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

Series: Wyoming Nights (Book 2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Series: Wyoming Nights (Book 1)

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

But will he choose duty -- or desire?

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

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

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

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

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

Silver Creek Fire - Lindsay McKenna (Zebra - Nov 2020)

Series: Silver Creek (Book 1)

Love's flame burns bright...

Leanna Ryan's hometown in coastal Oregon has been her refuge ever since a traumatic event during her teens. But over time, even the safest harbor can start to feel more like a prison. That's why Lea, a master carpenter and wood sculptor, is moving to Wyoming, a place whose rugged beauty has long captured her imagination. The scenery around Silver Creek is as stunning as she hoped, and her new employer, Logan Anderson, is generous and fair, though his eyes reveal a sadness she recognizes all too well.

Logan immediately knows he can trust Lea with his Wild Goose Ranch remodeling project. Her skill, her dedication--they're as appealing to him as her unaffected beauty. But he has other reasons for unease. There have been disturbing events around the ranch. Then Lea's car is rammed in a hit and run. Logan has already lost so much; now he fears he's jeopardizing not only his property, but Lea too. His dream is to convince Lea to make Silver Creek her home--but first, he'll have to keep her safe...

Terrific book. Lea is a master carpenter and sculptor who learned her trade at her father's side. When she was thirteen, a traumatic event left her wary of men, and her home and work became her whole world. A job opportunity in Wyoming gave Lea the impetus she needed to break out of her comfortable rut. At the same time, her phone conversations with her new employer made her feel comfortable with that decision.

Logan took over running the family ranch when his parents retired. The property has been in the family for generations, and Logan is thrilled to have someone of Lea's skill to do the ranch house's desired renovations. The renovations aren't all that's on his mind, though, as someone is determined to take the ranch from him.

The relationship between Lea and Logan got off to a rough but sweet start. Just as she arrived at the ranch, Lea's truck was involved in a hit-and-run accident. Logan was the first on the scene, and his caring and concern immediately gave her the sense she could trust him. Drawn to Lea the moment he met her, Logan described her effect on him as "Irish fey magic." I loved the way they connected during the ranch tour, bonding over their love of the land and views on the care of it. As they work together on the remodel, a deep friendship forms between them. I loved Logan's sensitivity to Lea's wariness and his respectful treatment of her. The strength of his growing feelings for her surprises him, filling the holes left by his wife and daughter's deaths. He is reluctant to say anything to Lea for fear of scaring her off, so he keeps his feelings to himself. Lea has never had a man affect her the way Logan does. Like Logan, she keeps her feelings to herself, not wanting to endanger what they do have. It takes a serious injury to Logan to break through the walls that keep them silent (thank you pain drugs!), and they agree to see where their feelings take them. Again, I loved how Logan's sensitivity ceded control of their progress to Lea. At the end, a dangerous situation reminded both that life could be uncertain and that love was worth the risk. The ending was romantic and perfect for Lea and Logan.

The suspense of the story was excellent. Logan's conversation with Lea clearly illustrates the problems caused by a man determined to bring fracking to Silver Creek. Knowing about the shady tactics used in other places has Silver Creek residents on their guard. The hit-and-run attack on Lea at the beginning of the book is one more suspicious incident that Logan blames on Polcyn and his attempts to get Logan's land. The sense of impending trouble intensifies throughout the book as small annoyances take on a broader meaning. Things come to a head with a danger-filled confrontation. I loved Lea's part as the fierce protectiveness she felt for Logan and the ranch overcame her caution and wariness. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. I loved the twist that brought the final resolution.

A big part of this story was the theme of caring for the land. In addition to the issue of fracking, forestry, organic agriculture, and beekeeping were also touched upon. I especially enjoyed the parts about the various groves of trees and their properties. I found the hint of mysticism in the fairy stories and Lea's work with the wood fascinating. I also liked hearing about the community and its care for all of its residents. The tiny houses for the vets, the shelters, and other locally sponsored charities show what is possible when people work together for the greater good.

Ambush Before Sunrise - B.J. Daniels (HI #1929 - June 2020)

Series: Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book 3)
            Cardwell Ranch (Book 12)

He's riding straight into danger.

Wrangler Angus Savage has come to Wyoming to help Jinx McCallahan get her cattle to high country. He's signed on for the dangerous drive, eager to reconnect with the woman he knew when they were kids. Now in the wilderness the no-nonsense cowboy and the strong-willed rancher must navigate the trail's many hazards -- like her treacherous ex who wants her back…or dead.

This was a good, fast-paced suspense story with some romance along for the ride. Jinx's ranch is in trouble. After her father's death, it was just her to run the ranch. She already kicked her cheating husband to the curb and is in the process of divorcing him. The trouble is, TD wants at least half the ranch. He also wants Jinx back. TD is a violent, obsessed man who will do anything to get what he wants. He made it impossible for Jinx to hire and keep local ranch hands, so she advertised out of state for wranglers.

Three wranglers from Montana showed up at her door. Twin brothers, Angus and Brick Cardwell Savage, and their cousin, Ella Cardwell, were sent by their mother. Dana had been a friend of Jinx's mother, though Jinx didn't remember the connection at first. Angus remembers Jinx very well, especially an event from their childhood. He was curious to see how that nine-year-old spitfire turned out.

The suspense and action were intense from the beginning. TD's intentions are evident from his first appearance. He will either win Jinx back or kill her, and he isn't all that picky about which one it is. Now, TD isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but what he doesn't have in brains he makes up for with devious persistence. Once Jinx and the others have the cattle on the trail to the high meadow, TD and his buddies aren't far behind. Jinx and the others know that he is coming for them, which makes for a tension-filled trip. I was as antsy as they were as I waited for TD to make his first move. As each attempt that he made was foiled, TD's anger and obsession grew. I was on the edge of my seat during that last night, as TD made his attempt. I liked the steps that Jinx, Angus, and the others took to give them an edge. Matters are complicated by TD's girlfriend, who has taken steps to cut out her competition. The events on the mountain don't go his way and leave TD even more determined to get what he wants. There are a couple of twists leading up to the final confrontation, and it is a nail-biter as Jinx faces two enemies. I did like the way it turned out.

The development of the relationship between Jinx and Angus wasn't as intense as the suspense. There was no doubt that the two of them noticed each other, but neither was interested in a relationship. Angus was recently burned in his love life, and Jinx isn't interested in a new relationship when she hasn't yet gotten rid of the old one. However, Angus can't help feeling protective, and that makes Jinx feel safer. Both feel the stirrings of attraction, but Angus realizes that Jinx has too much going on to be in the right place for him to pursue her. I loved the last chapter and Jinx's arrival at Cardwell Ranch after several months apart. I liked that they made the effort to get to know each other during that time. I laughed out loud at Dana's reaction.

I also really liked the development of the secondary characters. Brick and his charm and competitiveness were intriguing, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. Ella's clear-sighted view of those around her helped me see things I might have missed. I'm also interested in her worry about her mother, as I remember reading Stacy's story many years ago. The author's descriptions of TD's "minions" showed each of them with the weaknesses that made them susceptible to his pressure on them.  

Rescued by the Marine - Julie Miller (HI #1812 - Oct 2018)

A guilt-racked hero vows to succeed

…even if it costs him his life.

Five million dollars for rescuing a kidnapped heiress? To reclusive Jason Hunt, the job's about redemption, not money. But when the troubled former marine finds megarich Samantha Eddington, opposites attract as they escape her captors. Odds are they won't survive the brutal Teton Mountains or the mercenaries after them. And if they do, will Jason's reward be redemption or heartbreak?

Fast-paced suspense coupled with a fast-paced romance. Jason is a former Marine, haunted by his inability to save the woman he loved. Between that and his PTSD, Jason finds it more comfortable to live as far away from people as he can. He has his cabin in the woods and his job with search-and-rescue, which is his way of atoning for what he sees as the mistakes of his past. When he gets the call about rescuing Samantha, it brings back unwelcome memories, but he can't refuse the job.

Samantha is a beautiful woman who is much more comfortable in the lab than at society functions. The story opens as she prepares to be the center of attention when her boyfriend proposes in front of party guests. All of that goes out the window when she finds him in a compromising situation with her younger stepsister. Furious, Samantha takes off, only to be kidnapped on her way out of the hotel.

Sam and Jase are complete opposites, but the sparks flew between them from the moment they met. There was also an unexpected connection, thanks to the tragedies both have experienced. I liked how Sam was able to get Jase to talk about his past, helping to relieve some of the guilt he lives with. The loss of Sam's mother was a significant factor in the way she holds herself back from people and is exacerbated by the betrayal of the man she thought she loved. I enjoyed seeing Sam's quirkiness, intelligence, and compassion work past Jase's walls into his aching heart. At the same time, Sam experienced what it was like to be respected and protected by a man, instead of always being put down. I liked how quickly she came to trust Jase. She also gained the confidence that she lacked before and recognized the truth of her feelings for him. I loved the scene in the hospital, followed by the epilogue that showed the difference love made in their lives.

The suspense of the story was great. It started intense with Sam's kidnapping and maintained that intensity throughout. The immediate questions that came to mind were whether the abduction was related to the kidnapping and murder of Sam's mother, was it strictly ransom-based, or does someone have a grudge against her father? I was on the edge of my seat from the moment Jase appeared next to Sam as they raced to stay ahead of the kidnappers. The imagery was vivid as Jase and Sam fought the mountain as well as the bad guys. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as they were betrayed by someone they thought they could trust. I loved Sam's part in their success and laughed at the part about the cellphone and keys.

 

Baby - Janie Crouch (Calamity Jane Pub - July 2020)

Series: Linear Tactical (Book 9)

Baby. Don’t let the name fool you.

Being Linear Tactical's easiest-going younger brother has never been a problem for Baby Bollinger. He likes people. He likes laughing. He likes life.

But he has secrets buried deep under his charming smile that would change everything.

Quinn Harrison-Pritchard doesn’t have secrets. What she does have is a big mess of a life that's painfully public.

Jobless. Blacklisted. Broke. Alone. Exactly where nobody wants to be as they hit their 39th birthday.

Oak Creek is supposed to be a fresh start. A chance to lick her wounds and figure out a plan. One that doesn’t include Baby Bollinger. But the vigorous, mouth-watering mechanic—anything but a baby—is pursuing her with a single-minded focus.

And doesn’t seem to care that she’s twelve years his senior.

But danger has followed Quinn to Oak Creek, someone from her past who is convinced she’s wronged him. And that she needs to pay with her life.

Only Baby can save her. But to do so, he’ll have to face the secrets he’s let define him for way too long. And resurrect the warrior buried inside.

Terrific book. I love the Linear Tactical books and this one was no exception. Quinn is Riley (Phoenix) Harrison's older half-sister. After a run of bad luck that resulted in the end of her marriage, the loss of her prestigious job at Harvard, being blacklisted in the academic community, and financial ruin, Quinn arrives in Oak Creek looking to restart her life. Part of that includes a job as a waitress at the Eagle's Nest bar. At the age of thirty-nine, it has been many years since she waitressed, but she is desperate for the work. She also has a job teaching at the local college. On her first day, where she wonders if she'll last the day, she is rescued from an obnoxious customer by the hottest guy she's ever met.

Baby is Finn's (Eagle) younger brother. Twenty-seven years old, he is laid-back, always cheerful with a kind word for everyone, and ready to help wherever he is needed. He dropped out of high school at seventeen and went to work for the local mechanic. He has been a regular character in the series, most recently as one of the participants in the Wild Wyoming Adventure Race in Riley's book. Baby has a lot on his mind right now, as a secret he's been guarding for most of his life is about to put an end to his career dreams. He hadn't planned on being distracted by a fascination with the pretty new waitress at the Eagle's Nest.

I loved watching the relationship between Quinn and Baby develop. The two of them had an instant connection, though Quinn tried hard to resist it. Her life is such a mess that adding a relationship to it is not in her plans, especially one with a man twelve years younger than she is. For Baby, age is just a number. He is drawn to her humor, intelligence, and determination. Quinn is just as drawn to him, but the age difference bothers her, plus everything that has happened to her did a number on her self-confidence. Baby isn't one to give up and offers some "non-date" get-togethers as friends. Those don't go quite as he hoped, and I laughed out loud at the "help" he got from Ethan and Jess. Baby had some insecurities of his own. When his secret collided with Quinn's other life, he had to decide if he was willing to trust her. Quinn's support and belief in him made a huge difference in the way he saw himself and his future. I think some of the biggest changes were to Quinn. When she arrived in Wyoming she was still the stiff, buttoned-up professor she had been at Harvard. Thanks to Baby, she discovered the more relaxed, fun-loving woman who had been hiding inside. There was a heart-wrenching scene at the end when they allowed their insecurities to pull them apart. I loved the ending and seeing them make their dreams come true. The epilogue was great with a nice surprise for Baby and Quinn.

Baby and Quinn's friendship and growing feelings aren't all that is going on. The bad luck that led to Quinn's flight to Wyoming seems to have followed her. It's mostly little, annoying things like her credit card not working, and her ex-husband calling to accuse her of harassment. But when break-ins and vandalizing mimic things that happened back in Boston, Quinn begins to question herself. Trouble continues to intensify until her life is in danger. I was on the edge of my seat as Baby and the others raced against time to save her. I loved how Baby's challenges played such a huge part in the confrontation.

Sheik's Rescue - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1712 - May 2017)

Series: Desert Justice (Book 2)

As a sheik, he always got what he wanted -- until he met his beautiful and challenging new partner…

Zafir Al-Nassar knows everything about Jade Van Everett. He's studied the cases she's worked for his family's company and for the FBI. And it's hard not to notice that she's absolutely gorgeous. Teaming up for a routine security detail, Jade is desperate to prove herself and Zafir can't help but admire her determination. But when their assignment turns deadly, it becomes difficult to stay focused on the job. Because although they were hired to protect a Moroccan royal from a trained assassin, Zafir also has every intention of keeping Jade safe and by his side. Forever.

Good book. Zafir is in Wyoming filling in at this branch of Nassar Security while brother Faisal is away on a mission. He's at the office when Jade shows up to check the file on her next case before going to pick the man up at the airport. It's supposed to be an easy one - protect a minor Moroccan royal while he's in the US taking nature photographs. Both Zafir and Jade have a bad feeling about the case, even though it looks easy on paper. Those bad feelings are validated when "Stanley" is shot at when they arrived at the apartment complex where he will be staying. Jade calls Zafir for backup, but when he arrives, they discover that Stanley has disappeared.

I liked both Zafir and Jade. Zafir made his first appearance in Sheik's Rule, as Emir's twin brother. Like the other brothers, Zafir is more than just an owner; he is also an active agent. One of the things I liked best about him was that he didn't try to take over the case, but supported Jade as the lead. Zafir also has a reputation as a ladies' man, one who doesn't get serious about anyone. Jade is a highly skilled agent who has a stellar reputation. She is fearless when it comes to doing her job. She can be intimidating when it's called for, but she also has a way of getting through to Stanley, which shows a softer side to her.

I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There were sparks between them from the moment they met, sparks that weren't unexpected. I found it intriguing that they already knew quite a lot about each other. Jade spent a lot of time reading up on Zafir's cases, learning his methods, and getting to know the professional side of him. Getting to know the man himself was an unexpected bonus. Zafir also read up on Jade before she came to the office to start her case. He was intrigued by what he saw in her files. He did not expect the kick of attraction that he felt when he met her. Zafir fought hard against his feelings for Jade. He never planned to fall for one woman. By the time they ended up in Morocco, he was a goner. I loved his big moment at the end.

The suspense of the story was terrific. I felt Jade's frustration when she first met Stanley. He was obnoxious, whiny, and selfish, and she wasn't sure she wanted to deal with that for the two weeks. Things went from bad to worse when someone started shooting at them. Jade had to worry on two fronts: keeping Stanley under control and keeping them safe from the shooter. Zafir's arrival and their subsequent discovery of Stanley's escape increased the tension. Because of the attack, Jade and Zafir are confident that something is going on that they weren't told about. I enjoyed the complexity of discovering the motivations. I liked seeing them confront Stanley and make him understand the problem. News from Morocco complicated the issues. A different side of Stanley began to come out, making him more likable. Once they got back to Morocco, the action ramped up quickly. I was on the edge of my seat as the final confrontation grew closer. It was intense and a nail-biter until it was over. My heart dropped at what happened to Jade, and I ached for Zafir and the guilt he felt.

My Kind of Cowboy - R.C. Ryan (Forever - Apr 2020)

Series: Wranglers of Wyoming (Book 1)

Brand Merrick is a take-charge cowboy who considers relax a four-letter word. So when an injury lands him six weeks of physical therapy, he intends to keep right on working-until his grandmother hires a therapist to stay at their family ranch. He's not used to following orders, or slowing down, but Avery Grant has a way of getting him to do things he'd never thought he'd do . . .

Avery hates to admit it, but this super sexy rancher is testing her patience...and her professionalism. She's a born-and-bred city girl, yet she finds herself drawn to the rugged wilderness and the equally rugged cowboy she's here to help. But when a threat from her past follows Avery to Montana, it's Brand who rides to the rescue-if only she'll put her trust in him, and the growing feelings in her heart.

Terrific start to the new series. It opens with an introduction to the Merrick family and a tragic event that affects them all. A house fire sweeps through the ranch house that Bo, his wife Leigh, and their three sons had just moved into. The oldest son, Brand, succeeded in getting his two little brothers out of the house, then woke his parents. Unfortunately, his mother didn't make it. Bo and his boys moved back into the family home with his father, mother, sister,  and grandfather, making four generations living together.

Fast forward twenty years. The Merrick boys, Brand, Casey, and Jonah, have all grown up. All three work the ranch with the family, though Casey and Jonah also have other professions. Brand recently was injured in a fall and still suffers the aftereffects. As stubborn as the other men in his family, he ended his physical therapy early, unconvinced of its effectiveness, and determined to return to work. His grandmother, Meg, takes matters into her own hands and hires a physical therapist to stay at the ranch for six weeks, overriding Brand's protests that he doesn't have time.

Avery is a city girl from Michigan who took the job in Wyoming with an agenda of her own. She looks forward to the different surroundings, but she also wants to escape from an uncomfortable situation at home. She has a stalker who has left several threats, but the local authorities don't take it seriously.

I loved the first meeting between the Merricks and Avery. Brand was blindsided that morning by his grandmother's announcement and isn't at all happy with the thought of someone interfering with his day. Family patriarch, Ham, is also against it, with the view that pain is something ranchers learn to live with. They are all shocked to discover that, rather than the muscular man they expected, the therapist is a slim, attractive woman. Avery is a bit taken aback by the hostility from her patient and his great-grandfather but is determined to change their minds and heal her patient.

I loved the development of the relationship between Brand and Avery. Brand thinks that it won't be hard to send this city girl running. All he has to do is drag her into ranch life and watch her flounder. Avery is tenacious and sees his challenge and raises the stakes. I loved watching her dig right in and embrace everything thrown at her. It doesn't take long for Brand to be impressed and decide to give her a chance. With the time they spend together, Avery sees past the grumpy Brand to the man who loves his family and his land. It was great to see Brand go from trying to chase Avery away to wishing he could find a way to make her stay.

The attraction that was there from the moment Brand and Avery met continued to build. They tried to resist at first. Brand knew she would leave after six weeks, and Avery wanted to keep things professional. However, the connection was too strong to resist. There were some sweet scenes as Brand showed Avery around the land that he loved. There were some funny times, such as their trip to town, where Avery gets a taste of small-town life. Then there were the times that showed the depth of the feelings that were growing between them. I loved seeing Brand share his memories of the night of the fire with Avery, something he hasn't even done with his family. When Avery shared her trouble with Brand, it roused his protectiveness, further cementing his feelings for her. With Avery's departure drawing closer, both ached to be together, but neither was ready to confess their feelings. The end was emotional as each longed for the other to say something that would keep them together before it was too late. Brand's big moment was great, and I loved how he was oblivious to the people around them.

Part of the book also dealt with the reason Avery left Michigan. She thought she left the threats behind her, only to begin receiving creepy and threatening texts after she arrived in Wyoming. Though Avery tried to ignore them, remembering her treatment by the authorities in Michigan, the threats started to weigh on her. I loved Brand's reaction when she told him, with that cowboy code of protectiveness kicking in. I especially liked his insistence on going to the local police chief. The difference in attitude was night and day, which gave Avery a little bit of peace of mind. An unexpected visitor brought along a twist to the situation. There were some very intense moments as Avery found herself in a life-or-death situation. I loved her determination to survive and her ability to think on her feet. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me glued to pages until it was over.

A big part of the book was the Merrick family's relationships. The love and respect that they had for each other were evident, and I enjoyed getting to know each one. Hammond, the family patriarch, was quite a character. Gruff and obstinate, his opinions were pretty well set in stone. I loved his pride in his family and their land, and how his stories wove a spell around Avery. I also like watching her earn his respect and admiration. Another family member I loved was Aunt Liz. She's a talented photographer, and though she seems cold and aloof at first, that soon changes. There is a fantastic scene between Liz and Avery that changes both their lives. I was also intrigued by Chet, who obviously has a thing for Liz, though she doesn't see it. I hope to see more of them in future books. However, my favorite family members were Casey and Jonah. They are the typical younger brothers who know just what buttons to push when it comes to Brand. They caught on quickly to the attraction building between Brand and Avery and took multiple opportunities to tease and interfere. It was fun to watch the actions and reactions among them. I can't wait to read their stories.

Promises Decide - Sara McCarty (Berkley - Sept 2018)

Series: Promises (Book 5)

She can run from the past, but not from their future...

As Jackson Montgomery heads home after collecting on a particularly difficult bounty, he's looking forward to a good meal, stiff drink, and maybe some female companionship. But when he sees signs of life in a house infamous for its second-rate construction, he can't resist taking a gander at who'd been fool enough to buy the disaster. He expects to find a tenderfoot for sure.

He's not far off.

Mimi Banfield thought she was done for when she fell into a well filled with rattlers, until a man shows up with the golden curls of an angel to rescue her. Jackson has all the survival skills she's missing and he's just the man to show her how to survive out West. As the newly minted guardian of three orphans, she could certainly use a hand. He seamlessly transitions into life with Mimi and the children, not knowing that she has a deadly secret. By the time she confesses, it may just be too late for salvation.

Good book that sucked me in from the first chapter and didn't let go until the end. We have a determined and sassy heroine, a gorgeous but deadly hero, and three feisty children brought together by fate.

Jackson is a part-time bounty hunter on the way home after a challenging pursuit and capture. He's looking forward to some rest and relaxation, as well as some time contemplating his future. He gets sidetracked by the signs of life at a property known for its lousy construction and is curious to see who was foolish enough to buy it. He expected to find a tenderfoot, but what he found exceeded even his expectations.

Mimi and her three orphans have been on the run for a year. She bought the property, hoping that they were far enough and remote enough not to be found. Unfortunately, one of her first actions ends up with her falling into a dry well with half a dozen rattlers in it. She figures that she's done for until a man with the face of an angel shows up to save her.

I loved the first meeting between Mimi and Jackson. His curiosity morphs into protectiveness as soon as he sees the problem. I loved his calm demeanor as he entered the well despite his feelings about snakes (a la Indiana Jones' "Snakes. It had to be snakes."). Mimi is relieved to see him, and though bowled over by his beauty, retains her natural sassiness. I loved the banter between the two as Jackson carries out his rescue. However, he doesn't make it through unscathed and is bitten by one of the rattlers on the way out of the well. Now it is Mimi's turn for a rescue, as she nurses him back to health in another scene that highlights how unprepared she is. Once he recovers, there's no way Jackson can leave the little family to manage on their own.

I loved watching the development of the relationship between Mimi and Jackson. She is wary and determined to muddle through on her own, though she can't deny the temptation to lean on Jackson. Jackson is attracted and intrigued. He senses that Mimi is on the run from something or someone and is determined to protect her. I liked seeing Jackson become a part of her life so quickly, from sparring with Mimi to taking the boys in hand and falling under Melinda Sue's spell. Jackson's first hint of the seriousness of Mimi's situation came during a scene with Tony, the oldest of the children. My heart broke for Tony and what he'd been through and cheered for Jackson and his reaction. I loved seeing Jackson and Mimi grow closer, and ached for Mimi and her fear of her past catching up with her.

The story intensified when that past did reappear most horrendously. Mimi's fear, not just for herself but also for the children, leaped off the page. I was on the edge of my seat as Jackson and his friends made good on their promise to protect them. The final confrontation was intense as the bad guys finally got what was coming to them. All that was left was for Jackson to convince Mimi that they belonged together. Despite some well-meaning interference from their friends, Jackson's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and exactly what Mimi needed.

Though I haven't read the other books in the series yet, they will definitely go on my wishlist. All of Jackson's friends seem to have interesting backstories, and I'd like to know more. I also thoroughly enjoyed the women and the way they treated Mimi as one of their own. My favorite of the secondary characters were the three children. Each one had their own personality and way of looking at the world. I would love to see stories for them later on, especially Melinda Sue.

 

Wind River Undercover - Lindsay McKenna (Zebra - Apr 2020)

Series: Wind River (Book 9)

Hide in plain sight.

For native Guatemalan Ana Navarro, nothing is more satisfying than capturing drug traffickers for the U.S. DEA. Her career has always been her focus, but just as she's beginning to yearn for something more, she's given a brand-new assignment with DEA agent Gabe Whitcomb. In his well-worn Stetson and boots, he's part cowboy and part law enforcement, a combination Ana finds irresistibly sexy. But desire has no place on a job as dangerous as this one, because the drug lord they're after is the violent fugitive who killed her father . . .

Gabe's worked some treacherous assignments in the past, but this one raises every alarm -- and not just because his partner is a gorgeous woman with the grace of a cat and a sniper's deadly aim. He and Ana are being sent to the Wind River Valley where he grew up -- and where his adoptive parents still own a ranch just eighty miles from the Elson family, who have been recruited into the ruthless Gonzalez cartel. Posing as new ranch-owners and ingratiating themselves with the Elsons to uncover evidence, Ana and Gabe can only fight the heat flaring between them until they realize that building a life together, here in Wind River, is worth risking everything for . . .

Good book, with excellent characters and a suspenseful storyline that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Gabe and Ana partner in an undercover operation in his hometown of Wind River. Neither one expected to find love, too.

Ana is a sniper on loan to the DEA from Guatemala. She derives a great deal of satisfaction from bringing down drug traffickers like the one responsible for her father's death. Feeling a bit burned out, she yearns for something more in her life. She aches for a family of her own and the peace that her soul craves. Just as she contemplates doing something about it, she is assigned a new mission - join with Gabe in an undercover operation. Ana isn't thrilled with the plan - she works alone.

Gabe spent two years undercover with a drug cartel and is ready for a break. He longs to go home to his parents' ranch and spend some time rediscovering who he is. He isn't happy to have his leave canceled and assigned a new undercover operation. This assignment immediately puts him on edge. It is way too close to where his parents live, causing him to worry about their safety. He's also assigned a partner, and he doesn't do partners.

I liked the first meeting between Gabe and Ana. They were both wary since each of them is used to working alone. There is also an immediate and intense connection that takes them by surprise. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and explore their rapport. It doesn't take long for them to acknowledge the attraction that is also there, but they agree that doing anything about it must wait until after their mission is finished. One of the things I enjoyed the most about the relationship between Ana and Gabe is the deep respect they had for each other and their abilities. Gabe is protective but not controlling. Ana is outstanding at what she does, but also listens and learns from his experiences.

I liked the fact that Ana and Gabe did not rush their relationship. I loved seeing them take the time to get to know each other, sharing everything from their painful childhoods to their dreams of the future. Though the attraction between them simmered under the surface, they did their best to resist giving in. Their feelings intensified as their danger increased. I loved the ending and their realization that life is short. I liked seeing them work through their plans for the future and look forward to seeing them in future books. I hope there are stories in the works for Gabe's siblings, Luke and Skye.

The suspense of the story was great. There was an immediate sense of the importance of the mission and its deeper meaning to Gabe. Though their mission is to observe and report, that didn't lessen the danger to them. I liked Ana's cultivation of Mrs. Elson as a contact. Though it was deliberately done as part of the mission, it became a little more as time passed. There was also an unexpected complication caused by a visit from Elisha Elson, one of the drug traffickers who had also gone to school with and been friends with Gabe. There were some tense moments early on, as Gabe and Ana's observations showed the increasing activities of the drug runners. The intensity went off the charts when one of Gabe and Ana's recon trips put them directly in the crosshairs of the bad guys. I was on the edge of my seat as I watched their desperate attempts to get to safety. Some unexpected help increased their chances of succeeding. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages as I waited to see how they would manage it. I loved the way that things came together for a satisfying ending.

Phoenix - Janie Crouch (Calamity Jane Publishing - Mar 2020)

Series: Linear Tactical (Book 8)

Adrenaline junky.

Adventure traveler.

Extreme sport sensation.

They’re all labels Riley Harrison—known to the world as Phoenix—wears as easily as the tattoos covering his body.

But it’s his role as undercover operative for Linear Tactical’s kidnap and ransom unit that makes his blood sing. Riley uses his celebrity status to help infiltrate locations and situations nobody else can get into.

In. Out. The fight is usually over before the bad guys know it’s begun or that Riley was involved.

But his skills and celebrity status won’t help when he discovers the woman he loves is keeping unbearable secrets and in a danger he never could’ve imagined.

She wants Riley to stay far away from her.

That’s not going to happen.

But he’ll have to be willing to lose everything to save her. To save them.

Phoenix will learn you have to burn before you can rise.

Fantastic book. I have been waiting to read the story of Girl Riley and Boy Riley, who have been part of the Linear Tactical team from the beginning, and this surpassed my expectations. As usual, Janie grabbed my attention from the first page and didn't let go until I finished. At least this time, I was smart enough to start reading it early in the day, so I didn't have to pull an all-nighter to finish it. However, nothing else got done...

Girl Riley, aka Riley Wilde, aka Wildfire, is a nurse at the local hospital and good friends with the other LT women. I've thoroughly enjoyed her parts in earlier books as she supported her friends. There were hints of trouble coming her way in Echo, and that trouble is identified in this book, changing her life forever. Wildfire is devastated at the news and has a bleak view of her future.

Boy Riley, aka Riley Harrison, aka Phoenix, is a well-known extreme sports figure. He loves the travel and adventure of his chosen work. Phoenix also occasionally provides help to the Linear Tactical team by providing cover for some of their trickier operations. The story opened with one of those operations, a gripping section that hooked me right from the start.

The relationship between Phoenix and Wildfire was a close one from the time they met three years earlier. I loved the part that chronicled that meeting. Phoenix was adorable in his bid to grab Wildfire's attention. A long-distance relationship isn't easy, but they have carried theirs out successfully by talking almost daily by phone or video chat. All of their friends can see how perfect they are for each other. When Wildfire receives some life-altering news, she takes a grim look at her future. Determined not to hold Phoenix back, she breaks up with him but doesn't tell him why. Phoenix is confused by her actions as he noticed no looming problems in their relationship. He returns to Oak Creek, determined to get to the bottom of it. The annual Wyoming Adventure Race is just the excuse he needs to work his way back into her life.

I ached so much for Wildfire. The news she received upended her life, and the uncertainty that faces her consumes her thoughts. She believes that staying with her would ruin Phoenix's life, but cutting him loose breaks her heart. It's a little easier when he's at a distance, but his arrival back in Oak Creek strains her determination to the breaking point. Seeing her in person, Phoenix quickly realizes that something serious is going on with Wildfire. The sparks between them are as hot as ever, giving him hope, but her belief in herself is gone. I loved his refusal to give up on them even though he didn't know what was wrong. The sunrise scenes were fantastic, romantic, and yet intense with Phoenix's desire to show her that he was there for her. The scene that started at one bridge and ended at another was heart-wrenching as Wildfire struggled to save Phoenix, then the celebration of life and love, and concluded with Wildfire's confession.

My heart broke for Phoenix as he struggled to come to terms with it all. The advice he received from Wyatt, Zac, and Annie was critical in helping him understand how best to help Wildfire. However, it took nearly losing him, and Phoenix's refusal to give up, for her to believe that they could be together. He completely won my heart when he said: "You're still going to be my Riley. My Wildfire. You'll just come with a set of wheels." By the time the ending came, there was no doubt in Wildfire's mind that she and Phoenix belonged together.

This wouldn't be a Linear Tactical book if it didn't come with some gripping suspense. The undercover rescue at the beginning was fantastic. I loved seeing Phoenix's quick wits in action. That was over and done pretty quickly, but Phoenix wasn't allowed to relax. His participation in the WAR was unplanned and created some unexpected trouble. His abilities are well-known and appear to have stirred up some resentment. A series of unexplained problems escalate in danger, putting Phoenix's life at risk. Just when I thought I had it figured out, an unexpected twist changed everything. The final confrontation with the perpetrator was intense and heartbreaking. But his troubles aren't over yet. Someone from the past is on a quest for revenge, and Wildfire ends up in the middle of it. Phoenix's fear for her leaped off the page and kept me riveted as he and the Linear Tactical team sprang into action. Their teamwork is always amazing, and this was no exception. The final face-off between Phoenix and his adversary was terrifying as the depths of his evil became clear. I swear I jumped as if I actually heard that last shot, and felt their relief as they made their escape.

And lastly, Janie, when it came to Wildfire and her diagnosis, you nailed it. The fear, the uncertainty, the dread of being a burden can eat away at self-confidence, as it did for her. I felt her pain as she tried to push Phoenix away "for his own good." Her frustration on those occasions when her body failed her was portrayed beautifully, as was her determination to hide her struggles. Her need to prove to herself that she could still do things was a critical step in moving forward, and resisting Phoenix's urge to help was part of it. And finally, learning how to ask for and accept help when she needed it would make her future much more satisfying. I also loved Phoenix and his resolve to win Wildfire back and find out what had changed her so drastically. His reactions were realistic and understandable. Above all, it was his love for her and belief in her that made their future together possible. I loved the peek into their future in the extra epilogue.