Vets Might Fly - James Herriot (Pan - Nov 1978)

Series: All Creatures (Book 5)

A few months of married bliss, a lovers' nest in Darrowby and the wonders of home cooking are rudely interrupted for James Herriot by the Second World War. James Herriot's fifth volume of memoirs relocates him to a training camp somewhere in England. And in between square pounding and digging for victory, he dreams of the people and livestock he left behind him. 'There are funny cases, sad cases, farm animals and pets, downright farmers, ladies of refinement, hard-bitten NCOs and of course, the immortal Siegfried and Tristan' 

This was a marvelous little addition to Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small series. I first read the series back in high school, often during English class, after finishing the assigned reading. What always sticks in my mind was the difficulty of containing laughter, so I didn't disturb the rest of the class. Like the others, this book had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. 

In this book, James has given up his vet practice to serve King and country. As he reports for RAF training, he prides himself on his fitness thanks to his work as a country vet. It doesn't take him long to realize that his newly married status has made negative inroads on that fitness. The book is filled with vignettes of those days of training, both the painful and the amusing. His vivid descriptions made me feel as if I was there, from the long marches to the potato-peeling to the seriousness of the task at hand. Two of the RAF scenes stick with me - one where they've been training for a visit from a senior officer, and the other where he helps a local farmer with his harvest. The overwhelming emotion of the RAF scenes is that of missing the people and animals at home. 

Most of the RAF episodes described in the book bring flashbacks to things that occurred as a vet. Herriot has a talent for bringing both people and animals to life. I loved the glimpses into country life in 1930s Yorkshire and his commentary on the changes he witnessed. I especially enjoyed the times when he poked fun at himself after learning a hard-won lesson in humility. I also liked his obvious love for the animals he treated and all of their quirks. The dog who used to lie in wait for passersby walking on the other side of the fence made me laugh out loud. There were some heartbreaking occasions when there was nothing that could be done, and others that made me cry at a happy outcome. Herriot's amazing depictions of people made it easy to envision them, from Tristan's attempts at cooking to the various farmers and their personalities.

 

 

 

Double Action Deputy - B.J. Daniels (HI #1935 - July 2020)

Series: Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book 4)
             Cardwell Ranch (Book 13)

A relentless marshal. A rogue detective.

A bargain they may not live long enough to regret.

When Montana deputy marshal Brick Savage asks homicide detective Maureen Mortensen to help him find the person who destroyed her family, she quickly accepts his offer. But as the stakes rise and they get closer to the truth more horrible than they ever expected, can they find the murderer before they become targets?

Fast-paced book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me hooked to the very end. It started with Brick nearly running over a young woman who suddenly appeared in front of his pickup truck. The terrified woman, dressed only in a sheet, turned out to be a suspect in the deaths of multiple children. Brick is intrigued by the woman and the case but is forbidden to get involved. He is still on light duty, recovering from being shot in the previous book (Ambush Before Sunrise). He still suffers from nightmares, and neither the doctor nor his father, the marshal, will clear him for duty yet. That doesn't stop him, especially when he discovers a fake nurse bending over the woman in the hospital.

Suspended homicide detective Mo is determined to bring Natalie to justice. She is sure that Natalie is responsible for her nephew's death, and her sister's subsequent suicide. She is shocked when Natalie claims that Trish didn't kill herself, but is interrupted by Brick before she can learn more. Mo escapes from Brick but later ends up in jail for her actions at the hospital. Brick shows up at the jail with a proposition: He'll get her out if she will share what she knows with him.

I enjoyed the combination of suspense and romance. Mo accepts Brick's offer but is wary of trusting him. The feeling is mutual, as Brick refuses to let her out of his sight. They have opposing views on Natalie's guilt. Mo is convinced the woman is a heartless killer, while Brick sees a woman who is terrified that someone is after her. Both of them may be proved right when Natalie makes her escape by subduing a nurse and stealing her uniform.

The action is nearly nonstop as Mo and Brick pursue Natalie. Brick ends up being impressed with Mo's instincts as they remain hot on her heels. They aren't the only ones looking for Natalie. Soon circumstances require them to decide whether to continue looking for Natalie or investigate new leads into Trish's death. I loved seeing their respect for each other grow as they worked together. I was just as intrigued as they were by the information they uncovered. An unexpected picture of Trish emerged, upending everything Mo believed about her sister. Several twists later, the truth about Trish's death came out as Mo faced the killer. I was glued to the pages as Mo fought for her life, and Brick showed up to deliver the final blow.

When it was all over, Brick and Mo finally had the time to see where the sparks between them would take them. I liked that they took the time to make sure it was right. A crisis at the Cardwell ranch opened up an unexpected job opportunity for Mo. I liked catching up with Brick's siblings and parents at the end. I am curious about what the story is with Ella and her mother, Stacy. Ella was a big part of the previous book, as was her worry about her mother. I liked her and would like to see what happens.

 

Ambush Before Sunrise - B.J. Daniels (HI #1929 - June 2020)

Series: Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book 3)
            Cardwell Ranch (Book 12)

He's riding straight into danger.

Wrangler Angus Savage has come to Wyoming to help Jinx McCallahan get her cattle to high country. He's signed on for the dangerous drive, eager to reconnect with the woman he knew when they were kids. Now in the wilderness the no-nonsense cowboy and the strong-willed rancher must navigate the trail's many hazards -- like her treacherous ex who wants her back…or dead.

This was a good, fast-paced suspense story with some romance along for the ride. Jinx's ranch is in trouble. After her father's death, it was just her to run the ranch. She already kicked her cheating husband to the curb and is in the process of divorcing him. The trouble is, TD wants at least half the ranch. He also wants Jinx back. TD is a violent, obsessed man who will do anything to get what he wants. He made it impossible for Jinx to hire and keep local ranch hands, so she advertised out of state for wranglers.

Three wranglers from Montana showed up at her door. Twin brothers, Angus and Brick Cardwell Savage, and their cousin, Ella Cardwell, were sent by their mother. Dana had been a friend of Jinx's mother, though Jinx didn't remember the connection at first. Angus remembers Jinx very well, especially an event from their childhood. He was curious to see how that nine-year-old spitfire turned out.

The suspense and action were intense from the beginning. TD's intentions are evident from his first appearance. He will either win Jinx back or kill her, and he isn't all that picky about which one it is. Now, TD isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but what he doesn't have in brains he makes up for with devious persistence. Once Jinx and the others have the cattle on the trail to the high meadow, TD and his buddies aren't far behind. Jinx and the others know that he is coming for them, which makes for a tension-filled trip. I was as antsy as they were as I waited for TD to make his first move. As each attempt that he made was foiled, TD's anger and obsession grew. I was on the edge of my seat during that last night, as TD made his attempt. I liked the steps that Jinx, Angus, and the others took to give them an edge. Matters are complicated by TD's girlfriend, who has taken steps to cut out her competition. The events on the mountain don't go his way and leave TD even more determined to get what he wants. There are a couple of twists leading up to the final confrontation, and it is a nail-biter as Jinx faces two enemies. I did like the way it turned out.

The development of the relationship between Jinx and Angus wasn't as intense as the suspense. There was no doubt that the two of them noticed each other, but neither was interested in a relationship. Angus was recently burned in his love life, and Jinx isn't interested in a new relationship when she hasn't yet gotten rid of the old one. However, Angus can't help feeling protective, and that makes Jinx feel safer. Both feel the stirrings of attraction, but Angus realizes that Jinx has too much going on to be in the right place for him to pursue her. I loved the last chapter and Jinx's arrival at Cardwell Ranch after several months apart. I liked that they made the effort to get to know each other during that time. I laughed out loud at Dana's reaction.

I also really liked the development of the secondary characters. Brick and his charm and competitiveness were intriguing, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. Ella's clear-sighted view of those around her helped me see things I might have missed. I'm also interested in her worry about her mother, as I remember reading Stacy's story many years ago. The author's descriptions of TD's "minions" showed each of them with the weaknesses that made them susceptible to his pressure on them.  

The Reluctant Fiancée - Lynne Marshall (HSE #2765 - May 2020)

Series: Taylor Triplets (Book 3)

She loves him -- but does she want to get married?

She's finally getting married --

Or not?

When Brynne Taylor breaks off her engagement to Paul Capriati, she knows her life is going to change. But when two women who claim to be triplets to her show up in her small Utah town, it's a lot more change than she ever expected. Now she's digging up long-buried family secrets and navigating her relationship with her ex-fiancé. Does she actually want to get married? And what's this introverted only child going to do with two brand-new sisters?

Good conclusion to the trilogy. Brynne's life is a hot mess. Six months earlier, she was engaged to the man she loved, was working her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse, and had her mom around to help plan the wedding. Then Brynne's mother passed away, and suddenly her life explodes into turmoil. She takes a leave of absence so she can run her mother's bookstore, postpones her wedding, and grieves her mother's death. Now Paul is pushing to set a new date for their wedding while Brynne still feels overwhelmed. When he issues an ultimatum, Brynne ends the engagement. Moments later, Brynne finds a woman in labor in the bookstore's bathroom and is shocked to see a face identical to her own.

I ached for both Paul and Brynne, but I also wanted to shake them. Brynne's grief and need to concentrate on her obligations is understandable. However, she doesn't do a very good job of communicating those feelings to Paul. She also has some concerns about her future life with him that she doesn't share. Brynne came from a family that was just her and her mom. It was a quiet life with little time spent with other people. Paul comes from a large Italian family whose exuberance is alien to her. Paul seems oblivious to Brynne's discomfort around them. He also goes on about his wish for a big family, while Brynne isn't sure she's capable of caring for even one child. Paul's decision to use an ultimatum to force Brynne into setting a date backfires on him, but he refuses to believe that she won't come around.

Complicating matters, Brynne discovers that she is one of a set of triplets. She goes from no family to one with sisters, brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews. As she gets to know Lacy and Eva, Brynne is forced to face the fact that her mother had secrets. Brynne struggled with her relationship with her sisters, unsure if she wanted to keep them at a distance or embrace the idea that she had a family. There were plenty of growing pains as Brynne learned how to deal with sisters that didn't hesitate to butt into her life, and Lacy and Eva learned how to back off when they came on too strong. I liked that they were there for Brynne, and also helped her confront her issues. There were some terrific scenes of them together, especially those where they learned about their mother.

I liked the way that Paul didn't give up on their love. That made it possible for him to be there for Brynne as she dealt with her surprise family. I thought that he was very patient with the way she seemed to be using him after ending their engagement. Not that he was without his faults. Paul was a bit of a control freak who tended to make a mental plan and stick to it no matter what. Brynne calls him out on it at one point, and after some self-reflection, he realizes that he needs to make some changes. I liked watching those changes and the effect it had on Brynne. I liked the ending as Brynne and Paul came together, finally sharing their concerns and visions. The epilogue was a great wrap-up.

 

Dancing on a Rainbow - Barbara Cartland (Eaglemoss - Dec 1986)

Series: Romantic Novels of Barbara Cartland (Book 8)

Lady Loretta's father has arranged for her to marry the son of le Duc de Sauerdun, the dashing Fabian, Marquis de Sauerdun. Knowing that it is usual amongst the French and British aristocrats to arrange marriages for their children, Loretta is still horrified at the idea of marrying someone she has never seen or does not love.

Loretta sneaks away to Paris to plead with her cousin to arrange a meeting with Fabian de Sauerdun without him knowing who she is. It was a breathtaking scheme, but Lady Loretta's only hope of escaping the marriage her father demanded was to prove to the stubborn Peer that dashing Fabian, was a notorious and unrepentant rake. And indeed he was -- but she finds him quite different to what she expected, and Fate had its own plans for a spirited English beauty and a noble Knave of Hearts!

Classic Barbara Cartland - super-innocent heroine tames incorrigible rake while attempting to avoid an arranged marriage to that rake. This one was a little better than most because the heroine showed a fair amount of backbone and initiative.

Loretta was horrified when her father told her that he and his friend had arranged for her to marry his son. She's never even met the man, plus her father had promised her a Season. She wants a chance to find a man she can love. Nothing she says dissuades her father from his plan. When he leaves their estate for a week, Loretta knows what she has to do. Years earlier, Loretta's married cousin scandalized Society when she ran off with a married man. The couple lives in Paris, and Loretta sneaks off to stay with them, hoping to meet her proposed fiancé without him knowing who she is.

I thought that Loretta was brave but also very naïve to undertake such a journey without knowing if she would be welcome at the other end. She was fortunate that Ingrid was willing to help her. Her description of Fabian and his reputation made him sound just as bad as Loretta feared. Ingrid was prepared to introduce Loretta to Fabian but warned her of Fabian's "Pied Piper" effect on women.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Loretta and Fabian. It was easy to see the connection they felt from the beginning. Loretta was fascinated by Fabian and the world he showed her. She tried to keep him at a distance, but he broke through her walls every time. Fabian was equally intrigued by Loretta. Though introduced to him as the married Lady Brompton, there was an air of innocence about her that he couldn't resist.

As they spent time together, Loretta saw a different side of Fabian than the rake she was warned about. He always treated her with kindness and respect. He took her places he thought she would enjoy and put her before his own desires. Fabian was also very protective of her. There was a very intense scene when one of his rivals abducted Loretta. I thought that Loretta handled herself quite well, and Fabian's arrival was the finishing touch. But though they declare their love for each other, Loretta panics at Fabian's plans for their future. She's overwhelmed with guilt at her deception and flees back home, heartbroken at leaving him behind.

I enjoyed the ending. Fabian, of course, chases after her, still unaware of her true identity. Their conversation was eye-opening for both of them. I especially enjoyed Fabian's shock at their fathers' plans for them, which made him more sympathetic to what Loretta did. I had to laugh at what they decided to do and would love to have seen their fathers' reactions.

This book reminded me somewhat of Cartland's Desire ofthe Heart, one of my favorite books by this author.

The Hero of Hope Springs - Maisey Yates (HQN - July 2020)

Series: Gold Valley (Book 10)

Will Gold Valley's most honorable cowboy finally claim the woman he's always wanted?

For as long as brooding cowboy Ryder Daniels has known Sammy Marshall, she has been his sunshine. Her free spirit and bright smile saved him after the devastating loss of his parents and gave him the strength to care for his orphaned family. Only Ryder knows how vulnerable Sammy is, so he's kept his attraction for his best friend under wraps for years. But what Sammy's asking for now might be a step too far…

Something has been missing from Sammy's life, and she thinks she knows what it is. Deciding she wants a baby is easy; realizing she wants her best friend to be the father is…complicated. Especially when a new heat between them sparks to life! When Sammy discovers she's pregnant, Ryder makes it clear he wants it all. But having suffered the fallout of her parents' disastrous relationship, Sammy is wary of letting Ryder too close. This cowboy will have to prove he's proposing out of more than just honor…

I have mixed feelings about this book. The theme is one of my favorites - friends to lovers. Ryder and Sammy have been friends for seventeen years. Ryder was her refuge from her abusive father, and Sammy brought light to the darkness of his life after his parents' deaths. Their friendship gets complicated when Sammy decides she wants to have a baby and asks Ryder to be the father.

Both Ryder and Sammy have some deep-seated issues working against a successful relationship. Ryder gave up all his plans for the future when his parents died so that he could care for his younger siblings, cousins, and friend. He instantly became a father to them all, plus having to run the ranch. The responsibility was overwhelming, but he stepped up and did it. However, as the years went on, Ryder decided that marriage and children weren't for him. He'd done his bit and wasn't interested in starting again. Looking even deeper, Ryder saw that opening himself up to love would open him up to the same devastating feelings of loss if/when something were to happen.

Sammy is all about maintaining control over her life. She says what she wants to say, not caring if it shocks those around her. In her interactions with men, she always holds part of herself back. She's proud of her independence but doesn't see that she has allowed her past to control her present. Sammy's latest confrontation with her mother makes her realize that she wants more from her life, and she thinks that having a baby will fill that hole.

The development of the relationship between Sammy and Ryder was volatile. It quickly becomes apparent that Ryder has been attracted to Sammy almost since the beginning. He's an honorable man and has kept his attraction buried rather than take advantage of her. His protectiveness and a bit of jealousy pop up when she starts talking about finding a father for her baby. Sammy doesn't take well to Ryder's comments and challenges him to do the job himself. She didn't expect the combustibility of the first time he kissed her and freaked out at the loss of control she experienced. Over the next few weeks, the physical connection between them grew, but both of them fought against admitting their feelings for each other. Their confrontation after Ryder finally confessed his feelings was heart-wrenching. Sammy was terrified that he mistook obligation for love and could only envision a repeat of her parents' marriage. I ached for her as she ran from those fears and rooted for her to face them and overcome them. I hurt for Ryder too, because he finally knew that he wanted it all, only to have Sammy turn down his love. He also had some self-examining to do and was a bit surprised at what he learned about himself. Once they each faced those issues, they were ready to embrace their feelings fully. The ending was good, but I would have liked to get through the baby's birth.

The problem that brought the book from 4 stars to 3 stars was the amount of page-space spent inside Ryder and Sammy's heads. I think their interactions would fill maybe three or four chapters. It felt as though most of the rest was spent inside their heads. And most of that was thinking the same things over and over and over. By the last third of the book, I found myself starting to skim whenever this happened. I may have missed some things because of it, but it was too repetitive to hold my interest.

 

How to Start a Scandal - Madeline Martin (HH #1522 - Aug 2020)

Series: London School for Ladies (Book 2)

From Waterloo…

…to the spotlight of the ton!

Days after returning from the battlefields, Seth Sinclair finds himself in a glittering ballroom with one tedious task: finding a wife. He must put aside the military and prove his worth as the new Earl of Dalton. The only problem? Lady Violet Lavell, the one woman he can’t keep his eyes off, who knew him before he went to war. How can he be worthy of her now that he’s become so changed by the horrors of battle?

Good story about two people who believe they are not worthy of being loved. It was a hard-fought battle for each of them to learn to see the good in themselves.

Violet is a young woman who has a couple of huge secrets that would do her reputation no good if revealed. Her plans for the future do not include a husband because she would have to tell him those secrets. However, after six unsuccessful Seasons, her father gives her an ultimatum: find a husband before the end of this Season, or be sent to her older sister and become a governess to Sophie's unruly children.

Seth became the earl after the death of his older brother. It meant giving up his commission in the army, which he put off as long as possible. He finally returned home after Waterloo to face the same disapproving attitude from his mother that he had suffered through as a child. Seth is determined to do his best to take care of his responsibilities, including looking for a wife.

Seth and Violet lived next door to each other in London. They were friends as children, with both developing crushes on each other when they were older. Seth promised the first dance of her debut ball to her, but then never showed up, breaking her heart. He left for the war the next day without even saying goodbye.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Seth and Violet. Seth came back from the war a changed man. The thoughtless rebelliousness of his youth was burned away by his experiences during the war. He admits to the mistakes of his past and is determined to make up for them. His first meeting with Violet reveals one of those mistakes. His sincere regret for those actions goes a long way toward mending fences with her. He did not expect his old feelings for her to come rushing back. But Seth is haunted by the events of the war and his feelings of having let his men down. He feels he is broken beyond repair because of the nightmares and flashbacks he experiences.

Violet is wary of her feelings for Seth. She does not fit the current trend of thin women, a fact pointed out to her often by her mother. Violet doesn't believe him when he calls her beautiful. It takes advice from an unexpected source for her to overcome her mother's influence and see herself as others see her. She also gets a shock when, in a moment of self-examination, Violet realizes that some of the things she did with the best of intentions were not as helpful as she thought they were.

I liked seeing Seth and Violet spend time together. Neither one expected the sparks that flared between them. At first, he was simply trying to make amends, but he couldn't ignore the way she made him feel. I loved how he saw her as a beautiful woman and tried to make her see it too. It didn't take long for Violet to see that Seth had outgrown his rebellious youth and become an honorable man. I loved how their growing feelings helped them trust each other enough to share their painful pasts. I ached for Seth when he experienced flashbacks and loved how Violet was able to break through them. I also hurt for Violet, who made a mistake in her first Season that still haunts her. Seth didn't react so well to that secret, though he did quickly see his error and fix it. I laughed a little at the accelerating of their relationship, as the sparks between them flared at an awkward time. However, it took an unexpected and dangerous occurrence for them to admit their love to each other. I liked the epilogue, too.

There was a bit of mystery running through the book. Before Seth's return, the family solicitor absconded with his mother's jewels. One of Seth's priorities is to find the thief and reclaim the jewels. There is more to the story than he knows. Unexpected revelations regarding Seth's brother put a new spin on the theft and precipitate some changes in perceptions. The resolution of the theft provided a few moments of unexpected danger.

The secondary characters added some terrific moments of humor. First and foremost were Violet's niece Felicity and her cat Hedgehog. The cat was hilarious in its bonnets. Felicity tore at the heartstrings once the reasons behind her misbehavior were revealed. She was sweet and funny and frequently very observant. I liked Seth's sister Caroline. She obviously loves her brother and wants to help him with whatever is bothering him. She also has a mind of her own and surprises him with a somewhat shocking request. Seth's friend Lord Rawley was not what I expected, and I both ached and laughed over his problems with a certain lady.

Pregnant Midwife on His Doorstep - Marion Lennox (HMED #1117 - Aug 2020)

Rescued—

By the brooding neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeon Josh O’Connor’s isolated island hideaway is on lockdown, but nothing will stop him entering a raging cyclone to rescue mom-to-be midwife Hannah Byrne. Hannah hasn’t found happiness since leaving her beloved Irish village. Yet stepping into Josh’s warm house, she starts to feel she might finally have found a home—for her and her unborn baby. Might Josh’s rescuing Hannah from the storm change both their lives for the better?

Good book. Josh has locked himself and his emotions away for the last three years. Consumed by grief and guilt over his younger sister's death, he focuses on his work and avoids human contact whenever possible. That isolation comes to an end when he rescues a pregnant woman during a cyclone.

This book sucked me in fast with the intensity of the action and emotions. Josh is preparing his house to withstand the cyclone when he witnesses the island's only bridge collapse with a car on it. Still haunted by the events of the past, he can't stand by and do nothing. I was glued to the pages as he raced to the site and struggled to save Hannah and her dog from the ocean.

I ached for Hannah. She left her Irish village with her boyfriend, traveling the world. When she ends up pregnant, he leaves her. Her family in Ireland disowned her, and the only family she has in Australia is a grouchy old great-aunt on this tiny island. When she arrived on the island to check on her aunt, she found her aunt had died, leaving Hannah to care for the dog.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hannah and Josh. Hannah is more open and talkative and very independent. She doesn't like asking for help but will accept it when she has no other choice. Josh is used to living alone and doesn't want to talk about himself. It was fun to see their initial interactions. Josh's protectiveness kicks in quickly, and Hannah finds herself giving in to his care despite her independence. I loved seeing them work together to help the dog, along with all of the emotions that the situation brought to the surface. Among those emotions are unexpected sparks that flare between them. With the realization that Hannah would leave when the weather permitted, Josh discovered that isolation no longer had the same appeal.

Hannah fights hard against her desire to lean on Josh. She's aware of his need to be alone and does her best to convince him that she doesn't need him. That becomes a little harder to do when she unexpectedly goes into labor. I loved seeing Josh so involved and how Hannah and Erin find their way past his walls and into his heart. Hannah still insists on her independence until a crisis has her actually asking for his help. It was an emotional time for Hannah, and I loved the support that Josh gave her. It was also an eye-opening time for him. I loved his welcome home for her. It was sweet and romantic and a bit over-the-top. Josh's words to her showed how well he knew her and broke through her walls. Hannah finally understood that she could have the love and future she had given up on.

I loved the final scene in the book and how it showed the changes in their lives.

The Warrior's Princess Prize - Carol Townend (HH #1524 - Aug 2020)

Series: Princesses of the Alhambra (Book 3)

He’s competing for her hand

And her freedom…

Held captive by her tyrannical sultan father, Princess Zorahaida lives an isolated life. A tournament is held and Jasim ibn Ismail, a handsome knight in arms, claims his prize: Zorahaida’s hand in marriage! Political reasons must be driving his offer—he’s certainly not offering love. Should Zorahaida grasp the tantalizing taste of freedom marrying the impulsive knight would gift her?

Very good book. This is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the different setting of this one, in the Alhambra area of Andalusia, Spain, during its Moorish time. The descriptions of places, people, and objects were vivid and added to the realism of the story.

Princess Zorahaida is a captive in her own home, thanks to her abusive sultan father. The restrictions have gotten worse since her two sisters' runaway marriages, and Zorahaida has all but given up any hope of marrying. She is intelligent and good-hearted and has earned the love and respect of the palace staff. With their help, she escapes as often as possible to help at a nearby infirmary. She also does what she can to protect the people around her from her father's erratic and cruel behavior.

Jasim came to the Alhambra to participate in the Sultan's tournament. Years earlier, his father had angered the Sultan, who expressed his rage by ending trade with the town. Jasim hopes to win the tournament and speak with the Sultan about repairing the trade agreements. Instead, through a series of unexpected events, Jasim wins Zorahaida as a bride.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Zorahaida and Jasim. His request for her as a bride was an impulsive action. After seeing her only twice, something about her called to him. Zorahaida had only seen him once before the tournament, and that was very brief, but something draws her to him. Jasim is a kind and honorable man, and I loved the way he made sure Zorahaida wasn't being forced. It was a sweet scene, as well as one that showed the sparks that were already there between them. The days and nights after the wedding let them get to know each other, but there is trouble looming. Zorahaida knows her father well and fears what he may do. When her fears come to pass, she uses trickery to get them away, but it drives a wedge between her and Jasim.

I hurt for Jasim because Zorahaida's actions made him wonder if he could trust her. It also hurt him that she hadn't trusted him to handle her father. I ached for Zorahaida because she wants her marriage to work, and she knows that she has made it more difficult. There is still hope, however, as they spend time getting to know each other on the journey to Jasim's home. Despite his anger at her actions, Jasim is deeply impressed by the thoroughness of her planning and her reception along the way. Their feelings for each other grow, but Zorahaida doesn't want to say anything if she doesn't know how he feels. Meanwhile, Jasim knows his feelings for her are changing, but he doesn't recognize them as love. I wanted to shake Zorahaida a little later, as she doesn't seem to have learned her lesson about disregarding Jasim's wishes.

Their troubles with Zorahaida's father aren't over yet. The story picks up in intensity when her father's men kidnap Zorahaida. I was on the edge of my seat as she ended up back under his control. Jasim's fear for Zorahaida, and a little advice from his brother, clarified his feelings and increased his determination to rescue her. There were some exciting twists to the kidnapping that kept me glued to the pages to see how it would turn out. I loved seeing Zorahaida and Jasim finally share their feelings and look to the future together.  There was also a surprise for Zorahaida at the end.

 

K-9 Protector - Julie Miller (HI #1945 - Aug 2020)

Protecting the woman he secretly loves

threatens a K-9 cop’s self-control.

K-9 cop Jedediah Burke has kept his yearning for veterinarian Hazel Cooper in check for years because their friendship is too precious to risk. Though both have survived painful divorces, Burke is unaware of the nightmare marriage Hazel endured. But when a sadistic stalker’s threats against Hazel escalate, protecting her requires staying close. And stifling his long-suppressed desire may no longer be possible.

Julie Miller always provides a gripping tale, and this was no exception. Not only is the suspense edge-of-the-seat intense, but the hero and heroine are almost too awesome for words. Both Burke and Hazel are in their early 50s, have been through painful divorces, and have jobs that take up a lot of their time.

Burke is the head of KCPD's K-9 unit, involved in training as well as regular patrol duties. He joined the KCPD after leaving the military and likes what he does. His canine partner is a German Shepherd Dog named Gunny. Burke is loved and respected by the other officers he works with. I loved the way that some of the younger guys called him "old man" and yet, would do anything for him. Burke has been on his own for a lot of years, ever since divorcing the wife who cheated on him whenever he deployed.

Hazel is a veterinarian who also takes care of the KCPD's K-9 officers. Her husband went to prison for fraud, and for trying to have her killed when she wouldn't refuse to testify against him. Hazel raised her two daughters on her own while running a successful vet practice. She has avoided dating in the sixteen years since her divorce, reluctant to trust her judgment when it comes to relationships. She has a small, three-legged dog named Cleo, who has a crush on Burke's Gunny.

The action starts early and never really lets up. Hazel has been receiving creepy letters, and when she shows Burke the latest one, his protective instincts are aroused. Those instincts prove to be accurate when she also receives explosive material in the mail, and later that day, her daughter's car blows up. Burke is determined to keep Hazel and her girls safe. The tension ramps up as the attacks escalate, and they race to figure out who is behind them. There were several possibilities, and I waffled among them with each new attack. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and surprised me with who it was.

I loved the development of the relationship between Burke and Hazel. One of the benefits of a "mature" relationship is that the protagonists are past the more angsty dramas found in younger couples. Burke and Hazel had been friends/coworkers for about five years. They are comfortable with each other. Hazel gets a bit of a shock when her daughter starts going on about how hot Burke is, and that he has been flirting with Hazel and checking her out. Hazel has been oblivious to it, but now that it's been pointed out, she can't help checking him out, too. I loved how patient Burke was as Hazel learned to trust herself again. I loved her surprise as she found out that he has cared for her almost since they met. There are some adorable scenes between the two of them, and some fun ones too. I especially enjoyed the family sleepover after the bar scene. I loved the ending as Hazel finally realized that she deserved to be happy.

Daring and the Duke - Sarah MacLean (Avon - June 2020)

Series: Bareknuckle Bastards (Book 3)

Grace Condry has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed as a child by her only love and raised on the streets, she now hides in plain sight as queen of London's darkest corners. Grace has a sharp mind and a powerful right hook and has never met an enemy she could not best...until the man she once loved returns.

Single-minded and ruthless, Ewan, Duke of Marwick, has spent a decade searching for the woman he never stopped loving. A long-ago gamble may have lost her forever, but Ewan will go to any lengths to win Grace back…and make her his duchess.

Reconciliation is the last thing Grace desires. Unable to forgive the past, she vows to take her revenge. But revenge requires keeping Ewan close, and soon her enemy seems to be something else altogether -- something she can't resist, even as he threatens the world she's built, the life she's claimed…and the heart she swore he'd never steal again.

The conclusion of the Bareknuckle Bastards series and terrific second chance romance. After reading the first two books, I wasn't sure how Ewan would be redeemed. I suspected that there must be good in him or Grace would not have loved him the way she did, but he was going to have to work at it.

Parts of the history of Ewan and the Bastards were revealed in the previous books, but I always felt that there was more to the story. Their childhoods were miserable thanks to the cruelty of the old duke. The things he put them through were beyond cruel, but they had each others' backs whenever possible. Though Grace was close to Whit and Dev, the connection between her and Ewan was much different. When the old duke played his final hand with them, what they saw as Ewan's betrayal cut extra deep. Whit, Dev, and Grace ran for their lives and made new ones in London. Now they are wealthy, powerful, and the undisputed rulers of Covent Garden.

When the old duke died, Ewan went looking for Grace and the others. Still furious at his betrayal, Whit and Dev told Ewan that Grace was dead. In his grief, Ewan swore vengeance on them for not keeping her safe. The things he did in the first two books showed that he had learned well from the old duke. It made it very hard to believe that he was redeemable.

As this story opens, Grace has rescued Ewan from the explosion he caused. Stunned to realize that she is alive, he quickly discovers that Grace is not the same girl he loved all those years ago. She is independent, strong, and the queen of her world. Their confrontation is heartbreaking as Grace makes sure Ewan knows her feelings about what he has done. I ached for them both as she drove him away.

A year later, Ewan returns to London, a changed man. He overcame the cold, calculating, revenge-driven man he had been, determined to become someone that Grace could love. Grace is determined to protect her heart from him, knowing she wouldn't survive another betrayal. I loved Ewan's patience as he worked to regain her trust and love. Some of their talks were heart-wrenching as they shared what their lives were like in the years they were apart. In the end, Ewan knew it had to be Grace's choice whether to give him a chance. I loved the twist to the ending that gave them the future they both wanted.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the world that Grace created for herself. In a time when men had all of the power, she carved out a place where women could show their strengths. I loved the club that she runs and seeing what the women could do when they were out from under the thumbs of their men. I liked hearing about their intelligence and talents and how they put them to use to make a difference. It gives new life to the saying, "Behind every successful man there stands a woman."

 

His Sinful Secret - Emma Wildes (Signet - Nov 2010)

Series: Notorious Bachelors (Book 3)

SOME SECRETS CAN BE SHARED ONLY BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

The art of deception didn't baffle Michael Hepburn, but innocence did. His new wife was trusting, lovely, and, to his amazement, utterly bewitching.

Julianne Sutton had always known she would wed the Marquess of Longhaven, as arranged by both families years earlier. She'd assumed, however, that it would be the affable ducal heir Harry who would be her husband, not his enigmatic brother. When Harry died unexpectedly and Michael took his place as the new marquess, more than just her plans for her marriage were altered.

Michael battled a ruthless enemy in a game of espionage and deceit, but when he discovered that his new wife might have secrets of her own, he quickly learned that love had an entirely different set of rules....

In the final book of the trilogy, Michael is the last of the three friends to remain unmarried, though that doesn't last long. In the previous books, he is described as enigmatic, controlled, and intense. In this one, we learn a little more about what has made him the man he is now. Michael worked for years as a spy for Wellington in the war against Napoleon. He was called home when his older brother died and took up his duties as the Marquess of Longhaven, including marrying his brother's fiancée. He also continued his work for the Crown, working to tie up loose ends from the war.

Julianne is beautiful, young, and innocent. She seems to be a bit of a pushover at the very beginning, giving in to the change of fiancé with no argument, allowing others to take control of the wedding planning, and so on. But it quickly becomes evident that she is smart, observant, and brave, along with having a kind heart.

I enjoyed watching the development of Michael and Julianne's relationship. It builds slowly as they don't know each other much at all before the wedding. Michael is determined to keep his life separate from Julianne. That doesn't work out too well from the start, as two days before the wedding he was attacked. The injury Michael received was not something that could be hidden on his wedding night, though he did his best to distract her from it. I ached a little for Julianne those first few days after the wedding, as it was clear to her that Michael avoided her during the days. I loved seeing her gently call him out on his actions. She is far more perceptive than Michael expected, and there are some scenes where he must think fast to keep his secrets. Julianne wants more from her marriage than just a physical relationship, and her intuition and attention open Michael's eyes to a whole new concept of marriage. I enjoyed how Michael's increasing fascination with his wife warred with his desire to protect his secrets.

At the same time, Michael is still involved in his work for the Crown. He has experienced several attacks and suspects that the culprit is the French spy who was his nemesis during the war. Assisting him are two fellow spies, Lawrence and Antonia. Things are somewhat awkward with Antonia, as she was Michael's lover several years earlier. He is over it, but she is not. All of them are intent on finding out who is behind the attacks on Michael. It was interesting to see who was following who and why. Michael was also worried about Julianne's safety. Julianne turned out to be hiding a secret of her own and was quite adept at evading observation when she wanted to. As Michael closed in on the person trying to kill him, he discovered an unexpected connection to Julianne. The final confrontation was intense but left one question unanswered.

There was a secondary romance between Lawrence and Antonia. Lawrence's feelings for Antonia were evident from the beginning. I felt bad for him because of her continuing infatuation with Michael. There were times when I didn't like her very much and thought that she was using Lawrence. As the book went on, I was impressed with Lawrence's control as he waited for her to work through her feelings.

The epilogue was well done, with a conversation between Michael and his boss. I did not expect the information that Michael confronted Charles with, and hadn't seen it coming at all. There was also a meeting between Michael and Lawrence. I had to laugh at the advice Michael had for him about dealing with Antonia.

Our Wicked Mistake - Emma Wildes (Signet - Oct 2010)

Series: Notorious Bachelors (Book 2)

A DEVILISH BUSINESS REQUIRES A DEVILISH SOLUTION.

Madeline May, the widowed Lady Brewer, is in a horrifying quandary. When blackmail turns to murder, it becomes clear that only one man can help her: Luke Daudet, the notorious Viscount Altea, who is used to dealing with men of ill repute, and whom she despises with every fiber of her being.

As a connoisseur of beautiful women, Luke recognizes Madeline's physical allure and the danger she represents. From the very moment of their first meeting -- and after one unforgettable night of passion -- he has known she is different. And when he receives her fateful entreaty, he realizes he will not be able to stay away....

Good book. Madeline and Luke have a brief history of a one night stand a year earlier. The intensity of the encounter threatened Luke's control of his feelings, so he didn't continue the pursuit. Madeline also had trouble forgetting that night, as it broke through her grief over her husband's death. Now Madeline has a problem, and Luke is the only one she feels she can trust to help her.

When Madeline defends herself against a blackmailer, she's horrified to realize she may have killed him. With nowhere else to turn, she sends for Luke. He isn't all that happy to respond to her summons, but he also knows she would only contact him if she were desperate. Despite the circumstances, it is evident that the sparks between them are still there. Once the matter at hand is resolved, Luke knows he should go back to avoiding her, but he can't do it. Instead, he gets involved in retrieving her property, then protecting her from the consequences. In spending time together, the attraction between them flares up again. But Luke is still not interested in marriage, and she doesn't plan to marry again, so Madeline decides to take what she can get, and they begin an affair.

Though she is the one who propositioned him, Madeline quickly realizes that she risks losing her heart to Luke. From his question to her, "Can you promise that you won't die?" she senses that there is something in his past that prevents him from risking his heart. I liked the way that she did not push him, but expressed her love the only way she could. Though he has quite the reputation as a rake, Luke treats Madeline with respect and kindness. He was so torn up by what happened in Spain that he swore he would never risk his heart again. But from the moment of his first encounter with Madeline, Luke sensed that she could put an end to his ability to keep himself emotionally distant from those around him. Once he saw her again, his protectiveness was aroused as well as his attraction to her. Every time he felt himself begin to soften towards her, he reminded himself of why he couldn't go there. Unfortunately for Luke, pulling himself back became harder each time. Before long, he realized that he wanted more.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Luke do things he would never have dreamed of before getting involved with Madeline. Publicly escorting her to various events was one thing, but when he showed up at the opera when she was with her mother and aunt, that made quite a statement. I had to laugh as his friends and family realized his feelings for Madeline long before he would admit them. It took a near-tragedy to break him free of his fears and allow him to open his heart to what they could have together.

Woven throughout the book was the question of how Lord Fitch had gotten his hands on Lord Brewer's journal. Not only did Luke and Madeline try to figure it out themselves, but Luke also asked for help from his friend, Michael. Michael was involved in working Intelligence for the Crown during the war and has continued now that the war is over. His investigation uncovers a possible link between the journal and his pursuit of an English traitor. Michael and Luke feared for Madeline's safety when they figured out who the traitor was. I was on the edge of my seat as they raced to stop the culprit before it was too late.

There was also a fun secondary romance between Luke's sister Elizabeth and their step-cousin, Miles. It was clear from the beginning that Miles had it bad for her, but Elizabeth was utterly oblivious. They had been friends all their lives, though Elizabeth was very good at picking fights with him. Miles had the patience of a saint as he waited for her and put up with her shenanigans. I had to laugh when the light finally went on, and she realized that the antagonism she felt toward him had its roots in attraction. Once she did, there was no holding her back as she put the energy she used to use to tease him into winning her man.

My Lord Scandal - Emma Wildes (Signet - Sept 2010)

Series: Notorious Bachelors (Book 1)

A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME

Despite her beauty, Lady Amelia Patton has lived a sheltered life among her books. When she finds herself suddenly the toast of the ton, she is far from delighted. Her father, Lord Hathaway, wants her married off quickly, but the last person he'd choose for her husband is the son of his worst enemy....

Alexander St. James may be a thief of hearts, but he is no burglar. Nevertheless, he must recover an item belonging to his family to avoid a scandal, and so he has stolen into the home of Lord Hathaway, not expecting to come upon beguiling Lady Amelia in her bedroom, wearing only a lacy chemise....

From their first meeting, Alexander leaves Amelia breathless -- but is it from fear or from excitement? Captivated by her beauty and charmed by her intellect, he ignores the scandalous whispers as he sets out to seduce the woman of his dreams....

Good book with a little bit of a Romeo and Juliet theme to it. The Patton and St. James families have been at odds for many years, thanks to a scandal involving their grandfathers and Alex's great aunt. The story opens as Alex, under orders from his grandmother, breaks into the Patton's house. He is looking for a key that belongs to his family and must find it to prevent a scandal. He doesn't expect to have his search interrupted by the early return of Lady Amelia. He barely makes it to the balcony of her room before she appears.

Amelia spent her whole life in the country until her father decided it was time for her to marry. Her life was quiet, filled with books and walks. Now she is the Elusive Queen because she doesn't act like the other debutantes. Amelia is an intelligent woman and is frustrated by the dullness of the men her father pushes at her. On this night, she left the ball early and returned home, using her occasional breathing problems as an excuse.

I loved the first meeting between Amelia and Alex. He is hiding on her balcony when she steps out for a breath of air. We immediately see Alex's kindness and sensitivity, as he witnesses what he thinks may be the beginning of a fainting spell. Amelia is understandably startled by his presence but doesn't react with the fright he expected. I enjoyed their exchange as he reassures her he isn't there to either rob them or assault her. He does say that "in the spirit of being an effective burglar, I should steal something. A kiss comes to mind..." Neither one expected it to be something so unforgettable.

I loved the development of Alex and Amelia's relationship. From that first kiss, they shared a connection that neither could deny. It was fun to see her aunt's dismay as Amelia pointed Alex out at the next ball and asked who he was. Alex has a reputation as a rake, one that is more inherited than deserved, though it is convenient at times. Amelia finds him far more interesting than the men her father recommends. At the same time, Alex is fascinated by Amelia's intelligence and wit. Another encounter in the dark ended in a steamier kiss that was interrupted by Amelia's aunt. I enjoyed Amelia's conversation with Aunt Sophia as she makes her interest in Alex clear. Amelia may be innocent, but she knows what she wants. Alex surprises himself with his unwavering interest in her, despite the obstacles.

I loved seeing them find ways to spend time together and get to know each other. For a supposed rake, Alex's behavior is quite honorable. They are further drawn together when each of them receives mysterious letters. Amelia gets letters written by Alex's great-aunt Anna, the one who had an affair with Amelia's married grandfather. Alex receives letters written by her grandfather to Anna. Alex and Amelia work together to figure out the connection between the notes, their relatives, and the mysterious key. As their feelings for each other grow, they hope their families will let bygones be bygones, so that they can marry.

I ached for Alex here, because he is such an honorable man that he attempts to ask Amelia's father for her hand. He suspects it won't go well, but he has to try. I loved the advice he got from his brother, his friend, and even Amelia's aunt. I had to laugh at his appearance at the dressmaker's and what he did with all that advice. Their arrival at his family's home was everything I'd hoped it would be, especially with Alex's brother and sister-in-law. It's there that all of the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, revealing a heartbreaking tale of star-crossed lovers.

The secondary characters were also well done. Alex's two friends, Luke and Michael, share Alex's war experiences, binding their friendship even closer. I liked how both were ready to help Alex with whatever he needed. I loved Amelia's Aunt Sophia, who played the part of Amelia's chaperone. Her decisions when it came to Amelia and Alex were unexpected, promoting love over propriety. Sophia also had a romance of her own simmering in the background. I liked her beau, Richard, for the way he treated her and supported her. He also provided an unexpected twist in the story.

Renegade Father - RaeAnne Thayne (SIM #1062 - Feb 2001)

Series: Starting Over (Book 2)

HE WAS SEARCHING FOR A PLACE TO CALL HOME...

Joe Redhawk had a chance to start over, away from his reputation as an ex-con, away from the only woman he'd ever loved: his brother's ex-wife -- and his own boss. He'd been watching from the sidelines for too long, wishing she were his for too long....

BUT HE WAS ALREADY THERE

The hard-hewn Native American was much more than just the best foreman Annie's ranch had ever had. He was the love of her life...and the father of her little girl. But if she told him now, after all these years, could they be a family -- or would they lose him forever?

Good book. The story opens as Joe tells Annie that he accepted a job offer at a ranch in Wyoming. Annie is stunned because she had no idea that Joe wanted to leave. She is devastated by the news since she has come to depend on him.

Joe and Annie have a history together. They were friends while growing up, and though both were drawn to each other, they never said anything about it. That all changed the day of her father's funeral. At the age of eighteen, she was suddenly all alone in the world. Joe found her crying and tried to comfort her, but that comfort took an unexpected turn. He was so filled with guilt over what he saw as taking advantage of her that he left town immediately to work on another ranch. After three months, Joe realized that he shouldn't have run away and went back to make things right. But before he could see her, Joe was imprisoned for killing his father. He refused to see Annie, not wanting her to witness how far he had fallen.

Annie had been in love with Joe for as long as she could remember.  She had no regrets over giving herself to him. But his refusal to see her made it impossible for her to tell him she was pregnant. With nowhere else to turn, she married Joe's brother Charlie. She soon regretted doing so as Charlie was abusive, but she stayed with him for a long time. Joe was devastated when he heard and tried to put Annie out of his mind. When he got out of prison, he went to work for a neighboring rancher and avoided Annie whenever possible. When she finally kicked Charlie to the curb, she convinced Joe to become the foreman of her ranch. All along, she kept the secret of her daughter's birth.

The road to their happy ending was not an easy one. Joe kept himself under tight control around Annie because he believed she was too good for an ex-con. Annie thought that he regretted what they had done, so she tried to think of them only as friends. She didn't know that the only reason he is leaving is that it hurts to be that close to her and not have her be his. There were times when I wanted to shake them both because neither one would take the first step toward sharing their feelings for each other. Their views of themselves are so negative that they couldn't see that they deserved to find true love together. I liked the way that Annie could see Joe's insecurities and attempted to show him that he was wrong. She believed that he was an honorable and loving man. I also liked how Joe understood how Charlie's abuse destroyed Annie's confidence in herself and her abilities and tried to show her how strong she was.

Life got complicated for Annie when her ex showed up in secret and tried to blackmail her into giving him a lot of money. His methods of convincing her to cooperate were dangerous, but he had one card up his sleeve that succeeded in getting to her. I wondered how she was going to resolve her dilemma. An unexpected revelation negated Charlie's ammunition, so he went after something else instead. The confrontation between Annie and Charlie was intense, and I loved seeing his shock at the way she fought back. Joe's arrival was the icing on the cake. I loved the ending as Joe and Annie finally talked about everything that had happened, with both surprised at some of the things they learned. It was great to see them finally forgive each other and themselves for everything that had happened. Their love for each other was finally expressed and accepted in a very emotional scene.

I thoroughly enjoyed Annie's two kids. The siblings' relationship was realistically portrayed, from their arguments to their love for each other. Her son, CJ, had some stellar moments from his fury at Joe's plans to leave to his snowball fight with his sister. Leah was a typical teenager, especially with some of her mood swings. She had some issues that she had a hard time dealing with and made everyone's lives miserable because of it. We find out why near the end of the book, which makes her a little more sympathetic.

 

The Marine's Road Home - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2781 - Aug 2020)

Series: Match Made in Haven (Book 8)

His travels are over, but his journey is just beginning…

It takes a different kind of courage to open up to love.

An explosion ended Jake Kelly’s military career. Now his days are spent alone on his ranch, and his nights are spent keeping his PTSD at bay. But the former Marine’s efforts to keep the beautiful local bartender at a distance are thwarted by his canine companion. Every time he turns around, Molly is racing off to the Circle G looking for Skylar Gilmore. Maybe the dog knows that two hearts are better than one?

Very good book. Jake came to Haven looking for peace and a way to get his life back on track after leaving the Marines. We first see him when he walks into Digger's Bar and orders a beer. Sky is the bartender, and she attempts to make conversation with him, but Jake isn't cooperating. He bluntly tells her that he's "not here for conversation," so she leaves him alone. But he made an impression on her, and she keeps an eye on him as he drinks his beer and leaves.

Sky is a friendly, kind, and compassionate woman. Besides a couple of shifts she works at Digger's, she also works at her family's store and is a counselor at the high school and the local women's shelter. She is also on a relationship hiatus, as all of her previous relationships have ended badly. But there is something about Jake that stirs her up.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Jake and Sky develop. It started very slowly. Jake comes into the bar at the same time every Wednesday night, drinks one beer, and leaves. Sky never gives up on him and continues to talk to him until he finally talks back a little. The sparks are there, though Jake is determined to ignore them. He does pretty well until the day he finds her stranded on the side of the road. The sparks burst into flame, and they spend some very satisfying time together. But Jake is so freaked out by how right it felt to be with Sky that he behaved like a jerk to her. Fortunately, he apologized and explained, and they continued to spend time together.

I hurt for Jake because of his struggles. He was medically retired because of the injuries he received during the attack that also killed most of his team. Besides his PTSD, he also suffers from survivor's guilt. He feels that he's too broken to be suitable for anyone. He moved to Haven to get away from his family after a flashback incident. Jake feels like a failure when he compares himself to his older brother, Luke. Those feelings aren't helped by their father, a retired Marine who continually harps on Jake's lack of a plan for his future and his "quitting." Jake's best friend is his dog, Molly, who helps ground him during his episodes. Molly takes a liking to Sky, and there are some fun parts involving the three of them.

The more time that they spent together, the closer Jake and Sky grew. I loved how Sky gave Jake the space that he wanted by not pestering him to talk about his experiences or feelings. Jake fought hard against his feelings for her, convinced that he would only hurt her if he tried for something deeper. Meanwhile, Sky realized that she had fallen hard for Jake, and was looking at likely having her heart broken. There is an emotional and heart-wrenching confrontation between them when she calls him out on his refusal to take a chance on them. Jake gets some advice and help from an unexpected source, after a heart-to-heart that opens his eyes to what he needs to do.

I hurt for Sky during this time as she tried to deal with Jake's rejection and disappearance. There's a sweet conversation between Sky and her younger sister, Ashley, that helps her to feel a little better. The ending was great as Jake put his heart on the line spectacularly and romantically.

There were also some emotional moments as we get a peek into Sky's professional life. Her actions regarding Ashley's friend Chloe, as well as Chloe's sister Jodie, showed the depth of her commitment to helping young people. I also liked the way that Sky helped her former high school classmate escape from her situation. Both incidents demonstrated Sky's determination and compassion.

New Year's Kiss - Darcy Devlon (CPC Publishing - July 2020)

Series: Cat's Paw Cove (Book 16)
             Enchanted Kiss (Book 1)

In order to overcome a family curse, Griffin Brooks, the town's hotshot assistant fire chief, must earn his true love's trust. Trina Lancaster knows she can release Griffin's curse, but will her magical family baggage be a deal breaker?

True love rescued by a trip through time. Griffin and Trina have a history. They'd been a couple for a short time, but then Griffin broke it off for no apparent reason. He hasn't moved on to another relationship, and Trina is still in love with him. Even the Cove's cats know that they belong together, but until Griffin wishes for something to change, they can't help him.

I ached for Griffin, who still loves Trina but is convinced that the family curse will only cause him to hurt her. Five years after their breakup, Trina has asked for advice from her mother and has a plan. She's nervous about it because it means she'll have to face her biggest fear, but she'll do anything to win her man.

I liked the guidance that Trina and Griffin received before they left - learn what you can but don't do anything that will change history. Neither realized how hard that would be. Finding out the origin of the family curse gave Griffin the courage to fight it. Trina, too, realized that she tended to psych herself out of actions by overthinking them. I loved the surprise message that Griffin found in an old photo album and the effect it had on him. The ending was sweet and showed that love can conquer all.