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.

Her Motherhood Wish - Tara Taylor Quinn (HSE #2758 - Apr 2020)

Series: Parent Portal (Book 3)

He was just supposed to be a sperm donor…

What if the father of her child
is the man she's searched for her whole life?

No Mr. Right? No problem! Attorney Cassie Thompson wants a family of her own -- and she doesn't need a man to get one. But after Cassie discovers that her baby's health is at risk, she reluctantly contacts the sperm donor -- only to find Woodrow Alexander is easily the kindest, most selfless man she's ever met. He's just a biological component, she keeps telling herself. He's not her child's real father or the husband of her dreams…right?

Good book with an unusual theme. Cassie was tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along. She wants a family of her own, so she goes to a sperm bank. But when an ultrasound reveals a possible health problem with the baby, she contacts the donor to ask for help.

Wood was stunned to hear that somebody had used his sperm. He only donated as a favor to his doctor brother, never expecting to be chosen. When Cassie contacts him about the baby's health risk, he suggests meeting for lunch to discuss it.

I liked the first meeting between Wood and Cassie. It's a little awkward because of the situation, but Wood quickly puts Cassie at ease. Cassie is surprised by Wood's willingness to do whatever is necessary and soon realizes that he is a kind and caring man. Wood jumps in to provide emotional support during that trying time, and it isn't long before he and Cassie form a strong friendship. What neither expected was the intense attraction that grew along with it. I found it interesting that they admitted the attraction but were determined to ignore it for the sake of their friendship.

It was intriguing to see how Cassie and Wood started out intending to have minimal contact, but as her pregnancy progressed, they spent more time together. Cassie slowly moved from the baby being all hers to wanting Wood to be involved. Once he got used to the idea of the baby, he found that he wanted to be more hands-on. There were many sweet moments as they spent time together, from regular dinners to nightly texted conversations. As time went on, each realized that their emotions were getting involved, and neither was comfortable with it. Both Cassie and Wood had personal issues that made them resistant to the possibility of a future together. Wood has some deep-seated insecurities about his lack of education, feeling that people look down on him because of it. Meanwhile, Cassie resisted falling in love because she feared the pain of the relationship ending. Advice from an unexpected source gave Wood the courage to open his heart to Cassie. As he shared his feelings and fears, the depth of emotion was amazing, as was seeing Cassie drop her walls and let him in.

Wood's relationship with Elaina was an odd one. She was his brother's widow first, but also his ex-wife. Their history was interesting and was another demonstration of Wood's caring nature. There were times when I didn't like her very much because she discouraged his involvement with Cassie, but she redeemed herself at the end.

A California Christmas - Brenda Novak (Mira - Oct 2020)

Series: Silver Springs (Book 7)

Up-and-coming TV anchor Emery Bliss can't imagine anything more humiliating than the sex tape her ex revenge-posted online. That is, until it causes her to lose her job on top of her self-esteem. Seeking solace -- and anonymity -- in Silver Springs, Emery isn't looking to get involved with another man any time soon. But when she's thrown back into contact with Dallas Turner, she sees something that his many detractors have missed. 

Being home for the holidays and his adoptive mother's wedding isn't where mountain climber Dallas feels most comfortable. Thanks to his troubled childhood, he'd rather be on a rock face alone than trying to connect with people. Emery, however, makes him want to overcome his past…somehow.

Both Emery and Dallas had been planning on a quiet, solitary Christmas, but the sparks between them are lighting a fire strong enough to last -- possibly forever.

Good book that takes place at the New Horizons ranch in Silver Springs. Aiyanna started the ranch many years before to help at-risk young men. Some of those boys she adopted, and they have grown into fine adults. Aiyanna is about to marry her long-time love, and her adoptive sons have returned to Silver Springs for the celebration. One of those men is Dallas Turner.

Dallas witnessed his father murder his mother and sister when he was a boy. After years in the foster system, he ended up at New Horizons. Even after all these years, Dallas bears a tremendous amount of guilt, feeling that he should have saved them. He prefers to spend his time on his solo mountain climbing career, where he can hide from his memories, than around people he has to talk to. The last person he expects to encounter when he comes home for his mother's wedding is his high school crush, Emery.

Emery left Silver Springs after college and moved to LA, where she became a television news anchor. Her career was going well until her secret relationship with her co-anchor ended. When she wouldn't get back with him, Ethan posted a revenge-porn video on the internet, causing an end to her career and a hit to her self-esteem. Sinking under the weight of despair and depression, Emery ends up at New Horizons, staying with her mom's friend, Aiyanna. Silver Springs is the perfect place for her to lick her wounds and decide what to do about her future. The last thing she wants is to get involved with another man.

I liked the development of the relationship between Emery and Dallas. His protective instincts are aroused when he hears what happened to Emery. I loved that he immediately believed her story and that he wanted to do something about it. It was sweet to see how Dallas made a point of helping Emery overcome her embarrassment and fear of appearing in public. Though there were sparks between them from the first, they tried to stick to being friends. Neither felt they were in a place for more than that. Emery questions her judgment when it comes to men after being so wrong about Ethan. Dallas is too haunted by his past to believe that he can give Emery the stability she needs. I loved the support Dallas gave Emery as she made decisions about her future. There were some fun scenes where that support was a bit more involved than I expected. The more time they spent together, the stronger their attraction grew until they couldn't help but give in to it. As they grew closer, I liked seeing Emery chip away at Dallas's walls and help him work through his guilt, but there are still obstacles that face them. An unexpected visitor from his past brought back his pain but also helped him confront it. I liked the effect it had on him and his hopes for a future with Emery. I liked his big moment at the end, and the epilogue was terrific.

Return to Virgin River - Robyn Carr (Mira - Oct 2020)

Series: Virgin River (Book 21)

Kaylee Sloan's home in Southern California is full of wonderful memories of the woman who raised her. But the memories are prolonging her grief over her mother's recent death. A successful author, Kaylee hoped she could pour herself into her work. Instead she has terrible writer's block and a looming deadline.

Determined to escape distractions and avoid the holiday season, Kaylee borrows a cabin in Virgin River. She knows the isolation will help her writing, and as she drives north through the mountains and the majestic redwoods, she immediately feels inspired. Until she arrives at a building that has just gone up in flames. Devastated, she heads to Jack's Bar to plan her next steps. The local watering hole is the heart of the town, and once she crosses the threshold, she's surprised to be embraced by people who are more than willing to help a friend -- or a stranger -- in need.

Kaylee's world is expanding in ways she never dreamed possible. And when she rescues a kitten followed by a dog with a litter of puppies, she finds her heart opening up to the animals who need her. And then there's the dog trainer who knows exactly how to help her. As the holidays approach, Kaylee's dread turns to wonder. Because there's no better place to spend Christmas than Virgin River.

Terrific book. It has been many years since I last read a Virgin River book, other than My Kind of Christmas. It didn't take me long to slip right back into the comfort of Jack's Bar and the warmth of the town. I loved seeing them take a lost young woman under their wings and help her heal.

Kaylee lost her mother to cancer on Christmas Day the previous year. Since then, she has been drowning in grief, unable even to lose herself in her writing. With her latest book's fast-approaching deadline, Kaylee escapes to Virgin River and the cabin where she and her mom spent some time. She's devastated when she arrives to find the house engulfed in flames. She heads to Jack's to regroup and decide what to do. Jack, who is the town's "Mr. Fixit," immediately offers her a place to stay for a few days, and various other people offer their assistance. But it's local artist Landry who rents her his guest cabin.

Landry is a little bit of a loner. He grew up in Virgin River, left for a while, and returned when city life didn't work out for him. His father's death hit him hard also, and he lost himself in his art as he coped with his grief. In addition to his art, Landry also works as a dog trainer.

I loved watching the relationship between Kaylee and Landry grow. It started slowly, with drinks or coffee on one porch or the other, as they talked about anything and everything. Landry and his dog helped Kaylee overcome her fear of dogs. The more time that they spend together, the more that the sparks between them intensify. I loved seeing how they supported each other's careers and respected the other's need for space. Though they acknowledge their feelings, some obstacles keep them apart. Landry's biggest obstacle came as quite a surprise and was a bit harder to overcome than expected. I loved how they were honest with each other about their needs and that both were willing to compromise to bring them the future they wanted.

There was more going on in Kaylee's life than her growing relationship with Landry. Her main reason for coming to Virgin River was to reclaim her writing mojo. I hurt for her and her fear that it wouldn't happen and loved her determination to keep plugging away. It was interesting to see the effect the people of Virgin River had on her thought processes and the "writing exercise" that became so much more. Kaylee also needed to deal with her grief, and besides her time with Landry, it was a conversation with Mel that put her on the right track: "You know what I learned about grief? It's always there, and it's always at the center of your life, and then one day, you realize with some surprise that you had a fairly good day, and you wonder if grief left. Or if it got smaller. It didn't - - your world got bigger." Something that helped make Kaylee's world a little bigger was her rescue of a tiny kitten, and later a mama dog with puppies. I loved the scenes with them, and with Landry's dog, Otis. As the weeks passed, her world got even bigger as she made friends with Virgin River's people, and she had more good days than bad. I loved how she used her grief to help another and the unexpected twist that help took.

I enjoyed being able to check in with previous Virgin River couples. There were plenty of scenes with Jack and Mel, the ones who started it all. I especially liked that these characters didn't get dropped in willy-nilly, but were logical parts of the plot. It all makes me want to reread the series.

Hostile Pursuit - Juno Rushdan (HI # 1921 - Apr 2020)

Series: Hard Core Justice Thriller (Book 1)

When ruthless killers target them,

even a safe house isn't safe.

Only twenty-four hours remain until marshal Nick McKenna's informant, Lori Carpenter, will testify against a powerful drug cartel. Nick has kept her safe for an entire year, but now all hell is breaking loose. With a team of cold-blooded assassins closing in, the by-the-book lawman decides to go rogue. He'll risk his life for duty…and put it all on the line for his irresistible witness.

Good book that started with a rush and remained intense until the end. Lori has been in WITSEC for a year, waiting to testify against a drug cartel. Marshal Nick McKenna and his partner Ted kept her safe the entire time. With only twenty-four hours to go, a team of killers, led by one very determined assassin, is committed to stopping her from testifying. After two attempts in as many hours, Nick and Lori go on the run.

I liked both Nick and Lori. I liked that they had a year of getting to know each other. For the entire year that she was under protection, their relationship was strictly professional. They became friends, watching movies, talking, cooking together, but resisted the obvious attraction between them. After the trial, Lori would go into Witness Protection, and they would never see each other again. It wasn't until the heightened emotions of their flight from danger that cracks appeared in their control. There are some sweet moments together, where their love is evident. There is also a bump in their road when Nick learns the full details of Lori's past. He doesn't take it well, and I was disappointed by his judgmental attitude, especially when he didn't let her explain. There was a great scene where they ended up at his family's home, and his mother adjusts Nick's attitude. The ending was terrific, and I loved the epilogue.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. It was twenty-four hours of roller-coaster action. The first attack was filled with danger from many different directions, some of them unexpected. The attack at the safe house roused Nick's suspicions, which were reinforced by their next bout of trouble and the assassin who stayed hot on their heels. Nick decided to "go dark," cutting off all communication with his boss for fear of being compromised again. I loved Nick's call for his brother's help and the plans made for the next day. Lori's arrival at the marshals building the next day was full of unexpected twists and revelations. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

An unusual aspect of this book was the woman assassin, Belladonna. She was intense and unrelenting in her pursuit of Lori. I liked the book's parts that were told from her perspective, and I slowly developed a bit of sympathy for her. The final scene with her was intense and had an unexpected outcome.

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."

Cavanaugh in Plain Sight - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2105 - Sept 2020)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 42)

One of her stories may get her killed…

But a detective's on the case

Journalist Krys Kowalski doesn't shy away from uncovering scandal…even if it means putting her life in danger. When her latest investigation endangers her life, Krys enlists Detective Morgan Cavanaugh as a 24/7 bodyguard. But she won't give up, even as the attraction between her and Morgan simmers…even if the job costs her her life!

Good book. In the previous book, Cavanaugh Stakeout, we met Nik Kowalski, an insurance investigator whose search for a missing person landed her in the middle of a serial killer case. She met and married Finn Cavanaugh and is now away on her honeymoon. Her twin sister, Krys, was unable to make the wedding, leaving most of the Cavanaugh clan unaware that Nik has an identical twin.

Krys is an investigative journalist with a reputation for tenacity.  As the story opens, someone has just taken a shot at her. She immediately heads for the police department and asks for Morgan. The meeting doesn't start well. Morgan doesn't believe Krys is who she says she is until she provides proof. Then he is skeptical of her claim of being shot at, again requiring evidence. I didn't blame Krys at all for being irritated with him. He becomes fully convinced when Krys is almost the victim of a hit-and-run attack.

I loved seeing the relationship between Morgan and Krys build. There are sparks between them from the start, though the bickering between them somewhat hides them. Krys is stubbornly independent and doesn't react well to Morgan's restrictions on her activities. Morgan can be charming when he wants to be, but he is also very protective. It was fun to watch the push and pull between them as they work out how to keep Krys safe while still letting her do her job.

Meanwhile, the attraction between Morgan and Krys grows until they can no longer resist it. I loved seeing them both embrace it rather than fight it once it happened. They still have some run-ins over Morgan's protectiveness, which creates a big problem near the end of the book. Now all they had to do was let go of their fears of rejection and admit how they felt. I did get a little bit of a chuckle out of her hint to him.

The suspense of the story was intense at the beginning, with the two attacks on Krys. After that, it seemed to be more mental as she and Morgan tackled her interviews and tried to figure out which of the people she's angered wants to kill her. Some unexpected twists create more questions than answers. However, I began to suspect the truth shortly before the final confrontation. I did want to shake Krys for her boneheaded move and thought she was fortunate that she wasn't as alone as she thought she was.

One of the things that was very fun about this book was the confusion Krys created with her presence. I laughed out loud at the way everyone mistook her for Nik. I loved how she was immediately considered part of the family, something that she found somewhat overwhelming. Both she and Morgan took a little while to appreciate each other's family experiences. I enjoyed how Morgan enlisted Uncle Andrew in making her feel welcome. The epilogue was terrific as Krys finally feels she has come home.

Cavanaugh Stakeout - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2065 - Nov 2019)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 41)

They watch the streets, scouring faces…

…To catch a killer in the shadows

When a civilian disappears, Detective Finn Cavanaugh catches the case. His partner-in-catching-crime? Brainy and beautiful insurance investigator Nik Kowalski, whose method of pursuing people clashes with Finn's own -- and whose charms prove all too alluring. As their missing-person case heats up, Nik and Finn race to find the killer haunting their waking nightmares.

Good entry in the Cavanaugh series. Finn is a grand-nephew of Seamus Cavanaugh, on the Murdoch Cavanaugh side of the family. Like most of the Cavanaughs, Finn is a member of the Aurora PD. When Seamus is injured during a carjacking, Finn is the detective assigned to the case. There isn't much to go on, just a partial fingerprint, but Finn is determined to catch the culprit.

Nik is an insurance investigator who took a leave of absence to search for a friend's missing daughter. She doesn't make much progress until the missing girl's fingerprint shows up in a carjacking case. Now she is determined to join forces with Finn, whether he likes it or not.

Finn is a tough, no-nonsense cop with a laser-like focus. He always gives his cases 100% of his attention, but this case is personal for him. He makes it clear to Nik that he is not interested in her help - until he discovers he needs it after all. He isn't happy about it, and it shows. Their methods are very different. Finn is direct and not very tactful in his questioning. Nik is more of a people person, and her softer methods turn out to be very successful.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship between Finn and Nik develop while they worked together. Finn initially seems impervious to Nik's lighter personality, but eventually, she gets under his skin. It was fun to see her ignore his attitude and keep chipping away at his aloofness. When the robbery/missing person case turns into a hunt for a serial killer, their teamwork becomes crucial to solving the case. I loved the interactions between them, as sparks of attraction flew, and they finally quit fighting it. As they grew closer, there was also a need to support each other. I loved seeing Nik be there for Finn when he had to deliver bad news, and when Finn did the same for her at the end. I ached for Nik when she believed their relationship was over and loved Finn's unique declaration of his feelings.

The suspense of the story was terrific. It started intensely with Seamus as the victim that got the ball rolling, and maintained the intensity throughout the investigation. The discovery of blood in the trunk of Seamus's car showed that there was more to the crime than a mere carjacking. I could feel Finn and Nik's frustration as the bodies piled up, and clues were hard to find. Nik's different perspective provided some useful leads, and Finn quickly began to appreciate her presence. One crucial connection provided the information needed to catch the killer. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation, anxious to see how it would go. I was happy to see that I was correct in my suspicions and loved how it went down.

As always with a Cavanaugh book, I loved the importance of family. The outpouring of support at the hospital was heartwarming, and also funny as the new ER head nurse had her first experience with them ("Oh, lord, they warned me about this."). I ached for Seamus as what happened to him affected his confidence in himself, leaving his family members struggling to help him. I loved how it was an outsider that found the key. There are so many family members now that they can't all make cameos in the story, but there are still some. Valri's computer skills play a big part, and as CSI, Sean makes multiple appearances. As always, one of Andrew's parties is a key in bringing a new person into the fold, and Nik was no exception.

Date of a Lifetime - Lynne Marshall (HSE #2759 - Apr 2020)

Series: Taylor Triplets (Book 2)

They're wrong for each other, but the chemistry is undeniable.

It's not personal

It's business. Sort of…

But it's just one date -- a wish fulfillment -- for philanthropist and single mom Eva DeLongpre's charity and a PR opportunity for Mayor Joe Aguirre's reelection. Giving in to their mutual attraction was just a spontaneous, delicious one-off. But as the election turns ugly, Joe is forced to declare his intentions for Eva. When the votes are counted, she's hoping love wins in a landslide.

Good book. This is the story of Joe, a small-town mayor, and Eva, a single mother and the recently discovered twin sister of Lacey (Cooking Up Romance). Eva runs a charity called Dreams Come True that grants wishes to older people. She received a request from an 84-year-old woman in the early stages of dementia. Savannah wants a date with local mayor Joe, who she compares to Jack Kennedy. Joe is a little hesitant as he is very busy with his duties and his own law practice, plus running for re-election. However, his campaign manager insists it would be a good idea, so he says yes.

I loved Joe. He is an all-around nice guy. A first-generation American, he was raised by hard-working immigrant parents who passed their work ethic on to him. He is in a tough race to keep his job, against an opponent who wants to open the town to chain businesses. I loved seeing his campaign appearances, as he ran a clean, issue-driven race against an opponent who wasn't anywhere near as honorable.

The date with Joe and Savannah was adorable. Eva was there as a sort of chaperone to look after Savannah, so she tried to stay in the background. It was sweet to see the genuine attention that Joe gave Savannah and the effect it had on her. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and Savannah made regular appearances throughout the book.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Joe and Eva. Both of them had past issues that caused them to pre-judge each other. Joe was burned by a woman he loved, one with money and who ultimately decided that he wasn't good enough for her. It left him distrustful of women with money. Eva was betrayed by a boyfriend who turned out to be using her to score points with his friends. As a result, Eva is distrustful of all men. Despite all of that, the sparks between Joe and Eva flared fast and hot, surprising both of them. Neither of them was interested in a relationship, but they couldn't deny the pull between them. I loved seeing Joe's determination to get to know Eva better. However, trying to date during a re-election creates unforeseen problems. Adorable and heartwarming moments between Eva, her son Noah, and Joe, are willfully misinterpreted by his opponent. I was impressed by how well Joe handled it all. I liked watching the feelings between Eva and Joe grow stronger, and how they slipped into feeling like a family. There were some stressful moments at the end as Joe's attempt at romantic fell a little flat. The trust issues from their pasts flared up causing some heartache for both. I liked the insight into Eva's battle with those issues and loved how it turned out. The election night scene was fantastic, but one of my favorite parts was the last chapter. I shook my head a little at Lacy and Eva's actions, but Zack and Joe got through it with flying colors.

A subplot in the book was Eva and Lacy's curiosity about their birth mother. They waffle a bit back and forth over whether to pursue a search for her. I loved Joe's support and willingness to help. It looks like the two women have quite a surprise waiting for them in the next book.

Temporary Dad - Lynne Marshall (Independently Published - June 2020)

Series: Mercy, Inc. (Book 3)

Hunter Phillips has to look after his baby niece for a month and is completely out of his depth! As if that weren't enough, he also finds himself working with his ex-fiancée, Amanda - the woman who left him when he told her he never wanted children.

Amanda Dunlap is on a mission to help people stay well. She's created curriculum for The Mending Hearts Club and is ready to test out her program on the first twenty candidates. When her mentor must back out last minute, she depends on Mercy, Inc. Admin to send a substitute. Only because she is out to prove herself to hospital administration, her parents, and the world, does she accept the man who broke her heart as the replacement.

Hunter is still fiercely attracted to Amanda, and she's amazing with baby Sophie. As they pretend to play at happy family, Hunter begins to realize that winning Amanda Back and having a family for real is what he wants most of all. All he has to do is convince Amanda.

Good second chance story. Three years earlier, Hunter and Mandy were engaged. Both were career-oriented and didn't plan to have children. But when Mandy thought she was pregnant, she realized that she did want children after all. When the two could not agree, they parted ways, both broken-hearted.

Now Mandy is a nurse practitioner on a mission. She created a wellness curriculum for heart patients and is ready to start the program. Unfortunately, she loses her mentor and has to depend on the hospital to provide a substitute. She is surprised when Hunter walked into the classroom and shocked to see him with a baby.

I liked both Hunter and Mandy. Each of them had issues that contributed to their problems. Hunter's background of growing up with parents who were emotionally distant made him unwilling to have children of his own. He is sure that he would be unable to give them what they need, so he will avoid the issue entirely. But when his sister, Jade, has to spend an extended time in the hospital, he steps up to care for his niece, Sophie. Mandy's parents were just the opposite. Because of her childhood health issues, they were overprotective and smothering. They also showed no confidence that she could achieve her dreams. As a result, Mandy pushes herself extra hard to prove that she can do it.

I liked the development of the relationship between Hunter and Mandy. At first, they were very uncomfortable around each other because of their history. Each felt that the other betrayed their love. Now that they are thrown together every day, both of them find that some of their old feelings begin to stir again. When Mandy invites Hunter and Sophie to stay with her during the six weeks of the program, both of them vow to protect their hearts. Neither one counted on the effect of sharing the care of little Sophie. Even though Hunter is certain he'd be a terrible father, it is evident to Mandy that he has all the right instincts. The problem is getting him to see it. There were some adorable scenes of Hunter and Sophie together, and I loved watching the three of them become a family of sorts.

Some trust issues exist between Hunter and Mandy. It takes a long time for her to get Hunter to open up about his life with his parents. She understands him a little better once he does. Mandy has some trust problems herself. She suffers from a heart ailment that she hasn't told Hunter about. She feels guilty about it but doesn't want him to start treating her as fragile, the way her parents do. Just as she makes up her mind to tell him, the decision is taken out of her hands. Hunter is left feeling betrayed by her lack of trust in him, and Mandy is heartbroken when he leaves her again. Both of them had to look hard at what they want from their lives before they can think of a future together. I loved the ending and seeing them both realize that with love, anything is possible.

This was an advance copy and had one problem that I hope was fixed before the book went to print. The author couldn't seem to decide if Hunter and Mandy had only been engaged or if they were divorced.  In one place, Hunter refers to himself as her parents' "almost son-in-law," but on the next page identifies himself as Mandy's ex-husband. This happened multiple times during the book and threw me out of the story each time.

Cooking Up Romance - Lynne Marshall (HSE #2740 - Jan 2020)

Series: Taylor Triplets (Book 1)

Food isn't the only way to this single dad's heart…

Lacy was a redhead with a pink food truck who prepared mouthwatering meals. Hunky construction manager Zack Gardner agreed to let her feed his hungry crew in exchange for cooking lessons for his young daughter. But it looked like the lovely businesswoman was transforming the single dad's life in more ways than one -- since a family secret was going to change both of their lives in ways they never expected.

Good book. After her father's death, Lacy took his food truck and, after a new paint job and a change in name, set out on a new career. Her first goal was to get a contract to set up at a new construction site. She is dismayed to find out that the man her father had worked for has passed away, so she must convince his partner to take her on. Lacy surprised to discover that Zack was once the teenager she had a crush on when she accompanied her dad on his jobs when she was a kid. He's gotten better looking in the years since, which creates quite a distraction for Lacy.

Zach is a divorced single dad with sole custody of his ten-year-old daughter. His life is busy with running his business and taking care of Emma. The last thing he wants is an inconvenient attraction to the food truck lady, but he can't deny his fascination with her.

I liked the development of the relationship between Zack and Lacy. Her business gets off to a bit of a rough start when Zack isn't exactly enthusiastic about her proposal. However, the quality of the food gets him onboard pretty quickly. He also can't deny his attraction to her and asks Lacy to teach Emma to cook as a way of getting to know her. This is the first time in a long time that he has been interested in a woman, thanks to the actions of his ex-wife damaging his ability to trust. Lacy lost her fiancé during the war and hasn't been interested in risking her heart since then. As they spend time together during Emma's cooking lessons, the attraction between them grows, as does their friendship.

I loved seeing how their feelings for each other deepened, though neither was in a hurry to admit it. Zack realized it first, as his mind and heart kept picturing Lacy as a permanent part of his life. Lacy's rapport with Emma was a big part of her appeal, and there are plenty of sweet scenes involving the little girl. However, just as things look promising for a future together, an unexpected discovery causes Lacy to pull back. I ached for Lacy and the fear of loss that made her push Zack away. I hurt for Zack, who didn't understand what was going on, which brought back some unhappy memories. I liked that he didn't allow his fears to hold him back for long, and cheered when he went to confront Lacy.

Lacy was dealing with a lot of confusion and heartache. Some puzzling instances of mistaken identity made her question who she was and her relationship with her parents. I ached for Lacy as she tried to face those feelings at the same time that her heart pushed her toward Zack. There were times I wanted to shake her for not confiding in Zack and letting him give her the support she needed. I liked when she finally realized she was allowing her fears create the loss she was so afraid of and fought to overcome them. I loved the ending and seeing the two of them put their pasts behind them and move toward a future together.

The shock that Lacy received when she went through her parents' papers threw her life into turmoil. It went a long way toward answering some of the things she felt as a child, but she wasn't sure of the effect it would have on her life now. She was torn about what she should do with the information. I liked how Zack tried to help and his shock at what he found. The scene where the two women met was terrific, and I can't wait to see what is in store for them.

 

The Flapper's Fake Fiancé - Lauri Robinson (HH #1498 - Apr 2020)

Series: Sisters of the Roaring Twenties (Book 1)

An inconvenient attraction…

To her convenient fiancé!

Patsy Dryer may be a biddable heiress by day, but nothing will stop her from dancing all night in Hollywood's speakeasies -- or fulfilling her dream of becoming a reporter. She's investigating the mystery of an escaped convict with brooding, handsome newspaper editor Lane Cox…until they must pretend to be engaged! With their scoop linked to Lane's tragic past, dare Patsy hope for a happy ending for their own story, too?

Fun story set in the rarely used Roaring Twenties. Patsy and her two sisters, Betty and Jane, are the daughters of William Dryer, a wealthy builder. He is determined to find wealthy men to marry them. Tired of being sequestered in the name of "protection," the girls frequently sneak out at night to visit a local speakeasy, The Rooster's Nest. Patsy also has another motive. She dreams of becoming a reporter and will do anything to make that dream come true. Investigating the escape of a dangerous convict should give her the scoop she needs to get her foot in the door of the local paper. Marriage is not in her plan.

Lane Cox owns the LA Gazette. After his wife and daughter were killed during a train robbery, he made the newspaper his life. When the man responsible for the death of his family escapes from prison, Lane uses his skills as an investigative reporter to search for him.

I liked both Patsy and Lane. Patsy is the youngest of the three girls and seems to have the most ambitious goal for herself. Despite having every story she has submitted to the paper rejected, she refuses to give up. I loved her ability to transform herself from the obedient daughter her father demanded to the intrepid reporter masquerading as a vivacious flapper. She has an amazing eye and memory for detail and a talent for getting people to talk to her. Lane is a man who has made the newspaper his life. He has turned his paper into a respected source of news by refusing to print anything that can't be confirmed. He still grieves for his wife and daughter and doesn't see that ever changing.

I loved the first meeting between Patsy and Lane. She has just gotten a lead on the escaped convict when she recognizes Lane. Determined to find out what he knows, she shanghais him into participating in a dance contest with her. Lane is suspicious when she mentions Gaynor's name, thinking that she might be one of his relatives. It was fun watching them spar at the same time they danced. I especially enjoyed seeing the effect that Patsy had on him, stirring up emotions that had been locked away for seven years. He wasn't happy when she disappeared before he finished talking to her. Patsy was equally affected by Lane. Neither was able to stop thinking about the other all the next day. By the time they'd met for a second time, Lane was thoroughly entranced and intrigued, and impressed by the potential he sensed in her.

It didn't take too long for them to decide to cooperate in their investigations. Their investigative techniques complemented each other. The drawback was that Patsy still had to hide the truth of who she was, which limited the time they could spend together. Lane didn't understand the fear that he saw in her eyes when circumstances revealed her secret. I loved the protectiveness he felt toward her and his use of her father's insistence on an engagement when he found out about them. The tension increased as Lane and Patsy drew closer to finding the truth about the train robbery. I had to laugh a little bit at Lane, whose protective instincts were aroused because Patsy wasn't at all cooperative with his attempts to keep her safe.

At the same time, sparks of another sort continued to grow between them. Both Lane and Patsy fought their feelings, trying to hold on to their reluctance to marry. Patsy was the first to realize the strength of her feelings but hid them because she knew of Lane's refusal to consider marrying again. Lane was a harder nut to crack. I loved watching the changes in him as Patsy filled the empty spot left by his family's deaths. By the time he admitted his feelings to himself, he also knew he would have to convince Patsy that his feelings for her were real. He almost didn't get that chance when their investigation took a dangerous turn. I was on the edge of my seat when Patsy ended up in the hands of the bad guy, wondering how she was going to get out of it. The resolution was exciting and satisfying in how it went down. I loved Lane's big moment when it was all over, as he found the right words to convince Patsy of his love.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the book was the way it pulled me into life in the Roaring Twenties. The descriptions of the clothing, locations, and attitudes were so vivid that I felt as though I was there. That feeling was enhanced by the liberal use of the slang of the period. I also enjoyed the tie-in of the bootleggers to the author's Daughters of the Roaring Twenties series. Now I can't wait to read Betty and Jane's stories.