A Temporary Christmas Arrangement - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2804 - Dec 2020)

Series: Bravos of Valentine Bay (Book 9)
            Bravo Family Ties (Book 60)

They're about to go their separate ways come the New Year…

Neither Harper Bravo nor Lincoln Stryker are planning to stay in Valentine Bay. She's got big-city career plans, and he's trying to figure out how to balance work and caring for his orphaned niece and nephew. But when Lincoln moves in next door and needs a hand, a cash-strapped Harper can't help but step in. They make a deal: just during the holiday season, she'll nanny the kids while he works, and then they'll each leave town. But when they can't deny the spark between them, will love be enough to have them both changing their plans?

Another fantastic Bravo book. Linc Stryker arrives in Valentine Bay determined to give his orphaned niece and nephew a Christmas to remember. He's feeling just a bit overwhelmed as he tries to balance work and caring for Jayden and Maya. Lucky for him, he meets Harper as soon as he arrives.

Harper Bravo is the last of her siblings (except for the missing Finn) left uncoupled. That's okay with her as she has plans that don't include staying in Valentine Bay. Though she enjoys working with the production company she and her sister Hailey own, she is looking for more. Harper has plans to move to Seattle and pursue her architecture dreams. All she needs is enough money to make the move.

I loved the first meeting between Linc and Harper. While Linc gets Maya out of the car, Jayden takes off for Harper's cottage, which is next door. He remembers her from the previous year. Surprised at finding Jayden alone at her door, she takes him back to the Stryker house. Linc's relief at seeing her with Jayden is evident, and Harper quickly jumps in to help him get settled with the kids. Knowing a good thing when he sees it, Linc offers to pay Harper to watch the kids when he has to work.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Linc and Harper. The sparks between them are obvious from the beginning, but both try to ignore them. Linc is only in Valentine Bay for the holidays, and Harper has her plans in Seattle. I liked watching them become friends, sharing some alone time as they get to know each other. The attraction between them continues to simmer until they decide to give in to it. The more time they spend together, the more Linc wants to see where it goes while Harper fears that they won't last past the holidays. Just as she agrees to continue the relationship past the new year, a combination of events makes her rethink that plan. I ached for her on Christmas, as she realized her feelings for Linc only to have him make a bone-headed mistake (though with good intentions). To make matters worse, Linc's ex-fiancée arrives in a desperate attempt to get him back. I was very impressed with Linc's ability to maintain his cool around that spoiled brat of a woman and her two enablers. I loved seeing Hailey show up with some advice for Harper about not giving up. Even better was Hailey's straight talk with Linc and what he did with it.

Family is always a big part of the Bravo books. For Linc, nothing is as important to him as making sure that Jayden and Maya have a happy holiday. He's a bit worried about pulling it off because he didn't have the best example growing up. His mother is still bitter over her divorce from Linc's father, and her conversations with Linc show it. She is also selfish and interfering. Linc's father has always been distant and is on his third wife. There were some terrific scenes with him as he showed some unexpected changes in attitude. Jayden and Maya are simply adorable.

The Bravo family is large and loving. Sunday family dinners have played a part in all of the books as love interests are included. I liked the way that Linc and the kids fit so easily into the group. Their brother Finn, who disappeared during a family trip when he was ten, is always on their minds. Each book has talked about their ongoing search for him. There's an unexpected development in that search during the epilogue, and I can't wait for the next book to see where it goes.

An Unconventional Countess - Jenni Fletcher (HH #1485 - Feb 2020)

Series: Regency Belles of Bath (Book 1)

From shopkeeper…

To earl's wife!

Two things are certain: Annabelle Fortini makes the best biscuits in Bath and Samuel Delaney, the charming bachelor who's just entered her shop, is trouble! Her mother's unfair exile from society has taught Anna aristocrats can't be trusted. Samuel may be a famous naval hero and reluctant heir to an earldom, but Anna can't fall in love with him! Unless she can overcome her pride…and surrender to her heart!

Good book. I especially enjoyed that the setting and characters are outside the usual London during the Season location. This book takes place in Bath, and the two main characters are a shopkeeper and a naval officer. Both have aristocratic blood, but it is more of a hindrance than a help in their eyes. Samuel is a Royal Navy captain, a veteran of Trafalgar, who is home recuperating from an injury. Though recovered, he is stuck waiting to find out if he will inherit an earldom. He doesn't want it but may have no choice. Samuel's father was disowned and disinherited by his family because of his profligate ways, and Samuel was ignored along with him. He is somewhat bitter about being expected to give up the life he loves for a family that didn't want him. Bored with inactivity, he accompanies an old school friend to a local biscuit shop. He is to distract the owner while his friend flirts with her assistant.

Anna is the owner of the biscuit shop. Her parents started it, and after her father's death, Anna took over. She spends her days working in the shop and caring for her widowed mother. She is not happy about the men's arrival as she has a low opinion of "gentlemen." Her mother is the daughter of a duke and was disowned by her family when she married a footman. Anna is angry over the way her mother was treated. She also has a more direct reason for her attitude thanks to poor treatment by a supposed gentleman when she was younger.

I liked the first meeting between Anna and Samuel. She suspects his motives but drawn to him anyway. At the same time, she intrigues Samuel. She's sassy and smart and says what she thinks. They connect over his naval service as he answers her questions about what life is like for her brother, a lieutenant in the navy. After hearing Anna's concerns about his friend and her assistant, Samuel feels a bit guilty about his part. That guilt comes into play a little later when Anna requests his help to protect Henrietta from making a mistake. This scene is highly entertaining, as Samuel recruits his grandmother, Lady Jarrow, to deter the ill-intentioned suitor.

This begins a series of events that throw Anna and Samuel together. Anna doesn't trust easily, and Samuel makes a couple of missteps that reinforce her feelings. As they spend time together, they have a chance to get to know each other and discover that they have more in common than they knew. Anna and Samuel each recognize and understand the other's inner turmoil, which draws them even closer. There are some marvelous scenes of them together, from sharing of their pasts to teasing to unexpected flares of attraction. Anna is especially resistant to the idea of a relationship, believing that Samuel's possible elevation to earl puts him too far above her. Samuel, however, is confident that she can handle anything. There is one misunderstanding near the end caused mostly by Samuel's insecurity, but some well-timed advice from Lady Jarrow helps them get past it. I liked their big moment at the end. The epilogue was a terrific lead-in to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens there.

The secondary characters were great. Anna's assistant, Henrietta, comes across as a bit flighty initially, but she quickly wises up. I liked seeing her growth through the book and her maturing into much more than Anna's assistant. Anna's mother was sweet but also had a strong will. She survived and thrived in unusual circumstances for one of her class. I enjoyed her part of the story and the unexpected twist that Lady Jarrow brought to her life. Lady Jarrow was a force to be reckoned with. She has definite opinions and voices them whenever she wants. She also meddles when she believes she knows best. I enjoyed watching her "guide" Samuel and Anna where she wanted them to go. I also liked how she reunited Anna's mom with her family.

Agent's Mountain Rescue - Jennifer D. Bokal (HRS #2114 - Nov 2020)

Series: Wyoming Nights (Book 2)

He didn't want her help, but she's the one thing he can't deny…

Operative Liam Alexander is a tracker, used to working solo. He only agrees to partner with child psychologist Holly Jacobs to stop a deadly serial killer. When Liam's daughter is abducted by the twisted murderer, what begins as a working relationship turns into so much more. But can Liam rescue his baby girl without sacrificing the family he's grown to love?

Good book. It opens where the first book lets off. The escaped serial killer, Darcy, was rescued by a man who then kept her prisoner. The opening scenes show the grisly way that she escaped that captivity.

We then get to meet both Liam and Holly. Liam is a professional tracker who had to realign his priorities. With his daughter's mother deployed for a year, Liam now has full custody of his daughter, Sophie. That means he needs a position with regular hours to keep him close to home, so he accepts a job with Rocky Mountain Justice. His primary task is to attempt to track Darcy in the forest where she disappeared. On his first day, he runs late because of trying to get Sophie to her first day at school. There he meets the teacher and owner, Holly.

Holly is having a bad day. She is behind on the school's mortgage payments, and the bank is calling in their loan. They have a buyer for the school. She hopes to convince the bank to give her more time, which requires an evening meeting with the banker. She must be on time, but her newest student's father is late picking her up, so Holly misses her meeting. To say that she is angry at Liam would be putting it mildly. She doesn't care what the circumstances are.

I liked the development of the relationship between Holly and Liam. Both of them have traumatic events in their pasts that affect their views on relationships. Liam believes he is responsible for his cousin's death. That caused him to build walls around his heart so that he doesn't get that close to anyone again. He also prefers to work alone rather than risk someone else's life. Holly was involved in a tragic car accident as a teenager. She, too, feels responsible, but she copes by trying to take care of everyone. After their first meeting, neither of them can stop thinking about the other. There are sparks between them that continue to grow as Holly finds herself more involved in Liam's life. I liked how she bonded with little Sophie and how that bond brought her closer to Liam. As they work together to find Darcy, the attraction between them burns hotter, and their feelings for each other grow stronger. But both of them have trouble letting go of their pasts and believing that they deserve love. It takes a nearly tragic situation for them to face their fears and embrace a future together.

The suspense of the story was great. The previous book ended with Darcy's disappearance, and this one picks up where that left off. The intensity is high from the start, as the RMJ folks briefly have Darcy in their sights, but she gets away. They bring in Holly, who has some interesting insights about Darcy. When clues lead the team to believe that Darcy is hiding at a local resort, Liam and Holly go undercover to search for her. Having the point of view of both Darcy and the Liam and Holly team made the intensity so much stronger. I got chills following Darcy's activities as she tried to escape. There were several close calls as she and Liam or Holly encountered each other without recognition until the connection was finally made. I was glued to the pages as Darcy attacked Holly and kidnapped Sophie, desperate to escape. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as they hoped Holly's insights about Darcy would allow them to reach Sophie before it was too late. The last pages serve as a lead-in to the next book, as it's evident that Darcy is more devious than anyone expects.

Under the Agent's Protection - Jennifer D. Bokal (HRS #2061 - Oct 2019)

Series: Wyoming Nights (Book 1)

"You're wrong, Everly. You can't trust me."

But will he choose duty -- or desire?

After leaving the FBI, the last thing Wyatt Thornton wants is to get involved in a murder investigation. Yet Everly Baker is desperate for his help in solving her brother's mysterious death. The connections between cases tantalize Wyatt, as does the victim's sister. And when a criminal puts Everly in his crosshairs, Wyatt must trust his crime-solving instincts to protect her -- and catch a killer!

Good mix of suspense and romance. The book opens with Wyatt discovering a dead body on his property. Wyatt is a former FBI agent who left the bureau when his last case went wrong. Now, all he wants is to live in peace in his mountain hideaway. But as he looks at the crime scene, something doesn't add up. Though he reports the body to the sheriff and tells him of his suspicions, Wyatt has no intention of getting involved. He's done with that life.

Everly is the victim's sister. She comes to town to identify and claim Axl's body. When she hears the circumstances of his death, she insists that someone murdered her brother. The sheriff is skeptical and uninterested in pursuing her claims, so Everly goes to Wyatt for help. He still says no, but when someone attacks Everly, his protective instincts kick in, and he decides to help after all.

I liked the development of the relationship between Wyatt and Everly. It gets a somewhat rocky start because Everly pushes Wyatt so hard to help her. But there are sparks of attraction under the antagonism, and they draw Wyatt and Everly closer together. Because of his past, Wyatt feels that Everly should not trust him and is determined to resist the attraction. I ached for Wyatt as the story of why he left the FBI comes out and explains why he's so down on himself. I liked Everly's determination and strength. Though independent, she isn't stupid and accepts his invitation to stay with him for protection. The feelings between them continue to build, but they must overcome obstacles if they want a future together. A life-threatening situation reminds them of what is important.

The suspense of the story was gripping from the start. The attacks on Everly made it clear that someone wanted her out of the way. As soon as she and Wyatt began digging into Axl's death, Wyatt noticed disturbing similarities to his last case in Las Vegas. Add in some creepy scenes from the killer's point of view, and I was glued to the pages. The unraveling of the clues was fascinating and full of tension, especially given Wyatt's suspicions. I did not see that twist coming, and the danger to Everly was terrifying. The confrontation at the end was a nail-biter. The epilogue was a lead-in to the next book with one vital matter to be resolved.

The Cowboy's Targeted Bride - Carla Cassidy (HRS #2113 - Nov 2020)

Series: Cowboys of Holiday Ranch (Book 11)

Love's not part of the deal.

But neither are threats against their lives…

In return for getting the family he's always wanted, cowboy Jerod Steen will save a single mom's failing ranch. That's why he agrees to a marriage of convenience with Lily Kidwell. Neither is looking for love, but when someone begins to terrorize Lily, danger draws her and her brand-new husband closer. Now they must survive to save their ranch -- and their family.

Good mix of romance and suspense. Jerrod is one of the original twelve "lost boys" who came to work at Holiday Ranch when they were troubled teens. Over the last several years, most of them have found love and started their own families. At the beginning of the book, Jerrod feels pretty down in the dumps. He, too, wants a wife and family, but finding a woman to love hasn't worked out. He's just about given up when he gets a wild idea. After overhearing Lily's troubles at the bank, Jerrod considers offering her a marriage of convenience. He'll catch up with the mortgage payments and help make the ranch profitable if she will marry him and eventually have his baby.

Lily is a single mother who gave up on love. She loved her son's father, but he took off after learning she was pregnant, taking her savings with him. Since then, Lily has struggled to keep her ranch afloat, working as a teacher to earn some of what she needs. She wants to keep her ranch going and have something to leave her son, but she's reached the end of her rope. The bank threatens foreclosure, and she's out of options. That is until Jerrod shows up on her doorstep with the most outlandish idea. Lily is stunned by the request, but after considering it, she accepts his proposal.

I loved Jerrod. He is kind, honorable, and fair. He understands that this is an unusual situation and is happy to let Lily set the pace for their relationship. He knows her son, Caleb, from his work at the community center and has infinite patience with the boy's attitude. I liked Lily, too, but had a few problems with her. Thanks to her past, she has some trust issues, and early in their marriage is quick to jump to conclusions about Jerrod's faithfulness. Though hurt by her accusations, Jerrod shows her the truth through his actions. As Lily and Jerrod settle into their marriage, an attraction begins to build between them, as do unexpected emotions. Life-threatening danger finally opens their eyes and hearts, and their own happily ever after.

The suspense of the story was intense. Someone is not happy about Lily's marriage to Jerrod. It starts with annoying and creepy events, like a bloodied bride doll left on the porch and a lie about Jerrod's faithfulness. Those quickly intensify to physical attempts on Lily's life. There are several possible suspects and a shocking final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over, hoping that Jerrod would find Lily in time.

I enjoyed seeing characters from earlier books. Dillon and Cassie have prominent roles in this book. I especially loved how Cassie offered to help Jerrod give Lily a real wedding. Several of the other ranch hands also made appearances. Mac is the lone bachelor left of the original twelve, and I can't wait for his book.

Colton Christmas Conspiracy - Lisa Childs (HRS #2112 - Nov 2020)

Series: Coltons of Kansas (Book 5)
            Coltons (Book 121)

United at Christmas by new life

Threatened by an old enemy

Neil Colton and Mayor Elise Willis loved and lost each other long ago…but desire and danger soon reunite them this holiday season. In the aftermath of an attack on both their lives, Elise reveals that -- thanks to one reckless night -- she's pregnant with Neil's baby. Nothing will prevent the lawyer from protecting the woman he loves and the child he's always wanted… Even if it means losing his own life.

Good book. I haven't read the other books in the series, but there was enough background given that I didn't feel lost. However, I do want to go back and read the others! Neil and Elise met in law school, fell in love, got married, and then started a law practice together. Though their love was strong, so were the problems with their marriage. The main one was that Neil was in a hurry to start their family, and Elise wasn't ready. Neil threw down an ultimatum: baby or divorce, and Elise chose to divorce, even though she still loved him.

I will say I mostly liked Neil and Elise, but they also irritated me at times. Strangely enough, they remained friends after their split, having dinner together once a month, and maintaining a professional relationship. Elise went on to become mayor of the town while Neil continued his law practice. Underneath their friendship, the sparks between them remained strong, and one night they gave in to them. The story starts a month later, with Elise suspecting she may be pregnant.

When Neil finds out, he immediately proposes marriage, and she immediately says no. This is where Neil has clearly not learned his lesson. Every time he sees Elise, he pushes for marriage, talking about raising the baby, being a family, etc. Elise had put off having a family with Neil because she needed to find out who she was, professionally and personally. She's happy with her work as mayor. Though dismayed by the pregnancy, she feels fully capable of being a single mom and the mayor. Neil's constant proposals, and the way he words them, strike at deep down insecurity because she thinks he only wants to marry her because of the baby. He's never told her that he regrets the divorce and still loves her. Both of them spend a lot of time dwelling on these two issues instead of talking to each other. It takes life-threatening danger and some advice from his mom for Neil to realize where he went wrong. I liked his big moment at the end as he finally makes things right.

The story's suspense started with a bang (literally!) and stayed intense throughout the book. Neil and Elise were lured to an empty building under false pretenses. They barely escaped with their lives when the building exploded. As attacks on them continue, the reader occasionally gets a peek into the culprit's thoughts. He clearly has a grudge against both Neil and Elise, but the question is, why? Does it have something to do with one of the cases they worked on years ago? Or is it related to the ongoing questions about the properties the senior Colton developed? There are plenty of heart-pounding moments leading up to the final confrontation. The book finishes with a surprise revelation by Mr. Colton that is a lead-in to the next book.

In Hot Pursuit - Geri Krotow (HRS #2111 - Nov 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 5)
            Colton 911 (Book 11)
            Coltons (Book 122)

On the run for their lives…and straight toward a killer.

Sergeant Flynn Cruz-Street's estranged half-brother is a threat to society. To catch him, Flynn must join forces with JAG paralegal Vikki Colton. Vikki proves to be a brilliant investigator, and what starts as a reluctant partnership soon blossoms into an irresistible attraction. But as they work tirelessly to track down the dangerous criminal, Flynn and Vikki must resist the sparks between them…or risk losing their very lives.

Terrific combination of romance and heart-pounding suspense. Vikki is a JAG paralegal sent to the local army base to question two people. First, she needs to talk to the husband of the latest ReVitaYou victim and find out what he knows about his wife's use of the supplement. Then she has to connect with MP Flynn Cruz-Street and find out if he knows where his half-brother, Landon Street is. Landon is the scientist who created ReVitaYou, and the authorities need to know what the ingredients are.

The action starts immediately as Vikki arrives to see a grief-crazed Captain Joseph attack Flynn because of his relationship to Landon. The captain escapes, leaving both Vikki and Flynn in danger of a future attack. Vikki, whose investigative techniques can be a trifle intense, rubs Flynn the wrong way by implying he knows where Landon is. Their initial interactions are a bit antagonistic, and it doesn't help that they are ordered off base (together) for their safety. I liked how they decided that working together was the way to go and discovered that their methods meshed well.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Vikki and Flynn. Despite their rough start, they do work well together. That work is complicated by the intense attraction that they feel for each other. They need to maintain their professionalism, but their chemistry is hard to resist. Each of them also have prior relationships that make it difficult to trust the feelings that grow between them. It was occasionally frustrating to see the push and pull as the growing strength of those feelings cause one or the other to retreat when things get too intense. I ached for them both at the end when insecurities pulled them apart. I liked the conversation Flynn had with his mom that opened his eyes to how he needs to live his life. Vikki had a similar conversation with her sister Sadie. I loved seeing Flynn grab onto hope and go after Vikki. I loved the ending and the depth of their love.

The suspense and action in the story were intense. From the opening shots, as Captain Joseph tried to kill Flynn to the surprise twist at the end, I could not put the book down. There were two main missions in this book. The first was to catch Captain Joseph, and the second was to find and capture Landon Street. Captain Joseph was not only grief-crazed; he was also well-trained. It seemed as though Flynn and Vikki would escape one attack only to be confronted with another one a short time later, with one genuinely terrifying one that could have ended very badly. The final confrontation with him was a nail-biter but ended the threat.

At the same time, Flynn and Vikki did everything they could to try to find Landon. Though the man has always had problems, Flynn is confident that he never intended to kill anyone. He's also under no illusion that Landon is innocent of other crimes. An unexpected event brought Landon out of hiding, and I was glued to the pages until it was all over. Though this is one more piece to the puzzle, it isn't over yet. Trouble from Sadie's past reappears as the next and final book of the series is set up.

Detective on Call - Regan Black (HRS #2103 - Sept 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 3)
            Colton 911 (Book 9)
            Coltons (Book 118)

Two bitter rivals unite to track a deadly killer

Detective Emmanuel Iglesias does his duty at all costs, even if that means going up against Pippa Colton. The stubborn attorney insists her client is innocent, but Emmanuel knows that his case is rock-solid. That is, until Pippa becomes a target herself. Is the real killer still at large? As their mutual distrust turns into an undeniable attraction, the murderer becomes bolder -- and more menacing…

Another fast-paced, intense entry in the Colton 911: Grand Rapids series. Pippa Colton is an attorney who was hired to prove that her friend's mother was wrongly convicted of murder. It isn't a popular position as the woman is rude, mean-spirited, and just plain nasty to those around her. Because of Pippa's work, she has been receiving death threats. One of her brothers, Griffin, asked his friend Emmanuel Iglesias to keep an eye on Pippa. That creates some tension because Emmanuel is one of the detectives whose work convicted her client.

Though Pippa and Emmanuel know of each other, they don't meet until he shows up at her home to investigate a break-in. Pippa doesn't hide her dislike of him, but Emmanuel has no intention of backing down from doing his job. He also has his promise to Griffin to keep. I enjoyed seeing the two stubborn people butt heads as Pippa tried to get him to leave, and Emmanuel insisted on staying. Neither one expected the feelings that stirred - Emmanuel feeling protective and Pippa feeling safe while he's there. There were also sparks of attraction that each tried to ignore.

Both Emmanuel and Pippa have a strong sense of justice. Even though they are on opposite sides of this case, both are determined to find the truth. I liked that they respected each other's abilities and dedication. As they are thrown together by Emmanuel's determination to keep Pippa safe, the sparks of attraction grow stronger, and the attraction quickly deepens to something more. I loved watching them get to know each other, from simple things like cooking together and watching television to understanding how the other's mind works. I loved the ending, especially Emmanuel's nervousness. Pippa's reaction was terrific.

The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me hooked from start to finish. It opens with Pippa's difficulties being allowed to meet with her client and the revelation to the reader that someone is working against her. There is a mention of the threats she received just before discovering that her home was broken into and vandalized. Emmanuel's arrival and assistance starts the dialogue between them about the case she is working on. Though Emmanuel is confident in his investigation, the points she makes raise some questions in his mind. As he and Pippa join forces in their quest, the person behind the attacks ramps up the efforts to stop her. Though the identity is revealed to the reader early on, it takes more work by Emmanuel and Pippa to suspect the truth. The tension increases the closer they get and the more desperate the killer becomes. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over, and Pippa was safe.

There was also some progress made in the series story arc involving a deadly drug, a pyramid scheme, and an unscrupulous loan company. More people suffer serious side effects from the drug, including a couple more deaths, amplifying the need to find those responsible. Pippa joins her siblings at Colton Investigations in setting up a sting against the loan company. There are some intense moments as the trap is sprung and later as they bargain for information. I look forward to seeing how they use what they learn in future books.

Mistletoe and Mayhem - Heather Boyd, Cheryl Bolen, Alina K. Field, Wendy Vella, Barbara Monajem, Donna Cummings, Samantha Grace, Sasha Cottman, Bree Wolf, Lana Williams, Bronwen Evans (Heather Boyd - Nov 2020)

This was a good anthology of Christmas stories, with a little heat, some occasional suspense, and plenty of love to go around.

Countess by Christmas (House of Haverstock #5) - Cheryl Bolen

Newly inherited Lord Paxton is forced to spend Christmas at his family's old hunting lodge with the woman to whom his father left the house.

Sweet story with a little heat. Mary is a widow with a young son who is ill. Her previous employer left her one of his homes when he died. Though happy to get her son Stevie out of the city, she is dismayed that she is depriving Lord Paxton's son of his favorite home. Devastated by the loss of his father, David is hurt and angry that Darnley was given to some unknown woman. Sure that some gold-digger got her hooks into his father, David is determined to fight the will. A letter from his father instructs David to spend Christmas at Darnley. David quickly falls under Mary and Stevie's spell. I liked seeing David's natural kindness and honor emerge as he spent time with them. There are also sparks of attraction that grow between them, as well as unexpected feelings. A misunderstanding creates a small bump in their relationship, but it is easily resolved. I liked the ending and the surprise they received.


Silver Bells (A Distinguished Rogues Novella) - Heather Boyd

On the run from a man determined to take her child, Ruby seeks refuge at her uncle's estate, only to go from one intolerable situation into another. Should she trust her own flesh and blood? Or rely on someone else, someone from her past, to keep her son safe?

Ruby is a widow with a young son. When her father-in-law plans to marry her to an awful man and take her son away from her, she takes Pip and flees to her uncle's estate in England. Lord Vynes is a bitter, manipulative man who only agrees to help if Ruby marries the man he chooses. Hector, an old acquaintance from her childhood, is there also, expecting to visit with his sister and her husband for Christmas. Hector is a confirmed bachelor with a rakish reputation but finds himself intrigued by Ruby and her son. I loved seeing how easy Hector bonded with Pip and the protectiveness he showed to both of them. I liked how Hector took charge of the threat against Pip. His confrontation with Lord Vynes was fantastic. I had to laugh at the unexpected twist it exposed. The epilogue was great.


Convincing the Countess - Alina K. Field

When a business-minded aristocrat encounters a fetching widow he met years earlier as the bride of a ne'er-do-well earl, temptation steers him along a track that may derail all his plans. Can he convince her to set a course for her future that includes him?

Sophie is a widow with two sons. She goes looking for her sons' guardian, who has not lived up to his responsibilities. While Fitz does everything he can to avoid her, his brother George is drawn to her and her plight. I liked Sophie, who is intelligent, lovely, and determined. She arrived with a plan, and nothing is going to stop her, even George. George remembers Sophie from years earlier and is even more impressed by her now. Aware of his brother's failings, he is determined to help her. I liked seeing them spend time together where their similarities drew them closer together. Some sparks flared between them, though Sophie has no intention of getting involved with another man. Things take a complicated turn when George discovers that Sophie has something he needs. I loved his honesty in revealing that need so that she doesn't doubt his feelings for her. Sophie's reaction was priceless, and I laughed at how she teased him.


Rescued By A Rake - Wendy Vella

Miss Ivy Redfern's life is thrown into turmoil when her brother disappears five days before Christmas. Desperate for help she turns to the devilishly charming Mr. Haddon. He agrees but it comes with a price – her heart!

When Ivy's brother Jackson goes missing, she tries everything to find him. Ivy is headstrong and determined, and a bit naïve about some of the dangers of the world. One night she approaches her brother's old school friend Rory and asks for his help. I enjoyed this part, as Ivy's recitation of what she has done horrifies Rory and brings out a protective side he didn't know he had. Rory is familiar with Ivy's nature thanks to hearing Jackson talk about her and is somewhat prepared to deal with her actions. As they work together to find Jackson, they grow closer, and sparks of attraction build. Danger comes calling as Jackson's rescue exposes unexpected evil. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved how Ivy's feelings for Rory brought out unsuspected fierceness. I enjoyed the ending and seeing how two very different people found their way to each other.


Unwise but not Dishonorable - Barbara Monajem

A spymaster's beautiful daughter crashes a Christmas house party to steal back a precious medallion, but finds that one of her father's men is already there on a secret mission. Can they work together to unmask a traitor despite the distraction of falling in love?

Dorothea is the daughter of a spymaster and determined to save her brother, who lost a family heirloom gambling, from their father's anger. Complicating her plan is her mother's intention to marry her, by fair means or foul, to any titled gentleman she can snare. Dorothea arranges for the family carriage to break down in front of the estate of the man who won the medallion in hopes of stealing it back. She is dismayed to find Cecil, one of her father's operatives, already there with his own plans.

I liked Dorothea. She is a young woman with definite ideas and beliefs and has no problem sharing them. She is frequently at odds with her mother, a horrible woman who doesn't care about Dorothea's happiness. I also liked Cecil, an honorable man who has carried a torch for Dorothea since he's known her. When he discovers that she is there for the same reason he is, they join forces. Dorothea is also attracted to Cecil, and I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions. However, Cecil is hiding a secret that could change the way she looks at him. I had to laugh at her response when he revealed it.

There is lots of skulking in corners and hiding in closets as Cecil and Dorothea work to find the medallion and unmask a traitor. There was a twist involving the medallion itself that complicated matters. There were several possible suspects, and I enjoyed seeing how each one reacted. The final confrontation was a bit of a nail-biter, and I loved the resolution.


Meet Me at the Mistletoe (The Matchmaking Earl #4) - Donna Cummings

Desmond Mayfield enlists the Matchmaking Earl to find his perfect match, hoping for a love like his parents' legendary romance. He meets an enchanting temptress, but she is only amenable to a brief affair, unwilling to risk another loveless union. Can mistletoe—and the kisses they inspire—convince her their passion will last through every season?

Lovely bit of reversed roles. Desmond is tired of the rakish life and is ready to find a lasting love like his parents'. He asks his friend Martin, aka the Matchmaking Earl, to help him find the perfect match. He meets Lorelei, an enchanting widow who believes that love does not last. She is happy to enter into a holiday affair, but not anything more.

I loved watching Desmond's campaign to show Lorelei the possibilities. Their attraction is undeniable, but it is her heart he wants to win. There are fantastic scenes of the two of them together, playing with her niece and nephew, decorating for the holidays, and just being together. Lorelei knows that she is falling for Desmond but fears risking her heart only to have him walk away. I loved the advice he received from his father and ached for him as he let her go, hoping she would return. It took some straight talk from her sister to make Lorelei see what she was doing. Her next step was well played, and the epilogue was great.


While You Were Roguish (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) - Samantha Grace

When a roguish neighbor breaks into her cousin's house seeking shelter from a winter storm, Bess decides to teach him a lesson. Instead, the wild and reckless Lord Julius reignites a fiery passion in her that almost led to her ruin years ago—and threatens to consume her now.

Fun story. Julius is drunk when a thunder snowstorm causes his horse to dump him in a creek. Soaked and freezing, Julius breaks into the nearest house, attempting to get warm. The resulting scene is hilarious as Bess deals with the charming rogue and later tries to teach him a lesson. The sparks between them are immediate and strong. Julius is unexpectedly intrigued by Bess and wants to know her better. Bess has an affinity for rogues but has been burned before and is determined to resist. Julius invites Bess and her family to his family's home for the holiday, where he proceeds to crumble the walls around her heart. Lots of Christmas spirit and fun gave them ample opportunity to get to know each other, and the sparks between them to build. There was a surprise twist at the end, but it all worked out.


Wedded to the Welsh Baron (A London Lords Novella) - Sasha Cottman

With little more than a ruined castle in Wales to his name, the last thing, Welsh baron, Rhys Morgan wants is to inherit a rundown English estate. With no money and no prospects, Wister York's greatest fear is that when Lord Carno arrives at Kington House, he will throw her out.

Good story of two lonely people who find love with each other. Rhys has one rundown castle in Wales and recently inherited an equally troubled estate in England. He is suspicious of why the estate is in such bad shape, especially when he finds that a woman is the estate manager. He suspects an improper relationship between her and the previous owner and plans to give her the boot as soon as he arrives. Wister originally came to Kington as a companion to the lady of the house but was unable to leave after her death, thanks to Lord Kington's machinations. She fears losing her place when the new owner arrives.

I liked the first meeting between Rhys and Wister. Rhys is quite awkward in social situations, especially with women. He doesn't make a good first impression on Wister, and she doesn't take his words kindly. I liked watching her stand up to him, then walk away. Fortunately, Rhys comes to his senses and mends fences with Wister. It was great to see them work together on identifying problems on the estate. I liked Rhys's growing respect for her and her abilities. There were also sparks of attraction that flew between them from the start, and those developed into stronger feelings. Thanks to Rhys's difficulties putting his thoughts into words, he creates a rather significant misunderstanding between them. I enjoyed seeing him make it right in a very unusual way. I also liked that Wister stood up for herself and her needs.


Once Upon a Kiss Gone Horribly Wrong (A Once Upon a Kiss Series Prequel) - Bree Wolf

Always has Anne looked at her childhood friend Tobias Hawke with love in her heart. Only now, she no longer sees Little Toby when those chocolate-brown eyes meet hers and she cannot help but wonder, what if he kissed her?

Fun friends to lovers story. Toby and Anne have been best friends since they were children, but lately, something has changed. Each of them looks at the other differently but are too afraid of ruining their friendship to do anything about it. Fortunately for both, they have others who are more than willing to help Toby and Anne see the truth. Toby's older brother, Phineas, is full of advice on what Toby should do and has no trouble teasing and tormenting Toby to see things his way. Toby is reluctant to push the matter, but another man has his eye on Anne, and jealousy is a mighty motivator. Anne's cousins, Leonora and Louisa, also know that Anne feels more than friendship with Toby. Louisa is especially determined to see Anne get the man that will make her happy. She gets a little carried away and sets Anne and Toby up with a mistletoe kiss that turns out to be a disaster.

I ached for both Toby and Anne after that kiss because each of them misunderstood the other's reaction. Fortunately, when they meet the next morning, Toby does a much better job demonstrating his feelings. There are still some obstacles to overcome, not the least of which is that rather persistent suitor. Louisa redeems herself with some well-timed rescues, enabling Toby and Anne to finally add being in love to the love they already felt for each other.

There were also some intriguing fireworks between Louisa and Phineas, whose antagonism appears to cover up some very different feelings.


A Rogue and Some Mistletoe (The Rogue Chronicles #5) - Lana Williams

A lady fearful of risking her heart meets a handsome rogue who tempts her to find the courage to love with the help of mistletoe and the magic of Christmas.

Fun story. Lucy is invited to spend Christmas with her cousin. After losing her parents when she was sixteen, Lucy has spent the years caring for her elderly aunt. Though looking forward to the festivities, Lucy is not looking forward to helping her cousin decide which man to marry. Emma comes across as spoiled and selfish, especially when dealing with others at the house party. Lucy, on the other hand, has an innate kindness and ability to make people feel comfortable.

One of the men vying for Emma's hand is Hugh. He needs to marry a wealthy woman to carry out his plans to breed horses, and Emma is suitable. But when he arrives at Waverly, he meets Lucy and is unexpectedly drawn to her. I loved how he saw the differences between her and Emma and knew which one appealed to his heart. There were some sweet scenes of them together as they got to know each other. Sparks flew between them, aided by some judiciously placed mistletoe. But Lucy is wary of giving her heart, afraid of the pain of loss. I ached for them both when Lucy's fears caused her to push him away. Hugh received some well-placed advice that gave him a different way of looking at Lucy's actions. At the same time, Lucy's life took a surprising direction. The ending was great as Hugh decides to fight for what he wants and gets help from an unexpected source.


The Duke's Christmas List - Bronwen Evans

Ignored all season, Lady Harriet Rondell is affronted by Charles Spencer, the Duke of Bladestow's sudden Christmas visit proffering marriage. Armed with a copy of Blade's disgustingly traditional list of requirements he is looking for in his wife, Harriet sets about convincing him she is not—and never will be—his Christmas bride.

Terrific finale to the anthology. Harriet has been in love with her brother's friend for years, and at the beginning of the Season, it looks like he may return her interest. But for the rest of their time in London, Blade completely ignores her. His Christmastime arrival at her family home and his intention of proposing marriage both hurts and angers her. Her fury knows no bounds when she stumbles on a list of his requirements for his bride.

Blade wants Harriet as his wife. He would have courted her during the Season, but a favor for the Prince of Wales prevented it. He arrived at her home ready to propose, only to discover that no one told her of his interest in her. Harriet sets him straight, letting him know in no uncertain terms that she will only marry him if he loves her. Blade had been burned in the past and had closed his heart to love. I liked the effect her words had on him and his determination to make things right.

But Fate wasn't going to make things easy for them. A disgruntled suitor has plans of his own and won't be denied. I was impressed by Harriet's presence of mind and what she did to help herself. Blade's arrival left no doubt in Harriet's mind about his feelings. His expression of those feelings was intense and clearly showed how he had changed. There was a fun resolution to the story of his list.

Suspect Under Siege - Jane Godman (HRS #2099 - Aug 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 2)
            Colton 911 (Book 8)
            Coltons (Book 117)

Enemies are surrounding her…

Can he protect her growing family?

Dr. Abigail Matthews has separated herself from her con artist dad. When his latest scheme threatens her chances to adopt her foster daughter, Abigail will do anything…even rely on a man she can't trust. Griffin Colton is a crusader for justice, but his family thinks that Abigail is harboring a dangerous secret. Despite the odds stacked against them, an attraction burns bright and they forge a strong defense. But some threats still find a way to get inside…

Fantastic mix of romance and suspense in the second book of this series. Abigail made her first appearance at the end of the first book, Family Defender. She is the daughter of the man at the head of the ReVitaYou vitamin scam, though she parted ways with him long ago. She discovered some horrifying information about the vitamin and took it to Colton Investigations. They were initially suspicious of her, suspecting that she might be involved in her father's scam. As this book opens, Abigail learns that her plans to adopt her foster daughter, Maya, are held up due to accusations against her. Terrified that she could lose her daughter, Abigail goes to Griffin Colton for help.

Griffin is the Colton brother that isn't a Colton by blood. Adopted by them after his mother's death, Griffin has never felt like he fits in with the family. It's not that they treat him any differently, it's just the way he sees himself. Remembering his own experiences, Griffin became an adoption attorney and has one of the state's best reputations. His kindness and compassion are evident from the beginning.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Abigail and Griffin develop. Griffin is wary of Abigail because of her father, and she senses his distrust. But Griffin can also see the depth of love Abigail has for Maya and steps up to help. From the start, the accusations against Abigail make little sense. First, she is accused of tampering with a study she's in charge of, then being mixed up in ReVitaYou, and finally suspected of murdering her boss. Through it all, Griffin is by her side as they try to get to the bottom of the accusations. I loved how Griffin stepped up to foster Maya when CPS wanted to take her away from Abigail. There were some fantastic scenes with Griffin and Maya that had me laughing out loud. It didn't take long for both Abigail and Maya to find a place in Griffin's heart.

There was also no denying Griffin and Abigail's attraction and how quickly it turned to love. The love between them also affected Griffin's relationship with his family, and I loved seeing those changes. They were most apparent during the hospital scene and how easily Griffin accepted their help. The only real issue that came up was Griffin's insecurity over trusting his feelings, but Abigail's love overcame those. I loved the ending and seeing how happy they are.

The suspense of the story was great. The Coltons' initial suspicion was understandable given Abigail's profession, but they also quickly realized that she was a victim, not a suspect. I liked how Griffin was immediately suspicious of the actions taken against Abigail, finding their timing suspicious. Some interesting connections turned up linking the accusations to the ReVitaYou investigation, adding to the questions they already had. The intensity ramped up when someone attacked Abigail and threatened Maya. I wasn't surprised by who it was, but the motivation had some surprising elements to it. The final confrontation was terrifying for Griffin and Abigail and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. The book finished with one sibling's plan to infiltrate the money side of ReVitaYou as a lead-in to the next book.

Claiming the Rancher's Heir - Maisey Yates (HD #2767 - Nov 2020)

Series: Gold Valley Vineyards (Book 2)

Arrogant, infuriating, insufferable…

And the sexiest man she's ever met.

Wren Maxfield hates Creed Cooper, but now she's working with the wealthy rancher over the holidays! Those strong feelings hide undeniable chemistry…and one wild night results in pregnancy. Now Creed vows to claim his heir. That means proposing a marriage in name only. But as desire takes over, is that a deal they can keep?

Good enemies to lovers story. Wren Maxfield and Creed Cooper are co-owners of competing wineries. Maxfield Wines tend toward a more posh clientele, while Creed's Cowboy Wines have a more down-home reputation. When Wren's sister proposes a joint venture between the two wineries to promote their products, Wren and Creed must work together to make it happen. The difficulty is that Wren and Creed are like oil and water. Whenever they are in the same room, the sniping and bickering are nearly constant, each insisting that they don't like the other.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wren and Creed. They both proclaim out loud that they hate each other, but the sparks that fly say otherwise. They use their antagonism to keep each other at a distance, as mentally they admit to intense attraction. When a fierce argument explodes into passion neither one can resist. Wren ends up pregnant, and Creed insists that they marry to ensure that he has a role in the baby's life. Wren is reluctant but agrees to a temporary marriage to soothe Creed's fears.

While Wren and Creed's attraction is undeniable, they quickly realize that they don't know each other. It was fun to watch them get to know each other's likes and dislikes and begin to believe they can make a go of the marriage even without the dreaded L-word. Both Wren and Creed have issues from their pasts that affect their willingness to allow their emotions to be part of their marriage. As Creed's support of Wren causes her to look at her life and her dreams, she realizes that her feelings for him have changed. I ached for her when she confessed those feelings to Creed, and he pulled away. It took some straight talk from one of his brothers to open Creed's eyes to his feelings for Wren and why he pushed her away. I liked the ending and seeing him finally let go of his guilt and believe in a happy future with Wren. The epilogue was terrific and had a nice twist at the end.

Tempted by Her Viking Enemy - Terri Brisbin (HH #1537 - Nov 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 5)

"What do I get if I help you?"

"Whatever I have to give…"

The only person who can help Katla flee a violent marriage is the Viking in her father's dungeon, the strong and honorable Brandt Sigurdsson. Except Brandt is hungry to see justice done for his family's destruction, the final vengeance on behalf of all the sons of Sigurd. Is there any persuasion she can offer that will free them both to live -- and love -- together?

This was a fantastic conclusion to the series. All five sons of Sigurd swore to avenge their father's death in a treacherous attack on their home. Each book follows the journey of one son in his search for the truth. Each of those sons finds love as well as moving closer to the truth. This is the story of Brandt, the oldest son and heir, who also lost his wife and unborn son on that terrible day. All of the clues the brothers gathered point to Thorfinn Bjornsson, the man who married their mother's sister.

Brandt shows up at Castle Wik and immediately challenges Thorfinn. Brandt is seriously injured, but his life is spared, ostensibly so he can face a trial before the king. Thorfinn charges his daughter, Katla, with nursing Brandt back to health. Katla and Brandt are wary of each other initially, despite or because of the sparks that flare between them. Katla had been married to an abusive man and was frequently beaten by her father, so Brandt makes her very nervous. Brandt is suspicious of Katla, wondering if she spied on him for her father.

I liked both Brandt and Katla. Brandt is an honorable man who was devastated by the deaths of his loved ones. He never expected to survive his confrontation with Thorfinn and isn't happy about it at first. As he slowly recovers from his injuries, he develops a great respect for Katla. Katla works hard to save Brandt and realizes that she has come to trust him. I was impressed by Katla's bravery as she visited him late at night, knowing that some would not be pleased. As the days passed, she and Brandt formed a solid friendship. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them, nor the deeper feelings that followed. Brandt never thought he'd have feelings for another woman until he met Katla, while Katla never thought she'd welcome a man's touch.

When Katla's father betroths her to a man she is terrified of, she begs Brandt to help her escape. He wants to protect her, but how can he leave without carrying out his plans to avenge his father? As he and Katla plan their escape, they also put their minds to discovering the truth behind his father's death. Some things that Brandt has learned do not make sense, leaving him with more questions. Katla has also experienced some unsettling revelations. When they combine what they know, they come to a startling conclusion. The ending was intense, as Katla provides the last piece of the puzzle that explains it all. There are some nail-biting moments as Brandt finally takes his revenge.

I loved the epilogue and how it brought the series full circle. There is an update on the brothers' quest for justice. We get to see all five brothers together again, this time with the women who changed their lives. I loved the scene around their father's grave and the depth of emotion displayed.

The Lost Prince - Frances Hodgson Burnett (Century Co. - 1915)

A tale with the glamor of medieval romance, which centers about the mystery that five hundred years before Marco's day, the young prince of the kingdom of Samavia had walked away over the mountains, singing, and had never been heard from again. And Marco, a lad of twelve, pledged to the future service of Samavia, lives an unpretentious, wandering life, trained in all worthy things by his father, until his journey as Bearer of the Sign is ended, and his appointed time has come.

This is one of my all-time favorite children's books, even though I didn't discover it until I was an adult. There is something immensely appealing about a story where even a twelve-year-old boy can significantly affect the world around him. Early on, we learn that Marco, his father, Stefan, and their servant Lazarus are Samavian nationals in exile from their beloved country. They travel from country to country, are very poor, and there is some mystery to their lifestyle. Marco and his father are very close. Marco's love for his father is evident in everything he does. Stefan's love for Marco is equally apparent, as is a different sort of protectiveness than is seen in most families. I loved the trust that Stefan showed Marco and the respectful interest he showed in the things that Marco told him.

Marco learned from a very young age how to be quiet about their lives. Though well-traveled, when living in a country, he appears to be from that country. If they return to a city after time away, they live in a new area and do not visit old neighborhoods. Marco has learned to entertain himself and knows the pleasures of free libraries and free days at museums. Once in a while, he makes a friend during their time in a city. Here, Marco has just moved to London and has gone exploring to learn about his new neighborhood and refresh his memories of the city. He stumbles on a group of boys known as "The Squad," led by a disabled boy known as The Rat.

Jem Ratcliffe is the son of a former schoolmaster who has fallen on hard times and taken to drinking. The Rat is fascinated by military and war-related things and has trained his "men" in drilling and maneuvers. His first encounter with Marco begins with him throwing a rock at Marco and ends with an unexpected friendship. Marco and The Rat bond over their love of Samavia, though The Rat only knows about it from what is in the newspapers. The Rat has an amazingly vivid and complex imagination and creates a game that involves two boys who spread the word of a Lost Prince found and a throne to take back.

Meanwhile, Stefan and Lazarus are seen to be involved in something highly secretive. As the news of Samavia becomes more dire, their fears for their homeland grow. There is also a glimmer of hope that a descendant of their Lost Prince could be found and restored to the throne. Stefan is interested in hearing about his son's new friend and is intrigued by The Game they play, even making the occasional suggestion.

When The Rat's father dies, he goes to Marco and Stefan for help. I loved the kindness and compassion that Stefan showed the boy and its effect on him. The Rat's reaction was perhaps a little excessive, but Stefan often had that effect on people. He was stunned when Stefan invited him to join their family. As things go from bad to worse in Samavia, we see an increase in Stefan's secret activities, and that Marco also plays a part. With The Rat's arrival, he, too, is included.

The tension of the book picks up when Stefan turns The Game into the real thing. Still under the guise of make-believe, he gives the boys tasks to learn and carry out, all in the spirit of pretend. Both boys sense that it has moved beyond that and are proved right when Stefan asks them to become the Bearers of the Sign. The powers-that-be believe that two boys can do things that would be suspicious in grown men. Even after reading the book many times, I am always glued to the pages as Marco and The Rat make their way across Europe, delivering their message. From the poor to the powerful, each recipient has their place. I love the descriptions of where they go and what they have to do each time. There are challenges to overcome, and no small amount of danger. The last stop is an emotional one and adds another piece to the reader's puzzle, and while The Rat suspects the truth, Marco is strangely oblivious. Quest completed, they return to London, only to find that Stefan is not there. I loved the building tension as they wait for word from him. I loved the conclusion and Marco's joy at being reunited with Stefan.

Written in 1915, it is easy to see the influences of the time on the story. Class differences are evident. Marco and Stefan are obviously of the upper class despite their impoverished circumstances. Stefan's commanding presence is made much of, as is Marco's demeanor. While The Rat isn't quite on the level they are because his father "used to be a gentleman," he is seen as a bit above his "Squad" members. Current events of the day appear to have influenced the setting, and the names have a definite Slavic influence. There are some hints of mysticism, also a big deal during that time.

Reawakened by Her Army Major - Charlotte Hawkes (HMED #1130 - Oct 2020)

Series: Reunited on the Front Lines (Book 2)

Could their one night together…

Change everything?

When playboy army major Hayden Brigham meets innocent nurse Bridget Gardiner in a nightclub, the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore! But when they must then work together in a hostile and challenging environment, it means keeping their focus on the job! Being under fire only brings them closer…but is Bridget ready to accept that their relationship could survive beyond their mission?

Good book. This is a companion to the book Second Chance with His Army Doc. The heroine from that book, Mattie, is Hayden Brigham's sister and Bridget's best friend. Hayden and Bridget meet at a party celebrating Mattie's promotion, and the sparks between them fly fast and furious. The problem is obvious immediately - little sister's best friends and best friend's brothers are off-limits. It doesn't help that Mattie has warned them both off each other, reminding them of Hayd's reputation.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Bridget and Hayd. Their explosive kiss at the nightclub knocked both for a loop. Hayd has never reacted to a woman that way, preferring to keep things superficial. Thanks to his view of his parents' marriage, Hayd decided years earlier that relationships and the military don't mix. However, he can't get Bridget out of his mind. Bridget has the same problem and can't stop reliving the effect he had on her. Their second meeting is even more explosive as the sparks between them burn out of control. Both are determined that it was a one-time thing, as they will be working together.

I enjoyed their time together in Africa. Though Hayd was the one who insisted he could keep his personal and professional lives separate, he sure spent a lot of time figuring out ways to spend time with Bridget. I liked the work scenes. Bridget is an entirely different person, calm and confident in her decisions. Her love of her work and the people she helps are apparent. I liked the effect it had on Hayd as she wormed her way past his walls and into his heart. I also liked how Hayd saw Bridget for the capable woman that she was yet saw past those qualities to the vulnerable woman that she hid. Things went quite well between them until Hayd's protectiveness ran up against Bridget's fears. I hurt for Bridget and her heartache over Hayd's inability to see past what he wanted. I wanted to shake him because he couldn't see what he was doing. I loved it when he finally saw the light and decided to fight for her. The ending was terrific.

I loved the vividness of the descriptions, from the environment to the medical procedures. I could practically feel the heat and taste the dust during the trips to various camps. The medical emergencies brought home how dire the needs were and the heartbreaking fragility of life in those conditions.

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy - Nancy Naigle (Hallmark - Nov 2020)

Series: Christmas in Evergreen (Book 3)

An unexpected encounter...
An extraordinary discovery...
Welcome back to the town of Evergreen.

Katie, an author struggling to write her second novel, heads to Evergreen, Vermont for a holiday retreat—only to get an assignment to write an article about the town. On the train, she meets Ben, a former big-city reporter who's now a librarian in Evergreen.

Katie's initially skeptical about Evergreen's love of Christmas; the place seems too good to be true. Meanwhile, Ben's wary of Katie's intentions. He's protective of his small town, and he knows all too well how cynical the media can be. Then a hunt for a fifty-year-old time capsule leads to a remarkable discovery. As Katie and Ben get caught up in the community's past and present, they both begin to envision new possibilities for the future.

I enjoyed my return to Evergreen and its sweet, small-town romance. Evergreen has gained a reputation for its Christmas spirit, making it a popular tourist destination. Looking for a chance to clear her head and maybe find some inspiration for her second book, Katie travels to Evergreen for a holiday break. After years of city life, Katie is a little skeptical about the town's reputation, believing that it is a show put on for the tourists. On the train, she meets Ben, a born and bred Evergreen resident.

Ben is a former Chicago journalist who returned to Evergreen five years earlier to take care of his injured grandmother, Nan, and never left. A little burned out on his reporting career, he turned his attention to helping Nan at the town library. Lately, he's felt the urge to return to his career, and when he meets Katie, he has just had an unsatisfactory interview for a New York City reporting job.

I liked the first meeting between Ben and Katie. She is snapping pictures right and left on the train until her phone runs out of charge. When she looks for an outlet for her charger, the train's lurch sends her falling straight into Ben. There's a fun bit of semi-flirty back-and-forth between them, as Ben counters her skepticism with his knowledge of the town. Though they part ways as they exit the train, it's a small town, so you know they'll see each other again.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ben and Katie. Katie quickly found herself enmeshed in the town's activities, frequently in Ben's company. He seems determined to show her the truth of the town's Christmas spirit, and Katie's skepticism dies a pretty quick death. There are some sweet scenes of them together, from cookie making to ice skating to snowman building. Their interest in each other grows the more time they spend together, but there are obstacles neither can forget. Katie is only there for a visit, and Ben doesn't see himself leaving any time soon. I ached for them both when it was time for her to leave Evergreen. Even Ben's visit to the city didn't turn out the way I expected, though I was sure they'd find a way back to each other. I loved the twist at the end that did just that, and it was the perfect ending for the book.

A recurring theme was the search for a fifty-year-old advent calendar that is part of the town's history. I loved the creative method of hiding the clue and the unexpected way it was revealed. The town's enthusiasm for the tasks they carried out was fun to watch and made me feel as though I were right there with them. The final task was a surprise, but it made a lot of sense and was a perfect wrap up when I thought about it.

The secondary characters are all an important part of the story. Some of them starred in the previous two books, so it was nice to catch up with them. Romance is in the air for more than just Ben and Katie. A broken snowglobe brings love to two unsuspecting people while the town's new mayor waits for her sweetheart to return from his out-of-town business. The Christmas Eve ceremony provides several surprises that warm the heart.

High Priority Asset - Juno Rushdan (HI #1964 - Nov 2020)

Series: Hard Core Justice Thriller (Book 3)

To safeguard California's Witness Protection Program, recovering leaked information is the top priority.

The safety of every person in California's Witness Protection Program rests in US marshal Dutch Haas's capable hands. So inserting himself into Isabel Vargas's life to get the drop on her criminal uncle is a no-brainer. Except his target is fiery and intelligent—and she quickly becomes his partner instead of his mark. With threats stacking up, will Isabel and Dutch be able to stop Isabel's past from catching up with her before it is too late?

Another exciting entry in the Hard Core Justice series. At the end of Witness Security Breach, we learned who has the stolen information about the people involved in the Witness Protection Program. The epilogue introduces Marshal Dutch Haas, a motorcycle-riding, tattooed bad boy who has been picked to get close to a "high-priority asset."

Isabel Vargas is an art gallery owner and the niece of Emilio Vargas. He is the cartel leader who has the leaked information and plans to sell it to the highest bidder. Isabel only knows him as her loving and overprotective uncle. Isabel's preferences in men tend to be a reaction to that attitude, leaning more toward the bad boy type than the upstanding citizen. Her one attempt at dating a suit-wearing businessman ended in disaster. Her ex, Chad, refused to accept the end of their relationship and turned into a stalker, terrorizing Isabel at every opportunity.

The story opens with a rush as Isabel is mugged as she leaves work one evening. She is rescued by Dutch, but not before she gets a couple of good hits on her attacker. She has no idea that the attack is a setup to allow Dutch to get to know her. Something about Isabel gets under Dutch's skin right away, and he loses a bit of his perspective when it comes to her safety.

I liked the development of the relationship between Dutch and Isabel. For Dutch, it started as an assignment but quickly became personal. I loved how he was protective, yet respected her independence. Isabel is wary at first because she is still dealing with the fallout from her last relationship. It doesn't take her long to see the difference between the two men. There are some sweet scenes of Dutch and Isabel together. I especially enjoyed the surfing lesson and his pride in Isabel's progress. His fear for her during the bee episode was palpable. I liked how they grew closer in the aftermath, but I also knew that it wouldn't be pretty when the truth came out. I ached for them both when it did, especially Isabel's feelings of betrayal. It takes some life-threatening situations for Isabel to realize the depth of her feelings for Dutch and some outside help for them to get their future together.

The suspense of the story was intense, with danger coming from multiple directions. The most immediate threat is Isabel's former relationship with Chad. Several instances of his viewpoint were enough to illustrate the depth of his depravity. It's here that Dutch's protectiveness gets him in hot water with his bosses. In addition to the danger that Chad poses to Isabel, there are also a couple of threats and attacks that originate elsewhere and can be laid directly at her uncle's feet. Last is the need to retrieve the information from Isabel's uncle. The intensity ramped up as Dutch and Isabel made their plans, only to have things fall apart. I loved how Isabel kept her head, did what had to be done, and saved Dutch at the same time. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and didn't end the way I thought it would, opening the door to another book. I hope it comes soon because I want to know what happens.

His Christmas Cinderella - Christy Jeffries (HSE #2797 - Nov 2020)

Series: Montana Mavericks: What Happened to Beatrix (Book 5)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 132)

An enchanted evening with a stranger leaves him wanting more…

A gift money can't buy…

Super-rich rancher Jordan Taylor has it all -- except someone to share his life with. What he really wants for Christmas is to win the heart of Camilla Sanchez, the hardworking waitress he met at a charity ball. Camilla thinks they are too different to make it work, but Jordan is determined to prove her wrong. She grants him his wish: three weeks to convince her he is worthy of her love. Perhaps this will be the holiday that changes everything…

I loved this book so much! I loved Jordan in The Cowboy's Promise when he came through with a job for Erica. I hoped to see more of him, and this book delivered in a big way. Jordan is Bronco royalty, a member of one of the town's most prestigious families. One nickname is "The Crown Prince of Bronco Heights," while another, "He Who Will Not Be Tamed," alludes to his reputation as a ladies' man. His sister calls him a serial dater, but Jordan can't see sticking with someone who isn't right for him. All of that comes to an end the night of the family's charity ball.

Camilla is a hardworking waitress with big plans for her future. She's almost finished with her MBA and ready to move ahead with opening her own restaurant. She accompanies her employer, DJ Traub, and his wife to the charity ball intending to find investors. Though confident about her plans, she feels like a fish out of water at the grand event.

I loved the first meeting between Jordan and Camilla. As in any good Cinderella story, he spots her from across the room and is immediately intrigued. Thanks to his father's poor eyesight, Jordan thinks Camilla is someone else, but they never bother to exchange names. Instead, they spend the evening dancing and talking and enjoying each other's company. The evening comes to an abrupt end when one of the attendees (Erica) goes into labor, and Jordan takes control of the situation. Things get a little awkward when Jordan says goodbye to Camilla but calls her by the name he thought was hers. Stunned, Camilla makes her escape without setting him straight.

The next morning, Jordan wants to call her to ask for a date and is confused when he discovers that she wasn't who he thought she was. I loved seeing his determination to find her and the lengths he went to to do so. Camilla was shocked when he showed up at her workplace, and more so when she found out what he wanted. Though she also felt the connection between them, she is firmly convinced that they are too different to make a relationship work. Jordan isn't a successful businessman for nothing, and he negotiates a deal to get to know her - three weeks, six dates to make her believe.

I absolutely loved the development of the relationship between Jordan and Camilla. Jordan is a genius at coming up with dates that don't meet their criteria of a date but still allows him to spend time with her. There were Sunday dinners with her family, volunteering around the community, and the occasional real "date." It's easy to see that Jordan falls fast and hard for Camilla, but his reputation works against him. Though she enjoys their time together, Camilla is sure that he'll come to his senses soon. They manage to keep their relationship under the radar, but the reactions are brutal when they are outed. I ached for both Jordan and Camilla. He is ready to take on the world for her, but Camilla has reservations and asks for space. I hurt for Jordan, who wanted to DO something to convince her they belonged together. He got advice from multiple sources, all telling him the same thing. It was a rather eye-opening experience for him, and I loved that he learned from it. Meanwhile, Camilla has to face her fear of risking her heart. Her conversation with her dad was beautiful and gave her much to think about. I loved Jordan's big moment at the end, including his comments to his father.

The secondary characters are well done, with enough relevance to the story without taking it over. Jordan's assistant, Mac, was one of my favorites. She gives excellent advice, is a big influence on kids of all ages, and provides a fun twist at the end. I also loved Camilla's family and their noisy, exuberant love for each other. I liked how they accepted Jordan so readily, though Camilla tried to keep who he was quiet. The scene at Thanksgiving dinner was priceless. My least favorite character was Jordan's father. I don't like the way he treated Camilla and his daughter, Daphne.

There were a few mentions of the search for Beatrix and the difficulties of tracking her down. The epilogue is a terrific lead-in to the final book in the series and, hopefully, some answers.