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

Series: Parent Portal (Book 3)

He was just supposed to be a sperm donor…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Witness Security Breach - Juno Rushdan (HI #1957 - Oct 2020)

Series: Hard Core Justice Thriller (Book 2)

Their only hope is each other.

There's not a target out there that US Marshals Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte “Charlie” Killinger can't bring down. Until a high-profile witness goes missing and a fellow marshal is murdered. On a killer's hit list, they go on the run. Their will to stay alive is challenged only by their long-denied physical attraction. Can they steer clear of temptation to find their witness and dodge their pursuers before it's too late?

Fantastic book that kept me glued to the pages from the first page to the last. Aiden and Charlie are members of the US Marshals' Special Operations Group and have the reputation of always getting their man. When a fellow marshal's betrayal puts all of the people in Witness Protection at risk (see Hostile Pursuit), Aiden and Charlie must act fast to move a high-profile witness. Unfortunately, they are ambushed, a fellow marshal killed, and their witness kidnapped. Aiden and Charlie are accused of the murder and kidnapping and go on the run to recover their witness and clear their names.

Complicating matters is the attraction that has simmered between Aiden and Charlie from the moment they met. Both have tried to bury the attraction to protect their work relationship. But with their careers and lives at stake, those feelings intensify. Aiden has loved Charlie for years, waiting patiently for her to be ready to accept his love and all it means. Charlie has her reasons for resisting her feelings, convinced that she couldn't be what Aiden needs. I ached for them when he finally said something, and the resulting confrontation crushed them both. Nearly losing each other motivated them to work through the obstacles keeping them apart. I loved the epilogue and seeing the changes in Charlie.

The suspense of the story was terrific. From the moment the extraction went bad to the final confrontation, the action never let up. I loved Aiden and Charlie's partnership and how their strengths complemented each other. I had to laugh at Aiden's reactions to some of Charlie's "skills." The descriptions of their actions each step of the way made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. The final confrontation was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat until it was all over. The epilogue provided a hint as to what is coming in the next book.

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.

The Cowboy's Promise - Teresa Southwick (HSE #2792 - Oct 2020)

Series: Montana Mavericks: What Happened to Beatrix? (Book 4)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 131)

We all need somebody to trust

WHAT NOBODY EXPECTED

Flirty rancher Morgan Dalton is all about keeping things casual…until Erica Abernathy moves back to Bronco. She's sweet, sexy -- and about to have a baby all on her own. Morgan steps up to be a shoulder she can lean on, telling them both it won't lead to more. But when he offers to be Erica's labor coach, the charismatic cowboy finds it hard to be a man of his word…

Very good book. Erica came home to Bronco to regroup after ending a relationship, deciding to have a baby on her own, and losing her job. She left home twelve years ago for college and has only returned a few times for visits. Her return was a little rough as her parents were not as supportive as she had hoped. To escape the tension at home, Erica visited a local restaurant where she met Morgan Dalton.

Morgan and his family are relatively new arrivals in Bronco. He and his brothers agreed to work the ranch with their father to support their mother. There are hard feelings between father and sons because he cheated on their mother. They also feel like outsiders in Bronco because the local "old-timer" ranching families have not been particularly welcoming.

I liked the first meeting between Erica and Morgan. Morgan was drawn to Erica as soon as he saw her. I loved how easily they could talk to each other, even after he realized she was pregnant. After being away for so long, Erica also feels somewhat like an outsider, so it is easy for them to band together. I loved seeing how their relationship progressed from friendship to love. I especially enjoyed Morgan's support of Erica, from taking her to doctor's appointments to offering to be her labor coach. I loved so many of the scenes of them together. There are also sparks of attraction that both try to ignore, but they grow along with their deepening feelings for each other. I ached for them both when a moment of intimacy ended in a misunderstanding. I wanted to shake Erica for allowing her insecurities to send her running without letting Morgan explain. I hurt for Morgan, who realized the depth of his love for Erica and didn't know what to do. Thanks to advice from an unexpected source, his big moment at the end was fantastic. I loved the epilogue with their next steps into a future together.

A big theme of this book was family and expectations. Erica arrived home feeling that she was a disappointment to her parents. This was apparent to her in their reactions to her pregnancy. I ached for her and her reluctance to share the truth with them. I liked the eventual repair of those relationships, especially the one with her mother. Her brother, Gabe, irritated me at times with his attitude toward Morgan. I expected better of him, having read his story in In Search of the Long-Lost Maverick. Morgan had his own family issues. His problems with his father were a result of his love for his mother and anger at his father's actions. It was easy to see how Morgan held on to his anger and was hesitant to trust Neal again. I liked how Erica's influence helped Morgan work past his anger and alter his relationship with his father.

Also part of this book is the ongoing search for Josiah's daughter, Beatrix. At the end of the previous book, the investigation had stalled as they ran into dead-ends. However, hope returns thanks to an unusual clue. I look forward to seeing how it works out.

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.

Family Defender - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2095 - July 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 1)

             Colton 911 (Book 7)

             Coltons (Book 114)

Struggling to protect his heart…he must also protect his growing family

Former FBI agent Riley Colton tends to keep to himself…except for the time he gave in to Charlize Kent. Now that single passionate night produced a surprise Riley never imagined -- a baby! His paternal and investigative instincts kick in when their growing family comes under fire. As sparks fly, Riley and Charlize work together to track and capture a criminal…who will stop at nothing to destroy everything they hold dear.

Good book. There are six Colton family members: Riley, his two sets of twin sisters, and an adopted brother. There is also a younger foster brother who is the catalyst for the mystery that runs through the series. Riley is the oldest, who at thirteen years old became the surrogate caretaker for his first set of sisters, adding the second set two years later. His parents were socially and politically active and often left Riley in charge of his siblings. After his parents' deaths, he took over raising them. Now, at the age of forty-three, he has no intention of ever being a husband or father. He is done with all of it.

I have to admit that Riley grated on my nerves at the beginning. He seemed to be in a constant state of self-pity over having had to care for his siblings. Yet, they all work together in some way with the family investigation business. There are also frequent scenes of the things he still does to take care of them - preparing snacks for their meetings, having pre-prepared meals in his freezer for any of them to take, etc. He fights and denies that caring nature through most of the book.

As the book opens, Riley is fighting the memories of a one-night stand three months earlier. Unlike other short-term women (he doesn't do relationships, period), he hasn't been able to get Charlize off his mind. Despite that, he doesn't intend her again until fate intervenes. Her aunt is connected to a case he is working on, and on his way to see her, Riley witnesses an attack on Charlize. His protectiveness is aroused in spite of himself, especially once he finds out she is pregnant with his baby.

Charlize is an independent woman who, knowing Riley's feelings, is ready to raise the baby independently. She would rather have Riley involved, both with the baby and her. She fell in love with him immediately but knows that her "fantasyland" isn't likely to come true. However, with the threats against her, she is happy to accept Riley's protection.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Riley and Charlize. The connection was there between them from that first night, though Riley tried to deny it, and is still there when they meet again. Riley freaks out at the news of his impending fatherhood though he does accept responsibility. He begins by planning minimum participation for heartbreaking reasons. As they spend time together, Charlize starts to see the caring man beneath the surface that Riley shows the world. I liked seeing Riley's changes, especially over the days that Charlize stayed at his house. But he still can't see the possibilities for a future when the danger is over, and she leaves. A visit from one of his sisters sparks an eye-opening conversation. At the same time, Charlize decides to go after what she wants. I loved the scene at the end, as she reminded him that love is not perfect because life is not perfect.

The suspense of the story was terrific also, with two mysteries. The first is when the Coltons' foster brother, Brody, contacts Riley to say he's in trouble. Brody got involved in a pyramid scheme using borrowed money. Now he's on the hook to pay back the loan, and Brody can't reach anyone in the company. As Riley and the other members of the family investigate, Brody disappears. Riley delves deeper into the ReVitaYou program and discovers disturbing irregularities, combined with a product that makes some people sick. There's a twist at the end that leads into the next book and the continuing search for the ringleader and Brody.

The second mystery is more immediate. As a social worker, Charlize occasionally encounters violent clients. In this case, someone first tries to run her down, which is when Riley gets involved. While she isn't panicked by the attack, Charlize is somewhat concerned. The intensity ramps up when someone takes a shot at her. It was obvious to me who was behind it, but they needed proof. The final confrontation was intense and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.

Colton books are always good for family unity also. Riley is clearly the head of the family, but he also respects the others' thoughts and opinions. After all his years of going on about never being a father, it was funny to see him plotting how to drop the pregnancy bomb on them. I was impressed by their reactions. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of them during the other books.

Close Range Christmas - Nicole Helm (HI #1961 - Nov 2020)

Series: Badlands Cops (Book 6)

Their Christmas baby is on the way.

And so is an obsessed killer…

Dev Wyatt's worst fear has come true. Someone from the Wyatts' dangerous past is stalking his family -- and his best friend, Sarah Knight. When she asked Dev to help her have a child, Sarah did not expect her pregnancy would place her in danger, but now Sarah must take shelter on the Wyatt ranch. As she and Dev battle escalating threats, will they survive long enough to become a family?

Good book. Though this is the sixth and final book in the series, it is the first one I read. The author did a good job of filling in enough of the backstory that I wasn't lost. I do want to go back and read the others.

Dev is the last of the Wyatt brothers who is unattached. He worked in law enforcement until his attempt to arrest his father ended with him nearly beaten to death. Unable to continue his career, Dev feels worthless and keeps everyone at a distance while he works the family ranch. His best friend is Sarah Knight, who works on the ranch next door.

Like Dev, Sarah is the last of the Knight sisters left at home. Her sisters are all married to or living with Wyatt brothers. She is determined, independent, and has loved Dev for years. After watching her sisters start families, Sarah decides she wants a baby of her own. Who else would she choose as the father but her best friend?

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dev and Sarah. She was the only one who seemed to be able to get past the walls Dev threw up. She did it through sheer stubborn perseverance, poking and prodding Dev until he did what she wanted. She did the same thing in convincing him to be her "baby daddy." Sarah told Dev that she didn't expect anything of him and that she intended to raise the baby on her own. Though that is what she told him, deep down she hoped that he would want more. Meanwhile, Dev works hard to maintain his distance, which is increasingly difficult after their night together.

Sarah has nearly given up hope when a new threat appears against the Wyatt brothers, and by extension, her sisters. She is near the end of her pregnancy when it all begins, and Dev finds an unexpectedly intense protectiveness kicks in. As the threats intensify, Dev discovers that it is harder to maintain his previous detachment. I loved seeing his walls start to crack and crumble as his need to protect Sarah takes precedence. I also enjoyed seeing Sarah's stubborn independence soften as she faced the reality of the situation. Dev's "aha" moment in realizing his feelings comes when it's almost too late, but love wins the day. There is an awesome scene at the end between Dev and the baby and Sarah. I loved the epilogue and seeing the whole family together.

The suspense of the story was good. With their father dead, there is a great deal of confusion and worry over who sent the first threatening note. I ached for Dev, who figured it out because it added to his feelings of failure. Each successive threat ramps up the tension as the danger intensifies. There were a couple of unexpected twists, including one that involved Sarah. When the final confrontation came, I was glued to the pages as Dev faced down their foe. The ending was a nail-biter, especially with Sarah's situation. I loved Grandma Pauline and her feisty determination.