His Mistletoe Wager - Virginia Heath (HHSS #461 - Oct 2017)

"Five berries equal the five separate kisses I challenge you to steal."

Notorious rake Henry "Hal" Stuart, Earl of Redbridge, is certain he'll win his Christmas bet -- until he learns he'll be stealing Lady Elizabeth Wilding's kisses. A woman who refuses to be charmed!

Once jilted, Lizzie must guard her heart, because the ton is unaware of her scandalous secret -- her son! Despite their increasing attraction, she can't risk the persistent Hal bringing down her defenses. But when her former fiancé returns, Lizzie realizes that perhaps Hal's the one man she can trust -- with her heart and her son…

This was a fun book to read and kept me hooked from beginning to end. It opens with a prologue describing Lizzie's excitement at marrying the man she loves, despite others' warnings that he isn't to be trusted. That fact becomes all too clear when her fiancé fails to appear for the wedding, having eloped with a richer girl instead. Devastated and pregnant, Lizzie relies on her family's support. She has her baby, and with their help, raises him in secrecy.

Five years later, her father is determined to find Lizzie a husband, while she is equally determined to remain single. Forced back into society regularly to endure her father's attempts, she swears this will be the last time. She has her own plans for her future, starting the day after Twelfth Night. In the meantime, she must endure her father's parade of eligible "dullards."

Hal Stuart is confused and troubled. He spent most of his adult life indulging in every rakish vice he could find and avoiding all responsibilities, reveling in angering his cold, controlling father. In the year since inheriting the title, Hal discovered that he likes estate management, testing his mettle in the financial markets, and even listening to the debates in the House of Lords. Even worse, he seems to have lost all interest in sowing the wild oats he's sure he still has in him. He also has no interest in falling victim to the hordes of debutantes determined to snag his very eligible self. In an effort to cheer him up, Hal's brother-in-law challenges him to The Mistletoe Wager. Hal must get five separate kisses, in five different locations from a woman of Aaron's choosing. Supremely confident in his abilities, Hal accepts. Then he learns that his target is "Sullen" Lizzie Wilding.

In the first pages, I wasn't sure I was going to like Hal. The bet, and his overwhelming confidence that he would win, put me off a little bit. But I also had the feeling that there was more to him than it appeared, simply because of how he already left his rakish ways behind him. I loved the first meeting between Hal and Lizzie. She was doing her best to hide from her persistent suitors when Hal joined her. I loved how she had no trouble informing him that he was wasting his time if he was trying to flirt with her. Hal quickly realized his original plan wasn't going to work, switched tactics by telling her that he was also hiding, and using her as a shield against "the baying hordes." Hal was immediately intrigued by her wit and beauty, and I loved their banter as she tried to drive him away. I enjoyed his proposition that they team up and protect each other during the upcoming month of Christmas festivities.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hal and Lizzie. Though she first rejected his idea, she quickly came to realize that it would have its benefits. Over the next week, they sought each other out at various functions, becoming fast friends as they talked about anything and everything. I loved seeing Lizzie go from tarring Hal with the same brush as her ex-fiancé to realizing that there was much more to him. Meanwhile, Hal found himself more and more fascinated by Lizzie, seeing the intelligent and fun woman beneath the standoffish exterior. There were some terrific scenes of their growing friendship. My favorite was the one at Hambly's toy store. I loved watching Hal help Lizzie pick out a veritable army of toy soldiers for her son, even though he didn't know it at the time. Lizzie returned the favor after a hilarious conversation about his efforts as the "naughty uncle" buying for his nieces.

I loved watching the trust between Lizzie and Hal blossom. Lizzie doesn't trust easily after her ex-fiancé's betrayal. That trust was critical, as Lizzie called upon Hal's vow to be there for her if she needed him. The first instance was when her father sprung a dinner party on her; one that included three of his "dullard" choices as suitors for her. A panicked note to Hal inviting him to the same dinner brought him running. That dinner was fantastic as Hal showed those men up as what they were, both subtly and bluntly.

That trust became even more vital when one of Lizzie's suitors enlists her ex-fiancé in a scheme to blackmail her into marrying him. Ockendon knows more than Lizzie realizes, and his threats against her, her son, and her father plunge her into despair. I loved seeing Hal's protectiveness and support even before he found out about her son. That discovery provided a small bump in their relationship, though Hal recovered quickly and came through it like a champ. He realized that "Lizzie was his friend. She was in trouble. An innocent little boy was in trouble, too."

I loved watching the amiable and charming Hal as he transformed from a lovable scoundrel to a warrior protecting his woman. There was no doubt in my mind that he would succeed in finding a way to protect the woman he loved. His efforts were thorough and determined, and he refused to give up. His actions were vividly described, and I was on the edge of my seat as each step was revealed. The final confrontation was tremendous and I loved how Hal pulled it off. I ached for Lizzie, who by this time knew that she had fallen in love with Hal, but was also convinced that she was not worthy of him because of her past. The ending was fantastic with an unexpected solution that warmed my heart and made me love Hal even more.

 

An Amish Home - Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid (Thomas Nelson - Feb 2017)

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman

Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.

Newlyweds Sarah and Abram's lives forever changed when a buggy accident left Sarah confined to a wheelchair. While she recovered in the hospital, Abram started transforming their home. He wants nothing more than to show his love for her by making life easier for her, but it comes at a higher price than he expected. He struggles to find a way out of debt without burdening Sarah with his troubles. Meanwhile, Sarah is bitter about the loss of her perfect dreams, and fearful of what the future might bring.

I ached for both Abram and Sarah as they struggled alone with their issues, neither wanting to burden the other. Sarah was filled with self-pity at the beginning, but gained inspiration from an unlikely source. I liked seeing her begin to embrace her new normal, though there were still challenges to overcome. Her conversation with her mother was an eye-opener for her, coupled with an amusing revelation. I also liked her conversation with Abram's coworker, Brenda, and the unexpected partnership that came from it.

Abram quickly discovered that he was in over his head when the bills came due for his work on the house. I shook my head at his naivete when he got involved with the quick loan guy and knew there would be trouble there. I liked his friendship with his coworker, and the support she gave him. I understood his reluctance to share his problems with Sarah, since she was fighting her own battles. I liked his conversation with his father-in-law and the surprising resolution that came from it.

The biggest thing that both Sarah and Abram discovered was that their problems were easier to deal with when they were shared with each other.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston

Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O'Connor reluctantly take Chace's Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadi haus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.

Chace and Mia are a young couple who have fallen on hard times. When they are evicted from their apartment Chace's Amish boss offers them the small house on his property. Though grateful for the roof over their heads, both are overwhelmed by how different their lives are from what they had planned. Though they came from very different backgrounds, Chace and Mia's love for each other and their baby daughter was strong. I ached for them both as the stress of their situation aggravated their fears of inadequacy. Chace was never accepted by Mia's wealthy and snobby parents, and he feels guilty about not providing for them the way he feels he should. Mia is terrified of being a bad mother, thanks to the cruel things her mother said to her. Though the stress frequently caused them to lash out at each other, they never doubted their love for one another.

I enjoyed seeing how Isaac and his family gave the couple the support they needed. Unfamiliar with Amish ways, Mia was stunned by everything that was offered. I liked seeing the friendship that grew between Mia and Vera, and how that friendship helped Mia gain a little confidence in herself. I hurt for Chace when one thing after another seemed to go wrong, stretching him to the breaking point. I loved how Isaac provided the kind of guidance that Chace had never experienced before.

When baby Kaitlyn got sick, it brought many of their fears bubbling to the surface. Erupting tempers did nothing to calm those fears. I liked seeing both of them finally face those fears, and with a little help find their way back together.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope - and love - is re-ignited.

This is a story told in flashbacks, back and forth from the present day to fifteen years earlier. Thomas and Noreen have been married for fifteen years. The book opens in the present as their house burns down and they lose everything. The reader immediately gets the sense that things are not well with their marriage, and the fire adds to the strain that is already there.

In the flashbacks, we see their courtship and early marriage. Thomas irritated me during these parts. He professes his love for Noreen, but it seems like he is more interested in what he wants. Noreen's father is not in favor of their courtship or of Thomas wanting to marry her. Instead of biding by her father's wishes for them to wait, Thomas continues to push. A tragedy ends up forcing her father's consent, but he makes Thomas promise to always put her needs ahead of his own. The early days of their marriage are blissfully happy until a devastating loss drives a wedge between them. For the next fifteen years their relationship slowly disintegrates, leaving both lonely and bitter.

It seems as if the fire may be the final straw that drives them apart. Both Thomas and Noreen blame themselves, and the guilt causes them to withdraw rather than lean on each other for support. I liked the way that their community banded together to help, but even that added a bit of stress to the couple's life, as it became more difficult to hide their problems. As they combed through the rubble of their home, now and then something would remind them of the love they shared at the beginning. Just as things seem to be looking up, another devastating loss adds insult to injury. Fortunately, Thomas also receives a kick in the seat that reminds him of what is most important. I loved the ending with its two surprises for a new beginning.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller

Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiancé, Silas. As they work to build Martha's kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?

Faith misses her grandfather deeply. She feels closest to him when she works with the wood they both loved. Since his passing, Faith spends all of her free time in the shop, shutting out everyone else. When her cousin and best friend, Martha, asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new kitchen she is happy to take on the challenge. That is, until she discovers that she has to share the job with her ex-fiancé, Silas.

Silas works as a carpenter with his father. He hasn't always been the most reliable of workers, but he's had to make the effort lately. His father is busy taking care of Silas's sick mother, leaving Silas to run the business. With mounting bills to pay, Silas can't afford to turn down any work. When his friend, Melvin, hired him to build the cabinets in his new home, Seth felt a great deal of relief. He was determined to do a good job, and was dismayed to find out he would have to work alongside Faith.

This was a good opposites attract story. Faith and Silas courted and became engaged, in spite of their differences. Silas was a bit of a dreamer, with creative ideas but lacking in the ability to follow through. Time meant nothing to him and he was always late. Faith is ultra-organized, preferring to plan and schedule everything to the minute. Silas's attitude frustrated her, but when he didn't show up for her grandfather's funeral, she'd had enough and ended their engagement without explanation. Living in the same district, they can't avoid seeing each other, though they do their best.

Neither was happy to discover that they'd each been hired to build the cabinets, but they tried to put aside their differences for the sake of their friends. There were some intense clashes between Faith and Silas. Faith can't forget the issues that drove them apart, and Silas is frustrated by Faith's controlling ways. A big blowup between them opens Faith's eyes to some uncomfortable truths. I liked the scene the next day as they finally talked to each other instead of their usual sniping. I loved how they worked things out. The conclusion was sweet and satisfying.

 

Hot to the Touch - Jaci Burton (Berkley - May 2019)

Series: Brotherhood by Fire (Book 1)

Firefighter Jackson Donovan doesn't look back--as a rule. So when his past comes roaring back to life in the form of not-so-damsel-in-distress Becks Benning, the last thing he wants to do is relive old times. No matter how tempting she makes it seem...

Now thanks to his two interfering brothers, Becks is living with them while she looks for a new place and tries to pick up the pieces of her tattoo business that went up in flames. Which means a grown up, smokin' hot Becks is in his house, sharing meals, and digging up old wounds. And despite his better judgement, the more time he spends with this smart, artistic, incredible woman the more he wants her in his bed--and his future.

Becks always had it bad for Jackson. Unfortunately for her, not much has changed--he's still honorable, hard-working, sexy as sin--and closed off. But there's more than one way to get to a man's heart and if Jackson doesn't want to recall old memories, she'll just have to help him make new ones. Because now that she's found Jackson again, she's not letting him go.

Good start to the new series. I was already familiar with some of the story as I read the second book in the series, Ignite on Contact, earlier this year. That did not diminish my enjoyment of this book in any way. I liked having the backstory filled in. The book opened with a flashback to the night a homeless Jackson and his two brothers were rescued from a fire. That was the beginning of a new life for Jackson, Rafe, and Kal, as they were first fostered then adopted by the firefighter who rescued them and his wife. They grew up in a loving home and followed in their adoptive father's footsteps by becoming firefighters.

Fast forward to the present day when the response to a fire turns into an unexpected reunion. A tattoo business has gone up in flames, and Jackson must forcibly remove the owner from the premises as she tries to save her equipment. It isn't until the fire is over that Becks and Rafe realize why they are familiar to each. Rafe and Kal are pleased to reconnect. Jackson doesn't remember her and avoids thinking back to those days. When Rafe and Kal discover that Becks has nowhere to live now, they offer up a room in their house. Jackson reluctantly agrees, already sensing that Becks is going to upend his life.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Becks and Jackson. I felt a little sorry for Becks when Jackson didn't remember her. She had a massive crush on him when they were kids, and it hurt that he didn't recognize her. However, in the present day, the sparks between the two of them were hot. I wanted to shake Jackson at the beginning because the feelings that those sparks stirred up turned him into a jerk. He took out his frustration about those feelings on Becks with snide comments and unfounded accusations. I loved how Rafe and Kal called him out on his attitude, giving him the butt-kicking that he needed. Becks didn't cut him much slack, but she was also more understanding than she could have been.

The attraction between Becks and Jackson continued to build the more time they spent together. Though both intended to keep their relationship casual, it was evident that Becks's feelings were far from it. Jackson's feelings were stronger than he wanted to admit. The biggest obstacle between them was the way each of them handled the past. Becks embraced hers, accepting the ways that it had influenced who she is now. Part of that is giving back to the community by helping the homeless kids where she used to live. Jackson has buried his past deep, insisting that the past is just that, and there's no need to relive it. The harder that Becks tries to get him to open up, the more Jackson digs in his heels. I ached for Becks. She loved Jackson so much but felt like he was holding back. I ached for Jackson when he realized what he had done. I absolutely adored how Rafe and Kal both hounded him and supported him in facing his fears. I loved Jackson's big moment at the end, especially the depth of emotion revealed in his confession.

Having already read Rafe's story, now I can't wait for Kal's.

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.

Their Secret Summer Family - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2762 - May 2020)

Series: Bravos of Valentine Bay (Book 7)
            Bravo Family Ties (Book 58)

It’s the perfect summer: sun, surf, sand and a secret fling!

It’s just fun and games…

Until someone falls in love.

Officer Dante Santangelo doesn’t “do” relationships, but the busy single dad happily agrees to a secret summer fling with younger, free-spirited Gracie Bravo. It’s the perfect arrangement. Until Gracie falls for Dante, his adorable twins and their ever-present fur baby. Gracie wants a life with Dante. Either she can say goodbye at the end of the summer…or risk everything to make this family happen.

Fantastic book. I've been waiting for this story ever since that brief glimpse of Dante and Grace at the bar in The Husband SheCouldn't Forget. I had a feeling there was something there, and I was right.

Grace is the youngest of the Bravo clan and the last to move out of the family home. Now that her oldest brother Daniel is married (TheNanny's Double Trouble), she feels like a fifth wheel. She also butts heads with Daniel regularly because of his overprotectiveness. She's ready for a place of her own.

Dante is a divorced father of twin girls. He likes his job as a cop, has a terrific house, and sees his daughters regularly. He has a fairly active social life, but romantic love and marriage are not in his plans. Been there, done that, and failed, and has no intention of trying again.

I enjoyed the opening. Dante pulls Grace over for speeding, but after writing her the ticket, he invites her over for dinner and to talk about whatever it was that was bothering her. They are long-time friends, thanks to Dante's friendship with her brother, Connor. I loved seeing their mental processes, as each catalogs the non-friend attributes that they've noticed. I liked their conversation over dinner and their ability to talk about anything. However, this dinner is accompanied by a bottle of tequila, and it isn't long before inhibitions begin to fade, especially on Grace's side. Her method of making a point fanned the banked flames into an unexpected fire. Unfortunately, Dante was filled with regrets by the next morning and pulled back, while Grace was ready to run with it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of their relationship. It was fun to watch Grace tempt and torture Dante after he pulled away, hoping for a repeat performance. Dante's struggle to resist was formidable, but it was only a matter of time before he caved. They agree to a summer fling, but Dante insists on it being secret. He doesn't want to deal with family expectations when nothing will come of it.

With Dante's daughters visiting for six weeks, opportunities to be together were not easy to come by. It was amusing to see how they managed it and witnessing the growing intensity. Grace also spent time with Dante's daughters, getting to know them. It didn't take long for Grace to realize that she wanted more than just the secret summer fling. I ached for her when she accepted that Dante was never going to give her what she needed. There were many times when I wanted to bash Dante over the head or shake him until his teeth rattled. Grace makes him feel things that he's never felt before, but he refuses to admit it. I hurt a little for him, too, because it's his own fears that hold him back. I loved the "full circle" conversation that set him straight. Dante's big moment at the end was great, and I loved his daughters' reactions.

As always, I love the family relationships in these books. Dante is close to his family and has a marvelous relationship with his daughters. I found his history with his ex-wife interesting, especially the insight provided by Connor. He is also close to the Bravos, thanks to his friendship with Connor, who is married to Dante's sister, Aly. There have been occasional strains on the bond, and I loved seeing a little bit of "gotcha" at Connor and Aly's party. The Bravo family continues its traditions of family dinners and loving support. Grace knows that they have her back, even when she asserts her independence. I loved the time she spent with Hailey and Harper, and can't wait to read their stories.

A Highlander in a Pickup - Laura Trentham (St. Martin's - Feb 2020)

Series: Highland, Georgia (Book 2)

When a gorgeous new man - in a kilt - comes to town, life in Highland, Georgia will never be the same...

Iain Connors is the poster boy for the strong and silent type. Growing up a loner at Cairndow Castle in Scotland with only the cliffs and moors for company, it's understood Iain will assume the mantle of Cairndow groundskeeper when his father is ready to relinquish it. But his stint in Her Majesty's Armed Forces has opened up a whole new world - and now, rather than settle down, he accepts an invitation to travel to the States to take charge of the Highland Games. After all, he's led men into battle, how hard can planning a party be?

Anna Maitland is ready to step up for her best friend Isabel Blackmoor, who can't run the Games in their hometown this year. Surely Anna, a dance instructor with boundless energy, spirit, and charm, is up for the challenge? What she doesn't anticipate is a man in a kilt who turns up claiming he's the one in charge. What's worse about this Iain? He's so infuriatingly handsome that she can't help but fantasize about him whispering sweet-nothings in her ear in his rumbly, sexy brogue. . .

Another fun visit to Highland, Georgia. This one takes place a year after A Highlander Walks Into a Bar. At the end of that book, we find out that Izzy is pregnant and due at the same time as the yearly Highland Games. That means she won't be able to return to Georgia to help plan them, and that her mother will want to be in Scotland with her. Izzy asks her best friend Anna to fill in for her and later asks Iain to fly over and give her a hand.

Fast forward to the week before the games. Anna is a little stressed out, trying to run her dance studio and prepare for the games at the same time. She is determined to carry it off, thus showing the town that she also has what it takes to be the next mayor. She neither needs nor wants anyone else's help.

I loved the first meeting between Anna and Iain. She is dealing with the unexpected delivery of a highland cow and a sheep, arranged for by Alasdair. She is in a standoff with the sheep, which wakes up Iain, who arrived late the previous night. He expects to take over whatever needs to be done and is surprised to discover that Anna has no intention of relinquishing control. Instead, he finds himself relegated to animal wrangler.

I liked both Anna and Iain. Anna is feisty, fun, and full of energy. She has a big heart and loves her hometown. She has some emotional baggage, stemming from her father's abandonment and her struggles to please her mother. Iain is the strong, silent type, thanks to his upbringing at Cairndow. It's always been the plan for him to take over as castle groundskeeper, but he's no longer sure that's what he wants to do. Iain looks at this time in Georgia as a chance to consider all of his options. Iain also has some baggage resulting from his mother's departure from his life when he was a child.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Anna and Iain. It starts antagonistic as they butt heads over who is in charge of the games. Iain backs off but is prepared to step in if he's needed. I got a little frustrated with Anna and her refusal to accept any help from Iain, especially when she was clearly overwhelmed. Underneath the antagonism, sparks flew fast and furious between them. They tried to resist, of course. Iain Isn't going to be there long, and neither is looking for a relationship. I liked that Anna couldn't add to Izzy's stress by complaining about Iain, and instead began to include him. It didn't take too long for them to become friends and find ways to work together.

I loved watching Iain with Anna. He's never really been comfortable around women and tends to say the wrong things around them. That problem continues at the beginning, as he fumbles his words, making it easy for Anna to misunderstand him. But the more time they spend together, the more he relaxes in her company and the easier he can talk to her.

As the days passed, Anna and Iain grew closer, and the feelings between them stronger. Anna doesn't want to think about the end of the games and Iain leaving, but she's too afraid of his rejection to ask him to stay. Iain feels like he has finally found a place he can belong, but won't renege on his promise to his father. I ached for both of them as they faced a future without each other. I liked the lecture Anna got from Holt, though it took a while for it to sink in. Then a heartfelt talk between Iain and his father opened up a whole new life for Iain. I loved the ending and seeing how the problem was resolved. I enjoyed the epilogue and its lead-in to the next book. I can't wait to read it.

I loved spending more time in the small town of Highland. Small town stories are always fun with their closeness and quirky characters. I liked getting to know Loretta a little better. In the first book and the beginning of this one, she came across as something of a general pain in the butt. Her plans to run against Anna for mayor added to that impression. But a crisis involving her and her shop provided a more in-depth look at her and changed my opinion. I also enjoyed seeing more of Mr. Timmerman, the kiltmaker. He's such a dapper man that it was a bit of surprise to see him otherwise when he helped Anna, Iain, and Loretta with their problem. I also enjoyed the collaboration between him and Iain. One of the greatest things about Highland was the way they welcomed Iain. I loved their friendliness and how they included him and made him feel welcome.

 

Pursuit: Colorado to Alaska - Cindi Myers (Feathered Dreams - Mar 2020)

On the trail of a fugitive in the Alaska bush, U.S. Marshal Gillian Williams becomes the hunted as unseen enemies pursue her and her prisoner, Harrison Prescott, through the wilderness. When her fellow agents turn against her, Gillian and Harrison must work together to survive long enough to prove their innocence.

Terrific book that sucked me in from the start and didn't let go until I turned the last page. Gillian is a dedicated US Marshal sent to Alaska to bring in Harrison Prescott. He is wanted as a material witness against government officials with shady dealings in oil leases on public lands. Harrison left Colorado and went into hiding in Alaska to protect his family after his brother was murdered as a warning.

I liked both Gillian and Harrison. Gillian is confident, hard to fluster, and determined. I also thought that she was a little bit naïve in trusting her fellow agents after things started going wrong. Harrison is smart, loyal, and protective. He believes that the only way to protect his family is to disappear, but he misses them.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gillian and Harrison. There were sparks between them from the start, though they tried to ignore them. Gillian knows better than to get involved with a prisoner/protectee, and Harrison doesn't want to endanger anyone else. When the bullets start flying, Gillian and Harrison have to learn how to trust each other. I liked seeing them get to know each other and discover things they had in common that had affected who they were today. I also liked the conversations they had that changed Harrison's view of his actions. The sparks between them also continued to grow, complicating their situation. The danger forced both Gillian and Harrison to face their feelings and what they wanted to do about them. I loved the scene at the end with Gillian's father. The epilogue was a great wrap-up for the suspense and their future.

The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me hooked from beginning to end. It started with a bang as Gillian and Harrison were attacked shortly after she arrived to take him back to Colorado. Their progress through the wilderness was full of danger, both natural and man-made. As they drew closer to civilization, things became even more complicated. There were twists and turns involving rogue marshals, and situations I didn't know how Harrison and Gillian would escape. The ending was a nail-biter, keeping me up way late so I could finish it. That final confrontation was intense, and I loved how it was resolved.

Besides Harrison and Gillian, my favorite character was Harrison's dog, Tally. From moose and bears to bad guys, she was right there protecting them. She also provided a few lighter moments to break up the tension.