someone else would move to the top of the list, then back to the first person. I was a little disappointed in Davis because I thought that he allowed his personal feelings to influence him a little more than he should have regarding one suspect. The final confrontation was intense, with an unexpected resolution.

There was also a secondary part of the investigation pursued by Kane, the undercover specialist, and Melinda, the profiler. Kane is a loner, as most undercover operatives are, and doesn't appreciate being paired with Melinda, who sees him more clearly than he likes. There are sparks between them, in equal parts antagonism and attraction. Both of them make mistakes that nearly get them killed. It will be interesting to see if they show up again in later books.

48 Hour Lockdown - Carla Cassidy (HI #1970 - Apr 2020)

Series: Tactical Crime Division (Book 1)

The Tactical Crime Division -- TCD -- is a specialized unit of the FBI. They handle the toughest cases in the most remote locations.

When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn't be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He'll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission -- and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.

This was a good second chance romance combined with an intense suspense story. Annalise is a teacher at a school for gifted, underprivileged children. As the story opens, she and three students are doing some afterschool computer work. Their activities are interrupted when the school is invaded by a cult leader and several of his followers. It develops into a hostage situation when the rapid police response traps them in the school.

Evan is a hostage negotiator with the Tactical Crime Division. He is very good at what he does, and is ready to go when he hears about the lockdown. When he learns that children are involved, he knows that the stakes are high. But when he learns that Annalise is one of the hostages, the situation becomes personal.

Evan and Annalise have a history together. They were a couple for two years, then three years ago Annalise left Evan, breaking his heart. He thought their love was strong, and had no idea why she left. Though Evan thinks he is over her, it is obvious from the start that he still cares. When Annalise hears his voice, it gives her hope that the situation will be resolved successfully. As the story progresses through the lockdown and the kidnapping that follows it, the time that Evan and Annalise spend together stirs up the old emotions. A little bit older and wiser, both of them take the time to talk about what went wrong before. When Annalise learns about Evan's tragic past, it gives her insight into the issues that caused their breakup. She also has the confidence to push back against Evan when she needs to. Evan is warier. He's not sure that he wants to give his heart to her again and risk having it broken again. I loved his "aha" moment as he realized where he had gone wrong and how it opened his heart to trying again.

The suspense of the story was intense from beginning to end. The cult leader, Jacob, was one scary man. His actions during the lockdown kept the tension high from the moment it started. His refusal to talk to Evan made Evan's job even harder. I was very impressed with Annalise's ability to stay calm and her cleverness in finding a way to use her cellphone to contact Evan. The longer the lockdown went on, the harder it was to see a successful resolution. I loved the courage of the little girl, Sadie, especially when she interacted with Jacob. The rescue operation was a nail-biter and didn't go as well as they planned, when Jacob and his wife escaped and took Sadie with them. I loved the teamwork of the TCD, and how Annalise was a big part of that team. It was fascinating to follow the thoughts and procedures that went into Sadie's rescue. There were several twists, including the realization that there was someone on the inside working against the good guys. The final confrontation with Jacob was intense and led to the unmasking of the insider.

First Comes Scandal - Julia Quinn (Avon - Apr 2020)

Series: Bridgerton Prequels/Rokesbys (Book 4)

She was given two choices...

Georgiana Bridgerton isn't against the idea of marriage. She'd just thought she'd have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she's abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.

Enter Option #3

As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he's close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time -- or interest -- to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton -- his literal girl-next-door -- is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.

A Marriage of Convenience

It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she'd say no. Georgie doesn't want to be anyone's sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends... or could they?

But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love...

Fun friends to lovers romance. Nicholas and Georgie have known each other all their lives. They grew up on neighboring estates, and Nicholas was her brother Edmund's best friend. Nicholas's parents are Georgie's godparents as well as her parents' friends. So when Georgie ends up in the middle of a scandal, through no fault of her own, her godfather comes up with what he thinks is the perfect plan.

Nicholas is attending the university in Edinburgh, nearly through with his medical studies, when he receives an urgent message from his father. Nicholas is to return home immediately, though he is given no explanation. Expecting the worst, Nicholas hurries back to discover that his father has a most unusual request for him - marry Georgie and save her reputation. Nicholas is understandably stunned and none too happy. He has no time for marriage thanks to his studies, and besides, Georgie is almost like a sister to him. Well, okay, maybe not a sister, but he's never thought of her that way.

Meanwhile, Georgie despairs of her future. Thanks to Freddie Oakes' attempt to force a marriage by abducting her, her reputation is shredded. Her choices are to marry him or not marry at all. An unexpected third option is almost as bad. Married because a friend feels sorry for her is too terrible to contemplate.

I felt terrible for Nicholas during his conversation with his father. He has seen his two brothers marry for love and be happy, yet his father expects him to make a loveless marriage. He understands the reason, but he has other plans for his immediate future. However, he promises his father that he will think about it. That evening, the Rokesbys have dinner with the Bridgertons. This was one of the best scenes in the entire book. Thanks to that conversation with his father, Nicholas finds himself looking at Georgie differently. He notices her wit and beauty, and especially how easy it is to talk to her. He is surprised by her genuine interest in his studies, and their subsequent discussion was hilarious. It also made Nicholas think that maybe marriage between them could work after all.

However, marriage is not a foregone conclusion. Nicholas has accepted the idea, but now he has to convince Georgie. I ached for Georgie. Nicholas's attempt at a proposal was awkward and wasn't helped by the presence of her two young nephews. She was furious at being thought an object of pity, someone that Nicholas had to be coerced into marrying. She barely let him get a word in as he tried to talk to her before he stormed off in frustration. Georgie is an intelligent woman, though, and once she gets past her injured pride, she looks honestly at her options. Her decision is further helped along by the arrival of an unexpected and unwelcome visitor. This was another funny scene that showed how well Georgie and Nicholas were suited.

The development of their relationship is a slow one, rooted in their friendship, and without any significant conflicts. Georgie is fascinated by Nicholas's work and endlessly curious about it. She is not the least bit squeamish and takes every possible opportunity to make herself useful to him. Nicholas is impressed by her intelligence and curiosity. Their journey from their homes in Kent to Edinburgh is full of laughter and growing attraction. There is a little strain between them when they reach their destination, thanks to their living arrangements. I liked how Georgie took matters into her own hands to solve the issue, and that Nicholas supported her actions. There is a bit of a scare at the end that highlights their love and trust in each other. The epilogue was a nice peek into their future together.

I also enjoyed the glimpse of Edmund and Violet's marriage. It is a little bittersweet, knowing what the future holds for them. At this point, they have only three of their eight children, but the descriptions of those three show that their personalities formed early. I think I will have to reread the original Bridgerton series before the TV series begins.

Seduced by a Steele - Brenda Jackson (HD #2725 - Apr 2020)

Series: Forged of Steele (Book 12)

A notorious heartbreaker is about to meet his match…

Will a damsel in distress be his redemption?

When the “thief” caught driving his stolen vintage car turns out to be a stunning runaway heiress, Mercury Steele is conflicted. On the one hand, Sloan Donahue, penniless and on the run from her tyrannical family, triggers the billionaire playboy's protective instincts. But she also triggers red-hot desire. Mercury refuses to think his simple seduction is becoming something deeper, especially when Sloan is keeping secrets…

Good book. Wealthy Mercury Steele made a name for himself, first in the NFL, then as a sports agent. There are two things in life that he enjoys: a wide variety of female companionship and his classic car collection. He's furious when his 1967 Camaro is stolen, and the police can't find it. He's stunned to spot his car one morning on his way to work and follows the driver. He can't believe it when the woman informs him that she bought it for $300 and thinks she got cheated because it's so old. He's glad to get his car back and even agrees to drive the woman home.

Sloan is a young woman raised in a very wealthy family. Everything she needed was provided for her, including a fiancé. But Sloan puts her foot down at this point. She doesn't love Harold, and he doesn't love her. In fact, he intends to keep seeing the woman he does love after he's married. Sloan's father is furious when she breaks the engagement and tells her that it is "his way or the highway." Sloan chooses the highway and goes to Phoenix to stay with a friend. Unfortunately, daddy is exceptionally controlling and ruthless, and she soon finds herself locked out of her bank account and credit card. She is determined to stand on her own, but circumstances work against her.

I loved that first meeting between Mercury and Sloan. Once he gets past the car problem, he can't help but notice how beautiful Sloan is. Despite that, he will drive her home and forget about her as he has the feeling she could be trouble. Sloan sees his good looks, too, but her mind is taken up with her problems. Those problems only get worse when she arrives at the apartment she's sublet from her friend to find she's been evicted. For all of his playboy ways, Mercury can't drive off and leave her, and does the only thing he can think of - takes her to his parents.

As Mercury discovers how badly things are going for Sloan, his protective instincts are aroused. The more he learns about her treatment at the hands of her parents and ex-fiancé, the more he wants to help her. Sloan is enjoying her first taste of independence and doesn't want to rely on Mercury's help, but thanks to her father, she isn't given much choice. I liked her insistence that the help was only temporary and that she would pay him back for everything. I loved her excitement at standing on her own, being responsible for her bills and expenses. I liked the support that Mercury gave Sloan, though keeping the extent of his help from her would come back to bite him later.

I liked the development of the relationship between Mercury and Sloan. He is wary of the effect she has on him. He was burned by a college girlfriend who was more interested in his earning potential than in him and has sworn off relationships since then. Something about Sloan stirs up his emotions, and he tries valiantly to resist them. Sloan appreciates Mercury's help and support, especially when it comes to learning how to deal with her family. I loved the way that she took his advice on "temporary solutions" when her ex showed up to drag her home. The more time that she and Mercury spent together, the closer they grew and the deeper became their attraction. While Sloan recognized her feelings for Mercury quickly, he fought against his. There were a couple of funny scenes with his brothers because they could see what he refused to admit. There's a little bump in their journey when Sloan's father shows up, but Mercury's support gave her the confidence to stand up for herself. There was an interesting twist at the end that explained some things but did not do anything to redeem her parents. I enjoyed Mercury's big moment with Sloan.

I loved the part that the Steele family played in the book. It is clear that there is plenty of love to go around. Eden and Drew Steele are obviously very much in love with each other, something that Sloan had no experience with when it came to her parents. I loved seeing the whole family embrace Sloan and make her feel welcome. I also had fun seeing his brothers tease Mercury about his fascination with her. There was a hilarious scene where they were grilling him but were doing it in Russian so that she wouldn't understand them. That is until she said something to them - in flawless Russian. I laughed out loud at their reactions. I loved how the entire family stood behind her against her ex's threats. There were also some peripheral appearances by a couple of Westmorelands, as well as a link to the Catalina Cove series.

While I haven't read many of the Steele books, I intend to read the others when I can. This one can easily be read as a standalone.

The Seaside Café - Rochelle Alers (Dafina - June 2020)

Series: The Book Club (Book 1)

For three decades, the Seaside Café has served delicious meals to locals and island tourists alike. Kayana Johnson has moved home to help her brother run the café -- and to nurse her wounds following a deep betrayal. Between cooking favorite recipes -- creole chicken with buttermilk waffles, her grandmother's famous mac and cheese -- and spending time reading, Kayana is trying to embrace a life free of entanglements, while staying open to new connections . . .

After striking up conversation with two customers, Kayana suggests a summer book club. Each week, they'll meet on the patio to talk about their favorite novels. But there are plot twists awaiting them in real life too. For schoolteacher Leah, this two-month sojourn is the first taste of freedom she's had in her unhappy marriage. Cherie, filled with regret about her long-term affair with a married politician, discovers a powerful new passion. And Kayana finds a kindred spirit in a reclusive visitor who's ready to make his true identity known, and fill this summer with new possibilities . . .

Good book. It has two main storylines; both centered around Kayana. She is a forty-six-year-old woman who returned home to Coates Island two years earlier after divorcing her cheating husband. She has found peace and healing in helping her brother run the family café and spending her free time reading. Part of the book is spent on the book club she started with two female customers, Leah and Cherie. The other part covers Kayana's unexpected connection with Graeme, a visitor who is more than he appears.

The book club aspect was an interesting one. A voracious reader herself, Kayana struck up a conversation with Leah about a book she was reading while dining at the café. Kayana proposed that they get together once a week over the summer to talk about what they are reading. A second customer, Cherie, was also invited to join. All three women have issues in their lives, which color their opinions of the books they read and discuss.

I was a bit put off by one of the women, Cherie, who was somewhat abrasive in her interactions. She was frequently rude and often seemed angry at everything and everyone. Leah also had her moments, especially when dealing with Cherie, leaving Kayana to play peacemaker. Though originally meant just to discuss books, the three women found themselves becoming friends and sharing their personal lives. Leah is married, but not happily, and the mother of grown twin sons. She has stayed in her marriage to provide a stable home for her boys, but living with her husband becomes harder each year. She enjoys the freedom of being on the island and contemplates her future. Cherie is filled with guilt over her affair with a married man, which makes her defensive in many of her conversations, even if they have nothing to do with her personal life. I liked seeing the three women become friends as they shared views on books and life both in general and specifically when it comes to their own situations.

The other part of the book was devoted to Kayana's developing relationship with Graeme. He has come to the island during the summer for a couple of years and was drawn to Kayana from the beginning, though she didn't take any particular notice of him. However, this summer something changes, and Kayana does take note of him. She's not too happy about it as she was burned by her cheating husband and has no intention of getting involved with another man. His betrayal of her trust made her wary of letting another man close. Graeme is a widower of several years who was burned by a spoiled wife. He carries a load of guilt because of the argument he had with her shortly before her death. Besides being a math teacher, he is also a bestselling author, though that part of his life is a well-guarded secret. There are sparks between Kayana and Graeme though Kayana is initially reluctant to acknowledge them. Graeme is more interested but is also patient enough to give Kayana time to get used to the idea. I liked seeing their friendship grow. I loved their cooking lessons, which were fun and relaxing. I enjoyed seeing them grow closer, and the attraction between them becomes stronger. Kayana doesn't look forward to the end of the summer when Graeme will go back to his teaching job. But he hasn't been forthcoming about his plans, and when she finds out about them, she feels betrayed. I liked that both Kayana and Graeme are mature enough not to make too big a drama out of the issue. Graeme gives Kayana the space she needs to process what she learned, and Kayana doesn't write off their relationship. I liked the ending and seeing them come back together.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and learning more about Leah and Cherie.

The Highlander's English Bride - Vanessa Kelly (Zebra - May 2020)

Series: Clan Kendrick (Book 3)

Lady Sabrina Bell has never been so embarrassed in her life. Not only did her new suitor fail to appear for their morning rendezvous in Hyde Park, but a thief pushed her into the Serpentine. Being rescued by a burly Highlander just adds to her humiliation. Nor is he content with rescuing her just once. Even when Sabrina travels to Edinburgh as part of King George's entourage, Graeme Kendrick is there, interfering, exasperating, and so very tempting . . .

Once notorious for being the most unruly Kendrick brother, Graeme now runs dangerous missions for the King's spymaster. Yet nothing has prepared him for Sabrina. The only child of a wealthy earl, and the pampered goddaughter of the king himself, she is stubborn, impetuous, and far too good for him. He doesn't deserve her, but he can protect her and then send her safely back home. But the bonny Sassenach has her own ideas -- and a plan for seduction that no red-blooded Highlander could resist . . .

Very good romance between two very independent and strong-willed characters. Graeme was well-known as a troublemaker when he was younger, but has tried to put his wayward past behind him. Now he works as an investigator for one of England's spymasters and has played a significant role in bringing several wrongdoers to justice. When this book opens, Graeme is working undercover to catch a gang of thieves preying on noble houses. The investigation hasn't gone well, but he finally has one in his sights as he pursues the thief through Hyde Park. But when the thief knocks a young woman into the water, Graeme gives up his pursuit to fish her out.

Lady Sabrina is the only child of her overprotective father. She rashly made plans to meet a gentleman in the park, but her plans were rudely interrupted when she was shoved into the water. Furious and embarrassed, she just wanted the Scotsman who rescued her to leave her alone.

I loved the first meeting between Graeme and Sabrina. He's angry about losing his quarry and not especially pleasant to Sabrina because of it. Sabrina is quite independent and would prefer to take care of her problem herself, but Graeme won't hear of it. Their clash creates some sparks, but Graeme has no time for distractions of the female variety. Unfortunately for him, Sabrina pops up again in the middle of another pursuit, this time finding herself in imminent danger. I felt bad for Graeme, who lost yet another chance to apprehend the thief because of her. His frustration was evident and vocal.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sabrina and Graeme. From London to Edinburgh, Graeme seemingly can't turn around without stumbling over her. Sabrina is independent, stubborn, and impetuous, which gets her into some tight spots, and it seems that Graeme is always there to rescue her. Their clashes are intense, as Graeme is loud and blunt in his disapproval of her actions. Sabrina is just as candid about her intention to do things her way. And underneath the fiery words is a fire of a different sort, as the attraction between them grows. Sabrina quickly realizes that Graeme is the man she wants, and aided and abetted by his family, sets out to convince him. Graeme's feelings for Sabrina are just as strong, but he feels that the things he has done in the past make him unworthy of her. Sabrina has her work cut out for her, but she is determined to show him that they belong together. There are some interesting twists and turns to their journey, including a marriage proposal that had me laughing out loud.

Graeme's work creates quite a few exciting situations for the couple. I found it interesting that Graeme is supposed to be so good at what he does, but in this book, nothing seems to go right for him. Some of it he lays at Sabrina's door because she is in the wrong place at the wrong time, usually because she doesn't listen to him. There are other times that he ends up in trouble himself because he is distracted by thoughts of her. It was fun to see Sabrina turn the tables and rescue him now and then.

I liked seeing the changes that both Graeme and Sabrina underwent. Sabrina learns that she doesn't have to have all the answers or do everything herself. With the help of Graeme and his family, she learns that it is okay to ask for and accept help. I loved her determination to fix the problems at her father's Scottish property. Graeme has spent so long believing that he was the black sheep of his family that it took a concerted effort from Sabrina and his brothers to get him to let go of his guilt. Once he finally believed, the change in him was fantastic.

I enjoyed seeing more of the Kendrick family. The married brothers and their wives play significant parts in getting Graeme and Sabrina together. Their matchmaking efforts were obvious but effective. Their grandfather, Angus, is still outspoken, interfering, and incorrigible. There were some hilarious scenes with him during the king's visit to Edinburgh. Graeme's twin brother, Grant, made a few appearances, also. I got the feeling that something is going on with him, and hope that his story is up next.

Girls of Summer - Nancy Thayer (Ballantine - June 2020)

Lisa Hudson feels more alive than she has in a long time after hiring hunky carpenter Mack Whitney to renovate her old Nantucket home. There's no denying the spark growing between them--despite the fact that Mack is ten years her junior. But her twentysomething children, Juliet and Theo, on the island for the summer, worry that the new relationship will only lead to Lisa's heartbreak.

Yet Juliet and Theo are in for tangled love stories all their own. When dreamy Ryder Hastings moves to the island to pursue a new environmental venture, Juliet feels an unwelcome attraction, her rocky romantic history pushing her to steer clear of love. Theo only has eyes for Mack's daughter, Beth, with whom he was bound by an unspeakable tragedy in high school--but can they overcome their past?

By August, when an impending storm threatens to shatter the peace of the golden island, everyone discovers what they can and cannot control.

Good book. It started a little bit slow for me, as the book follows Lisa from her twenties to her forties rather quickly. She married young to an ambitious man who saw her more as an accessory to his plans rather than a partner. I was irritated at the way she let Erich and his mother push her into what they thought she should be. The only time she stood up for what she wanted was when she wanted children. That was the beginning of the end of her marriage, as Erich wasn't interested in being a father. He spent all of his time traveling, leaving her to raise Juliet and Theo on her own. She finally moved herself and the kids back to Nantucket to be near her parents and where she could be happy. Eventually, Erich asked for a divorce, because his mistress was more what he needed than Lisa was.

Lisa took her talent for fashion and got a job at a local boutique, where she soon made a name for herself. When the owner wanted to sell, Lisa bought the store, renamed it, and made it her own. Over the next years, she devoted her time to her children and the store. She had no time or inclination to date. Juliet and Theo grew up and moved out, making their own lives. Juliet was in Boston, where she could visit Lisa now and then, but Theo moved to the west coast and rarely came home. Then a piece of her dining room ceiling fell on Lisa's head and began a chain of events that changed her life.

This is where the book began to pick up the pace and my interest. Lisa realized that she had let the house go and that it needed some major work done. Her friend recommends local contractor Mack Whitney, so she calls him. She remembers Mack from when his daughter Beth was one of Theo's friends. Lisa is surprised by the attraction she feels for Mack and stunned to discover the interest is reciprocated. But Mack is ten years younger than she is, and Lisa is reluctant to believe that he is genuinely interested in her. Her ex did a number on her confidence in her appeal. I loved Mack. He was a single dad with a successful business. He is honest and upfront about his attraction to Lisa. The difference in their ages makes no difference to the way he feels. I liked how he made his interest known, overcame Lisa's objections, and had the patience to wait out her fears. There were some sweet scenes of their early interactions. Things were heating up between them when family issues threw up some stumbling blocks.

Lisa's daughter Juliet, a web designer in Boston, fled to Nantucket after a bad breakup. She wants to spend some time with her mom and get her life back on an even keel. The timing of her arrival was a bit awkward, as she nearly caught Lisa and Mack making out like a couple of teenagers. Juliet is suspicious of Mack and worries that he'll either break her mom's heart or rob her blind. She's a little distracted by the man she met on the ferry to the island. Ryder is on Nantucket to open a branch of his environmental group. The sparks between Juliet and Ryder are immediate and strong.

Meanwhile, Theo barely finished college in California. His time now is spent bartending and surfing, and playing the field with the girls. When he is injured while surfing, it serves as a wake-up call for him. Theo realizes that he's drifting through life, and that isn't what he wants. He packs his bags and heads home to Nantucket, hoping to find some answers. He also wonders if he'll see the girl he crushed on in high school. I liked the way he got involved in the repairs to Lisa's house and the change it made in his life and his attitude.

At the same time, Mack's daughter Beth returns to Nantucket. After earning her master's degree, she is looking for a job. A chance encounter ends up with Beth offered a job with the new environmental group that is run by Ryder. She is young and enthusiastic and seems to be tailor-made for the job. Beth is surprised to find her dad at the beginning of a relationship since it was just the two of them for so long, and she isn't sure she likes it.

With everyone converging on Nantucket for the summer, lives get a bit complicated. With their kids underfoot, finding alone time becomes a challenge for Mack and Lisa. I liked Mack's patience as he gave Lisa the time she needed to get used to the idea of being with him. He is always kind and supportive, as well as determined. I liked seeing Lisa rediscover her inner strength and gain the confidence to go after what she wanted. I enjoyed seeing Juliet and Beth become friends thanks to their work together at Oceans Matter. The time on the island gave Juliet a new direction for her life, and I liked the way that she grabbed it. I appreciated her caution in her relationship with Ryder. I loved seeing Theo and Beth reconnect. I ached for them and what had kept them apart in high school, but the wait was good for both of them. I wanted to shake Beth a few times over her fears about being with Theo at the same time their parents are seeing each other. She made it more complicated than it needed to be.

I liked the ending as a big storm hit the island and created some intense situations for each of the couples. Each pair had something different to face, and I enjoyed seeing how they met their challenges and overcame them. Seeing them all together after the storm was over gave a good picture of the changes each experienced over the summer, as did the epilogue.

 

Marry in Scarlet - Anne Gracie (Berkley - June 2020)

Series: Marriage of Convenience (Book 4)

When a duke denied . . .

The proud and arrogant Duke of Everingham is determined to secure a marriage of convenience with heiress, Lady Georgiana Rutherford. He's the biggest prize on the London marriage mart, pursued by young unmarried ladies and their match-making mamas, as well as married women with a wandering eye. He can have any woman he wants. Or so he thinks. . .

...Hunts an independent lady . . .

Lady Georgiana Rutherford--irreverent and unconventional--has no plans to marry. Having grown up poor, Lady George has no intention of giving up her fortune to become dependent on the dubious and unreliable goodwill of a man. Especially a man as insufferable as the Duke of Everingham, whose kisses stirs unwelcome and unsettling emotions . . .

...Sparks are sure to fly

The more she defies him, the more the duke wants her until an argument at a ball spirals into a passionate embrace. Caught in a compromising position, the duke announces their betrothal. George is furious and when gossip claims she deliberately entrapped the duke--when she was the one who was trapped--she marches down the aisle in a scarlet wedding dress. But the unlikely bride and groom may have found love in the most improbable of places--a marriage of convenience.

Very good book. Even though it is the fourth in the series, it works fine as a stand-alone, with enough backstory provided so that I wasn't lost. However, I will go back and read the earlier books because I want the whole story. In the previous book, the Duke of Everingham was left at the altar by Rose Rutherford when her first husband turned up alive. The duke is in no hurry to try again, except for the fact that he is now the quarry of every unmarried woman in London. He is appalled when his godmother suggests Georgiana Rutherford, the niece of his former fiancée. That is until a close encounter with her stirs his interest.

George has no interest in getting married and has made that clear to the men who have pursued her. She is determined to maintain her independence and live life on her own terms. George has an uphill battle in front of her as she tries to convince her great-aunt that she is serious, especially when it comes to the duke.

The duke, known to his friends as Hart, is wealthy and arrogant. When he wants something, he succeeds in getting it. His first real encounter with George is when he sees her riding her stallion and decides he must have it. I laughed out loud at his stunned disbelief at her refusal. In-person discussions aren't any more successful. However, it does succeed in arousing his interest, as she is the only female he's encountered who doesn't bore him to tears. With her stated interest in living in the country with her horses and dogs, she would be perfect for him. He ignores her comments about not wanting to marry anyone. In his experience, women always have hidden motives. He doesn't believe that she's not interested in him - he's a duke! And rich!

The development of the relationship between George and Hart is a tempestuous one. George doesn't like him at all at the beginning. She thought he was a cold fish when he was engaged to Rose. His superior attitude grates on her nerves, and George calls him out on it often. Hart wholeheartedly believes that she is playing games with him, pretending disinterest when she has every intention of accepting his suit. A spontaneous kiss shocks them both with the feelings it stirs up. Hart is disturbed by his loss of control but is sure that it is a temporary condition. George is just plain confused about why she forgets everything else when he kisses her. Her discussion with her Aunt Dottie about those feelings is a riot. Determined to have his way, Hart arranges a situation that compromises her, thus trapping her into marriage. George is rightfully furious and lets him know it. She's ready to stick to her guns until a third party gets involved.

Having given her word, George is ready to move ahead. I loved the part describing the marriage settlements and Hart getting a different view of her. There is also a fantastic scene where George points out Hart's hypocrisy in how he set her up. It was an eye-opening moment for him. I liked that he was man enough to accept the truth and apologize for his actions. He still had a bit of learning though, as it was George's reputation that suffered because of them. It took a comment from a friend for Hart to realize what George was going through, and he went all out to make up for it. George doesn't exactly sit back and suffer in silence either. Though done in a moment of temper and disgust, she makes a very bold decision regarding her wedding. Hart won me over entirely with his support and understanding at the ceremony, and with the stop they made between the wedding itself and the wedding breakfast.

After the wedding, Hart and George finally have some time to truly get to know each other. There is still some push and pull as Hart adjusts to George's way of doing things. There is a bit of trouble at the end involving Hart's ward, who is briefly mentioned at the beginning. I liked how George and Hart worked together and found a solution that worked for everyone. There was a brief misunderstanding at the end that could have sent their marriage down the wrong path. Fortunately, Hart was able to get past his pride and tell George how he felt. I loved seeing everyone together in the epilogue.

 

The Banty House - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - May 2020)

In the fading town of Rooster, Texas, all that's really left is a service station, a church…and the Banty House, a long-ago Depression-era brothel. For more than seventy-five years, Betsy, Connie, and Kate Carson have called their mama's house a home. The three eccentric sisters get by just fine with their homemade jams and jellies, a little moonshine on the side, and big hearts always open to strangers. Like Ginger Andrews.

An abandoned teen with a baby on the way and nowhere to go, she's given a room to call her own for as long as she wants. The kind invitation is made all the sweeter when Ginger meets the sisters' young handyman, Sloan Baker. But with a past as broken as Ginger's, he's vowed never to get close to anyone again. As a season of change unfolds, Ginger and Sloan might discover a warm haven to heal in the Banty House, a place to finally belong, where hope and dreams never fade.

Very good book about love, family, healing, and acceptance. Three eccentric sisters live in the tiny (population 95) town of Rooster, Texas. They've never married and still live in the house they grew up in. Betsy, Connie, and Kate live their lives according to their mama's rules, the first of which was "Never turn away a stranger."

Nineteen-year-old Ginger arrived in Rooster with no money left and nowhere to go. She's eight months pregnant and trying to escape the bad memories she left behind in Kentucky. A chance encounter with Connie gives her a roof over her head and a chance to get back on her feet.

Sloan is the sisters' handyman. Twenty-four years old, Sloan returned home from the army, discharged with PTSD, and wracked with guilt over the death of his team. He's protective of the sisters, but they are the only ones he's allowed himself to get close to.

I loved the three sisters. They are feisty, independent, loving, and loyal. Each of them has a fascinating past that has made them who they are today. I certainly did not expect to find that Kate makes her own moonshine, bartering it for goods and services the sisters wanted. Betsy does the cooking for the family and grows a little weed on the side, also trading it with friends and neighbors. Connie is in charge of the house, a cleaning whirlwind. They bicker like sisters do, but their support of each other is as solid as the foundation of their home. I laughed out loud as they told Ginger of the house's history as a brothel and their interactions with some of the more judgmental townspeople. The scene with Edith when she disrespected the sisters' mother was a riot. Something about Ginger spoke to their hearts, and it wasn't long before they made her part of the family. It was also fun to see their machinations as they pushed Ginger and Sloan together whenever they could.

Ginger made my heart ache for her. Raised from birth in the foster care system, she had little experience with what family really meant. Her search for love and belonging ended up with her being pregnant and alone. She didn't know quite what to make of the Carson sisters and their open-hearted acceptance of her. She didn't intend to stay in Rooster, but the longer she waited, the harder it became to think about leaving. She was afraid to believe it would last, but couldn't deny the hope that grew daily as she worked with the sisters.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ginger and Sloan. It got off to a bit of a rocky start, as Sloan was suspicious of Ginger. He feared that she was running some sort of scam that would hurt the sisters. Ginger sensed his distrust and tried not to let it bother her. With the sisters' help, it didn't take long for the distrust to evaporate. I liked seeing the friendship between them develop first. Ginger's resilience and ability to overcome her painful past impressed Sloan. He quickly found himself feeling as protective of her as he was of the sisters. He also discovered that she was easy to talk to and shared the events that haunt him with her. Ginger's past made it easy for her to connect with Sloan. I loved seeing her help him face his past. In doing so, he learned some things that completely changed his outlook. Ginger had no experience with a man as good as Sloan, and it took some time for her to believe that he meant the things he said. The love between them grew slowly, and it took a while for them to recognize their feelings, even though others saw it clearly. I loved how they came together at the end. The epilogue was fantastic.

 

The Irish Enchantress - Amy J. Fetzer (Zebra - Mar 2001)

Series: Irish Trilogy (Book 2)

Destined To Rule

Banished from her home, Fionna O'Donnel is powerless to intervene when mercenary English knight Raymond DeClare is awarded GleannTaise Castle. An outcast among her clan and her gift of enchantment feared, Fionna cannot stand idly by as her people come to harm at the hands of a man whose life she once saved--a man who holds her kin's destiny beneath his sword while offering dangerous temptation with his searing kisses...

Bewitched By Desire

The cost of DeClare's reward for valiant combat is twofold--he must safeguard GleannTaise, and take an Irish bride. Yet he can do neither with Fionna's bewitching presence haunting him at every turn--and he will not accept her faith in magick to restore the castle to its former glory. But as passion burns like a flame between them, the cloak of Fionna's secrets and shame is torn away, and DeClare must choose between the dictates of pride and the love of a woman who has enchanted his heart...

Terrific book. I loved the inclusion of the Old Ways of Ireland, bits of its magical past, and the respect that the author shows it all. Fionna is the daughter of the previous holder of GleannTaise Castle. Ten years earlier, she was banished from her home after falling in love and using her magick in ways that were against the rules. At the same time, a curse fell over the land, causing the earth to wither and a perpetual cloud to cover it.

I ached for Fionna, who loves her people and her home. Because of the banishment, she is an outcast among them, even when she uses her healing abilities to help them. She has a five-year-old daughter, Sinead, who is being raised by friends because Fionna fears what would happen if people knew Sinead was hers. To further complicate matters, the English king gave her home to one of his knights, the very one whose life she saved years earlier. She never forgot him or the feelings he stirred in her.

Raymond is appreciative of his reward from the king, but the headaches it causes are countless. He was ordered to restore the castle and prepare for its defense. He was also commanded to take an Irish bride to cement his position. Marriage is the last thing on his mind while the castle is in disarray, and it is about to move even further down the list.

I loved the first meeting here of Raymond and Fionna. To protect some children from being run down by galloping horses, she used her magick to stop them, causing one rider to fall off. That rider was Raymond, who was furious at what she did. She is equally angry at what she sees as his recklessness and doesn't hold back as she tells him so. It doesn't take long for him to recognize her as the one who saved his life, and also remember her claim of being a witch. Raymond doesn't believe in magick and holds a "witch" responsible for his mother's death. But neither can deny the sparks that fly between them.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Fionna and Raymond. It is a stormy one, as Raymond refuses to admit to the reality of what she is, and Fiona will not give herself to someone who will not accept her as she is. Raymond's refusal to believe in magick and the old ways puts him at odds with the people as he rides roughshod over their traditions. Fionna tries to show him the error of his ways, but he refuses to see what is in front of him. I enjoyed their confrontations, even though I frequently wanted to shake him for being so stubborn. I had to laugh when one of his knights arranged for the arrival of a bunch of potential brides, and Raymond found himself hunted from morning until night.

Then the sentence of Fionna's banishment came to an end, and she was able to enter the castle once again. I loved the effect she had on everyone around her, as her natural leadership made a significant difference. It was fun to watch Raymond fight against his feelings for Fionna, while she tried to break through his stubborn refusal to admit the truth. I loved seeing them finally come together and confess to their feelings. I especially loved the side effects of their passion for each other and the reactions of those around them.

However, fate does not make things easy for them. There is someone out there who is wreaking havoc on Raymond's lands, destroying and killing indiscriminately. The tension mounted throughout the book as the attacks increased in frequency and viciousness. Matters come to a head when both Sinead and Fionna are taken by an unforeseen enemy. I was on the edge of my seat as Raymond raced to save them. An exciting twist provided help from an unexpected source. The final confrontation was intense and emotional. The epilogue provided a nice wrap-up for the book.

The secondary characters were as interesting as the main ones. Fionna's daughter, Sinead, tops the list. Even though she is only five, it is evident that she has inherited her mother's abilities. She is sweet and loving, but also mischievous and impulsive, which gets her into frequent trouble. She also wiggled her way into Raymond's heart, and there were some adorable scenes between the two of them. Fionna's cousin Connal is also the son of Raymond's best friend. He comes to Raymond for fostering, anxious to become a squire, then a knight. Connal is big for his age but still young and frustrated by Raymond's refusal to start his training immediately. Connal also finds himself the subject of Sinead's adoration. The last thing a twelve-year-old boy wants is a little girl tagging after him, and their confrontations are highly amusing. Raymond's knights all have their unique places. Alec ended up in hot water because of the whole bride thing, but he was always there to back Raymond up when necessary. Nikolai was an interesting character. A prince of Kiev, but with no homeland any longer, he has a fair amount of pride. I loved his interactions with one of the potential brides and how that worked out for him later.

It wasn't until I was well into this book that I discovered it was the second book in a trilogy. I have already ordered the other two books and can't wait to read them. The first is the story of Fionna's friend Siobhan and the knight that Raymond worked for. There are things referred to in this book that occurred in the first book, so I am anxious to read the backstory. I am especially looking forward to the third book, which is the story of Connal and Sinead and seems to be as wild a story as this one was.

 

Son of the Sheik - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1718 - June 2017)

Series: Desert Justice (Book 3)

Heir to a Fortune

Someone is threatening to expose Sara Elliott's secret. After draining her bank account, she flees to Morocco to face the one man she fears, the only man who can truly protect her son. Sheik Talib Al-Nassar has money and power beyond compare, but nothing could prepare him for seeing his ex, especially in his homeland. Though suspicious of this reunion, he would do anything to shield her and her little boy from further danger. He welcomes them to his family compound, but Talib's shelter has a price of its own. Like Sara's blackmailer, he desires only one thing: the truth about her son…

Good second chance romance mixed with some exciting suspense. Sara and Talib were a couple three years earlier. Sara made the mistake of telling Talib when her feelings for him grew into love. He wasn't ready for it and immediately broke up with her. When Sara discovered she was pregnant, she didn't tell him. She rationalized that his avoidance of relationships meant he wouldn't want a baby either. She was also afraid that it would be easy for him to take her baby away because of his wealthy family ties. Three years later, she is being blackmailed by an ex-boyfriend who threatens to tell Talib about Everett. Finally, out of money and tired of running, she takes Everett and flees to Morocco, knowing that Talib is the only one who can help her.

I loved the first meeting between Sara and Talib. The hotel she chose has been attacked, and in the confusion, she lost her grip on Everett. Talib is friends with the owner and has been working on setting up the hotel's security. He arrives at the hotel just in time to see a maid taking a little boy out a side door, and is immediately suspicious. After taking the boy himself, he is stunned to find Sara in the middle of the melee looking for that same child. Sara wasn't ready to face Talib yet but had no choice. I ached for her, as Talib didn't take the news well and said some rather nasty things to her. I also hurt for Talib, once he accepted the truth because he had missed so much of Everett's life.

I liked watching the rekindling of the relationship between Sara and Talib. Neither one had forgotten their feelings for each other, though Talib had become an expert at burying his memories of their time together. He made me mad with his initial suspicions about why she came to Morocco because he knew better. Once he understood the danger that sent her running to him, Talib's protective instincts kicked into high gear. The more time he spent with Sara and Everett, the more he realized that he wanted to keep them in his life. He also knew that he would have to earn Sara's trust first. Meanwhile, Sara knew that her feelings for Talib were as strong as ever, but she couldn't see herself fitting into his lifestyle. I liked the way that Talib overcame her fears, from his immersion in being a father to the special dates where they got to know each other all over again. I loved the ending and the surprise Talib had for Sara.

The suspense was terrific. It started as a simple blackmail scheme but became so much more. The initial culprit, Tad, was bad enough with his greed. The way he was always able to track Sara down, no matter where she ran to was creepy. Things became much worse when Sara ran to Morocco, and Tad enlisted the help of a school friend who was there. Glimpses into the mind of this man showed how his greed and hatred made him so much more dangerous. There were multiple twists to the story, including Talib coming out on the wrong side of some attacks, before the final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. I liked how Sara stayed calm and did what was necessary to protect Everett. Talib's arrival was perfectly timed, and I loved watching him protect his family.

 

Sheik's Rescue - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1712 - May 2017)

Series: Desert Justice (Book 2)

As a sheik, he always got what he wanted -- until he met his beautiful and challenging new partner…

Zafir Al-Nassar knows everything about Jade Van Everett. He's studied the cases she's worked for his family's company and for the FBI. And it's hard not to notice that she's absolutely gorgeous. Teaming up for a routine security detail, Jade is desperate to prove herself and Zafir can't help but admire her determination. But when their assignment turns deadly, it becomes difficult to stay focused on the job. Because although they were hired to protect a Moroccan royal from a trained assassin, Zafir also has every intention of keeping Jade safe and by his side. Forever.

Good book. Zafir is in Wyoming filling in at this branch of Nassar Security while brother Faisal is away on a mission. He's at the office when Jade shows up to check the file on her next case before going to pick the man up at the airport. It's supposed to be an easy one - protect a minor Moroccan royal while he's in the US taking nature photographs. Both Zafir and Jade have a bad feeling about the case, even though it looks easy on paper. Those bad feelings are validated when "Stanley" is shot at when they arrived at the apartment complex where he will be staying. Jade calls Zafir for backup, but when he arrives, they discover that Stanley has disappeared.

I liked both Zafir and Jade. Zafir made his first appearance in Sheik's Rule, as Emir's twin brother. Like the other brothers, Zafir is more than just an owner; he is also an active agent. One of the things I liked best about him was that he didn't try to take over the case, but supported Jade as the lead. Zafir also has a reputation as a ladies' man, one who doesn't get serious about anyone. Jade is a highly skilled agent who has a stellar reputation. She is fearless when it comes to doing her job. She can be intimidating when it's called for, but she also has a way of getting through to Stanley, which shows a softer side to her.

I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There were sparks between them from the moment they met, sparks that weren't unexpected. I found it intriguing that they already knew quite a lot about each other. Jade spent a lot of time reading up on Zafir's cases, learning his methods, and getting to know the professional side of him. Getting to know the man himself was an unexpected bonus. Zafir also read up on Jade before she came to the office to start her case. He was intrigued by what he saw in her files. He did not expect the kick of attraction that he felt when he met her. Zafir fought hard against his feelings for Jade. He never planned to fall for one woman. By the time they ended up in Morocco, he was a goner. I loved his big moment at the end.

The suspense of the story was terrific. I felt Jade's frustration when she first met Stanley. He was obnoxious, whiny, and selfish, and she wasn't sure she wanted to deal with that for the two weeks. Things went from bad to worse when someone started shooting at them. Jade had to worry on two fronts: keeping Stanley under control and keeping them safe from the shooter. Zafir's arrival and their subsequent discovery of Stanley's escape increased the tension. Because of the attack, Jade and Zafir are confident that something is going on that they weren't told about. I enjoyed the complexity of discovering the motivations. I liked seeing them confront Stanley and make him understand the problem. News from Morocco complicated the issues. A different side of Stanley began to come out, making him more likable. Once they got back to Morocco, the action ramped up quickly. I was on the edge of my seat as the final confrontation grew closer. It was intense and a nail-biter until it was over. My heart dropped at what happened to Jade, and I ached for Zafir and the guilt he felt.