A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell - Joanna Johnson (HH #1534 - Oct 2020)

Will their vows last a lifetime…

Not just for Christmas?

Abandoned by her husband, and society because her father was a slave, Honora Blake will never rely on anyone again. Until dashing Lord Lovell breaks the news that she is a widow—and penniless—and insists she spend Christmas with him and his pregnant ward. Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby!

Good book with an unusual twist. Honora's parents were a freed slave and a plantation owner's daughter who fell in love, married and lived in the mountains of Virginia. Honora fell in love with a visiting Englishman and married him against her parents' advice. Once in England, her husband Frank resumed his rakish ways and, after a couple of years, abandoned Honora. She hadn't seen him in three years when Isaac, Lord Lovell, arrived to tell her that Frank was dead, and she needed to attend the reading of his will.

I enjoyed the first meeting between Isaac and Honora. Isaac broke into her house, not realizing it was occupied, and she confronted him at gunpoint. The antagonism between them is fierce, as Honora believes Isaac was Frank's friend, and Isaac wants nothing to do with Frank's wife. However, when Isaac realizes that Honora doesn't have the money to get to the will reading, Isaac offers to take her with him. During the journey, it becomes evident that underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction.

I liked the development of the relationship between Isaac and Honora. Honora is feisty and independent, thanks to her upbringing. Still under the impression that Isaac was one of Frank's friends, she makes no secret of her dislike and disapproval. Though she doesn't want to admit it, Honora is also attracted to him. Isaac finds Honora intriguing and is attracted to her. His mental chastisements to himself reveal his low opinion of marriage and his determination not to become involved with her. But when the reading of the will reveals that Honora is both penniless and homeless, Isaac steps up and invites her to spend Christmas with him and his ward while exploring her options.

Things begin to change when they are under one roof. Honora meets Charlotte, Isaac's young and pregnant ward. I loved watching the two women connect. Charlotte brings out Honora's mothering instinct, while Honora's practical attitude helps Charlotte adjust to her situation. Meanwhile, the more time they spend together, the more Honora realizes that she misjudged Isaac. Her feelings for him change and grow. At the same time, Isaac can't help thinking about Honora and how well she fits in his life. But he's keeping a huge secret that could ruin anything that they might have together.

Their lives become more complicated when complications of childbirth put Charlotte's life at risk, and she begs them to marry to protect the baby. Isaac's secret weighs on him even more, as he misses several chances to come clean because he's afraid of losing her. I ached for them both when the truth comes out. Honora once again feels betrayed and used. Isaac is heartbroken at losing the woman he loves. I loved how Charlotte gave him the kick in the pants he needed to make things right. Isaac's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. I would have liked an epilogue, perhaps involving the promised trip to Virginia, to see how their future works out.

The Italian's Unexpected Heir - Jennifer Faye (HR #4728 - Sept 2020)

Series: Bartolini Legacy (Book 3)

Her baby surprise proves…

…that one night will never be enough!

Reeling from the secrets that have torn his heritage apart, Enzo Bartolini is set on selling his family's Tuscan vineyard and trying to forget the impulsive, dazzling night he and best friend Sylvie shared in Paris. While the sale moves forward, the thrilling awareness between him and Sylvie is harder to move past…especially when she upends Enzo's world by revealing she's carrying his baby!

Good conclusion to the series. Enzo and Sylvie became good friends when she began working as a wedding planner at the winery. Now that both of his sisters have moved away, Enzo is alone except for her. When he wins a prestigious wine award, he takes Sylvie to Paris for the award ceremony. The romance of the city works its magic on them, and they spend one passionate night together. But Enzo pulls back after their return to Italy, leaving Sylvie hurt and confused.

Enzo is the oldest of the Bartolini siblings and always felt protective of his sisters. The deaths of their parents and the ensuing revelations have left him feeling lost. Enzo is also wallowing in guilt and self-pity over what he sees as his failure to protect his sisters. His guilt is because he found out the family secret when he was a kid, but never told them. His self-pity is because he's afraid that if he tells them now, they will never forgive him, and he will lose them. All of these feelings get wrapped up in the winery to the point where he feels he must sell it to escape the memories.

Sylvie has been through a lot in her life. The daughter of a single mother, Sylvie's father died before she was born. She and her mother didn't have it easy, but they had each other. When her mother got sick, Sylvie cared for her as best she could but was frequently overcome with guilt over not doing enough. But through it all, she kept a smile on her face.

I liked the development of Enzo and Sylvie's relationship. They went from friends to one-night lovers, then Enzo pulled back. Sylvie is hurt, but soldiers on. When she finds out about Enzo's plan to sell the winery, she is puzzled. Sylvie knows he loves the place and used to have great plans for it, so she decides to remind him of that love. I enjoyed her attempts and seeing their effect on Enzo. Unfortunately, Enzo's self-disgust overrides all of the good memories she stirs up. Also stirred up are his growing feelings for Sylvie, but his issues keep him from doing anything about it. Once they discover that Sylvie is pregnant, Enzo's emotions are all over the place. His guilt pushes him away, but his heart wants Sylvie in his life. Should he sell the winery, or keep it? Sylvie loves him but doesn't want to be an obligation, so she also does her share of pushing away. It takes a threat to the winery itself to open Enzo's eyes, and a conversation with his sisters to finally dissolve his guilt. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. I liked the epilogue and the way it brought the series full circle.

While it can be read as a stand-alone, reading the previous two books makes this a richer story.

 

The Line of Duty - Nichole Severn (HI #1955 - Oct 2020)

Series: Blackhawk Security Elite Protection Services (Book 6)

Stranded in the Alaskan wilderness,

they must rely on each other to survive.

When Blackhawk operative Vincent Kalani boarded an airplane, he never expected it to crash into the Alaskan mountains. On the ground, by-the-book police officer Shea Ramsey becomes his unlikely partner in survival. Shea was headed to New York to fight for custody of her son, but now she’s fighting for her life with an ex-cop who’s equal parts inscrutable and unpredictable.

Good book with non-stop, page-turning action from the very beginning. This is the sixth book in the Blackhawk Security Elite Protection series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read the first books and had no trouble reading this one, though I definitely want to read the others.

Vincent is a former NYPD forensics investigator who left New York for Alaska after an investigation that killed two coworkers and nearly killed him. However, he has never given up his quest to find the person responsible. He recently found some new information that sends him back to New York to investigate. He was surprised to find local cop Shea already on the plane when he arrived at the airport. Shea is a by-the-book police officer. After a year of getting her life back together, she is on her way to New York to fight for custody of her son. She is not happy to see Vincent.

The dynamics between Vincent and Shea were interesting. Shea has been tasked to work with Blackhawk Security several times, usually with Vincent. Vincent is intrigued by and attracted to Shea, and unknown to her, had requested to work with her. Shea hates anything to do with Blackhawk. She looks down on them for skirting the law when it suits their purposes. When their plane crashes shortly after takeoff, Shea and Vincent must work together to survive. "Survive together. Die alone."

This is where things get a little over-the-top crazy. The plane crash was no accident, and someone has it in for either Vincent or Shea. As if the crash weren't bad enough, they are pursued by a group of hitmen determined to stop them at all costs. The physical abuse which both Vincent and Shea endure would have left any average person hospitalized for weeks, but our two heroes power right through it. I did like seeing Shea learn to trust Vincent as they fought for their lives.

I loved that once they were rescued, Vincent had to face the music with the rest of his team. He was so worried about risking their lives by involving them in his investigation that he kept his distance from them. I loved seeing them remind him that he had saved all of their lives at some point over his time with the team and that it was their turn to help him. Shea was also included in the protection because of threats against her son.

The craziness continued when they reached New York. Vincent's investigation involved a sub-group of corrupt cops, and his determination to find out who was running the show. The intensity of the action picks up even further as Vincent and Shea run into trouble at their first stop. There are some interesting twists as Vincent and Shea begin to close in on the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with multiple life-threatening moments. I enjoyed seeing the head of the corrupt cops get what was coming. I loved the comment that "The district attorney was going to make himself a hell of a career with this one."

I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Vincent and Shea. From the start, Vincent thought that Shea was strong, intelligent, and generally amazing. Shea thought of herself as broken, and as she and Vincent grew closer was afraid of what would happen if he knew the truth. I loved the ending, as he demonstrated the depth of his love and belief in her. I cheered when Shea realized that she had Vincent's love no matter what. I also loved the final scene with shea's ex-husband, who also saw the changes in her.

The Confessions of the Duke of Newlyn - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1532 - Oct 2020)

Series: Cornish Dukes (Book 4)

He’s seeking vengeance…

But might find something else entirely

Knowing his best friend, Marianne Treleven, awaits his presence in a Mayfair ballroom, Vennor, the Duke of Newlyn, must hide his secret—he moonlights as a vigilante in pursuit of his parents’ murderer! But when Marianne’s journalistic ambition draws her into the vigilante’s dangerous world, Vennor realizes his closest friend is no longer the innocent miss from Cornwall. She’s a brave, daring, sensual woman he’s desperate to protect at all costs…

Good friends to lovers story. Though the book is the fourth in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Marianne and Vennor have been friends all their lives and lately have grown even closer. They are each other's protection in Society, as neither wants to marry yet. Both of them have other, more important goals.

Two years earlier, Vennor lost his parents in a brutal murder. Devastated by their deaths, he pursued every usual road to finding their killers but with no success. Unwilling to give up, Vennor donned a mask and became "The Vigilante," searching the underbelly of London for answers. While he made no progress in his quest, his sense of justice made him a hero to those less fortunate. Vennor has sworn that he will not marry until he has brought the killer to justice.

Marianne has one goal in mind - to be a journalist, something that is not done by women. She has already taken the first step, landing a gossip column, but she writes using a man's name. Vennor is the only one who knows her secret. Her parents have begun pressuring her to marry, but there isn't anyone who interests her. Someone is paying very close attention to her, but Marianne doesn't return his interest.

I liked the development of the relationship between Marianne and Vennor. Their friendship is a close one that has grown over the years, and they count on the other one always being there. But when Vennor realizes that Marianne has a suitor who could succeed in marrying her, it opens his eyes to the fact that if she marries, their relationship would never be the same. He also notices that she has grown into a beautiful woman. Likewise, when her mother mentions that Vennor needs to marry, Marianne realizes that she doesn't like the idea.

For Marianne to avoid marriage, she must have a viable alternative. She knows that if she wants to make a career in journalism, she has to get out of the gossip rut and find a real story. She settles on the idea of finding and unmasking The Vigilante. Vennor, of course, is horrified when she tells him her plan. He's never told her about that part of his life and knows she'll be angry when she finds out. He also knows that she has no fear and could put herself into extreme danger if she follows her plan. Forbidding her makes her more determined.

I was glued to the pages when Marianne made her move. She had no idea how much danger she was in until it was too late. I loved how her note to Vennor made him suspicious enough to follow up. I felt his fear when he realized what she did and that he wouldn't be in time to save her. That confrontation was intense, both Vennor's battle with her attackers to Marianne's realization of his identity and her reaction. The strength of their responses exploded into unexpected passion. This is the beginning of a new stage in their relationship. I loved watching them work together, as Vennor introduced Marianne to the real people of that world. Supporting each other strengthened their feelings for each other, but there were still obstacles to a life together.

Marianne's life is complicated by Lord Hayes, who has decided that only she will do for his wife. While on the surface, Hayes appears to be the perfect nobleman, the words "too good to be true" are accurate. The reader learns that Hayes has a hidden agenda for his courtship, and it isn't a pretty one. I admit that he gave me the creeps from the beginning, and I was quickly proved correct. Vennor still focuses on solving his parents' murders before he marries, and that tunnel vision could lose him the woman he loves. He gets a break when a woman he helps as The Vigilante, describes someone he is very familiar with. I liked how Vennor's friends from the previous books in the series stepped in to help set a trap. The situation becomes very intense when Marianne ends up in danger. I was glued to the pages as Vennor raced to the rescue hoping to be in time. The man involved was genuinely twisted, and I was happy to see him get what was coming to him.

I loved the ending and seeing the change in Vennor as he finally allows himself to be happy. I enjoyed his wedding gift to Marianne and the tangible evidence of his support for her dreams. I liked hearing about their plans for the future and would love to see them pop up in some future book.

Settling an Old Score - Delores Fossen (HI #1941 - Aug 2020)

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 3)

A past tragedy destroyed their love.

A vulnerable newborn brings them back together.

Within moments of discovering a baby on his doorstep, Texas Ranger Eli Slater finds himself being held at gunpoint by his ex, Ashlyn Darrow. She claims she was tipped off that the still-gorgeous cowboy kidnapped her newly adopted daughter because of the bad blood that defines their past. They quickly realize Eli's been set up and now Eli is determined to protect Ashlyn and her daughter. But regaining her trust will be as easy as ignoring the attraction even a lifetime apart can't erase…

Good second chance romance combined with intense suspense. The story started with a rush as Eli awoke to the sounds of footsteps on his porch. He investigates and discovers a baby left there. While processing that sight, a car comes tearing up to his house, discharging a very irate ex-girlfriend. Ashlyn accuses Eli of kidnapping her baby girl. Before they can fully resolve the situation, someone starts shooting at them. It quickly becomes apparent that they've been set up, and they need to find out who is out to get them.

Eli and Ashlyn have a history together. They were a couple in high school but drifted apart. Then Ashlyn got caught up in a police operation that ended up with her friend Marta dead and Ashlyn badly injured. Ashlyn blames Eli for Marta's death, which ended his hope for them getting back together.

I liked the rekindling of the feelings between Eli and Ashlyn. Eli has a protective streak a mile wide and won't let Ashlyn out of his sight. Though there isn't much relationship building described, Eli and Ashlyn are together 24/7, so it isn't hard to believe in their reawakening emotions. They try to resist the occasional flare of attraction, realizing that the timing is bad, but it soon becomes too strong to ignore. I ached for Eli, who is still haunted by the events of that night, especially what happened to Ashlyn. I liked that in the time they spent together, Ashlyn realized that Eli wasn't to blame for those events. I liked the ending and seeing them both let go of the past and admit their love.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. It began in the first few pages and didn't let up until the end. The antagonism between Eli and Ashlyn dissipated quickly once they realized they'd been set up. The investigation into who is behind the attacks turns up several suspects with motive and opportunity. As the attacks escalate, each new piece of information raises more questions than it answers. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as it all went down. A twist at the end took Eli and Ashlyn by surprise and confirmed one of my suspicions.

Once Dishonored - Mary Jo Putney (Zebra - Oct 2020)

Series: Rogues Redeemed (Book 5)

A man who has lost his honor has nothing . . .

London, 1816. As a Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, has fought his share of battles on the high seas, followed by long years of imprisonment. But on this night, he'd rather be on the burning deck of a ship than in a ballroom, where it is just a matter of time before someone challenges him because of what happened on the Continent.

A woman who has lost her reputation is nothing . . .

When dark-haired beauty Kendra Douglas arrives, a whisper of scandal ripples through the ton. The disgraced divorcee's entrance is an act of daring. Which is exactly why Lucas asks her to dance . . .

A couple who stands together has everything . . .

Unexpectedly, Lucas offers Kendra his aid in finding the evidence to regain her good name -- and her beloved young son. Together they investigate the wicked conspiracy that destroyed her life, and in the midst of danger, find a deep love that will redeem them both -- if only they can live long enough to build a future together.

Fantastic book. I have looked forward to Lucas's story since his appearance in Once a Spy. Lucas is Simon's cousin and foster brother, and it was because of Lucas that Simon and Suzanne were on the Continent when Napoleon broke loose. I couldn't wait to see what would happen once Lucas returned to England.

It hasn't been easy for him. First, he had to regain his health, which he did under the watchful eyes of Simon and Suzanne. Then he had to resume his place in Society. This was difficult to do with many people disapproving of his actions during the war. Lucas himself feels guilty over his breaking parole to escape, even though his captors had already broken those rules. As the book opens, Lucas is drifting, unsure of his place in the world of his birth, and missing the healing work he did with Friar Emmanuel. But all of that changes when a woman in black enters the ballroom.

Kendra attended the ball in a desperate attempt to repair her reputation. Her husband accused her of infidelity, divorced her, and took her son away from her. Her bravado quickly fades as whispers circle the ballroom, and no one will look at or speak to her. Just as she's ready to retreat, one man comes forward and asks her to dance.

I loved this scene between Kendra and Lucas and its immediate insight into both characters. Kendra is brave, independent, and determined. Lucas is kind, compassionate, and gentlemanly. I loved how they bonded over both having "dishonorable" reputations, ready to support each other. Then they realized that they knew each other years before and connected over their shared memories of that carefree Season. I liked how they made their escape and continued their conversation. When Lucas heard Kendra's story of what happened to her, he immediately offered to help.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lucas and Kendra as they worked to discover and reveal the truth. Both are fully conscious of the rules of society and are careful in their actions. Kendra needs to restore her reputation to gain custody of her son, so she and Lucas are careful to maintain the proprieties. I liked that they first expanded on the friendship of their youth, comfortable with being honest with each other. The more time they spent with each other, though, the sparks of attraction began to complicate matters. I liked the way that they supported each other. Lucas introduced Kendra to people who could help her, people who quickly became friends. Kendra helped Lucas see that he needed to continue his work to feel whole. I ached for them as their feelings for each other grew stronger because they could see no possibility of being together.

I loved following the progress of Kendra's quest. The abuse that she suffered and the humiliation of her husband's actions could have broken her, but she was stronger than she knew. It was satisfying to see the support and help she received from Lucas's friends and family. It was grand to see so many characters from earlier books as they joined the search for justice. I especially liked the ladies' fencing group and the eyebrows they raised. These women played a pivotal role later in the book. There was an unexpected twist regarding Kendra's son that added extra complications to her quest. There were also several appearances by Kendra's ex-husband, a nasty piece of work whose threats were frightening. I liked how the search for answers began to get results, instilling hope that Kendra would succeed. The plan that she and the others devised was beautiful in its simplicity and theatricality. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried it out and cheered at its success. I especially loved what it meant for Lucas and Kendra.

In addition to Kendra's problem, Lucas also had his cross to bear. The guilt he felt over his escape made him particularly sensitive to the way other people viewed it. I ached for him every time someone made a comment or accusation. There was one man who was especially vitriolic every time he saw Lucas, but would never come out with any details about why he felt that way. I had to laugh when Kendra intervened, accusing them both of acting like children and forcing them, at swordpoint, to settle the matter. It's amazing what a little communication can do. I loved that not only did Lucas not hold a grudge, but he also used his healing talents to help the man. It was also a turning point for Lucas, who finally let go of his guilt.

I also LOVE this cover.

The Girl Who Cried Murder - Paula Graves (HI #1675 - Nov 2016)

Series: Campbell Cove Academy (Book 2)

A cold case is reopened, placing a witness in the crosshairs -- and a bodyguard by her side…

Charlie Winters has caught security expert Mike Strong's attention. A member of his self-defense class, she seems to need to know more than just how to protect herself. After a little digging, Mike discovers that the cute redhead has a reason to worry -- she may have witnessed a murder. Using all of his connections, Mike tries to solve the cold case. But as Charlie's memories from the past begin to resurface, her future seems marked for death. Offering up his skills as a bodyguard, Mike promises not to leave her side. And Charlie's obvious relief at not having to fight alone convinces him there's much more to this mystery he has yet to uncover.

Good book, with a well-balanced mix of romance and suspense. Ten years ago, Charlie lost her best friend in a hit-and-run accident. Charlie was haunted by the fact that she has no clear memories of the events of that night, only a big, blank hole. Recently she began having disturbing dreams of that night and believes that those dreams are resurfacing memories. Shortly after asking some questions about that night, she started having the eerie feeling of being watched. Independent and practical, Charlie signs up for a self-defense class where she draws the attention of instructor Mike Strong.

Mike is a former Marine and a new hire at the Campbell Cove Academy. His years in the Corps and the things he saw made him somewhat cynical about people and the state of the world. Charlie's actions rouse his suspicions, so Mike checks into her background, raising more questions. When he witnesses an attempt on her life, Mike offers to be her bodyguard and help her in her search for answers.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Mike and Charlie. Mike is intrigued by Charlie from the moment he met her, and not just because he suspects she's hiding something. She's not like any other woman he's known, and the more time he spends with her, the more he wants to know about her. As they look into her past and her friend's death, Mike's protective instincts are roused as he worries about Charlie's safety. Charlie is wary of Mike at first. She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and had some trust issues because of it. He earns her trust when he saves her life and then believes her when she describes her concerns. The more time they spent together, the more the feelings between them grew. The sparks of attraction also built. Just as things started heating up between them, the murderer struck again. The final confrontation was intense with a twist I did not see coming. With the mystery solved, I loved seeing Mike and Charlie find happiness together.

The suspense of the story was well done. I ached for Charlie over the loss of her friend and her feeling that something isn't right. It was easy to feel her fear and worry when she first started the self-defense class. I could also feel her frustration at the slow speed of the class and had to laugh when the second class went differently. The tension began to ramp up when a sabotaged car was quickly followed by someone trashing Charlie's apartment. I liked how Mike supported Charlie in her search for answers. The scene at the bar was intense, especially in the way it mirrored the original event, and I was impressed with Charlie's actions. I was surprised by the presence of Detective Trask and the conversation he later had with Charlie. Her determination to do anything that would solve the case put her a little at odds with Mike until they found a workable plan. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried it out, especially with the twist that had Charlie in danger, after all. I had to laugh at Mike's comment that night to Maddox Heller: "And you can take Charlie off my self-defense roster when you get back to the Academy." "Yeah? Why is that?" "Because she already passed."

Second Chance with His Army Doc - Charlotte Hawkes (HMED #1129 - Oct 2020)

Series: Reunited on the Front Lines (Book 1)

From first love…

To forever?

Fourteen years ago, teenage Kane Wheeler disappeared from Mattie Brigham’s life without a word of explanation. While nothing has filled the void left by Kane, Mattie has forged a successful life as an army doc. When they’re unexpectedly reunited in the line of duty, their attraction is still as fierce as ever. And Kane’s determined to convince Mattie they can still have a happy-ever-after above all!

Good book. As teenagers Kane and Mattie were an unlikely couple. She was the daughter of a high-ranking officer, and Kane was the son and brother of the town troublemakers. Unlike most other people, Mattie saw the good in Kane. Then one day, Kane disappeared from her life, leaving her heartbroken. She pulled herself together and continued with her plans to become a doctor in the army, but never forgot him.

Fourteen years later, Kane and Mattie met unexpectedly. The attraction between them is as strong as ever, and their reunion turns into a night of passion. They don't do much talking, especially when it comes to what they've been doing since they last saw each other. This comes back to bite them the next time they see each other. Mattie is Major Brigham, soon to be LtCol Brigham, and was assigned to run the medical side of an important military exercise. She is stunned when WO2 Kane Wheeler shows up in her office as the liaison for the infantry side of the activity, as is Kane. Neither knew the other was active military. The rules against fraternization in the military are well known to both, and their night together broke them all. Their confrontation over who knew what and when they knew it was intense, but in the end, they knew that any future relationship was impossible.

However, Kane and Mattie must work together on this exercise, putting their personal issues aside. Their time together is intense, with vividly described details of the work they do. Their attraction is always there, bubbling along under the surface, tempting them. I loved their honest talk about their love for their work, their attraction to each other, and the consequences of doing anything about it. I ached for them both during the night they spent under the stars, opening up to each other and sharing one last time together.

I loved the ending. Both Mattie and Kane did some soul-searching in the time they were apart, making some difficult decisions. I loved the scene in her CO's office, a surprising twist stopping her in her tracks. Kane's stunned reaction was fantastic. The final chapter was excellent, with a couple of emotional highs that showed great promise for their future together.

I liked the realism of the story. The medical events, the preparations for the exercise, and even the unexpected changes and challenges were all realistically portrayed. I was impressed by how the author kept Kane and Mattie true to their values regarding their relationship, rather than have them sneaking around. The solution to their problem was unexpected but not unusual.

Redeeming Her Viking Warrior - Jenni Fletcher (HH #1527 - Sept 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 4)

He's sworn celibacy…

Until he gets vengeance!

Danr Sigurdsson is indebted to the captivating, mysterious healer living alone in the wilderness who carefully tends his wounds. Consumed with anguish over the massacre that killed his family, Danr has sworn not to touch another woman until he finds those responsible. So resisting Sissa should be easy, but as they search for the truth, fighting their mutual attraction becomes the hardest battle…

Terrific continuation of the series. It can be read alone, but it is better if you know the full background. In the previous book, the brothers discovered something that leads them to believe that their father's wife may be responsible for his death. Danr volunteers to find Hilda and confront her. Not known for his patience, Danr's initial attempt at interrogation ends with him wounded and on the run. He is found, near death, by a mysterious woman who heals him.

I was pulled into this story from the very first pages. Danr is the brother known for his ability and willingness to charm the ladies. On the day of the massacre, he was lured away from the wedding by a woman and knew nothing of the attack until it was too late. Distraught and guilt-ridden over his failure to protect the family, Danr swore that he would not touch another woman until he found who was responsible and earned his brothers' forgiveness.

Sissa's village was destroyed five years earlier in a raid. She barely escaped with her life and was taken in by a reclusive healer. The woman trained Sissa before her own death, and for the past three years, she has been on her own. Wary of people, Sissa developed her mysterious persona as a way to protect herself. She is especially wary of the injured warrior she finds in the forest.

I loved the description of the first encounters between Danr and Sissa. He fears at first that she's an apparition, while she isn't sure it's safe to go near him. Sissa can't leave him hurting and sets about healing him. Even in his weakened state, Danr can't help being drawn to her despite his vow of celibacy. As soon as he is on the road to recovery, Sissa disappears. She is dismayed by her reaction to him and wants him gone. Fate does not cooperate, however, as Danr finds his way to her home, determined to repay her for his care. This scene is hilarious as the silent Sissa faces a Danr who talks and talks and talks until he talks his way into staying.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Danr and Sissa. Both start with suppressed feelings - Danr because of his vow, and Sissa because of her fear of loss. Sissa's walls are so thick, and she is so stubborn that it is hard to believe she will let him in. Danr is unexpectedly domesticated, and it is his kindness, cooking ability, and way with a good story that begin to break down those walls. I loved watching them grow closer as each reveals more of their history. Simmering under the blooming friendship is attraction. Danr does his best to bury his, determined to stick to his oath, but he can't help thinking what it would be like to have Sissa in his life. Sissa feels the sparks also, but in her innocence, it takes a while for her to recognize the feelings he stirs in her. I ached for them both as Sissa's fears push Danr away. A bit of unexpected danger brings them back together, and advice from an unlikely source helps them through the last obstacles. There is still a bit of excitement due to misunderstandings, but the ending is terrific.

The overarching series story of the search for those responsible for the massacre moves ahead in this book. Danr's first confrontation with Hilda doesn't go as planned, and he is left stewing while he heals. Eventually, he shares the story with Sissa, who has some theories of her own. Sissa's acting on those theories created some personal drama for them that led to some unexpected danger. I loved the scene in the village as Sissa and Hilda joined forces and the further revelations that ensued. It was a great lead-in to Brandt's story, and I can't wait to see how it ends.

A Highlander is Coming to Town - Laura Trentham (St. Martin's - Oct 2020)

Series: Highland, Georgia (Book 3)

Driven by familial duty, Holt Pierson has always followed the path expected of him. But lately, he’s been questioning what he wants and where he belongs. Will assuming the responsibility of the family farm make him happy or is there something else out in the wider world calling to him?

To Claire Smythe, the Scottish lead singer of touring band, the world has turned into a big, scary place and all she wants is to hide in little Highland, Georgia to lick her wounds. She’s doing a bang-up job of laying low until a handsome, overly curious Holt begins to ask too many questions she doesn’t want to answer.

Christmas is coming to Highland, Georgia, and with it a celebration that will bring together old traditions and new. As Holt draws her out of hiding and into the fabric of the small town, can Claire put past hurts behind her to embrace an unexpected love and future?

Very good book. I enjoyed my return trip to Highland, Georgia, and the chance to see Holt get his happy ever after. I felt bad for him in the first book, A Highlander Walks Into a Bar, when he lost Izzy to Alasdair. In that book, and the following one, A Highlander in a Pickup, he exhibits some restlessness, wondering if there is more to life. At the beginning of this story, Holt runs the family farm on his own while his parents travel the country in an RV. On a trip into town, Holt meets the prickly Claire when he rescues her groceries from a broken bag. A short time later, he comes to the rescue again when her bike has a flat. He is intrigued by the contrasts he sees in her - a bit of mystery, a crusty attitude, and hints of fun and flirtation.

Claire made her first appearance in the last book as the singer for the band The Scunners at the Highland Games. She traveled with them for several years but parted ways at the end of the games. Since then, she has worked as a caregiver for an elderly lady, Ms. Meadows. In the few months that Claire has been there, she has done her best to avoid spending much time in town. She has a pretty big secret, and she doesn't want to take a chance on revealing it. Claire has some big decisions to make about her future before going home to Scotland after Christmas. The last thing she needs is to get involved with a good-looking farmer.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Claire and Holt. They don't seem like much of a match at first. Claire is aloof, sometimes rude, but hides a good heart. Holt is handsome, charming, and seemingly unflappable. From the moment he met her, Holt was determined to get to know Claire better. In their first encounters, he is intrigued by the fun side that pokes through her prickly crust. He takes every opportunity to spend time with her until he breaks down her walls entirely. Claire doesn't know quite what to make of Holt at first. No matter how rude she is to him, it just rolls off his back. It isn't long before she enjoys his company.

The sparks of attraction that were there from the start soon burst into flame. The more time they spend together, the closer they get. It is soon apparent that both of them have been lonely and that being together makes a big difference in their lives. But Claire has been clear from the beginning that she has to go back to Scotland, which is warring with her growing feelings for Holt. An unexpected arrival in Highland accelerates decision time for Claire. I enjoyed this part so much because the growth in confidence and maturity that Claire has experienced surfaces in a very satisfying way. I wasn't surprised by her decision and loved how easy it was for her to do. I loved the follow-on of her visit to Holt and the happiness that resulted. The epilogue was excellent, with a few more surprises and a great deal of fun.

I love the small town of Highland. It was heartwarming to see how Claire was eased into the fabric of the town's life. She never stood a chance of staying aloof once she started hanging out with Holt. I had to laugh at her encounter with Anna in the drugstore, which was an unusual way to begin a friendship. I liked how Iain and the band helped Claire get back into her music. But my favorite resident was Ms. Meadows. Under that crusty exterior was a heart of gold, and I loved that she took care of Claire just as much as Claire did of her. I had to laugh at her protectiveness when Holt first showed up, and how his charm even worked on her. There were some wonderfully heartwarming scenes between Ms. Meadows and Claire.

The Flapper's Scandalous Elopement - Lauri Robinson (HH #1530 - Sept 2020)

Series: Sisters of the Roaring Twenties (Book 3)

With this ring…

They're temporarily wed!

Heiress Jane Dryer will do anything to escape her controlling father and the life of domestic drudgery he decrees -- even elope with the handsome stranger she meets in a speakeasy! Wealthy railroad owner David Albright needs a temporary wife and Jane needs her independence, so the plan is to marry, then walk away. Only very soon, their fake marriage feels seductively real!

Good conclusion to the series. Jane is the only sister left at home, Patsy and Betty having married earlier in the year. The three girls spent months sneaking out of their home at night, desperate to escape their controlling father and have some fun. Going to speakeasies isn't nearly as much fun without her sisters, but being stuck at home is even worse. Jane dreads the day when her father informs her that he's chosen her husband, the way he tried to do with her sisters. In an unexpected twist, he tells her that he won't arrange a marriage for her; instead, she will remain at home to assist her mother with the house.

Jane is horrified. She doesn't want to get married and be stuck under the control of another man, but she doesn't want to be an unpaid maid for the rest of her life either. The problem is, she doesn't know what she does want. That evening she escapes to the Rooster's Nest, hoping to take her mind off her troubles. For some reason, it isn't the distraction she hoped for, so she spends time talking to David, the piano player.

For David, playing the piano is a way to relax. For the last six months, he has worked his way across the country from Chicago, researching his family's railroad business. It is time to go home, make his report to the board of directors, and celebrate his grandfather's birthday. Unfortunately, David's older brother has been pressuring him to come home, marry, and settle down. David has no interest in doing so as he enjoys the traveling he does. He was also burned by love when his brother married the girl that David loved.

Jane and David find it very easy to talk to each other, though the things they share aren't the whole truth and nothing but the truth. When Jane tells David that she doesn't want to be a maid for the rest of her life, he thinks she is a real maid. David tells Jane about being pressured to marry, but not that it's a merger between two wealthy families. Thinking back to her sister Betty's wedding, Jane offers to come along and "object" at David's wedding. After some discussion, David proposes a temporary marriage that will save him and, at the same time, give Jane the escape she's looking for.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between David and Jane. Both of them are good people caught in bad situations. Each wants to live life their own way, not be forced into an unwanted marriage. They begin their "elopement" full of high spirits and optimism, driving their way from Los Angeles to Chicago. Though each has second thoughts about what they are doing, neither wants to let the other down. A brief stop in Arizona takes care of the wedding, and they spend the next few days on the drive. The description of their trip along Route 66 was vividly described. I loved the little details about the gas stations, the frequency of the flat tires, and the sights they saw along the way. I especially enjoyed their stop at the Grand Canyon.

Neither one expected the growing attraction between them. David is fascinated by Jane and her unrestrained joy in every new sight and experience. Jane sees David as a kind and caring man. But as they get closer to Chicago and their planned deception, both of them start feeling guilty. That guilt increases when they arrive at David's home. Their time there is full of ups and downs, from the fun of Jane's first snowball fight to the frustration of dealing with others' expectations. I loved seeing Jane and David grow closer and ached for them both as they fought their feelings. I liked watching both Jane and David change for the better thanks to the other's influence. Jane's reaction to the soup kitchen was especially moving.

Things come to a head when Jane's brother-in-law, Henry, tracks her down and arrives to check on her. Both David and Jane react in their usual ways, by avoidance. Jane's sends her running home, leaving David to decide what he wants. Advice for him came from an unexpected source, and I loved the change in attitude. There were some surprising revelations when Jane returned home, which gave her a lot to think about. The ending was wonderful as David and Jane moved past deceptions and misunderstandings to admitting they belong together. I loved the scene at the Rooster's Nest as the three couples returned to where it all began.

I enjoyed the secondary characters. David's grandfather, Gus, was my favorite. He was kind and down-to-earth and took to Jane as quickly as David did. David's brother Joshua was a real pain for most of the book. I loved the way that Jane stood up to him both for herself and David. I liked how Jane brought him and David together to resolve their issues and the change in Joshua after they did. Rebecca, the woman that David was supposed to marry, was a piece of work. Jane's handling of her was a delight to see. 

The Flapper's Baby Scandal - Lauri Robinson (HH #1516 - July 2020)

Series: Sisters of the Roaring Twenties (Book 2)

Her undercover life…

Her secret child

Dancing in speakeasies at night is dutiful heiress Betty Dryer's only escape from her father's tyrannical control and marriage plans. There she meets mysterious FBI agent Henry Randall. Drawn into his investigation -- and to emotionally scarred, lone-wolf Henry himself -- Betty gives in to her desire, believing this could be her only chance at love before she's forced to wed. Until she discovers she's pregnant with Henry's baby!

This was a terrific combination of romance, history, and mystery during the Roaring Twenties. The author does a fantastic job of bringing the period alive with vivid use of fashion, language, prohibition and speakeasies, along with mobsters and federal agents.

The events of this book partially overlap with the first book in the series, The Flapper's Fake Fiancé. This time the story is told from Betty's point of view. She is the oldest of the three sisters and has always felt the need to protect them. When they first started sneaking out at night to escape their overbearing father's control, Betty was the one who set the rules to keep them safe. On one of their clandestine outings, Betty reunited with Henry Randall, a man she briefly met during a trip to Seattle.

Henry is an agent with the Justice Department (pre-FBI), in town to find and apprehend a suspected mole in the department. He knows he should avoid Betty, but convinces himself that she may be linked to his current case. Though he quickly realizes that she is innocent of any wrongdoing, by that time, she has become involved enough to help him.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Henry and Betty develop. Henry is a loner whose early life has caused him to reject the idea of love. Betty is at the mercy of her father, who has arranged a marriage for her. But the more time that Henry and Betty spend together, the deeper their attraction grows. Both of them try to fight it. Henry believes that he is incapable of love. The Bureau is his life, and there is no room for anything else. Betty knows that Henry's life as an agent makes a relationship impossible. She doesn't like it, but she accepts it. When they are apart, both see the impossibility of the situation, but as soon as they are together, they forget the problems.

That forgetfulness has unexpected consequences that complicate Betty's life further. I ached for her as she put Henry's happiness ahead of her own and made plans to marry her father's choice. I was on the edge of my seat, hoping Henry would come to his senses before it was too late. The scene at the church was fantastic. There was an interesting twist involving the plans Henry made and Betty's reaction to that twist. I liked the confidence that Betty gained from Henry's love and how that confidence changed their lives.

I enjoyed the mystery part of the book also. The overlap with the first book then continued by delving into the world of mobsters and racketeering, and an agent gone bad. There were some tense moments involving Henry being shanghaied and having to get back to California from Hawaii. It was amusing to see Henry's disbelief that he, the agent known for working alone, had suddenly acquired three flappers and a newspaper reporter as partners. I loved watching Betty at work, getting the information he needed. The final confrontation was intense, especially when Henry discovered that the three women were tricked into a dangerous situation. The takedown was impressive, as was Henry's unique way of getting the evidence he needed. The trouble at the end was handled efficiently by Henry and opened up new possibilities for his future.

I liked the inclusion of Henry's adoptive parents and uncle in the story. I especially liked how Betty's love for Henry made him re-examine his memories of his youth and reach out to his family. Their presence at the end was especially heartwarming.

Happily This Christmas - Susan Mallery (HQN - Oct 2020)

Series: Happily Inc. (Book 6)

There's no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

Wynn Beauchene has a thriving business, a great kid and a mildly embarrassing crush on the guy next door -- local cop Garrick McCabe. She's a strong, independent woman who can't help dreaming what-if about a man she barely knows. Until he needs her help…

Garrick's pregnant daughter will be home for Christmas, and his house needs a woman's touch. Garrick and his little girl were tight once and he's hoping a small-town Christmas will bring her back to him. But thawing his daughter's frosty attitude will take more than a few twinkle lights. Maybe sharing the holiday with Wynn and her son will remind her of the joy of family.

As the season works its magic on these wounded souls, Wynn realizes it's time to stop punishing herself for a painful secret, while Garrick remains haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes. Will he allow Wynn to open the only gift she truly wants -- his heart?

Fantastic story of love, family, and forgiveness. I have looked forward to Wynn's story ever since she ended her relationship with Jasper. Wynn is one of those people who always seem to have their life together - organized, successful, a great mom, and a terrific friend. I loved getting to know her better and discovering that it wasn't always that way. Wynn spent years feeling guilty and punishing herself for something she did and has just begun to forgive herself. One of the benefits of that forgiveness is permitting herself to have a crush on the man next door.

Garrick grew up in Happily Inc., got his high school girlfriend pregnant, and left to go to college. He remained friends with the girlfriend and was an active participant is raising their daughter. He became a cop, married and divorced, and did some undercover work. After his last assignment went wrong, he wanted something a little less intense and returned to Happily Inc. with an eye toward becoming the police chief when the current one retires. His relationship with his daughter is strained, but he jumps at the chance for her to stay with him for a few weeks. She's very pregnant, and her Marine husband is deployed. Garrick hopes to find a way to repair their relationship. But first, he needs help to get his house ready for her. The first person he thinks of is his next-door neighbor.

I loved the way this book started. Wynn is drooling over her neighbor and trying to figure out how to indicate her interest when Garrick shows up on her doorstep. Her willingness to help him is typical of Happily Inc. residents, but she also looks at it as an opportunity to get to know him. It was great to see how quickly Wynn and Garrick became friends. I loved the mix of humor and seriousness in their interactions as they give each other advice and support. Underneath the easy friendship are sparks of attraction that intensify the more time they spend together. It was fun to see the buildup as family obligations crop up at inconvenient times. It is easy to see the feelings between them grow, but both have past issues that hold them back. I liked Wynn's honest look at her past, acceptance of her mistakes, and realization that it was okay to forgive herself and move on. What surprised her was what she wanted in her life now. Garrick has a more challenging time of it. He is convinced that he stinks at relationships, that any time he tries commitment, something always goes wrong. Those fears come to the surface when he offers to help Wynn with what she wants. He is so utterly oblivious to what he said/did wrong that I almost felt more sorry for him than mad at him. He earned every bit of his misery. It was great to see Wynn's son, Hunter, call him out on what he did. The reactions of his friends were even better, and I enjoyed seeing them point out his idiocy. The scene in Wynn's office was great, and Christmas morning showed the promise for their future.

Besides the romance between Garrick and Wynn, this is also a terrific story about family. In earlier books, we've seen the close relationship between Wynn and her son Hunter. It is easy to see the love, respect, and trust between them. It is quite a blow to Wynn when Hunter abuses that trust, and I ached for her and the pain she felt. I loved that Garrick was there for support without trying to fix the problem. I ached for Hunter, too, as he realized how badly he had messed up. I was impressed with how both Wynn and Hunter handled the matter.

Garrick's family problems are more complicated. He had a terrific relationship with his daughter, Joylyn, until she was fifteen. Then it went wrong, and he has no idea why. I hurt for him and his pain and confusion over her attitude and actions. When the book started, I heartily disliked Joylyn. She acted like a spoiled brat to her mother and brothers, which got her booted to her dad's for the last month of her pregnancy. She was obnoxious to Garrick when she arrived in Happily Inc. when all he wanted was to make her happy. I liked seeing Wynn call her out on her attitude and how Hunter befriended her while also pointing out how good she has it. I liked how Wynn encouraged Garrick to be patient, but also to confront Joylyn about what had happened. It was a slow process, but I liked seeing the progression. I felt that the whole process was realistically portrayed. I laughed out loud when Garrick volunteered to go to her birthing classes with her. His reactions were priceless.

I ended up liking Joylyn, though her attitude at the beginning irritated me. As more came out about what caused the rift, I understood her feelings. I could see that she also missed her old relationship with Garrick but didn't know what to do. In addition to her problems with him, Joylyn also felt cut off from her life. She misses her husband intensely and realizes that she made a mistake when she moved home rather than stay on base with her friends and support. As her relationship with Garrick improved, she also got more involved in the Happily Inc. community. I loved how Wynn's friends included Joylyn in their activities. One of the best parts of the book is when Joylyn asks for their help when her best friend and her fiancé (both Marines) want to get married. The way they all worked together to pull off an amazing event was incredible and heartwarming.

There were many places in the book that made me laugh or cry, but this was one of my favorite parts, about guys liking shopping:

Wynn: "Oh, please. If you did, you'd have more stuff in your house. Most guys don't like shopping, which I've never understood. All you have to do is pretend you're hunting. You stalk, you pounce, you strap it to the car and take it home. A total win, but men don't see it that way."

Garrick: "There are a lot of gross generalizations in those few sentences."

Wynn: "I'll admit that's true, but how many of them are wrong?"

Garrick: "Not as many as I'd like."

Home for the Baby's Sake - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2793 - Oct 2020)

Series: Bravos of Valentine Bay (Book 8)

            Bravo Family Ties (Book 59)

He’d do anything for his son… 

…Including returning to the town he left behind.

Valentine Bay’s the perfect place for real estate developer Roman Marek to raise his infant son. But when he snaps up the charming local theater, he doesn’t bargain for tempestuous director Hailey Bravo. Hailey won’t let Roman wreck the thing she holds most dear—and she’s certainly gotten under Roman’s notoriously thick skin. As the duo spar and sparks fly, Roman’s surprised to find that Hailey’s the perfect missing piece for his family. But how can he convince her that this partnership’s for keeps?

Terrific book, full of love, laughter, and tears. It had me hooked from the first chapter until I finished it at 3 am. Roman is a real estate developer who lived in Valentine Bay as a child. His memories of the town are not the best, but he gives in to his mom's suggestion that it would be the best place to raise his son. At her request, he purchases the Valentine Bay theater, though he intends to turn it into a boutique hotel rather than keep it as a theater. Roman wanders into the theater one day while the local theater group is planning their next production and is immediately captivated by director Hailey Bravo.

Hailey and her sister Harper own H & H Productions and run most of the community events that take place at the old theater. She loves the theater and the happiness its events bring to community members. She knows the building has been sold and worries about the fate of both the building and the groups that use it.

The connection between Hailey and Roman is obvious from their first meeting. They both find it easy to talk to each other, and their attraction is immediate. Roman is so determined to get to know Hailey better that he avoids telling her that he is the new owner of the theater. By the time they have finished lunch together, Hailey seriously considers a fling with Roman. Meanwhile, the depth and speed of the connection create panic in Roman, who decides avoidance is his best option. Hailey is hurt and confused when he doesn't call her, but she is livid when she finds out HE is the new owner. The scene where she confronts him is hilarious, both for her actions and his reactions.

I loved the development of the relationship between Hailey and Roman. After that confrontation, Roman realizes that Hailey is exactly what he wants in his life. However, he and Hailey have opposing desires. Hailey is only interested in a fling. She believes that she had her chance at love and will never feel that way again. Roman proposes marriage on his first date with Hailey. But it is quickly apparent that love is not part of his equation. Roman was burned in his first marriage and no longer trusts the idea of love. His proposal is based solely on compatibility and Hailey's evident love for his son Theo. He is willing to do anything to get her to say yes, including using the theater. Meanwhile, Hailey's feelings for Roman begin to grow, but she refuses to believe that love can happen that quickly.

As they spend more time together, Roman and Hailey begin to feel like a family. I got frustrated with Roman because of his unrelenting push for marriage without being willing to admit his feelings for Hailey. Every time he thought about it, his fears of "messy feelings" would get in the way. Hailey knew she loved him and wanted to marry him, but she needed him to be able to say the words. I ached for them both when he pushed her away, giving in to his fears that he would be a terrible husband after all. I felt like Roman earned every bit of the misery he experienced after he sent her away. I loved watching Hailey pull herself together and then decide that she wasn't going to wait around for him to come to his senses. The scene at the hotel was excellent. I especially loved her response to the text he sent her and the effect it had on him. I loved his "aha" moment as he realized that he had made them both miserable for no reason, and the change in him as he finally broke free of his fears. I got a kick out of Roman's sudden enthusiasm for compromise.

I loved the secondary characters. The most adorable one was Roman's son Theo. One of Roman's most endearing qualities was his unconditional love for his son. Theo was such a well-loved baby that it was easy for him to reflect that love back on others. I loved how he and "Lee-Lee" took to each other. I also loved Roman's mom, Sasha. She was an amazing woman who raised Roman on her own under challenging circumstances. It was fun to see how well she knew him and how to handle him. I loved how she took to Hailey from the moment Hailey stormed into Roman's house. Her blatant matchmaking was amusing. Her personal challenges near the end of the book showcased her strength and determination. There was also an unexpected twist that I enjoyed. I liked catching up a little with the other Bravo siblings and especially getting to know Harper a bit better. I'm looking forward to her story.

A Rogue of One's Own - Evie Dunmore (Berkley - Sept 2020)

Series: League of Extraordinary Women (Book 2)

A lady must have money and an army of her own if she is to win a revolution—but first, she must pit her wits against the wiles of an irresistible rogue bent on wrecking her plans…and her heart.

Lady Lucie is fuming. She and her band of Oxford suffragists have finally scraped together enough capital to control one of London’s major publishing houses, with one purpose: to use it in a coup against Parliament. But who could have predicted that the one person standing between her and success is her old nemesis and London’s undisputed lord of sin, Lord Ballentine? Or that he would be willing to hand over the reins for an outrageous price—a night in her bed.

Lucie tempts Tristan like no other woman, burning him up with her fierceness and determination every time they clash. But as their battle of wills and words fans the flames of long-smoldering devotion, the silver-tongued seducer runs the risk of becoming caught in his own snare.

As Lucie tries to out-maneuver Tristan in the boardroom and the bedchamber, she soon discovers there’s truth in what the poets say: all is fair in love and war…

Terrific follow-on to Bringing Down the Duke. Once again, the setting is London, late Victorian period, as the Suffragist movement gains steam. The challenges facing women, such as property ownership, voting, and marital abuse, are an excellent backdrop for the romance between Lucie and Tristan.

We met Lucie in the last book, as head of the Oxford chapter of the suffragists. She is stubborn, determined, and focused on seeing the dream come true. Disowned by her family, she lives on her own with her cat, Boudica, embracing the title of "spinster." She refuses to give up what little autonomy she has by marrying. In this book, which takes place a few months after the previous one, the ladies need a way to publish a report they have compiled. Lucie plans to purchase a publishing house and use that. As the story opens, she has just purchased one-half of a publishing house, where the other two owners are absentees, leaving her free to run it as she likes. Unfortunately for her, the man she buys from informs her that the other two men have just sold their shares also. Lucie's new partner is her childhood nemesis, Tristan Ballentine.

Tristan is an unexpectedly complex man. He has the reputation of a rake, but also a secret identity as a fantastic poet. Tristan has recently returned from the wars in India and Afghanistan. He appeared briefly in the previous book as an unmitigated rake who danced with Annabelle. He is handsome and has quite a reputation with women. His older brother died, leaving Tristan as the heir, something that displeases his father. Dear old dad has arranged a marriage for Tristan but requires a cleaned-up reputation. Tristan has no intention of cooperating until Rochester threatens to put Tristan's mother in an asylum if he doesn't. Caught in a trap, Tristan decides to play along until he can find a way to rescue his mother. He comes up with the idea of republishing his poems under his own name to raise the needed funds. Buying half of a publishing house is the quickest way to do so.

The sparks between Lucie and Tristan are off the charts from the start. The two of them have a history from when they were children, and Tristan took great delight in playing pranks on Lucie. What she never knew was that there were elements of a serious crush involved. As an adult, Lucie played a part in many of Tristan's fantasies. Thrown together as they are, Lucie continues to plague Tristan's thoughts. It isn't too long until Tristan works his way into hers, also. I loved the back and forth between them. At first, it is very antagonistic, especially on Lucie's side. Tristan just wants a chance to live out his fantasies and offers an unexpected bargain. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that they have much in common. I loved watching Lucie open Tristan's eyes to the truths of her cause, and how Tristan found himself sharing more of the real him with her.

The fire between Lucie and Tristan was intense when they finally gave in to it. Neither of them expected that deep of a connection, and both tried to resist it. It takes a long time for each of them to realize their feelings. It was fun to see Tristan demonstrate those feelings without knowing it, by merely being himself. From being there to support her during the ball to his final demonstration of his belief in her, he finally saw that he'd always loved her. There were still some obstacles standing between them, not the least of which was the secret he kept from her. I ached for Lucie when that came out. Tristan impressed me with how he handled it. Fate wasn't entirely done with them, though, and there was one more hurdle. I loved how Lucie dealt with all the parties concerned. I was a little surprised by their plan for the future, but I loved how Tristan was so supportive of what was essential to Lucie.

I liked seeing more of Annabelle and Sebastian and how their life together is going. The house party at Claremont was interesting with all of the undercurrents. Hattie and Catriona also had their parts to play, especially in helping Lucie carry out her plans. I appreciate the strength of the friendship among the four women and how they support each other. There are a few rough spots, but the friendships are solid enough to weather them. Lucie's cousin Cecily irritated me from the beginning, and I wasn't at all surprised at her part in the book. Lucie's mother was pretty bad, too, but she did redeem herself somewhat at the end. I detested Tristan's father. 

Bringing Down the Duke - Evie Dunmore (Berkley - Sept 2019)

Series: League of Extraordinary Women (Book 1)

England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women's suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain's politics at the Queen's command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can't deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for.

Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn't be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn't claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring...or could he?

Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke....

Terrific book. Rather than being a typical Regency romance set among the aristocracy, this one takes a different road. The story takes place near the end of Victorian times, at the beginning of the suffragist movement, as they try to get the Women's Property Act amended. Most men are adamantly opposed to the idea, and even the Queen opposes it.

The heroine of the story, Annabelle Archer, is the daughter of a vicar. Upon his death, she is left destitute and reduced to being an unpaid servant for her cousin. Thanks to a friend of her father's, the brilliant Annabelle earned a scholarship to the first class of women at Oxford. As part of that scholarship, she must support the suffrage movement by recruiting powerful men to their cause. For her first attempt, she confronts Sebastian, Duke of Montgomery, the most powerful duke in England.

Sebastian became the duke at the age of nineteen when his father drowned in a puddle while drunk. He was left with a dukedom near bankruptcy thanks to his father's gambling and mismanagement. Now thirty-five, Sebastian is well-known for his cold and aloof bearing, and his ability to intimidate with just a look. He's taken aback by Annabelle's actions but tries to put her out of his mind.

The development of the relationship between Annabelle and Sebastian was not an easy one. It gets off to a rough start when Sebastian misunderstands her presence at a house party given by his younger brother. Once that is straightened out, Sebastian and Annabelle have a chance to get to know each other. The spark of attraction that they felt at their first meeting is still there, and their interactions only make them stronger. I loved their banter, as Anabelle's intelligence and wit intrigue Sebastian. Both of them are well aware of the gulf between them. I was disappointed in Sebastian when he proposed an "arrangement" with Annabelle and loved her response to him. It made me happy to see that her self-respect was as important to her as Sebastian's family name was to him.

Though self-preservation made Sebastian and Annabelle try to avoid each other, fate had something else in mind. Each time they encountered each other, the battle between head and heart became more intense. The obstacles between them seem insurmountable, as they yearn for something they can't have. I ached for both of them when Sebastian finally listens to his heart only to have Annabelle deny hers to protect him. I loved how Sebastian went about fighting for her and their future. The ending was fantastic.

The secondary characters were just as wonderful. Annabelle's friends and fellow suffragists were equally intriguing. I liked the picture painted of each and how the movement treats each of them differently. I appreciated the way that they supported each other, both in the movement and in their personal lives. Another interesting character was Sebastian's younger brother, Peregrin. His reaction to the prospect of being Sebastian's heir and having to live up to his brother's expectations and reputation was not too surprising. I ached for him and his belief that Sebastian didn't care about him. I loved how Annabelle set him straight and how Peregrin repaid her. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.