For This Christmas Only - Caro Carson (HSE #2806 - Dec 2020)

Series: Masterson Texas (Book 3)

His book inspired her to return to school

But he no longer believes his own advice

After nearly dying in a plane crash, financial guru Eli Taylor wants to find meaning in his life. A chance encounter at a small town's Yule log lighting leads to an evening spent as the fake boyfriend of his superfan Mallory Ames. When she finds herself homeless for the holidays, he invites her to stay with him as his fake girlfriend so he can show his siblings what a loving partnership should look like. The arrangement will end when the new year begins...or will it?

Terrific book. Eli nearly died in a plane crash and hasn't been the same since. He no longer has the same passion for his work, he's haunted by nightmares of the crash, and realizes that he's pushed his family away for so long that he doesn't know them anymore. Eli recently accepted a semester-long teaching job at his alma mater, but even that doesn't break through his gloom. In an attempt to face one of his fears, he attends the town Yule log lighting and ends up facing much more.

Mallory is a senior at the college, finally finishing her degree after several years away. She spent those years as an unpaid caretaker to various elderly relatives before the gift of a self-help book helped her break free. Mallory practically worshiped the author of the book and applied its business advice to her personal life. I liked the book's quote at the beginning of each chapter and how that quote applied to the chapter. Darn close to destitute, she attends the Yule ceremony for the free entertainment. Unfortunately, she encounters three frat boys who make nuisances of themselves, driving her to approach a stranger for assistance.

Eli did not make a good impression during these initial moments. Mallory is a woman who needs help, and all he can think about is himself. He's wealthy and well-known and is therefore sure that she is coming on to him. I loved Mallory's reaction and his shock at it. He remained suspicious but did eventually play along with her plan. I enjoyed seeing the connection between Eli and Mallory, as he relaxed a little, able to be the man he wants to be. It was interesting to see Mallory tell him about her "friend" and his advice. I couldn't believe that Eli didn't recognize it as being from his book. There were some tense moments over a discussion of heroes, and I ached a little for Mallory as she looked at hers from a different angle.

As the evening went on, sparks of attraction began to build. Mallory is all for seeing where it goes, but Eli holds back. She stirs up feelings in him that he hasn't experienced in a long time, and he worries about losing control. When he finds out who her "friend" is, he feels guilty about concealing who he is. I liked that he had enough honor to want to come clean and understood why he wanted to put it off for as long as he could. I ached for Mallory and her feelings of betrayal when she found out the truth. I also hurt for Eli because Mallory had begun to break through walls that had surrounded him for so long.

I was so caught up in what was happening between Eli and Mallory that I didn't notice that one day/evening took up more than half the book. The intensity of their conversations made the story fly by. The pain of their parting was vividly portrayed, as was the hit to Mallory's pride. That pride was what kept her going when she had to see him on campus. When her financial problems made her homeless over the holidays, I loved how Eli stepped up to help.

Mallory's time at Eli's house added another level to their connection. Her support of him when he told her about the accident and what he's been through was heartwarming. That support became critical when Eli received an unexpected visit from his siblings. I loved seeing Mallory help him reconnect with them. There were still a couple of rough spots, but she helped him see what went wrong and how to fix it. The scenes between Eli and his brother and sister were emotional and satisfying. I also enjoyed seeing Mallory take Eli's book's advice less literally and see that her past is part of who she is now. I loved the ending and seeing the changes in Eli. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic.

A Sheriff's Star - Makenna Lee (HSE #2801 - Nov 2020)

Series: Home to Oak Hollow (Book 1)

It was only supposed to be a temporary home…

He interrupts her plans…

When police chief Anson Curry returns a lost little girl to her frantic mother, his only goal is to ease the single mom's anxiety. But it doesn't take long for Tess Harper's amazing child to have Anson wrapped around her little finger -- and for Tess to have him thinking about a possible relationship. As for Tess, she's tempted -- even though she had planned to be in Oak Hollow, Texas, only temporarily. But after losing her father and brother in the line of duty, Tess thinks Anson's job poses too much of a risk to her heart. And Anson has no plans to get involved with someone who's planning on leaving.

Fantastic book about two people who are wary of risking their hearts again brought together by a little girl with a heart full of love to share. Tess is the single mother to Hannah, a four-year-old girl with Down Syndrome. She came to Oak Grove to work on a museum job until it is time for Hannah to have surgery.

I loved Tess. Her life has not been an easy one. Her police officer father died in the line of duty, as did her Navy brother. Shortly afterward, her mother died of cancer and a broken heart, leaving Tess alone in the world. Then the man that she loved and married left her when they found out that the baby she carried has Down Syndrome. For four years, Tess has raised Hannah on her own, dealing with all of the ups and downs of having a child with special needs. Tess is a fierce momma bear when it comes to taking care of Hannah, as is shown throughout the book.

Tess's arrival in Oak Hollow gets off to a rough start. While shopping, Tess loses sight of Hannah, who loves to play hide-and-seek in the clothes racks. Frantic, Tess is relieved when Chief Anson Curry discovers Hannah and somewhat dismayed to find out that the handsome police chief is also her new landlord and neighbor. She has no room in her life for men or relationships.

I loved the development of the relationship between Tess and Anson. He is just as wary and guarded as Tess is. His ex-wife betrayed his trust, and he has been cautious ever since. It doesn't take long for little Hannah to steal his heart. Tess is reluctant to trust him, but she can't deny how happy his attentions make Hannah. Anson quickly becomes a regular part of their lives. I loved the sweet relationship between Hannah and "my chief" and the many heartwarming scenes of the two of them together. As Tess and Anson spend more time together, the attraction they felt at their first meeting continues to grow. So do deeper feelings and a sense of family. But Tess fears risking her heart to another devastating loss. When an incident involving Anson brings those fears back to the surface, she panics and runs. I loved that Anson didn't give up on her. The hospital scenes were emotional, especially as Tess took a good look at her fears and made some crucial decisions. Anson's Christmas Eve moment was sweet and romantic and perfect.

I loved the small-town setting and look forward to more stories set there. Anson's grandmother, Nan, was one of my favorite characters. She, too, had suffered a significant loss and was a remarkable example and mentor for Tess. I loved seeing how Hannah helped pull Nan out of her funk and give her a reason to rejoin life. Nan turns out to be quite a character, and I had to laugh at some of the things she said to both Tess and Anson. I liked the friendliness and support shown by most people and the realism that not everyone fits that mold. The scene on the playground was heartbreaking, but there was also more to that story.

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

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 3)

A past tragedy destroyed their love.

A vulnerable newborn brings them back together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Series: Masterson Texas (Book 2)

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

Out of the friend zone

And into the fire!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 4)

Can he help her recover her memory

Before they are both killed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diamonds for My Love - Glenna Finley (Signet - Apr 1986)

TEXAS LOVE

When beautiful, independent Trish Benham arrived for two weeks of sun and relaxation at her brother's new home in Dallas, she found he was out of town on business. And holding the keys to the bunkhouse was his arrogant ex-boss Curt Driscoll. Trish begins to suspect that her handsome roommate is in town for more than strictly business when a mysterious fire nearly burns down the house on their very first night together.

Bidding goodbye to her vacation plans, Trish follows Curt on a perilous trail that ultimately brings them face to face with a corporate rustler who will stop at nothing to get the company's computer secrets. But even as they head toward danger, Trish has a feeling that this trail just might end in love....

Good book, though definitely dated. Trish is headed to Dallas to visit her brother and deliver his dog, an Airedale named Grover, only to find out Richard has been called away on a business trip. Instead, she finds Richard's former boss would be there too. Not only is Curt staying there on his business trip, he expects Trish to play chauffeur and chief cook and bottle washer.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Curt and Trish, though it got off to a rough start. Curt seemed to take it for granted that Trish would agree to his demands, and ignored her objections. Meanwhile, Trish made her displeasure known, though she did what he wanted anyway. Underneath all of the back and forth over the details, there was a flare of attraction between them. I liked watching them get to know each other. Their interactions were amusing, with Trish pushing back at some of Curt's high-handedness and Curt mostly amused by it. I enjoyed the thunderstorm scene, and Curt's understanding of her (and Grover's) fears. There was a bit of a rough patch near the end caused by something Trish saw, but it was cleared up along with the mystery. I liked the ending and Curt's confession to Trish.

The reason Curt is in Dallas is that there are some problems in one division of the business. Computerized reports have made their way to the competition, and it's Curt's job to investigate. Trouble rears its head immediately when a suspicious fire is set at Richard's house on the first night they are there. Curt appears intent on keeping Trish separate from the problems, but she ends up caught up anyway. I was intrigued by the unfolding events and the number of possible suspects. There were the two Stewart sisters and their stepfather, who lived next door. Samantha worked for the company, which put her in a prime position, but her sister Nona also seemed to have the run of the place. From some of Curt's comments, their stepfather is no angel either. Then there is the arrival of Curt's cousin, Peter, who pops up at unexpected moments. Why is he there, and does he have an ulterior motive for his attentions to Trish? I began to have my suspicions of who it was, and was proved right in the end. The final confrontation was pretty mild by modern standards, though I loved the unlikely hero of the day.

 

The Banty House - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - May 2020)

In the fading town of Rooster, Texas, all that's really left is a service station, a church…and the Banty House, a long-ago Depression-era brothel. For more than seventy-five years, Betsy, Connie, and Kate Carson have called their mama's house a home. The three eccentric sisters get by just fine with their homemade jams and jellies, a little moonshine on the side, and big hearts always open to strangers. Like Ginger Andrews.

An abandoned teen with a baby on the way and nowhere to go, she's given a room to call her own for as long as she wants. The kind invitation is made all the sweeter when Ginger meets the sisters' young handyman, Sloan Baker. But with a past as broken as Ginger's, he's vowed never to get close to anyone again. As a season of change unfolds, Ginger and Sloan might discover a warm haven to heal in the Banty House, a place to finally belong, where hope and dreams never fade.

Very good book about love, family, healing, and acceptance. Three eccentric sisters live in the tiny (population 95) town of Rooster, Texas. They've never married and still live in the house they grew up in. Betsy, Connie, and Kate live their lives according to their mama's rules, the first of which was "Never turn away a stranger."

Nineteen-year-old Ginger arrived in Rooster with no money left and nowhere to go. She's eight months pregnant and trying to escape the bad memories she left behind in Kentucky. A chance encounter with Connie gives her a roof over her head and a chance to get back on her feet.

Sloan is the sisters' handyman. Twenty-four years old, Sloan returned home from the army, discharged with PTSD, and wracked with guilt over the death of his team. He's protective of the sisters, but they are the only ones he's allowed himself to get close to.

I loved the three sisters. They are feisty, independent, loving, and loyal. Each of them has a fascinating past that has made them who they are today. I certainly did not expect to find that Kate makes her own moonshine, bartering it for goods and services the sisters wanted. Betsy does the cooking for the family and grows a little weed on the side, also trading it with friends and neighbors. Connie is in charge of the house, a cleaning whirlwind. They bicker like sisters do, but their support of each other is as solid as the foundation of their home. I laughed out loud as they told Ginger of the house's history as a brothel and their interactions with some of the more judgmental townspeople. The scene with Edith when she disrespected the sisters' mother was a riot. Something about Ginger spoke to their hearts, and it wasn't long before they made her part of the family. It was also fun to see their machinations as they pushed Ginger and Sloan together whenever they could.

Ginger made my heart ache for her. Raised from birth in the foster care system, she had little experience with what family really meant. Her search for love and belonging ended up with her being pregnant and alone. She didn't know quite what to make of the Carson sisters and their open-hearted acceptance of her. She didn't intend to stay in Rooster, but the longer she waited, the harder it became to think about leaving. She was afraid to believe it would last, but couldn't deny the hope that grew daily as she worked with the sisters.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ginger and Sloan. It got off to a bit of a rocky start, as Sloan was suspicious of Ginger. He feared that she was running some sort of scam that would hurt the sisters. Ginger sensed his distrust and tried not to let it bother her. With the sisters' help, it didn't take long for the distrust to evaporate. I liked seeing the friendship between them develop first. Ginger's resilience and ability to overcome her painful past impressed Sloan. He quickly found himself feeling as protective of her as he was of the sisters. He also discovered that she was easy to talk to and shared the events that haunt him with her. Ginger's past made it easy for her to connect with Sloan. I loved seeing her help him face his past. In doing so, he learned some things that completely changed his outlook. Ginger had no experience with a man as good as Sloan, and it took some time for her to believe that he meant the things he said. The love between them grew slowly, and it took a while for them to recognize their feelings, even though others saw it clearly. I loved how they came together at the end. The epilogue was fantastic.

 

Colton's Deadly Disguise - Geri Krotow (HRS #2083 - Apr 2020)

Series: Coltons of Mustang Valley (Book 7)
            Coltons (Book 108)

For an undercover duo,

investigating a beauty pageant turns ugly.

When Bella Colton undergoes a makeover to enter a beauty pageant, she’s on a mission. She’s determined to find out why her best friend died. Enter undercover FBI agent Holden St. Clair. Holden’s hot on the heels of a serial killer, who has Bella in his crosshairs. As the chemistry between Bella and Holden sparks, can they capture the murderer in their midst?

Very good book that sucked me in early and didn't let go until the very end. Bella is a reporter for the local paper, as well as doing free-lance articles for other publications. She is currently investigating a story that is very personal to her. Her best friend recently died from an eating disorder, and Bella believes that the beauty pageant industry contributed to it. She plans to go undercover as a contestant for Ms. Mustang Valley in her search for the truth. On the first day of pageant auditions, she meets Holden St. Clair, the security guard hired to protect the contestants.

What Bella doesn't know is that Holden is more than a security guard. He is an FBI agent on the trail of a serial killer who has struck two other pageants. His gut tells him that the Ms. Mustang Valley pageant is the next target. Meeting Bella Colton is a distraction he doesn't want or need.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Bella and Holden. There were sparks from the moment they met, though both were determined to ignore them. Each had their goals, and neither wanted the distraction. But when Bella is attacked that same evening, she is thankful for Holden's presence. When they discover that each has an underlying reason to be there, it doesn't take long for them to agree to work together. Holden's protectiveness runs up against Bella's independence, and learning to trust each other is a big part of the battle. There is an added complication in that Holden was burned by a former girlfriend who was also a reporter. I liked seeing them get to know each other and discover that they had more than just attraction going for them. I especially enjoyed the birdwatching scene as they were able to get away from their troubles for a few hours. But as their feelings for each other grew, each also felt that there was no future in it. There were still those differences, plus the distance between their jobs. However, surviving the danger of the serial killer as they did gave them a new appreciation for what they had together, and the motivation to find a solution. I loved Holden's big moment at the end.

The suspense of the story was excellent. Bella's desire to discover the truth behind the pageant wouldn't allow her to give up, even when it became clear that she was the target of a killer. That first attack was frightening, and even more so when Holden found the hidden camera at her house. Bella's search for answers about the pageant also seemed to stir up some trouble, with attacks on and by other pageant personnel, leaving questions about who was behind the attacks. The tension built as the time for the pageant grew closer, knowing that's when the killer usually strikes. I was on the edge of my seat as the attack finally happened, and Bella's life was on the line. I loved the teamwork that had to happen between Bella and Holden to bring it to an end.

I haven't read any of the other Mustang Valley books yet, but this was easily read as a stand-alone. There were references made to what is probably the ongoing mystery, but they didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. I will read the others, though!

Tucker - Emily March (St. Martin's - Feb 2020)

Series: McBrides of Texas (Book 2)
            Eternity Springs (Book 17)

Hope springs eternal in this enchanting Texas town.

Meet Gillian Thacker. Her business: Bliss Bridal Salon. Her passion: Weddings. Her own wedding: It’s complicated. Life isn’t turning out like she’d planned. The last thing she wants is for a real-life hero to ride to her rescue when an unexpected event puts her entire future in Redemption, Texas, at risk. So what’s a broken-hearted bridal expert to do? Maybe a new set of survival skills is exactly what she needs…

Tucker McBride has been proud to call himself a U.S. Army Ranger. But now that his days of service are over, he’s decided to put his expertise to use by founding a wilderness skills training school. He sets up shop in Redemption, next to Bliss Bridal, and so begins life: Part Two. Marriage has been pretty low on his agenda, but as soon as he meets Gillian, Tucker can’t help but contemplate the ultimate challenge: Convincing the reluctant bride to take his hand and leap into the adventure of a lifetime. . .until death do they part.

Terrific book. This is the story of the second McBride cousin, Tucker. Though he originally planned to make the military his career, his most recent posting convinced him otherwise. Pushing papers was a pain, but what got to him most was the backstabbing, political vipers he had to deal with. So he pulled the plug but is now feeling a bit lost and unsure of what comes next. So he heads for Redemption and the land that he and his cousins own, looking for peace and inspiration. He did not expect to come across a damsel in distress along the way.

Gillian is having a bad day. After an argument with her fiancé over wedding plans, she compounds her problems by wrecking her car in the middle of nowhere. Undeterred, she hikes off in the direction of town, high heels and all. She doesn't expect a knight on his trusty steed to come to her rescue.

I loved the first meeting between Gillian and Tucker. There are sparks, but Tucker doesn't act on them because he's an honorable guy, and she's engaged. However, there is plenty of banter between them, and he pours on the flirty charm. Several months pass with Gillian and Tucker seeing each other occasionally, including on New Year's Eve. The cracks in her relationship with Jeremy become more pronounced. The final betrayal comes when Jeremy, as the bank representative, sells a property that Gillian had plans for without telling her. I ached for Gillian but was happy that she finally saw Jeremy for the snake he was. What was most eye-opening for Gillian was the realization that she was less upset over the loss of Jeremy than she was the loss of the property and her dreams for it. To find out that it was Tucker who bought the property was an additional blow. I liked her face-off with him. Her enthusiasm for her plans made Tucker want her all the more. Now that she is no longer engaged, he is ready to go into pursuit mode.

I loved the development of the relationship between Tucker and Gillian. It was smooth, and it wasn't easy, but it was beautiful. Tucker has a good understanding of Gillian from the beginning. When Gillian went into a deep funk over the end of her dreams, Tucker conspired with her mother to pull her out of it. I loved what they came up with, and it certainly did the trick. Gillian regained a bit of her spark, and Tucker makes sure she knows of his interest. But Gillian's confidence in herself and her judgment is shot, and she is afraid to jump into a new relationship. I loved Tucker's patience as he agrees to be friends while she works through it. They spend some time together over the next few weeks, growing closer, but with Gillian always keeping that bit of distance between them. I thoroughly enjoyed it when Tucker introduced Gillian to the joys of hiking. Her resistance was funny, and his cajoling was sweet. It's so apparent that Tucker is head over heels for her, but Gillian can't let go of her fears.

Things take a turn when the proof of Jeremy's betrayal blindsides Gillian. I loved that she ran to Tucker, knowing in her heart that she could trust him. I loved how he took control of everything and gave Gillian the perfect escape experience. There ended up being more to the trip than planned, and though she was all-in at first, she freaked out the next day. I ached for Tucker, who thought that he had finally won his fair lady. His patience was incredible as he gave Gillian the time she wanted. I was frustrated with Gillian because she coasted along, not really giving the issue the time it deserved. I loved what finally opened her eyes and gave Gillian her confidence back. There were still some things to work out between them, but they talked them out with the result of coming out stronger on the other side. I loved that discussion and how it showed the changes they both experienced.

There was also a lead-in to the next book with Boone. I can't wait to read it and see how he handles that unexpected complication to his life.

Tangled Up in Texas - Delores Fossen (HQN - Feb 2020)

Series: Lone Star Ridge (Book 1)

Their past never faded -- and neither did their passion.

Between running his family ranch and dealing with far too many needy relatives, Shaw Jameson doesn't have time for more trouble. But when his first love, former-child-star-turned-businesswoman Sunny Dalton, returns to Lone Star Ridge, Shaw senses things are about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Shaw isn't prepared for the memories that come flooding back now…or the reignited spark between them that turns into a raging inferno. Still, this gorgeous cowboy will do everything he can not to get burned a second time. Because Sunny never promised this visit was permanent and Shaw has no intention of giving up the land he loves. Letting Sunny go again is certain to leave a Texas-sized mark on his soul -- and a permanent wall around his heart. Unless he can prove their small town holds the promise of the future they both always imagined.

Good second chance story with interesting (and sometimes hilarious) family dynamics. Sunny is on her way back to Lone Star Ridge after ending another engagement and to recover from a health scare. With her is the sixteen-year-old son of her ex-fiancé. She looks forward to seeing her grandmother again, but home holds a mixed bag of memories. The Dalton triplets were stars of a show called The Little Cowgirls, and not all of her memories from that time are good ones. She didn't expect to see her teen crush Shaw before she even made it home.

Shaw Jameson is the oldest of his siblings. He runs the ranch with the help of his brothers and sister and does his best to keep his life on track. It isn't easy when he seems to spend his life cleaning up his father's messes. Most of those messes come from the fact that Marty can keep his zipper zipped and mostly look a lot like him.  Sunny's arrival throws Shaw for a loop, especially when her arrival coincides with that of another half-sister.

Shaw and Sunny have a history from when they were kids and teens. They were good friends that developed into something more, but one major issue kept them apart. Sunny wants kids of her own, and Shaw doesn't. So they went their separate ways, but the feelings never went away. Sunny's quest led her into two engagements that didn't work out, while Shaw stuck to his plans. I enjoyed their first meeting, which gave a good indication of how the rest of the book would go. It started with Shaw finding some intriguing bits of Hadley Dalton's costumes along the road, followed by the arrival of Sunny herself, who was retrieving them. It was clear from that moment that the sparks between them were still there. Sunny's almost-stepson was also there, which gave Shaw a bit of a start when he thought of his and Sunny's past. But the biggest thing was the presence of Marty's latest mess, Kinsley, his previously unknown daughter. Kinsley just found out about him and wants to meet him. Knowing his father, Shaw also knows that it won't go well.

Fate finds ways of throwing Sunny and Shaw together, and it isn't long before they give in to the flames of attraction. Both are certain there is no future for them as their fundamental differences have not changed, but they can enjoy their time together for what it is. Of course, Fate has other plans. I liked watching their friendship grow along with the attraction. There were some terrific scenes as they worked together to help Kinsley. They also paired up to support each other when Sunny's greedy mother shows up and creates all kinds of complications. Though there were times I felt that the relationship between Shaw and Sunny took a backseat to the family drama, that same drama helped pull them closer together. Shaw's refusal to have a family of his own seemed at odds with how wonderful he was with children, from his young nieces to the teenagers Ryan and Kinsley. I liked the changes that I saw in both Shaw and Sunny that brought them together in the end.

The family dynamics in both Shaw and Sunny's families made for some hilarious and some heartbreaking scenes. The stories of Sunny's times as part of The Little Cowgirls had a significant impact on who she is now, especially her need to keep some things private. I liked that she had enough good memories of home, plus her love of her grandmother, that she was able to go there to recover. I loved her grandmother, Em, who was a feisty old lady. She especially made me laugh with her appreciation of a good-looking cowboy. She is also protective of Sunny, even when it comes to her daughter. It was her actions against Sunshine that created much of the drama in this book. Sunshine herself is one of those characters that is very easy to detest. There were also her issues with her ex-fiancé, who was a selfish jerk. He made a total ass of himself at the end of the book, and I cheered the actions of both Em and the duck.

On Shaw's side, it is impressive that he and his siblings turned out as well as they did considering the father they have. Marty's irresponsibility is horrendous. While I didn't like him much, he does have a few redeeming moments. I ached for the way Shaw and the others constantly had to deal with the results. I really liked how they stood together to take care of Kinsley when she showed up. I hurt for Kinsley, who felt rejected by both parents and wasn't surprised by how she expressed those feelings. When Marty finally showed up, my heart broke for her. Things became even more complicated when Sunshine stuck her vengeful nose into the situation. In the end, I wasn't at all surprised by the solution to the issue and loved Shaw's comments to Kinsley about it.

Now I can't wait to read the next book in the series, about Austin and McCall. There was a teaser at the end of this one, and it sounds like it will be just as good.

A Threat to His Family - Delores Fossen (HI #1899 - Jan 2020)

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 2)

He'll protect his child at any cost.

After discovering an intruder in his home, Deputy Owen Slater is terrified when he can't find his infant daughter. He soon discovers his ranch manager is keeping her safe, leading him to realize Laney Martin is more than she seems. For the usually professional investigator, this case is extremely personal, and it leads right to Owen's family. To get to the truth, they'll need to work as a team, relying on every weapon in their arsenal -- and sharing secrets they buried long ago.

Good combination of suspense and romance. The action began immediately as Owen arrived home to find an intruder in his home and his daughter missing. I could feel his fear for his daughter and his relief when he found her with his ranch manager, Laney. The relief doesn't last long as the intruder begins shooting, and things get very tense before help arrives. In the aftermath, Owen has a lot of questions for Laney, who turns out to be much more than a ranch manager.

Laney Martin is a private investigator who is looking for the truth behind her half-sister's murder. She is convinced that Emerson Keaton had an affair with Hadley and then killed her to cover it up. Laney took the job as Owen's ranch manager to get closer to Emerson, who is Owen's brother-in-law.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Laney and Owen. It had a rough start, with Laney's concealment of who she was and why she was there, and her suspicion that Owen was involved in covering up Emerson's crime. Owen was reluctant to trust Laney because of those reasons. Complicating matters was the attraction that flared between them. I liked seeing the trust between them build as they worked together to find the truth. One of the things that brought them together was the protectiveness that both felt toward Owen's daughter Addie. There were some sweet scenes with the three of them. However, it took the thought of losing Laney for Owen to realize his feelings for her. I did like their big moment at the end.

The suspense of the story was intense all the way through the book. Laney and Owen's search for the truth behind Hadley's murder and the attacks on them were complicated by the appearance of a man who had gone to jail because of his assaults on Laney. There were several twists and turns as the investigation into Hadley's death progressed and the attacks on Owen and Laney intensified. There were several suspects in those attacks, and all of them had ample opportunity and motive. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with all three suspects present and bullets flying. I was glad to see that my instincts were right about the identity of the murderer.

The murder of the elder Sheriff Slater was briefly mentioned, though no further information was revealed about who was responsible. I hope the next book includes some progress there.

Safety Breach - Delores Fossen (HI #1893 - Dec 2019)

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 1)

Can a Texas lawman capture an escaped serial killer

after a witness's location is breached?

The serial killer Gemma Hanson narrowly escaped just discovered her WITSEC location, and he's coming after her to finish what he started. That's the message Sheriff Kellan Slater personally delivers. Although Gemma and Kellan share an intense past, escaping the violence surrounding them is all that matters. Especially once Gemma realizes there is no safe place -- not even protective custody…

Good start to the new series, with a good combination of suspense and second chance romance. Gemma is in Witness Protection after surviving a serial killer's attack. That protection disappears when the killer discovers Gemma's location. The book opens with a bang as Gemma arrives home to find that her house was broken into. Just as she's ready to call for help, Sheriff Kellan Slater comes to deliver the news of her compromised location. Gemma and Kellan have a troubled past, but she knows she can trust him to keep her safe.

A year earlier, Gemma was a profiler working to identify a serial killer. A confrontation with the killer resulted in the deaths of a sheriff and deputy, and Gemma's wounding. She blames herself for the deaths, as the serial killer turned out to be an intern working with her, and she never connected him with the killer. To make matters worse, the sheriff who died was Kellan's father. Gemma and Kellan were involved at the time, and Kellan is torn between blaming her and blaming himself for not arriving in time to protect his father or her.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Gemma and Kellan. They are wary around each other at first, as the past isn't far from their minds, but it's also clear that the feelings between them are as strong as ever. Kellan is determined to keep things professional since getting distracted by Gemma could get them both killed. However, good intentions didn't last long in the face of intense chemistry. The attraction between them built even in the midst of the danger, with a few pretty steamy moments in the rare downtimes. Both of them needed to overcome the events of the past before they could look to a future, and facing down those who wished them harm gave them the chance to do so. The ending was great as both admitted their feelings and put the past behind them.

The suspense and action were intense and almost nonstop. The opening pages had Gemma discovering her safe house was compromised, Kellan arriving to tell her that the serial killer knew where she was, and the two of them surviving being shot at and her house being blown up behind them. The serial killer, Eric, spent a good part of the book taunting them with his nearness and ability to attack them at will. There were also hints that the deaths of Kellan's father and the deputy were not all that they seemed. Add in a couple of Federal Marshals whose ethics were in doubt, and Kellan had trouble knowing who he could trust. There were several situations when Kellan and Gemma were in danger that could have been avoided if Kellan had listened to the instincts that told him that he shouldn't do what he did. The resolution came at the end of several twists and turns that kept them guessing. While most questions were resolved, there is one thread that was left hanging. Presumably, it will be answered either in the next book or will carry through the series and be resolved at the end of it.

The Christmas Dare - Lori Wilde (HarperCollins - Oct 2019)

Series: Twilight, Texas (Book 13)

A jilted-at-the-altar bride reunites with her high school sweetheart in Lori Wilde's sensational new Twilight, Texas Christmas novel.

Kelsey James always played by the rules and look where it got her -- dumped and half-drunk in a poofy white dress, her Christmas wedding ruined. Then her best friend talks her into going on her “honeymoon” anyway, daring her to a “Christmas of Yes.” It's about time she lets loose a little, so Kelsey agrees to say “yes” to fun, to romance, and to adventure! And adventure leads her right smack into the arms of sexy Noah MacGregor.

Noah's never one to say no to a risk -- from leading his NBA team to victory to making Christmas cookies in Twilight, he's up to the challenge! But a lot has gone on since they were teenagers, and he knows he has to take his time to make Kelsey dare to believe that what they feel is more than just the holiday magic that's in the air . . .

Good book that started with an emotional low and proceeded through a roller-coaster of feelings. A stunned Kelsey is left at the altar when her fiancé runs off with the best man. To top off the embarrassment, her mother, the newly elected mayor, harangues Kelsey, blaming it all on her. All Filomena can talk about is how it affects her, with no sympathy for Kelsey. The only one who is there for Kelsey is her best friend, Tasha, who talks Kelsey into taking off, daring her to say yes to cutting loose a little, challenging her to accept five dares from Tasha. To that end, Tasha takes Kelsey to Twilight, home of Kelsey's teenage crush.

Kelsey and Noah have a history. They met at camp when they were children, and their friendship grew each summer when they reunited. When they were seventeen and junior counselors at the camp, their friendship grew into something more. But they were torn apart by Kelsey's mother, who didn't approve of Noah or anything that took Kelsey's attention away from her. And for the next ten years, Filomena used every manipulative trick in the book to keep Kelsey at her side. As a result, Kelsey was browbeaten into being at mom's beck and call.

I loved Kelsey and Noah's reunion. Kelsey's friend Tasha got her to agree to do five Christmas dares while they were on their trip. Tasha is determined to break Kelsey free of her mother's shackles and push Kelsey out of the comfort zone of pleasing Filomena at all times. Kelsey's first sight of Noah is of him in a Christmas apron, standing under a mistletoe arch, brings back memories of their old attraction. Noah is hit just as hard. A push from Tasha (the first dare) has Kelsey laying a lip-lock on Noah that blows them both away.

I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Noah and Kelsey. With Tasha's help, Kelsey is slowly breaking free of her mother's chains, opening her up to the possibilities with Noah. I loved Noah's determination to help her along by showing her how special she is. There are some delightful scenes between the two of them, as well as some very steamy ones. With both having been burned in relationships, each insists that they are not looking for love, but the more time they spend together, the more each one finds their mind leading in that direction. I loved watching Kelsey's transformation as time, distance, and positive reinforcement worked its magic on her. But Filomena wasn't done with her yet, and I was worried for Kelsey when her mom pulled her latest stunt. It didn't help that Noah had a boneheaded reaction, hurting her badly as a result. The ending was terrific, with Kelsey finally getting some real help from her father that gave her the tools she needed to confront her mother. That was such a satisfying scene. Then Noah had his big moment that was the icing on the cake. The epilogue was fantastic.

Kelsey's mother was a real piece of work. She was definitely a character I loved to hate because the way she treated Kelsey was terrible. I found Kelsey's conversation with her father regarding Filomena to be very interesting, with some intriguing parallels to current times. The character I loved almost as much as Noah and Kelsey delightful Tasha. She was so comfortable with who she was that she was a great role model for Kelsey. She was also the best friend Kelsey could have. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her push and pull Kelsey out of her Comfort Kitty persona and show her what she was capable of. It was also fun to see her growing relationship with Sean.