Upstairs Downstairs Temptation - Janice Maynard (HD #2739 - June 2020)

Series: Men of Stone River (Book 2) 

She was exactly the kind of woman

he knew he shouldn’t want…

“You want to kiss me?”

He should say no…

After moving his lab to northern Maine, billionaire inventor Farrell Stone needs a live-in housekeeper. Single mother Ivy Danby needs a job to support her baby daughter. Both problems solved. Except Ivy fascinates Farrell, more than any temporary employee should. Widowed Farrell doesn’t do relationships, but would one sizzling night with Ivy be a huge mistake…or the fresh start they both need?

Good book. As the man behind the products that the family business sells, Farrell believes that someone is stealing his designs and producing cheap imitations. To protect his work, he packs up his lab and moves it to his isolated Maine home. Once there, he needs a live-in housekeeper to keep him from forgetting to eat while working and act as the occasional hostess. His assistant and new sister-in-law, Katie (After Hours Seduction), recommends Ivy, a single mother in need of a job.

Ivy is a recent widow with an infant daughter. She desperately needs a job where she can keep Dolly with her and get back on her feet. She remembers Farrell from elementary school and hopes the connection will help secure the job.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Ivy and Farrell develop. Though there are sparks between them from the beginning, both of them try to ignore them. Farrell lost his beloved wife seven years earlier and refused to consider risking his heart again. Ivy's marriage wasn't a happy one and had devastating consequences after her husband's death. She has no desire to trust another man with her heart or her child. I liked seeing the two of them interact. Farrell finds himself drawn to Ivy and Dolly, stirring up emotions he thought he'd buried with his wife. Ivy feels protective toward Farrell, thankful for the job, and wanting to do the best she can for him. There were some great scenes involving Farrell and Ivy, along with Dolly, which showed he was already a goner, even though he wouldn't admit it.

Neither Ivy nor Farrell counts on the chemistry that burns hotter the more time they spend together. They decide that they can give in to the attraction without involving their emotions (ha!). The depth of the connection between them scared the hell out of Farrell, and he behaved like a boneheaded jerk. I ached for Ivy as she took Dolly and her heartbreak and fled.  I thought Farrell deserved every minute of the misery he felt. I loved seeing him confess his idiocy to his family and ask for their help. I especially liked that it was Katie, as another woman, who had the best insight to help Farrell. I thought he did an outstanding job of groveling when he finally caught up with Ivy and loved the ending.

Now I can't wait to read Zachary's story.

The Slow Burn - Caro Carson (HSE #2790 - Sept 2020)

Series: Masterson Texas (Book 2)

Around her, he found it hard to keep his cool…

Out of the friend zone

And into the fire!

When firefighter Caden Sterling unexpectedly delivers Tana McKenna's baby by the side of the road, the unlikely threesome forms a special bond. So when Caden offers friendship and a helping hand, single mom Tana can't say no. Their flirty friendship slowly becomes more, until Tana's ex and the truth about her baby catches up with her. Can she win back the only man who can make this family complete?

Terrific book that hooked me from the first chapter and didn't let me go until I finished it (well after midnight). Tana is a young woman who recently became the aquatics director at the local college. A former Olympic hopeful, she gave up her place on the team for a doomed marriage. She has suffered immense guilt since that time, for letting down her team, her coach, and her parents. She is currently in a relationship with a man who is about to leave for a year in Peru. Tana's life is upended with one phone call when her physical reveals that she is pregnant. To make matters worse, Jerry has no interest in being a father or giving up his own plans to be with Tana.

I ached for Tana. She only has a one-year contract, so revealing her pregnancy at the start of the school year, before she has a chance to prove herself, is not an option. She is so down on herself for what she sees as yet another poor choice. To make matters worse, she gets the news right before needing to recertify her CPR qualifications, surrounded by people she can't tell.

Caden is the firefighter/paramedic assigned to teach the class. He notices Tana immediately and thinks about getting to know her. He overhears the women talking about getting together at the local pub and thinks that would be a great chance to spend some time with Tana. His plans get derailed when she faints during class, and he learns of her pregnancy. He naturally assumes that she has a significant other, making her off-limits. I felt bad for Caden because he was very interested and had no idea that she was just dumped.

I loved seeing the development of the relationship between Tana and Caden. It is a small town, so they encounter each other occasionally. Caden keeps a tight rein on himself because of his belief that she is taken. Tana has sworn off men because of her bad judgment. There is no denying that Caden and Tana are drawn to each other and soon forge a strong friendship. Caden is very protective, and Tana is very independent, creating some pretty amusing discussions. The closer her due date came, the more Caden inserted himself into her life. This was fortunate the night she went into labor since she kept denying that's what it was. The delivery scene was great. The descriptions were so vivid I almost felt like I was there.

It was so sweet to see how Caden couldn't help caring for both Tana and Sterling. I loved watching them grow closer, as Tana learned to trust her heart, and Caden fell more in love each day. But Tana had never corrected a misunderstanding, and that eventually came back to haunt her. I ached for both of them when Caden confronted her about it. He felt betrayed and said some terrible things to her. I felt like he earned his misery since he stormed off without letting her explain. I cheered for Tana when she worked up to confront him and loved it when she called him on his wrongs. The ending was perfectly done and very appropriate for a firefighter.

There was much to love in this book besides the romance itself. I enjoyed Tana's work as the aquatics director. I ached for her fears that she wasn't good enough and that revealing her pregnancy would be the end of her job. I loved the scenes with her and her swimmers, especially the meet in January. It was evident that she had a magic touch for bringing out the best in them. I also loved her determination to be there through the finals, no matter what she had to do. I cheered for her when she took her future into her own hands by standing up for her success against the more popular sports.

The secondary characters were also well done. I liked Tana's growing friendship with her coworkers, especially once she got past her fears of revealing her pregnancy. Ruby was especially fun with her bold personality and big heart. I liked Caden's fellow firefighters and the fun they had when they weren't working. Tana's former coach warmed my heart with the way he supported her and encouraged her. At the same time, I wanted to shake her parents for the way they constantly harped on her past mistakes and how disappointed they were. They may have redeemed themselves a little at the end, but not like they should have. 

The Marrying Kind - Glenna Finley (Signet - July 1989)

ROMANTIC ENCOUNTER 

When red-haired beauty Jessica Webster arrived on secluded Orcas Island, the only thing she had on her mind was a little rest and relaxation -- a peaceful getaway from the pressures of her high-powered public relations job. But that was before met wealthy Cal Sloane. And before she began to have a series of mysterious life-threatening encounters.

Jessica couldn't help but notice that the more involved she became with Cal, the more it seemed that someone was out to get her. Was he drawing her into a deadly conspiracy? Or was a web of intrigue closing in on both of them? In her heart, Jessica knew there was no way this irresistibly attractive man could be the deadly kind…for she was counting on him to be…

THE MARRYING KIND

Old but enjoyable read.  Jessica headed to Orcas Island from Dallas for a bit of time away, and to decide what to do with her grandmother's house. It's currently rented to a scientist at the Institute, but that may not be a permanent solution. After an eventful trip to the island on the ferry, including an encounter with an unpleasant stranger, Jessica looks forward to some peace and quiet. Fate has something else in mind as she discovers that the house burned down, and her brother's friend and tenant, Henry, is in the hospital. Then an emergency at work sends her back home, and it's six weeks before she gets back.

The unpleasant stranger on the ferry turned out to be another friend of her brother's and Henry's. Cal is still on the island, apparently enjoying an extended vacation. Or so Jessica thinks until she discovers his unconscious body in the water near her property.  This begins a series of events that throw Jessica and Cal together, frequently under questionable circumstances.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jessica and Cal, which was intertwined with the mystery of what was happening on the island. To start with, there were sparks between them from the moment they met, though they began with antagonism. Neither forgot the other during the time Jessica was away from the island. The sparks were still there, though the antagonism was too. I loved watching Jessica stand up to Cal over his injuries, and see her take care of him that night. Sparks of a different kind began to overcome the antagonistic ones. But there was frustration, too. Jessica knew there was something fishy going on, but getting a straight answer out of Cal was nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, Cal tried to keep Jessica safe, but she kept turning up in awkward places. There was a great scene on Cal's sailboat, as he combined a date of sorts with Jessica with a surveillance opportunity. The passion that flared between them left Jessica reeling at the same time she wondered about his feelings.

It was easy to see that Cal tried to protect Jessica from what was going on. However, he tended to be high-handed about it rather than telling her why. I could feel her frustration at his tactics, and I enjoyed the way she kept after him for answers. The ending was good as Cal came clean. His confession of his feelings was sweet and funny.

The suspense of the story was good. It was apparent early on who was involved, but Cal needed more information. There were times that I thought Jessica was oblivious to what was happening around here. That was especially true at the end. The intensity ramped up when she was taken, and I was on the edge of my seat as I wondered what was going to happen. Her rescue was a relief, and I liked finding out the truth of what was going on. The ending wasn't quite as satisfying as I would have liked, but it was still good.

Temporary Bride - Glenna Finley (Signet - Aug 1993)

A DANGEROUS GAME OF LOVE

Sassy career girl Dana McIntyre had gone out on one disastrous date with sophisticated Marc Elliot, her brother's law partner. She failed so miserably at acting like a "woman of the world," that she had avoided him ever since. So she was shocked to find Marc at her Asheville, North Carolina hotel room -- with a baby in his arms! His mysterious proposal stunned her even more: would Dana pose as his wife, with his adorable nephew to complete their instant family? Suddenly she was Mrs. Marc Elliot in a romantic hotel suite and fast losing her resolve to keep this a "marriage" in appearance only... until danger sent them running away from Asheville to Puerto Rico. There, as their passion ignited in the tropical heat, Dana began to fear Marc's secrets, a shadowy stranger, and most of all, losing her heart to a make-believe love... 

This was the last book published by the author and stuck pretty close to her usual themes. I enjoyed it though it was somewhat dated. It's always interesting reading older suspense stories and seeing how they do things without the benefit of computers, the internet, and smartphones.

Dana is on vacation in North Carolina when she gets multiple messages that her brother's law partner, Marc, has been trying to reach her. She has no idea why, as their one date was an unqualified disaster. Before Dana can return his calls, Marc shows up at her hotel room door with an adorable toddler in tow. He's in a fix, and she is the only one who can help. He needs to care for his nephew for a couple of days, and also needs Dana to pose as his wife for a business dinner.  Dana doesn't know what to think. She's still embarrassed by what happened on their date but can't deny that she is still attracted to Marc.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Marc and Dana develop. The sparks between them are evident, especially after the scene where they give John a bath. Dana is a bit frustrated with Marc because he never gives a good explanation of why he needs her help, but she goes along with him anyway. A hurried journey to Kentucky to meet with his business associate adds to the stress. The interactions between Marc and Dana are interesting as he goes all protective on her, and she pushes back, wanting to know why. When not dealing with his investigation, their conversations are still a bit confrontational. Dana is still trying to live down that terrible date, and Marc seems to enjoy tweaking her about it. Things get more complicated when Marc sends her home for her own safety, while he heads to Puerto Rico to continue his investigation. By this time, Dana has realized that despite all appearances, she cares for Marc and worries about him. She arrives in Puerto Rico just in time to patch him up after an attack. It was fun seeing Dana's protective side come out and watch her give Marc a taste of his own medicine. His reactions gave her hope that maybe things weren't entirely one-sided. After getting involved where she shouldn't, Dana ends up in an unexpected confrontation. I loved Marc's reaction and Dana's responses. I had to laugh at his confession of why he wanted her help to start with. The ending was great.

The suspense of the story was decent, with Marc's intent to stop George made clear. It was a bit frustrating to have details revealed in incomplete bits, but it did help keep the tension going. The events in Kentucky were disturbing, but the intensity picked up once they arrived in Puerto Rico. Marc was determined to keep Dana safe while she was equally determined to help. Dana's cab scene was funny, and I liked her ingenuity of using the casino for her surveillance. The final resolution was mostly offstage, which was a little irritating, but the part with Dana was good.

 

A Forbidden Liaison with Miss Grant - Marguerite Kaye (HH #1525 - Sept 2020)

An unexpected encounter 

Will change everything!

Self-made gentleman and widower Grayson Maddox has devoted himself to his children and business, leaving no time for pleasure. Until he has an impulsive, thrillingly sensual encounter with lady's companion Miss Constance Grant! Their passion gives Grayson hope of a happiness he never thought he'd feel again. But there's still much in both their pasts to confront before they can turn their forbidden liaison into a new beginning…

Good book. There were two things about this book that made it unusual in the historical romance genre. First, the couple is older, with Constance being forty years old and never married, and Grayson being forty-three. I love having a couple with some life experience. Second, neither of them is part of the aristocracy. Grayson is a self-made man, a successful shipbuilder. Constance is a teacher who has turned to writing political essays.

The story opens as Constance witnesses the cruelty of the Highland Clearances. The pain of seeing the village go up in flames is magnified by knowing that her former fiancé is the one enforcing them. The tragedy is compounded when her father suffers a heart attack and dies as they watch it happen. Constance packs up and goes to Edinburgh to live with a family friend. Six years later, she has made a life for herself penning articles about the Clearances and their effects, hoping to open peoples' eyes to what is happening. Unfortunately, most people don't seem to care. There is more excitement over the impending visit of the King.

Grayson arrived in Edinburgh from Glasgow looking for accommodations for his family during the King's upcoming visit. His teen children want to see the King and participate in the festivities. Grayson is a widower whose children are the most important things in his life, with his business coming in a close second. He is also caught in a quandary because his late wife's parents, who never approved of him, keep trying to get the kids to live with them. They are aristocracy and believe that they can offer a better life than he can.

I loved the first meeting between Constance and Grayson. Constance went for a walk to clear her mind and consider the fact that her quest for justice appears to be fruitless. Her ruminations are interrupted by Grayson, who had also gone walking. They immediately connect, two people who don't realize that they are lonely until they meet someone that calls to them. Underneath the easy conversation, there is also a simmering attraction that they choose to accept and act on. Both agree that it will last only as long as Grayson's stay.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Constance and Grayson develop. Though the passion they experience is strong, so too is the connection they share. I liked seeing them spend time together, able to talk about almost anything. The more time they spend together, the deeper the bond grows, but neither believes anything can come of it. Grayson is fixated on his responsibility to his children and doesn't think adding another person is a good idea. Constance gave up on marriage long ago and believes that her work for justice is more important. Both have moments when they fear their growing closeness and try to pull back, but the attempts at distancing never last. Each of them also hides a secret. Grayson hasn't told Constance the identities of his in-laws, nor has Constance shared her writing life with Grayson. I ached for them when the time came for them to part. Both agreed seeing each other again would be a bad idea.

However, like before, their vows to stay away from each other don't last. Both were miserable when they were apart, but still don't see a way to be together. The time apart has brought about some changes. Grayson's point-of-view of his in-laws has undergone a shift, thanks to his conversations with Constance. Meanwhile, Constance has a new plan for her future. It was painful to see how much Grayson and Constance loved each other, and their steadfast refusal to believe in a future together. There were some interesting scenes during the King's visit that seemed to be Fate pushing these two stubborn people together. I loved the scene where Grayson saw the light. His speech to Constance was fantastic, romantic and emotional, and yet practical too. The epilogue was excellent, and I loved seeing the changes over the year.

I loved the attention to historical detail. The Clearances and the hardships suffered by the Highlanders were vividly described and heartbreaking. I also enjoyed the vision created of the King's visit to Edinburgh. I could easily picture the crowds and the events. I laughed at Shona's description of the Drawing Room. It was interesting to see how  Sir Walter Scott influenced the pageantry and attitudes.

His Brand of Justice - Delores Fossen (HI #1948 - Sept 2020)

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 4)

Can he help her recover her memory

Before they are both killed?

The only person who knows who killed Marshal Jack Slater's father is Caroline Moser. But the Texas profiler has no memory of the murder, her abduction…or Jack. And her witness-protection safe house has just been compromised. Now in Jack's protective custody, Caroline must trust her ex to help her recall her past before a murderer steals their future.

Good conclusion to the series. This is the fourth and final book but can be read by itself. The author gives enough details from the previous books to keep from being lost. In this book, Caroline is under the protection of the Marshal Service, specifically Jack Slater. He has two huge stakes in keeping Caroline safe. First, she is the only witness to the murder of his father. Unfortunately, she was kidnapped and held hostage, and in the process lost her memory. Second, before everything went down, Jack and Caroline were a couple. Jack wants his Caroline back so that he can reciprocate her words of love.

The book starts with a rush as the safe house where Caroline lives has been compromised. Jack arrives to protect Caroline and her nurse to find that a man has breached their perimeter. As a second shock, Caroline recognizes the man and confesses that her memory returned a few days earlier. Now it is up to Jack to get them to safety and find out what Caroline knows.

Things are not as cut-and-dried as Jack had hoped. Caroline never saw the murderer, and what she overheard makes her believe that someone inside law enforcement had a hand in it. Caroline doesn't trust anyone other than Jack. Someone out there wants to make sure that Caroline doesn't have a chance to talk about anything she knows.

The suspense in this story was intense from start to finish. There were multiple attacks on Caroline and Jack, showing that someone is determined to protect their secret. Which suspect will it be? One of Jack's fellow marshals, who has some questionable connections and suspicious actions? Or the creepy best friend of the serial killer responsible for Caroline's memory loss? Or maybe the do-gooder socialite or the computer hacker? I constantly flipped back and forth among the various suspects. Something would happen that would convince me of one person's guilt, only to be pushed aside by the actions of another. By the end, I was down to two but could not make up my mind between them. I liked watching Jack, Caroline, and the others as they tried to fit the puzzle pieces together. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, as it could have gone either way, right up to the end.

I liked watching the relationship between Jack and Caroline. Jack had never lost his love for Caroline, even while she was missing and later with her memory loss. He tries to keep his emotions under control while protecting her because he doesn't want them to distract him from her safety. Caroline was wary around Jack until her memory returned, and she remembered her love for him. I liked seeing them work together, protect each other, and long for the resolution so that they could get on with their lives. I liked the ending as they both finally got what they wanted.

The Last Man She Expected - Michelle Major (HSE #2786 - Sept 2020)

Series: Welcome to Starlight (Book 2)

How could being so wrong suddenly feel so right?

Falling for her arch-nemesis

Isn't going to happen.

Moving to Starlight was Mara Reed's first step forward after her devastating divorce. But had she known she'd find Parker Johnson, her ex-husband's ruthless divorce attorney, there, she might have gone in a different direction. Away from the big city, Mara is seeing Parker in a new light -- but is it enough for her to set aside her anger?

Good book. Mara and her daughter moved to Starlight after her divorce. Staying with her aunt and working in her coffee shop gave Mara a chance to connect with people without risking her emotions. Her divorce had been ugly, with her ex-husband and his lawyer destroying both her personal and professional reputations and leaving her with nothing except her daughter. She is understandably angry and bitter.

Mara's daughter Evie made friends with another little girl, Anna, while Mara became good friends with Anna's father, Josh. They connected over their daughters' activities and the problems of single parenthood. Mara is especially happy that there are no sparks between them, as she swore off men after her divorce. What Mara doesn't know is that Josh's brother is coming to town to help Josh with his current construction project. She has no idea that Josh's brother is her ex-husband's divorce attorney.

I loved the first meeting between Parker and Mara. She recognized him immediately while he only felt a vague familiarity. That is until she blasted him for everything he enabled her ex to do to her. Of course, his first reaction was that it was just his job, not anything personal. The sparks fly between them, but underneath the antagonism are sparks of another kind. When Josh enlists Mara's help with the project, too, she finds herself working closely with Parker.

I liked watching the relationship develop between Parker and Mara. The attraction between them is undeniable, but neither wants a relationship. Parker is only in Starlight for a short time. His memories of growing up there with an abusive father caused him to leave Starlight behind years ago. He visits his brother and niece very rarely, and can't wait to go when he does. Mara is done with marriage. She doesn't trust her judgment any longer, nor does she have any confidence that a man would want her. She is content to have left city life behind her and has no intention of leaving Starlight. However, both agree that spending some no-strings adult time together would be acceptable.

The more time that Mara and Parker spent together, the more she saw a different side of him. He can be kind and funny. He gets involved in helping Josh with the girls' soccer team and unexpectedly connects with Evie. There are some great scenes between the two of them as Parker acts more like a father than her own did. I loved watching them start to feel like a family, something that worried both Parker and Mara. Though they have grown closer and been able to share some of their more painful moments, neither can see a future for them. When an unexpected visitor stirs up old fears in Mara, Parker suffers the backlash. I wanted to shake Mara for not letting Parker explain. I hurt for Parker, who had finally begun to recognize his feelings for Mara. An unexpected and eye-opening conversation helped Mara see the truth. Parker got an equivalent kick in the pants from his brother, making him realize that he'd allowed his fears to run his life for too long. I loved the ending.

Secondary characters were just as enjoyable. Evie and Anna were adorable. Opposites in many ways, they balanced each other's strengths and weaknesses. I loved Josh and his friendship with Mara. I ached for him and everything he'd been through with Anna's chemo and his wife's desertion. I liked Mara's friend Brynn and the support she gives Mara. I also hope to see her get a happy ending of her own.

Who Wants to Marry a Duke - Sabrina Jeffries (Zebra - Aug 2020)

Series: Duke Dynasty (Book 3)

A past kiss with adorably bookish Miss Olivia Norley should be barely a memory for Marlowe Drake, the Duke of Thornstock. After all, there are countless debutantes for a handsome rakehell to charm beyond a young lady whose singular passion is chemistry -- of the laboratory type. But Thorn has not forgotten -- or forgiven -- the shocking blackmail scheme sparked by that single kiss, or the damage caused to both their names. Now Thorn's half-brother, Grey, has hired the brilliant Miss Norley for her scientific expertise in solving a troubling family mystery. And the once-burned Thorn, suspicious of her true motives, vows to follow her every move . . .

For Olivia, determining whether arsenic poisoning killed Grey's father is the pioneering experiment that could make her career -- and Thorn's constant presence is merely a distraction. But someone has explosive plans to derail her search. Soon the most unexpected discovery is the caring nature of the reputed scoundrel beside her -- and the electricity it ignites between them . . .

Good romance with an undercurrent of mystery. Lady Lydia has been married multiple times. Three of her husbands were dukes; their titles passed down to the oldest sons born of those marriages, forming a dynasty of dukes. Recently several of the children began to suspect that their fathers' deaths may not have been accidents. The oldest son, the Duke of Greycourt, believes his father may have been poisoned, and asks Olivia Norley to use her chemist skills to discover the truth.

Grey's younger brother, "Thorn," the Duke of Thornstock, is not happy with Olivia's involvement. Nine years earlier, they had an encounter that damaged both their reputations. Thorn still believes Olivia was guilty of setting him up and is determined to keep an eye on her.

Olivia has no interest in the society to which she belongs. Her passion is reserved for all things scientific. Grey's request will advance her plans to make a name for herself in the field. Having Thorn always underfoot is a distraction she doesn't need.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Olivia and Thorn. I loved their first meeting. Olivia is young and only interested in cleaning up the mess she caused. Thorn is a little older but still young and a bit full of himself. Sparks fly between them, and a quick kiss rapidly intensifies. When caught by Olivia's stepmother, she attempts to force Thorn to "do the right thing." This doesn't go the way anyone expects. Thorn is left with conflicting feelings of relief and anger, as well as betrayal.

Nine years later, neither has forgotten that encounter. Olivia concentrated on her desire to be a chemist and avoided society as much as possible. Thorn has lived up to his reputation as a rake, but still carries a grudge against Olivia and her mother. He deals with that grudge in an unusual way, but he is still extremely suspicious of Olivia and her motives. He even goes so far as to insist on helping set up her laboratory at Grey's estate, sure that he will discover that she is a fraud. I had to laugh at how hard she made him work until he had to admit that he was wrong. This also opened the door to them clearing the air over the events of nine years earlier, enabling them to work together in harmony.

But underneath their fledgling friendship, there bubbles an intense attraction. Thorn is well aware of his effect on Olivia and takes advantage of it whenever he can. He is determined to get her into his bed, though marriage is the last thing on his mind. The feelings Thorn stirs in her are new to Olivia, and her scientific curiosity demands that she investigate them thoroughly. She hasn't shown any interest in marriage either, to her stepmother's dismay, as she doesn't want to give up her career goals to a husband. The more time they spend together, the more their thinking begins to change. Thorn's feelings turn protective when an explosion in Olivia's lab makes it clear that someone doesn't want her to find the truth.

I loved seeing Thorn's protectiveness and the care he takes to protect her reputation, too. I had to laugh at the teasing he endured from his siblings because of it. As close as Olivia has started to feel to Thorn, she also senses that there is something that he is holding back. I ached for Thorn and the lengths he went to in order to protect his secret. As he and Olivia grow closer, he fears that revealing that secret would hurt her and drive her away from him. I hurt for both of them when she discovered the truth. Each of them had some serious self-examination to do before they realized that they belonged together. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing what happens when they talk about expectations.

The overarching mystery regarding the deaths of the various dukes makes some significant progress thanks to Olivia's talents. Though they are closer to the truth, their best lead ended up dead. I liked the epilogue as the siblings meet to discuss what they know, what they suspect, and where they should go next. I have my suspicions as to the culprit behind the deaths and can't wait to see if I am right. It will be hard to wait until next summer for the next book.

Off Limits Marine - Kate Hoffmann (HB #944 - June 2017)

Forbidden desire 

Marine captain Gabe Pennington knows how to keep a secret -- a little too well. He's been in love with his best buddy's wife since they met. And he can't forget the stolen, passionate kiss they once shared. But now Annie Jennings has been a widow for two years, and Gabe wants her more than ever.

Except that Annie still isn't ready to say goodbye to her deceased husband. Instead, Gabe can only hope that the searing chemistry between them is enough to convince Annie to move on -- and forget her promise to never again date military guys. Especially because Gabe still has one secret eating away at him. And it's a secret that could set Annie free…or destroy her faith in love forever.

Good book. Gabe has been in love with Annie for years, ever since he and his best friend Erik met her. But Erik got to her first, so Gabe buried his feelings and was a good friend to both. After Erik died in a training accident, Gabe did his best to support Annie. But all that time together pushed his self-control until he stole a kiss. It was too much, too soon, and Annie pushed him away.

Two years have gone by when Gabe sees Annie again. His feelings haven't changed, and he still wants her. But Annie still grieves for Erik and the life they could have had. Even if she were ready to move on, Annie would not fall in love with another military man. She wants a man who will be home every night and doesn't risk his life every day.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gabe and Annie. When Gabe shows up at Annie's sailing school, there is no denying the sparks between them. Gabe is ready to pursue Annie but runs into a roadblock when she makes it clear she doesn't want a relationship. She's okay with a friends with benefits arrangement, but risking her heart isn't going to happen.

Gabe was a bit on the cocky side, confident that he could win Annie over to his side. Meanwhile, Annie has set a goal of finishing the boat that Erik was restoring and sailing it from Maryland to California by herself. This is her method of closure, and nothing will deter her. Gabe is super-protective of Annie and makes his disapproval of her plan known, but helps her ready the boat anyway. I liked watching them get to know each other along the way, deepening their connection from friends to something more. Annie is still resistant, determined to protect her heart until a crisis with Gabe opens her eyes. The two of them still can't agree on the future, and harsh words are exchanged.

I liked how some time apart gave both Gabe and Annie time to reflect on what they want. I liked how Gabe finally realized how important the journey was for Annie, and that Annie accepted Gabe as he was. I liked how they managed their goals, with neither one sacrificing everything. Gabe's big moment at the end was terrific.

My only quibble with the book was a relatively minor one. The school that both Gabe and Erik graduated from was the US Naval Academy. It is generally referred to as the Academy or the Naval Academy - always capitalized. The references here were not capitalized, which was irritating to me. On the other hand, Marine was capitalized correctly throughout the book, which was a nice change from most Harlequins.

One Perfect Summer - Brenda Novak (Mira - Apr 2020)

Some families we're born into

Some we find for ourselves

When Serenity Alston swabbed her cheek for 23andMe, she joked about uncovering some dark ancestral scandal. The last thing she expected was to discover two half-sisters she didn't know existed. Suddenly, everything about her loving family is drawn into question. And meeting these newfound sisters might be the only way to get answers.

The women decide to dig into the mystery together at Serenity's family cabin in Lake Tahoe. With Reagan navigating romantic politics at work and Lorelei staring down the collapse of her marriage, all three women are converging at a crossroads in their lives. Before the summer is over, they'll have to confront the past and determine how to move forward when everything they previously thought to be true was a lie. But any future is easier to face with family by your side.

Good story about finding unexpected family. Serenity is a true-crime writer who took a DNA test as research for her book. She never expected to find out that she had two half-sisters. Curious about their connection, and not ready to confront her parents with the knowledge, Serenity invites Reagan and Lorelei to her cabin in Lake Tahoe. There they will get to know each other and try to find out the truth. Each woman has more than her heritage on her mind, and they all have big decisions to make about their futures.

Serenity discovered that her husband, Sean, was dealing in child pornography. After turning him in, and divorcing him, she spent months buried in his trial. It was a particularly nasty one that subjected her to ridicule and worse, especially from Sean's family. The stress affected her ability to write, and she is way behind the deadline for her next book. She hopes that time at the lake will help jump start her writing.

Reagan feels overwhelming guilt over her relationship with her married boss. It went further than she expected, and now she doesn't want to face him again. Meeting two previously unknown sisters gives her a way to put some distance between herself and Drew while she decides what to do.

Lorelei's life is in turmoil. Shortly before she left, Lorelei found out that her husband, Mark, was having an affair with her best friend. Now Francine is pregnant, and Mark thinks it shouldn't make any difference to their marriage. But Lorelei's feelings of betrayal make her unable to contemplate a future with either of them in her life. The bright spot in her life is her daughter Lucy.

I liked watching the development of the relationships among the three sisters. There is tension at the beginning, as all three are wary of what they might find out. There is also some initial tension between Reagan and Lorelei. Lorelei doesn't react well to Reagan's "other woman" status, being on the wronged wife side of the issue in her own marriage. I liked how they all opened up and shared their lives without judging each other. The planned one week visit turned into the whole summer as each of the women uses the time to make decisions about their futures. I liked the way that they supported each other, sometimes with advice and sometimes just by being there.

Each of the sisters also has decisions to make on the romantic front. Serenity's sort-of brother-in-law stood with her during the trial, alienating him from the family that took him in when he was young. Sawyer made his admiration of Serenity clear, as well as his attraction to her. Serenity feels the sparks herself but doesn't want to be responsible for ruining his relationship with the only family he has. I liked Sawyer's patience as Serenity worked through her fears.

Reagan put distance between herself and Drew, not trusting that she could resist giving in again. Complications arise, making that separation a little more problematic. A recent acquaintance stays in touch by text, making his interest in Reagan clear. I liked their texted conversations, as Rally offers his friendship and support.

Lorelei faces the end of her marriage and wonders if she is partly to blame. Her self-confidence has taken a hit. She connects with a handsome neighbor, whose attentions are a balm to her spirit. Meanwhile, her husband indicates his desire to repair their marriage, but Lorelei is suspicious of his sincerity. I liked seeing Lorelei's growth as she dealt with all the uncertainties of her future, and drew strength from the support of her sisters.

The DNA storyline was interesting, though it sometimes faded into the background. The thought of discovering unknown family through such a random event is an intriguing one. Each of the women had specific reasons for taking the test. Serenity's was simple research that turned into a mystery to be solved. She's somewhat torn about the search as she doesn't know what it would do to her family. Reagan is the daughter of a workaholic, emotionally distant mother. Her father walked out when Reagan was little. Her interest is in possibly finding her father. For Lorelei, she simply wanted to see if she had any family. She was discovered wandering alone as a toddler, and no family was found. She grew up in the foster system, always wanting a family of her own. Their attempts to discover the truth were sometimes convoluted when direct and honest conversation would have been more productive. The revelation at the end was an unexpected twist.

The three brothers who were the women's neighbors were interesting. Finn was the one we saw most of, with his interest in Lorelei. I was never quite sure how deep his interest went, but I liked his steady friendship and support for her. There wasn't much about Nolan, but I got the feeling he might have an interesting back story. My heart broke for Davis. His brothers brought him to the lake house to recover from a horrific motorcycle accident. He lost an arm and is having trouble dealing with the change to his life. I enjoyed seeing how each of the women influenced him in some way. I would love to see the men get HEA's of their own.

His Secret Mistress - Cathy Maxwell (Avon - Feb 2020)

Series: Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women (Book 1)

At the Logical Men's Society -- an exclusive bachelor's club -- brandy flows like water, bawdy stories abound, and a gentleman tempted to marry is always persuaded to reconsider . . .

Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a decade later, Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men's Society -- for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him.

To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. A chance encounter may have brought Brandon back into her life, but that doesn't mean Kate will ever forgive him. She's vowed to make him pay -- even as she realizes the promises of the young love they once shared are still etched upon her heart . . .

Loving her exiled him.

Trusting him ruined her.

And now, a clash of passions threatens everything each of them ever desired.

Good second chance story. Fifteen years earlier, Bran and Kate were in love. He was an engineering student, and she was a young actress - not precisely an approved relationship. They had just shared one passion-filled night together when Fate tore them apart. Each believed the other betrayed them. Bran left for India and buried his heartbreak in work, becoming a respected architect and engineer. There he stayed until the death of his brother-in-law forced him home to be the guardian of his nephew. Kate suffered terribly because of what happened. She eventually left London and resumed her work as an actress, forming her own company. Her goal is to return to London and produce her plays there.

However, Fate is not done with Bran and Kate. Bran receives a frantic message from his sister, claiming that his nephew plans to marry an actress he just met. Bran is stunned at the identity of said actress because surely it can't be the same Kate. Furious, he tears off to save his nephew from the clutches of a gold-digger. Kate is frustrated. The troupe's wagon broke down in a small town, and it will take days to repair it. Meanwhile, the local young nobleman is making a nuisance of himself, pledging his undying love and interfering in her rehearsals. She can't be rude to him for fear of reprisals, but she just wants him to go away.

I loved the first meeting between Bran and Kate. He comes tearing in, full of righteous fury, and she takes the wind out of his sails by pretending she doesn't recognize him. I loved watching her stand up to him. She does go a little overboard though in her determination to get back at him. The events at that night's dance are both amusing and heartbreaking as Kate lives down to Bran's expectations. Their confrontation after the dance was emotional as they discover the truth about that night so long ago. It also becomes clear that the attraction between them has not died.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Kate and Bran. Neither can deny the sparks that still fly between them, but can they overcome the past to be together? In addition to that past, they must also deal with the smitten Duke, judgmental neighbors, and a drama queen sister. The interactions between Kate and Bran are witty and fun, with underlying passion during their private encounters. I liked Bran's support of Kate's dream and his realization that he still loved her and dreams of a future with her. Kate also accepts that she still loves Bran. But trouble rears its head when Bran jumps to conclusions over his nephew's actions and says some terrible things to Kate. After responding with some pointed remarks of her own, it's no surprise when she refuses his apology. I ached for them both as they parted once again.

I loved seeing Kate continue to pursue her dream despite her heartbreak. The details of the process were fascinating, and I enjoyed watching it come together. I hurt for her over the betrayal by one of her troupe members and liked her determination to succeed. Opening night of her play was a nail-biter. I liked her surprise and pleasure at Bran's arrival, and that both of them admitted their mistakes. I was glued to the pages during the play, as Kate faced down those who tried to destroy her. Bran's words were just what she needed, and I loved the effect they had. The ending was awesome, and I loved the unexpected twist.

The secondary characters were great. Bran's fellow Society members are intriguing, and I look forward to their stories. I have my suspicions about the direction of the engagement between Ned and Miss Taylor and can't wait to see if I am right. I adored Miss Taylor's actions at the dance. Bran's nephew, Christopher, Duke of Winderton, is a spoiled brat. However, he isn't entirely to blame for it. His mother has indulged him, and even Bran hasn't done anything to wake him up to his responsibilities. Bran's sister is a pain in the butt drama queen. She refuses to let her son out from under her thumb. She insists on keeping the truth about the estate's finances from him. Everything Christopher or Bran do is a disaster in the making, in her opinion. I wanted to shake her many times. I was also frustrated that Bran caved into her wishes every time. If he had stood up to her more often, Christopher might not have been as much of a brat.

The CEO, the Puppy and Me - Jennifer Faye (HR #4715 - June 2020)

 

Series: Bartolini Legacy (Book 2)

Has the search for her past…

…guided her toward her future?

Gia Bartolini's determinedly searching for her real father. First stop on the enchanting Italian island of Lapri? A mysterious abandoned mansion…where, rescuing a trapped puppy, she falls straight into the arms of alluring Riccardo Moretti! Her passion for the all-business CEO burns bright, leaving Gia with a question: In uncovering her true roots, has fate led her to true love?

A sweet story of love and family. Gia is reeling from two blows. First is the loss of her beloved parents in an accident. Second is the revelation that she does not share the same father as her two siblings. Suddenly she doesn't know who she is. An entry in her mother's journal sends Gia off to the island of Lapri in search of her biological father. While investigating an abandoned mansion, Gia found a trapped puppy and the property's owner, Ric.

Ric is a CEO and software genius. He keeps to himself as much as possible and avoids relationships altogether. When he gets a call about a strange woman poking about the property, he expects to find a thief or someone out for what they can get. Instead, he encounters an attractive young woman and an injured puppy.

I loved the first meeting between Gia and Ric. He arrives, ready to toss her off the property, only to find himself falling under her spell. It never crossed Gia's mind that Ric wouldn't help; she simply included him in her efforts, and he followed along. He thought of all the things he should say to get rid of her, but what came out of his mouth were offers to help.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Gia and Ric. They began as cautious acquaintances, bonding over the care of the puppy, which quickly grew into friendship. Ric offered to help Gia with her search, as he is empathetic to her cause. Not one to take without giving something in return, Gia puts her talents to use helping Ric with the renovation of his uncle's house. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other change. There are some sweet scenes of them together. Gia's thoughts frequently wander to what a future with Ric would be like. Ric's do likewise, but those thoughts scare him, thanks to the issues from his past. I ached for Gina when those fears made him push her away. I thought he deserved every bit of the misery he felt after she left until he realized that he didn't like the look of his future without her. I thoroughly enjoyed how he had to get past Gia's protective siblings before he made his peace with her. His reunion with her was sweet and romantic.

Family was a big part of this book. It wasn't just Gia's search for her father, but also Ric's feelings about his family. His mother was a piece of work and never missed a chance to make the young boy feel like he was a mistake. She finally dumped him on his uncle. Ric's life was more stable, but he never thought that he was truly wanted. I liked how Gia opened his eyes when helping him go through his uncle's papers.

Meanwhile, Gia was desperate to find her father and hoped that would restore her sense of family. I loved that Ric worked so hard to help and support her along the way. While her search didn't turn out the way she hoped, on her return home, she realized that blood doesn't always mean family. Family is what you make of it.

 

Conveniently Wed to the Viking - Michelle Styles (HH #1515 - July 2020)

 

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 3)

Strangers on the run

Now they must wed!

Sandulf, youngest of the famed Sigurdsson brothers, is on the trail of the assassin who murdered his family. On his way, he meets Scottish runaway Lady Ceanna, a prickly, wary woman trying to escape a forced marriage. Her beauty and courage make Sandulf realize there may be more at stake than his revenge… As the threat of her family follows them, there's only one way to keep her safe -- marriage!

Another fantastic entry in the Sons of Sigurd series. This one features the youngest son, Sandulf. As in the previous books, the story opens on Alarr's wedding day and the attack that decimated their family. The oldest brother, Brandt, tasked Sandulf with watching over his pregnant wife, Ingrid. Sandulf does his best but is no match for the assassins who attack. He is devastated by his failure, a feeling that is compounded by Brandt's harsh words on his return. Sandulf is sent away to Constantinople to protect him from Brandt's anger.

As the youngest, Sandulf idolized his older brothers and followed them around when he was younger. As he got older, he trained hard so that he could join them. But he is also still young and headstrong and tends to rush in without thinking things through. This creates quite a bit of strain between him and his brothers, who do not let him forget the problems he causes. He looked on his protection of Ingrid as a way to prove himself. As he leaves his home and family, he swears to find the man who killed Ingrid and make him pay.

Several years later, a matured and changed Sandulf has tracked the assassin Lugh to Scotland. In a village in Scotland, where Northmen are not exactly welcomed, he waits for the guide he hired to take him on the next leg of his journey. A chance encounter with Lady Ceanna provides him with another key to his pursuit of the assassin Lugh.

Ceanna is desperately trying to escape a forced marriage. Her new stepmother is determined to marry her off to the captain of the guard, who is also her lover. Ceanna's father is fading fast, and Ceanna is his only heir. Marrying Ceanna to her henchman would cement the stepmother's power. Ceanna is sure that if she can get to her aunt, an abbess in a nearby city, she would be safe. She plans to become a nun, putting her home under the Church's protection. Unfortunately, the guide she hired left without her, leaving Ceanna stranded.

Sparks flew between Sandulf and Ceanna from the moment they met. Ceanna is wary of Sandulf, unwilling to trust a stranger in her escape. Sandulf immediately senses that Ceanna is his ticket to the monastery where his quarry is rumored to be. I loved their back-and-forth in the tavern as she refuses his attempt to join her on her journey. Sandulf's instincts are good that she's in trouble, and he prevents one attempt to stop her before she even gets started. Ceanna is a determined and intelligent woman and sets out on her own, unaware that Sandulf follows her. She is none too pleased when he reveals himself but eventually sees the sense in joining forces with him. This was none too soon, as they soon caught up with the guide's party, which has been attacked. The guide is injured, and the rest of the party is dead, including a woman dressed in Cearra's clothing.

This began a journey full of ups and downs. Ceanna knows the way to the monastery, but the trip is not an easy one. Added to the strains of the trip is the attraction that grows between Ceanna and Sandulf. Both try to resist because of Ceanna's stated goal of becoming a nun, but it is not easy. There are some amusing moments as each one holds mental arguments with themselves over those feelings. Sandulf is very protective of Ceanna, determined that he won't fail to keep her safe. Their arrival at the monastery doesn't go quite as planned, and with becoming a nun out of the picture, the only way to keep Cearra safe is for Sandulf to marry her himself!

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sandulf and Cearra. It was fun to see Sandulf's reactions to Cearra's practicality and lack of squeamishness. She is nothing like the women he is used to, and it only adds to her appeal. He also finds her beautiful, and can't understand why she doesn't realize it. Cearra quickly comes to trust Sandulf, but that doesn't stop her from standing up to him when she thinks he is wrong. Once they are married, their feelings for each other grow more potent, but neither feels worthy of the other. I ached for them both until they realized that they belonged together. I loved the scene at the end where Sandulf was finally able to lay his quest to rest and confess his love to Ceanna.

The pursuit of the assassin was full of twists and turns, and complicated by the trouble that stalked Ceanna. Their arrival and conversation with Cearra's aunt did not go as Cearra hoped. I did not like the aunt and her attitude toward both Cearra and Sandulf, especially at first. I loved Cearra's persistence in pursuing the truth. I didn't feel terribly sorry for the abbess as she was forced to face the truth. I was glued to the pages as Cearra and Sandulf returned to her home, found she was believed to be dead, and that an unexpected suspect was believed to be the murderer. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried out their plan to rescue the suspect and confront the stepmother and assassin. The confrontation was exciting and intense.

There are still some questions that remain in the search for the truth behind the attack and murder of Sigurd. The quest continues with the next brother, Danr, who is on the way to confront their mother.

 

 

After Hours Seduction - Janice Maynard (HD #2735 - May 2020)

Series: Men of Stone River (Book 1)

Long hours alone with her ex.

What could go wrong?

Wanting him was a mistake,

And still she said yes…

When Katie Duncan agrees to work with her boss's brother, she knows she's stepping into the lion's den. The man she'll be living with is her former lover, billionaire Quinten Stone. Their passion sizzled until Katie couldn't accept Quinten's wealthy world. She'd walked away to save herself. Now the alpha CEO is back in her life, tempting as ever…and hell-bent on seducing Katie back into his bed…

Good second chance story and start to the new series. Quin and his father were involved in a car accident that killed his father and badly damaged Quin's leg. As a competitive skier, Quin pushed his recovery too fast and reinjured his leg, bringing an end to his skiing career. As Chief Operating Officer of the family business, Stone River Outdoors, Quin is stuck working from home as he recovers from knee replacement surgery. His brothers send Farrell's assistant to help him and keep him from aggravating his knee.

Katie isn't so sure about being cooped up in Quin's house with him for six weeks. Two years earlier, she and Quin had an under-the-radar affair. It ended when Katie walked away, unable to handle his extravagant lifestyle. She has successfully avoided Quin since then.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Quin and Katie. It is obvious from the beginning that the attraction between them is still there. Quin has no idea why Katie broke things off and wants to start again. Katie doesn't think that Quin has changed and wants to protect her heart. During their prior relationship, Quin's actions were very superficial. Skiing was his life and dominated everything. He liked being with Katie but kept himself closed off emotionally. He also made no effort to get to know Katie as a person.

Forced together 24/7, I loved seeing the changes in the way Quin and Katie related. Without the distraction of competitions, Quin notices things about Katie that he hadn't paid attention to before. This is especially true during their trip to New York when he took the time to see what made her happy. I loved the hot dog scene, and how it showed him her down-to-earth side and made him remember her discomfort with his extravagance. At the same time, Katie saw a more open Quin, who shared his fears about his life without skiing.

Eventually, the sparks between them became too much to resist. As their physical intimacy grew, Katie worried about losing her heart again. Quin slowly realized that what he felt for Katie was different than he'd felt with other women. But just as he acknowledges the truth of his feelings, he finds something that makes him doubt her. I wanted to shake him for his bone-headed reaction and ached for Katie and her hurt over the things he said. I liked how Farrell and Zachary talked him off the ledge and Quin's realization of how badly he screwed up. I loved his heartfelt apology and how he showed her that he knows the real Katie. I look forward to seeing more of their future in the upcoming books.

There is a brief mention of some trouble the company has. It looks like there is some corporate espionage going on. Part of what Quin and Katie do is look for evidence in the records they go through. Quin's brothers also believe that the accident that killed their father may not have been an accident. I can't wait to read Farrell and Zachary's books to see how it turns out.

The Baby Proposal - Andrea Laurence (HD #2485 - Dec 2016)

Series: Hawaiian Nights (Book 2)

Faking a marriage for baby's sake…

When Lana Hale asks hotel tycoon Kal Bishop to marry her, he can't let his best friend down! To keep her sister's baby out of the foster-care system, Lana needs Kal to pose as her husband. Soon his luxury Hawaiian resort sets the stage for an unexpectedly passionate honeymoon…

Before they know it, playing the part of lovers turns into the real thing. And once the need for their ruse ends, Kal faces losing a wife he didn't even know he wanted. Will the reluctant husband take the ultimate risk and make a proposal of his own?

Good friends to lovers story, helped along by an unexpected marriage of convenience. Kal and Lana have been best friends for three years. Lana is the choreographer and a dancer for the hula show at Kal's Maui resort. They spend most of their free time together, except on those occasions when Kal lives up to his reputation as one of the Bishop Bachelors.

When Lana's older sister, Mele, is arrested on drug charges, her six-month-old daughter ends up in foster care. Lana petitions for custody, but as a single woman and dancer in the tourist industry, she worries about her success. Lana turns to best friend Kal and proposes a temporary marriage for Akela's sake.

I loved how Kal jumped right in to help. He's a little wary, as marriage has never been in his plans, but it's for Lana and only temporary. I liked his all-in attitude, from the traditional Hawaiian wedding to setting up the perfect nursery. Kal and Lana began the marriage as friends and determined to keep it that way. Neither wants to risk their friendship. However, between taking care of Akela and "playing house," the marriage soon begins to feel all too real. Add in the attraction that neither can deny, and it is obvious that their hands-off vow is in trouble.

Kal was aware of his attraction to Lana early in their friendship but fought it. He has no intention of ever marrying and knows that Lana has those dreams. Kal lost his parents ten years earlier and never wants to open himself up to that kind of pain again. So he limits himself to superficial encounters. Lana is attracted to Kal, but their friendship is too important to her. Besides, a man like him would never be interested that way in a woman from a family like hers.

I loved watching Kal and Lana's relationship grow and change. Before their marriage, Kal was a workaholic who spent more time at his office than at home. But with the arrival of Lana and Akela, suddenly, he had a reason to go home. Spending so much time together, it wasn't long before their attraction got the better of them. Kal was all for enjoying it while it lasted, but Lana is warier. She senses that it would be very easy for her to fall in love with him. I ached for Lana as she was proved right. When it was time for Akela to go back to Mele, that signaled the end of the marriage.

I hurt for Lana, who was brave enough to tell Kal how she felt. I hurt for Kal, too, because he was oblivious to his own feelings for her. I had to laugh when his brother, Mano, showed up at the hotel. Kal's misery rubbed off on his employees, and they called for help. It was fun to see the tables turned, as Mano gave Kal the same advice he had received a few months earlier (The Pregnancy Proposition). Once Kal saw the truth, I loved what he did with it. His big moment at the end was terrific. It's always great to see a strong man willing to put himself out there in public, all for love.

I enjoyed the setting of Maui for this book. The descriptions of the wedding and the dances were vivid and made me feel that I was there.

 

The Pregnancy Proposition - Andrea Laurence (HD #2475 - Oct 2016)

Series: Hawaiian Nights (Book 1)

Pregnant and heartbroken…will one white-hot week become more?

After her breakup, the last thing Paige Edwards wants is a romantic getaway. But then an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii lands her in bed with sexy hotel owner Mano Bishop! An explosive affair with Mano could be the perfect rebound -- except for the fact she's carrying her ex's baby…

Blinded as a teen, Mano has nevertheless achieved success in business, if not in love. An occasional fling has always been enough -- until Paige. One week with the unassuming woman, whose inner beauty captivates him, has Mano reevaluating everything. Could he father another man's child for the chance at a future with Paige?

Terrific book. Paige has had a rough few weeks. Her boyfriend dumped her for her prettier sister. Then Paige found out she was pregnant with his baby. To make matters worse, her beloved grandfather died. In his will, her grandfather specified that Paige was the one he designated to take his ashes to Hawaii, to be interred with his shipmates on the Arizona. He even made the arrangements for the trip - first-class flight and luxury accommodations at a Waikiki resort. Paige was stunned to find herself in the penthouse suite at the Mau Loa hotel. It is far more than she expected, but so like her grandfather to spoil her that way. On her first night there, she runs into the hotel's owner, Mano Bishop, an incredibly handsome and sexy man who is also blind.

Mano has been blind since an accident when he was a teenager. Despite the challenges, he has become very successful. He rarely leaves the resort property, preferring to remain where he is comfortable and confident in his surroundings. He doesn't do relationships but indulges in flings with hotel guests once or twice a year.

I loved the first meeting between Paige and Mano. She's flustered and embarrassed about her clumsiness and floored by her immediate attraction to him. Mano is intrigued by the woman who isn't like any other woman he's met. Because he can't see, Mano depends on his other senses to learn about the people and things around him. It was fascinating to see the things that made an impression on him. Mano is determined to get to know Paige better and immediately makes arrangements to see her again.

I loved watching the relationship between Paige and Mano develop. Because of her work at a VA hospital, Mano's blindness does not fill her with pity or the need to baby him. She tends to lean the other way, and I enjoyed watching her push him outside his comfort zone. There were so many sweet scenes of their dates where Mano introduces Paige to the beauties and fun of the island. Both agreed at the start that it would only be a one-week fling, with neither expecting their emotions to become involved.

Mano has never forgotten that his high school girlfriend broke things off because she thought he'd be a burden. That feeling has stayed with him, making him determined to avoid any kind of permanent relationship. But Paige works her way past his walls, and he wants longer than a week with her. He doesn't recognize his feelings as love, and can't give her the commitment she needs.

Paige has two issues to overcome. The first is her pregnancy. She can't believe that Mano would be willing to raise another man's child. Paige also has some serious self-esteem issues. She considers herself to be very plain and that Mano wouldn't look twice at her if he could see. I especially loved how Mano saw Paige's inner beauty and worked to convince her of that beauty. I liked how she gained a bit of confidence, thanks to him, and the way it came out during that fantastic pool scene!

I ached for them both when the end of the week came, and neither could admit their feelings or get past their fears. Their parting did not go well, and some hurtful words were exchanged. It was fun to see Mano's grandmother call him out on his moping and give him the kick in the pants he needed. The ending was awesome. Mano's big moment was sweet and romantic, and I loved the reactions all around!

One of my favorite things about the book was the setting. I was born in Honolulu, though we left when I was only a year old. I returned with my husband when he was stationed there, and we lived there for four years. So many things in this book brought back wonderful memories of our time there, from luaus to the hotels on Waikiki to the beautiful beaches of the North Shore. Paige even had my favorite flavor of shave ice - Tiger's Blood!

Hired by the Unexpected Billionaire - Susan Meier (HR #4724 - Aug 2020)

Series: Missing Manhattan Heirs (Book 3)

He could be her future…

…if she can escape her past.

Danny Manelli's world turns upside down when he discovers he's the heir of a scandal-plagued billionaire -- and that he has a son of his own! Danny needs a nanny fast! And Marnie Olsen is perfect -- she soothes little Jax and calms Danny's soul! The more they share, the closer they get -- until a secret from Marnie's past threatens to destroy everything…

Terrific conclusion to the series. At the end of the previous book, The Bodyguard and the Heiress, Danny was hit by two stunning revelations. First, that he is the missing third heir to the Hinton billions. Second, that he is a father himself. As this book opens, Danny is still trying to process the changes in his life. One of those changes is having custody of his son, which means he needs a nanny.

Marnie needs this job as a nanny. The fantastic pay will go a long way toward her goal of setting up her own nanny agency. Being a nanny also helps her keep a low profile. She worries that something that happened when she was a teenager will resurface and ruin her life again.

I liked the first meeting between Danny and Marnie. He has all but made up his mind to hire the nanny he calls "Mary Poppins" when Marnie arrives for her interview. Something about her attitude made him think she was just what he needed. Her reaction when he told her about his father sealed the deal. Marnie is thrilled to accept the job. But both of them have time to reconsider before she arrives at his apartment. Marnie fears that the notoriety surrounding Danny's father could pull her into an unwanted spotlight, risking exposure of her secret. It didn't help anything that she also encountered her father, who she hadn't seen since she was a kid - and he didn't recognize her.

Then there was Danny, who rightfully claims that his trust issues have trust issues. He feels betrayed on many levels. His parents never told him that he was adopted, so the shock of his father's identity was even worse. His biological father hired him to handle his estate affairs because of who he was, not because of his abilities. Then he found out about his son and discovered that Rex's mother had never planned to tell him he was a father. He begins to question whether Marnie is what she appears to be or if she is pulling some sort of con on him.

Marnie's arrival at Danny's apartment set the tone for her time there. Though she intended to bail on the job, the chaos she encountered when she arrived helped change her mind. I loved how she took charge as she saw Danny floundering and how her actions helped calm his fears. Danny and Marnie quickly became friends as they bonded over caring for Rex. It didn't take long for that friendship to turn to more as sparks of attraction complicated their situation. I loved watching them grow closer. Danny's enjoyment of showing Marnie the fun parts of his new world was sweet to see. I ached for him when her fears sent her running from the love he offered. I loved the way that she finally conquered those fears and took control of her life. I loved the ending and how Marnie and Danny came together.