The Marine's Mission - Deb Kastner (LI #1365 - July 2021)

Series: Rocky Mountain Family (Book 3)

This Marine doesn't want anyone's help …
until an unlikely match changes his life.
 
Wounded ex-Marine Aaron Jamison always follows orders -- and the assignment to take on a service dog is just that. Still, trainer Ruby Winslow is definitely barking up the wrong tree when she insists a beauty-parlor poodle is his perfect match. But Ruby and her clever canine are determined to melt the heart of this battle-hardened Marine. And they'll teach him an unforgettable new trick -- love.
 
Terrific book. Ruby and her family own and run A New Leash on Love, a place that takes rescue dogs and trains them as service animals. They don't charge for their service dogs, instead working on a donation basis which often leaves them scrambling for the funds they need. When Ruby gets the chance to win a contract providing service dogs for veterans, she jumps at the opportunity. Her "try-out" is to provide a dog and training for a wounded former Marine.
 
Aaron doesn't believe he needs a service dog, but his superiors have ordered it, so he'll obey. He was wounded while saving the life of one of his men when an IED exploded. He has a brain injury that sometimes causes temporary confusion and can affect his balance. He has lung damage that makes some activities impossible and pain from shrapnel still in his body. All of this led to early retirement from the Corps, leaving Aaron with no idea what to do with his future.
 
Aaron and Ruby got off to a rough start. He arrived with a chip on his shoulder, bluntly informing Ruby that he's there under duress. It gets worse when he discovers that, instead of a "manly" dog like a German Shepherd or a lab, he is paired with a poodle! How can he hold his head up with a frou-frou dog named Oscar? Ruby has never dealt with someone who doesn't want a service dog. All of their previous clients came because they wanted the help. Ruby must find a way to break through Aaron's wall of denial.
 
I loved Ruby's strength of will as she refused to back down on her choice of dog for Aaron. She knows what Oscar can do if Aaron will give him a chance. Aaron isn't very cooperative until he finds out about the contract riding on his success. He then approaches the training as though it were a military mission. I ached for Aaron because, without his career as a Marine, he feels adrift. I liked seeing him begin to bond with Oscar, though the learning curve was a bit steep at first. It took a little time for Aaron to accept that Oscar could and should go everywhere with him, but once he did, their progress improved. I loved Aaron's surprise when he realized that they were now a team and that he was happy with his frou-frou dog.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ruby and Aaron. After witnessing the effects war had on her father and her high school boyfriend, Ruby never intended to get involved with a military man. However, she couldn't deny either her attraction or her growing admiration for Aaron. While he was on active duty, Aaron never planned to marry, believing the Corps was all he needed. Once he got out, he thought he was too broken for a wife and family. But the more time he spent with Ruby, the more he grew to like her. I loved the time they spent together, not just working on the training but also doing other things. Ruby helped Aaron see that there were many options for him if he let go of his fears.
 
Neither Ruby nor Aaron looked forward to the end of the training cycle. Ruby realized that she'd fallen for Aaron but didn't want to say anything to him. Aaron felt the same, but he wasn't ready to commit without a plan for his future. I loved what he came up with, both for his "side hustle" and a regular job. His desire to help his brothers and sisters in arms was fantastic and was showcased brilliantly in his demonstration for the person from the VA. I loved Aaron's big moment at the end, especially with the "trick" he taught Oscar. The epilogue was great, and I loved the surprise that Aaron had for Ruby.
 
I've never read this author before but was drawn to this book because of the title. The Marine Corps has played a significant part in my life, with my father, husband, brother, son-in-law, and nephew all "bleeding green." That said, I must point out a major quibble with this work, and that is the lack of proper capitalization of the words "Marine," "Marine Corps," and "Corps." The term "marine" has to do with the water, such as "marine life." When referring to the United States Marine Corps, it is always capitalized. Harlequin books are notorious for ignoring this.
 
P 151, The Associated Press Stylebook, 2004
 
Marines:  Capitalize when referring to U.S. forces:  the U.S. Marines, the Marines, the Marine Corps, Marine regulations.  Do not use the abbreviation USMC.
Capitalize Marine when referring to an individual in a Marine Corps unit:  He is a Marine.
Do not describe Marines as soldiers, which is generally associated with the Army.  Use troops if a generic term is needed.

Amish Country Threats - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #899 - July 2021)

Series: Amish Country Justice (Book 10)

Her brother was murdered.
 
Will she be next?
 
While searching for proof that her brother's death was no accident, Lilah Schwartz is almost killed by a sniper in her Amish community. Hiding in Levi Burkholder's barn is all that keeps her alive. The former soldier will do everything in his power to protect Lilah, but can he and Lilah uncover the evidence her brother hid before she's the next to die?
 
Terrific book that started with a rush and rarely let up until the very end. The book opened with Lilah awakening to her brother shouting her name and their house on fire. Jacob got her out but died shortly after that. His last words were that it wasn't an accident, and there was something buried in his office he wanted her to retrieve. Devastated by the loss of her only family member, Lilah is left reeling when Jacob's wife blames her for Jacob's death and tells her to find somewhere else to live. Before she can think of that, Lilah is determined to find whatever it was that Jacob hid. She never expected to discover Jacob's office nearly destroyed and to have someone start shooting at her. She escaped through the woods until she found a barn to hide in.
 
Levi Burkholder was one of Jacob's clients and a friend. After attending Jacob's funeral, he gave Lilah his condolences. Levi felt guilty about not going with her but realized she didn't want him to. Instead, he went home, thinking about his past. Levi left the Amish community for a while after an argument with his father. He joined the military, fought in Afghanistan, and lost his arm there. After his return, Levi became something of a recluse, fighting his PTSD and the guilt he felt over the deaths of some of his men. Eventually, he returned to his Amish community. On this day, Levi found Lilah hiding in his barn, terrified.
 
Levi made his first appearance in Plain Refuge when he was still Englisch, helping his friend Aiden protect a young woman and her sister. He won't stand by and see another woman suffer. Lilah lost her ability to trust men when her boyfriend cheated on her, but something about Levi says she can trust him. As Lilah fills him in on what she knows, Levi thinks of the changes he saw in his friend and suspects that Jacob was mixed up in something bad. Levi is determined to help Lilah find the truth.
 
Lilah and Levi grew closer as they worked together to unearth the truth. Levi is a kind and honorable man, haunted by the events of his past. His protectiveness toward Lilah grows into stronger feelings, but he believes he is too broken for any woman to take on. Some of the events they experience create flashbacks which Lilah handles surprisingly well. At the same time, Lilah is wracked with guilt over her brother's death and the danger she believes she brought to Levi. Each of them tries to resist their growing feelings as the threat intensifies, but it's no use. I ached for both Lilah and Levi. Lilah realized she loved a man who would not open himself up to love. Levi feared risking his heart and the pain of loss if something terrible happened. I loved the advice he got from his friend Aiden and its effect on him as he faced the possibility of that loss. The hospital scene was terrific, and the epilogue was a great look at their future.
 
The suspense of the story had me glued to the pages from start to finish. It seemed that every time Lilah and Levi made a discovery, the bad guys were right on their heels. I loved seeing how Levi's unusual past played such a big part in keeping them safe and the bad guys just enough off-balance to help Levi and Lilah. The final confrontation kept me on the edge of my seat and revealed a bad guy I never expected. Jacob's trouble surprised me, both what it was and what he ultimately did about it. 

When I Found You - Brenda Novak (Mira - July 2021)

Series: Silver Springs (Book 8)

Sometimes the biggest emotional risk can reap the best romantic reward…
 
After everything she worked for is destroyed, pediatrician Natasha Gray is determined to build a new life. Divorced, bankrupt and suddenly a single mom, she's ready to start over in Silver Springs -- on her own. She certainly doesn't need help from Mack Amos, the man who's already broken her heart twice.
 
Although Mack has had feelings for Tash since they first met, too many things have stood in the way. He's always given her the support she needs, though, and he'll do the same now. Even if the desire he wrestles with threatens to undermine his intentions…
 
But her heart is not the only reason Natasha wants to keep Mack at bay. More time in her life means getting closer to her son, which could lead to a revelation neither of them is ready to face.
 
Emotional second chance story with complex characters. Natasha's life in LA is upended when her pediatric practice ends in scandal thanks to a criminal nurse, and her husband ends their marriage at the same time. Tash takes a job as a nurse at the New Horizons Ranch in Silver Springs, where she hopes to start over with her six-year-old son Lucas. Helping her move is Mack, her once-upon-a-time stepbrother, and teenage crush.
 
Mack has had feelings for Tash, too, but she was sixteen, and he was twenty-five. He knew that was wrong and worked hard to keep her at a distance. She always held a special place in his heart, so continuing to help her is a no-brainer. The difficulty remains in keeping his feelings under control.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Tash and Mack grow, but it wasn't an easy one. Their history is complicated. When her mom was married to his dad, Anya and JT had a very toxic relationship, leaving Mack and his brothers as the ones watching out for Tash. After what she saw as multiple rejections, Tash couldn't wait to go. A few years later, on a visit back to Whiskey Creek for the holidays, Tash encountered Mack, and the old feelings came rushing back for both of them. But after one night together, Mack's guilty feelings caused him to pull back, breaking her heart once more. While she's grateful for his help now, Tash wants Mack gone before her heart gets involved again.
 
Mack is tired of denying his feelings. Tash is free now, and Mack is determined to show her how he feels. He knows she wants nothing to do with another relationship, and winning back her trust will be a challenge, but he's up for it. I liked Mack's patience as he chipped away at Tash's resistance. He knows her well and manages an excellent blend of pushing and stepping back. The biggest issue is proving to her that he will be there when she needs him. Some sweet scenes show progress there, such as when she was sick and again during an issue with her mother later in the book. I also loved Mack's connection with Tash's son Lucas. He's an adorable kid, and the two of them are sweet together.
 
Tash fights hard against her feeling for Mack. After everything that's happened, she feels that the only one she can count on is herself. Mack says he'll be there, but he's walked away before. However, the longer he sticks around, the harder it is to resist the attraction between them. I got a little frustrated with how she dwelled on the past and refused to see that Mack's attitude changed dramatically. Even when she finally gave in to the sparks, she refused to see their connection as anything but physical. It takes some significant family trauma and drama to break down her walls at last. I loved the ending and seeing them both happy at last.
 
A lot is going on in this book besides the relationship between Tash and Mack. First up, we have Tash's ex-husband, a whiny man-child named Ace. His lack of support for her during the collapse of her practice and his selfishness during the divorce showed how horrible he was. It gets worse when he finds and reads an old diary of hers, and it stirs up suspicions about her son. His actions are childish at best and vicious at worst. Then there's the paternity issue raised in that diary. Mack is hopeful, Ace is furious, and Tash wants it all to go away.
 
Back in Whiskey Creek, more family drama comes home to roost. Years ago, Cheyenne Amos (Dylan's wife) made a decision with questionable ethics. That decision comes to light, and the parties involved must now answer for their choices. When I read that book, Come Home to Me, I was furious with Cheyenne and knew that it would come back to bite her. I ended up being pleased with the handling of the issue, and the relationships came out stronger.
 
At the end, Anya and JT's relationship takes center stage. After years away, Anya returns to JT, and they resume their shenanigans. Both of them abuse drugs and alcohol, which adds to the volatility of their relationship. When JT is found shot, and near death, suspicion immediately falls on Anya. Tash is torn between her feelings for Mack, her belief in her mother's innocence, and Anya's inability to remember what happened. Add in the reaction of the other Amos brothers, and the tension is off the charts. I had no idea which way this one would go, and it kept me turning the pages.

The Devil and the Heiress - Harper St. George (Penguin - July 2021)

Series: Gilded Age Heiresses (Book 2)

Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience.
 
No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw's ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author--if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn't insist on coming with her.
 
Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her--by his side, near his heart, in his bed.
 
Though Christian's burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It's going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter's love is true....
 
Terrific story. Now that her sister has landed a duke, Violet believes that she is safe from her social-climbing parents' machinations. Surely she can now pursue her dreams of becoming a published author. But wait, now her father wants to barter her to another English lord who has mineral rights that he wants. Nothing Violet says will change his mind, and Lord Ware will do anything to have her. After barely escaping Ware's attempt to compromise her, Violet decides running away is her only option.
 
Christian, the Earl of Leigh, isn't in debt like so many of his peers, but he doesn't have the funds to refurbish his Scottish property. After being turned down by Violet's father, Christian concocts a scheme to convince Violet to marry him. A few hints dropped, and an "accidental" meeting has Christian escorting Violet on her escape. With luck, he'll have her married and in his bed before anyone catches up to them.
 
I liked Violet. She's all sweetness and obedience on the surface, but she has sass, determination, and a spine of steel when it comes to going after what she wants. Her disgust for the nobles who only see her fortune makes her unwilling to fall in with her parents' plans. She's a little naïve about her escape plans, which is how Christian manages to insert himself into them.
 
I like Christian, too. His early life was difficult, with a cold, uncaring father and an absent mother. After inheriting only debts after his father died, Christian made a name for himself through bare-knuckle fighting and starting his own gaming hell. When he sets his sights on Violet and her fortune, nothing will get in his way.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Christian and Violet. Sparks flew between them from the start, even though Violet did not trust him. Christian was the one who warned her about Lord Ware, positioning himself to be her savior. Suspecting her intention to run, Christian took steps to make sure he would be the one to help her with her escape. He intends to hijack her plan and take her to Scotland instead. I loved the "road trip" romance, as forced proximity allowed them to get to know each other. It was fun to see Violet's straightforward American ways open Christian's eyes to the indignities women endure and the privilege that the aristocracy takes for granted.
 
The more time they spent together, the more Christian came to like Violet as a person, not just the means to an end. Violet's feelings for Christian also began to change. She no longer saw him as just another nobleman but as a man with his own set of problems. That same proximity also amplified the attraction that grew between them. As the days of their journey went on, Christian's conscience began to bother him. When a carriage accident resulted in Violet being injured, his guilty feelings became overwhelming. When attraction and growing feelings overtook common sense, it looked like everything would work out. But Christian still hadn't come clean, and when Violet's brother Max tracked them down, the truth came out.
 
Devastated and heartbroken, Violet no longer knew what to believe. Was anything that Christian said the truth or just manipulation? To mitigate the scandal, Christian and Violet must marry, but Violet refuses to cave in entirely. I loved watching her stand up for herself and her needs, forcing Christian to keep his distance. I ached for Christian, who fell hard for Violet and knows how badly he messed up. He is down on himself, believing he deserves all the misery he experiences and promises to give Violet the space she needs. I loved the advice he received on how to win her back and what he did with it. Violet's reaction when she learns of his efforts was fantastic. I loved the emotional ending as Christian redeems himself.

The Engagement Arrangement - Jaci Burton (Berkley - June 2021)

Series: Boots and Bouquets (Book 2)

Brenna Bellini will never get married again. She plans to live out her days as a happy, successful, single woman. When she's chosen to be a bridesmaid in her friend's wedding at the Bellini family vineyard, she's thrilled. That is, until she realizes who else is in the wedding party. Brenna's going to have to spend four days in the company of not only her ex-husband, but also her high school nemesis. She just knows the fact that she's single and alone is going to be rubbed in her face all weekend long. Well, not if Brenna can help it. She's going to find herself a fake fiancé.
 
Finn Nolan is thrilled to be offered the job. He's had it bad for Brenna ever since he came over from Ireland to live at the vineyard. After falling for Brenna from afar for years, this Irish cowboy is determined to show the woman of his dreams that he is her Mr. Right.
 
So what does a confirmed never-getting-married-again woman do when the man of her dreams unexpectedly lands right in front of her? Because for the first time, she might not be able to walk away. This time it might be forever.
 
Fun book. After her short-lived and disastrous marriage, Brenna Bellini has no desire to get married again. She loves her life working at the family winery with her dad, mostly leaving the wedding side of the business to her two sisters. She's excited to be a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding until she discovers that her ex's new wife, who was also her high school best friend turned worst enemy, is the maid of honor. Which means Allison's husband will be there too. Dreading the prospect of the gloating she'll face if she shows up alone, Brenna hatches a plot. She'll ask her friend Finn to pose as her fake fiancé.
 
Finn is the son of Mrs. Bellini's best friend in Ireland. When his mother died, Mrs. Bellini brought him over from Ireland to live at the winery. While he always looked at Brenna's sisters Hope and Erin as his sisters, too, his feelings for Brenna were much different. When Brenna asked him to play the part of her fiancé, Finn jumped at the chance. Perhaps now he can show her that they belong together.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Finn and Brenna grow and change from friends to so much more. Because they've known each other for so long, Brenna and Finn are very comfortable with each other, and their conversations show it. What Brenna didn't expect was the strength of the attraction between them. She'd always been aware of Finn but ruthlessly suppressed it, not wanting to make life at the winery awkward. Finn likewise buried his feelings, but now he seizes the opportunity to let them loose. He also knows that Brenna is skittish about relationships, so he exerts a great deal of patience in his pursuit. I loved seeing them together as Finn uses their "engagement" to spend quality time with her. It isn't long before the chemistry between them burns out of control, but will Brenna see the emotion that forms the basis for it?
 
I admit to wanting to shake Brenna more than once. She knows she's falling for Finn, but she's so afraid of trusting her emotions that she pulls back whenever they start to overwhelm her. There's one instance where the pull-back coincides with a misunderstanding over his whiskey business. Brenna's reaction was petty and excessive, but fortunately, she realized it. I liked that she admitted her mistakes and apologized and that Finn has a healthy attitude toward letting go of incidents like that.  When the "need" for the fake engagement ends, Brenna freaks when Finn wants to make their relationship real. I felt that Brenna earned her misery and loved her sisters' "intervention." I had to laugh when she realized that he wasn't right there for her to go back to. I loved how his friends helped him see what he needed to do. His decision to get away for a while was just what he needed, and I wasn't at all surprised at where he went. The ending was great as Brenna finally let go of the past.
 
I also loved the closeness of the Bellini family and friends. Though each family member has a particular role in the family business, they are always ready to jump in and help each other. I loved how Brenna's sisters provide not just support but also the occasional kick in the pants when she needs it. The friendships among the men in the story are strong enough to weather anything from busted weddings to health issues. I loved watching them insult each other over silly things then rally around when one of them needs help.
 
I loved seeing more of both the winery and wedding businesses. The behind-the-scenes looks are fascinating. It's always fun to see some of the shenanigans brides get up to when planning their weddings, the things that go wrong, and the lengths people go to fix them. One of my favorite winery scenes was on the harvest day as Brenna got roped into grape-stomping on television. I also liked the bits we saw of Finn's whiskey distillery. Having visited a few in Ireland, Scotland, and the US, I have some idea of how complex it is.

The Rancher's Summer Secret - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2846 - July 2021)

Series: Montana Mavericks: The Real Cowboys of Bronco Heights (Book 1)

"Your secret is safe with me."
 
Science teacher Vanessa Cruise is spending her summer working in Bronco. Rekindling her short-term fling with the hottest rancher in town? Not on her to-do list -- especially since commitment is her number one don't. But Jameson John promises to keep their relationship hidden from the town gossips, then finds himself longing for more than just a summer affair. Convincing Vanessa he's worth the risk might be the hardest thing he's ever had to do…
 
Terrific start to the new Montana Mavericks series. Vanessa was born and raised in Bronco. She went to college in Billings and moved there after graduation, vowing that she would never live in Bronco again. After her high school boyfriend betrayed her twice, and the school mean girls made her life miserable, Van looked forward to happier times far from those memories. Unfortunately, her love life didn't improve, leaving her gun-shy when it came to relationships. On New Year's Eve, while in Bronco visiting her family, she indulged in a one-night-stand with Jameson, with the understanding it would never be repeated or spoken of again.
 
Jameson was also born and raised in Bronco. He and his family have a successful ranch, and he has no plans to leave Bronco. One of the popular kids during high school and after, Jameson had a reputation as a player for a long time. After a failed marriage, Jameson put his player days behind him. On New Year's Eve, he felt a little lonely with no one to kiss the New Year in with. Then he met Vanessa, and the night improved immensely. Though he accepted her conditions, he came to regret it because he couldn't forget her.
 
Fast forward to the summer. Van finds herself back in Bronco, teaching science to young teens at a summer program. She spends a lot of time looking over her shoulder, worrying about seeing Jameson again. When she does, he makes it clear that he'd like to see her again. Van shuts him down hard because she refuses to risk her heart on anyone again. Finally, after thinking about it, she agrees to a summer fling, IF and ONLY IF they keep it secret. Van doesn't want to deal with her family getting their hopes up about marrying a local boy and moving home. Initially reluctant to accept her conditions, Jameson eventually agrees, hoping to use the time to convince her that he's worth the risk.
 
I liked both Jameson and Vanessa. Jameson is an all-around nice guy who gave up his player ways long ago. He has a great relationship with his family, especially with his little sister, Charity, and hers with him. I loved that Vanessa was an unusual heroine for a romance. She is a glasses-wearing, curvy, slightly geeky science teacher. Van has a fantastic relationship with her Young Adventurers, and their love and respect for her are evident. I loved how she encouraged them to work for changes in the Miss Bronco contest and how they repaid her by secretly writing her in as a contestant. Her shock when she was named the winner was hilarious. Her issues made her feel that she wasn't up to the task, but the support she received from Jameson and Charity proved otherwise.
 
I loved seeing the relationship develop between Jameson and Vanessa. Jameson was all in from the beginning. He wanted to see where the attraction between them would go because he felt she was special. Van thoroughly enjoyed their time together but flat-out refused to consider taking it public or continuing past the end of summer. Van frustrated me on several occasions because she allowed the events from high school to run her life a decade later. I felt that Jameson showed extraordinary patience as he tried to show Van that she could trust him not to hurt her. Van panicked when she realized she was falling for him anyway and pulled away, desperate to protect herself. I ached for both of them, as Jameson saw his hope for the future disappear and Van want what she was too scared to reach for. I loved seeing Jameson go to Winona for advice. Meanwhile, Van's friend Callie has some advice for her that opens Van's eyes. I loved the ending, with Van stepping way out of her comfort zone to show Jameson how she feels.

Blue Collar Billionaire - Karen Booth (HD #2798 - Apr 2021)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book 3)

Uptown girls who think they have the upper hand?
 
They don't know Jack!
 
Jack Bowden has met enough rich women to know that Lone Star socialite Lexi Alderidge doesn't take him seriously, even though their connection is instant. Still, the rugged contractor built his fortune from the ground up -- surely he can build real rapport with Lexi the same way? But when "getting along" becomes "getting into bed," will his brand of rough-and-tumble success ever truly fit into her high-class world?
 
Good book about two people with different lives seeing past stereotypes to possibilities. Lexi returned to Royal when her fifteen-year marriage ended in divorce. Shortly after arriving, she got involved with her high school boyfriend; their romance rapidly progressing toward marriage. Then Brett broke their engagement the night before the wedding, putting Lexi right back in the middle of Royal's gossip chain. She now works as VP of Marketing for her father's bank, determined to bring his old-fashioned way of doing business into the twenty-first century. As such, she encouraged the bank's sponsorship of the upcoming Soiree on the Bay Arts Festival.
 
Jack is the owner of the construction company hired to build the stages and other structures at the festival site on Appaloosa Island. A self-made man, Jack moved to Royal eleven years earlier after his fiancée called off their wedding. He is a hands-on owner, most often found on-site working alongside his employees.
 
I loved the first meeting between Jack and Lexi. She flew to the island to check on the progress of the work and mistook Jack for one of his workers. Jack didn't correct the mistake until Ross Edmonds, one of the festival organizers, started commenting to Lexi about her divorce. Jack saw the effect it had on her and stepped in, claiming that he and Lexi were an item. After a bit of back-and-forth conversation, Lexi agrees to a date with Jack. Dinner at the exclusive Sheen restaurant gives them a chance to get to know each other. The sparks between them are off the charts, but they agree that neither is interested in anything serious. Dating and having fun together, however, are something both are up for.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Jack and Lexi develop. The attraction between them deepens and grows as each discovers the other is not what they expected. Far from being the snooty socialite Jack expected, Lexi is down-to-earth, friendly, and easy to like. Rather than the playboy Lexi had heard about, Jack is fun, easy-going, and caring. Lexi tends to see the worst in herself, blaming herself for things that went wrong in her relationships. Jack's admiration of her goes a long way toward changing the way she sees herself.
 
The more time Jack and Lexi spend together, the deeper their feelings grow. There are some terrific scenes of them together, having fun and fanning the flames between them. It doesn't take long for Jack to realize he's ready to give up his playboy ways for a future with Lexi. But Lexi's inability to trust her judgment after two failed relationships makes it difficult for her to believe that she's ready for something more. I ached for Jack when he didn't get the response he hoped for and for Lexi when she let her fears come between them. I liked her sister's pep talk and how it helped Lexi see the truth of her feelings. I loved the ending and seeing Lexi go after what she wanted.
 
The secondary characters were an essential part of the story. I was not too fond of Lexi's dad at first, especially given his history with Jack. It seemed that he was more concerned with prestige and appearances than in progress. But as the book went on, I saw a different side of him, and in the end, he turned out to be pretty wonderful. I also liked Jack's sister, Angie. She's protective of Jack, and she initially disapproved of his relationship with Lexi. However, I enjoyed the scene at Angie's birthday party as she and Lexi bonded over their divorces.
 
As for the overarching theme of the series, the Soiree on the Bay festival, the planning continues. In earlier books, there is a feeling that something isn't quite right. That suspicion continues here with an unexpected financial problem. I have an idea who is behind it and can't wait to see if I am right. 

How to Tempt a Duke - Madeline Martin (HH #1478 - Dec 2019)

Series: London School for Ladies (Book 1)

A lady's lessons…
 
…in temptation!
 
When her almost fiancé proposes to someone else, Lady Eleanor is suddenly the talk of the ton! With her family in financial dire straits, Eleanor must marry before the end of the Season. Secret lessons with Charles, the dashing, infuriating -- and devastatingly charming -- Duke of Somersville, should help Eleanor shake off her shameful Ice Queen moniker. But how can she tempt a prospective husband when it's the duke who ignites her desire?
 
Good book. Eleanor is in a predicament. The man who courted her suddenly proposed to another woman, and the gossip papers gave her the name "Ice Queen". Raised by her father to believe that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, Eleanor must find a way to overcome that training and find a husband. With the family at the end of their financial rope, Eleanor's mother sends her to a courtesan for lessons in flirting and how to show warmth in her interactions.
 
Charles recently inherited the title. He struggled all his life to earn his father's love and approval, even taking up his father's search for antiquities. Charles returned to England after his father's death, wracked with guilt over his failure to find the Couer de Feu, a legendary ruby. All he needs to do is find the right journal with the information. Unfortunately, some of those journals belong to the Murrays, the family of his father's greatest enemy.
 
When Charles returned to London, he found that his childhood friend Lottie, a vicar's daughter, had become a courtesan. When she begged for his help so that she could change her life, he couldn't say no. Imagine his surprise when she asked him to assist her in training Eleanor, one of the Murray family members. If he helps her, perhaps he can get his hands on those journals.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Eleanor and Charles. The attraction sparks between them from the beginning, but both try to resist. Eleanor must marry by the end of the Season to save her family. Charles believes that marriage is not for him, having seen what his father's travels did to his parents' marriage. Their attraction awakened the passion hidden beneath Eleanor's icy shell, and Charles soon found it difficult to resist the woman revealed. I loved seeing the changes in Eleanor as she learned to love the passion she feels. She also realizes that her heart is in trouble, as that passion focuses on a man who refuses to marry. Charles is a harder nut to crack, as his fixation on finding the ruby overrules his growing feelings for Eleanor. It isn't until he nearly loses her to another that he realizes that his priorities have changed, and a hilarious elopement scene follows.
 
When Eleanor finds out about Charles's quest for the ruby and need for the journals, she makes an interesting bargain with him. I enjoyed seeing them work together to uncover the secret. An unexpected twist brings disturbing revelations about their fathers' methods. Charles and Eleanor also learn that they aren't the only ones looking for the ruby. An intense confrontation with an unexpected enemy puts both of them in danger. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. The ending was terrific. I loved the solution Eleanor provided for Charles's dilemma, and the epilogue was fantastic.

The Hope Chest - Carolyn Brown (Amazon Publishing - June 2021)

An inheritance has reunited three estranged cousins. Their grandmother Lucy left Nessa, Flynn, and April her home nestled in the woods near Blossom, Texas, as well as a hope chest to be unlocked after they complete a special task. Together, they must hand-stitch a cherished quilt Lucy left unfinished. It meant everything to her. And now, to three people struggling with their own patchwork pasts…
 
To Nessa, the house has always been an escape from her strict parents -- a home away from home. Flynn has followed a profligate path into adulthood, never guessing it would lead him here. And the town of Blossom only stirs up a lifetime of disappointments for April. Lost and with nowhere to go, her last chance is helping fulfill Nanny Lucy's final wish.
 
Thread by healing thread, Nessa, Flynn, and April bond over the quilt and all it represents. As they discover the family they've been looking for in one another, they share more than memories. They share the hope of new beginnings.
 
Good story about family, love, and forgiveness. Nessa, Flynn, and April are cousins born just a few months apart. Though they spent two weeks together every summer at their grandmother Lucy's house as kids, they haven't seen each other in many years. Then an inheritance brings them all back to Blossom, Texas. Nanny Lucy left her home to the three cousins with some unusual conditions. The house can never be sold, to claim their inheritance, they must hand-stitch the quilt that she left for them, and her hope chest will go to the first cousin who marries. All three face decisions about the directions of their lives.
 
Nessa remembers Nanny Lucy's house and her time there as a place of refuge. Her father is a super-strict preacher, and her mother follows right along. Nessa saw their hypocrisy early in life and continues to rebel. She teaches kindergarten but isn't all that happy in her work. A series of failed relationships make her question her judgment. A summer at Nanny Lucy's provides a chance to consider a change.
 
Flynn, the only child of divorced parents, remembers summer fun with his cousins until the year he turned fifteen. His mother died in a car crash on the way to pick him up. Though he begged to stay with her, Nanny Lucy sent him to live with his father. Matthew is an unrepentant womanizer who had no interest in being a father to his son, leaving Flynn mostly on his own. Flynn grew up to follow in his father's footsteps but recently decided to change his ways. Spending the summer at Nanny Lucy's is his chance to start anew.
 
April is the daughter of Lucy's youngest child, Rachel. Rachel died four days after April's birth, leaving April to be raised by Nanny Lucy. April couldn't wait to get away after she graduated, but her life since then has been one disappointment after another. After her latest disastrous relationship, April is broke and homeless, leaving Nanny Lucy's her only option. There she hopes to find a new start.
 
Nessa, Flynn, and April settle into the house and work out schedules and responsibilities. There's a bit of snark and sarcasm in those first interactions until the memories of the good times they shared started to kick in. As they talk about those summer visits, each one discovers that their memories of Nanny Lucy don't necessarily match those of the others. As they look at those childhood memories through adult eyes, a clearer picture of their grandmother emerges. The things they learn about Lucy also help them understand their parents and themselves. I liked seeing them open up about their own lives and challenges and accept that they are works in progress. Each of the three cousins came to Blossom looking for a new start, and I enjoyed seeing how each of them found their way. Above all, they found the home and family each of them craved.
 
It wouldn't be a Carolyn Brown book without a little bit of romance. In this case, Nanny Lucy's net door neighbor, Jackson, was charged with keeping the hope chest until they met the will's conditions. Jackson left a successful law career five years earlier and went to work with his uncle making furniture. Having been at the same place as Flynn, April, and Nessa, Jackson is uniquely positioned to help all of them in their quests. I loved watching him become friends with all three cousins, but there was a little something extra in his interactions with Nessa. Smitten early on, Jackson knew what he wanted and had the patience to wait for it. Having been cheated on before, Nessa was in no hurry to start another relationship. I liked seeing their friendship grow into more and Nessa learn to trust Jackson. There was a minor hiccup in their growing relationship, but both acted like adults and talked it out. The epilogue caught up with everyone a year later.

Soldier's Return - Karen Whiddon (HRS #2131 - Apr 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 4)

He risked his life for his country…
 
Now he's putting his heart on the line for love
 
Carly Colton doesn't know whether to be elated that Micha Harrison is still alive or furious that it took him two years to let her know. Profound grief once tore Carly's life apart and now she's finally moving on. But the wounded warrior is determined to win her back…and to protect her from the deadly stalker threatening her life.
 
Terrific second chance story. Carly's life hasn't been an easy one lately. Two years earlier, she lost her fiancé to the war in Afghanistan. She started to move on, and then her father and uncle were brutally murdered, and the case is still unsolved. To add insult to injury, for the past month or more, she's felt as though someone is stalking her. The last thing she expects is to have her dead fiancé show up on her doorstep.
 
Two years earlier, Micha was captured by Afghan insurgents, held and tortured for six months. The rescue mission sent to free him ended in a fiery crash, killing most of the crew and putting Micha into a coma and then months of rehab. When he finally got out, Micha felt too severely scarred to go back to Carly, but he wanted to make sure she was okay and had moved on. He never intended for her to see him, but once she did, he couldn't stay away.
 
What a reunion! Carly's reactions were mixed. Elation at first, but also hurt and anger that he took so long to tell her he was alive. The chemistry between them burned as hot as ever, but after giving into that first burst of heat, Carly pulls back. Losing him once nearly killed her; trusting him with her heart again was a risk she didn't want to take. Micha loves Carly even more now than he did before. She means everything to him. All he needs to do is show her that they still belong together.
 
I loved seeing the rekindling of Micha and Carly's relationship. When Micha learns that Carly may have a stalker, his protective instincts kick in. Determined to keep her safe, Micha sticks close to Carly. With all of that togetherness, it's no surprise that Carly's fears begin to fade. There are some terrific scenes of their improving relationship, from quiet evenings together to her standing up for him to her family. I loved how Micha shared his idea for future employment with her and Carly's enthusiastic support. One of the things I liked about both of them was how each knew just how far they could push the other when it came to tough decisions. I especially liked Carly's encouragement for Micha to repair his relationship with his parents. I loved the scene near the end where Carly takes a big step toward their future and Micha's reaction to it.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages throughout the entire book. From Carly's fear of a stalker to the bombing of Micha's car to the other attacks, the intensity steadily grew. The running question remained who was the target - Carly or Micha? Either way, Micha would do anything to keep Carly safe. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, from the attack on Micha (loved the teenagers) to the showdown at Carly's house. The action was intense, and the resolution well done. There were a few mentions of the ongoing investigation into the senior Coltons' murders, with a possibility that it is the work of a serial killer. It looks like Carly's psychologist cousin, Simone, is determined to stick her fingers into the investigative pie. I can't wait for her story. 

A Proposal to Risk Their Friendship - Louise Allen (HH #1582 - June 2021)

Series: Liberated Ladies (Book 5)

An unconventional friendship
Could ruin their reputations…
 
Respecting each other's desire for independence, Lord Henry Cary and writer Melissa Taverner enjoy an uncomplicated friendship. Henry finds her amusing, intelligent company, but she's also an attractive woman, and he's alarmed to find lust sneaking in… Having always viewed marriage as a cold matter of convenience, Henry dare not risk their friendship with a proposal. Yet when their closeness sparks rumors, he might not have a choice!
 
Good friends to lovers story. Melissa and Henry met in an unusual manner when they joined forces to save a young woman from abduction by a rake named Harlby. When Henry introduces himself later, he makes arrangements to call on her the next day.
 
Melissa is spirited, intelligent, and independent. She recently persuaded her father to allow her to live in London with only her aunt as a chaperone. Melissa uses her time to write society articles for a newspaper and lurid novels for Minerva Press. Having witnessed her parents' marriage, she decided "marital bliss" is not for her. Henry is the fourth son of a duke and makes his way in the world as part of the diplomatic corps. Recently returned from Vienna and the post-war diplomatic efforts there, he is watching a suspicious character while waiting for his new posting. Henry's observations of his parents' relationship leave him in no hurry to look for a wife.
 
I enjoyed the meeting between Melissa and Henry the next day. They connect quickly and find it unusually easy to talk to each other. Melissa intrigues and amuses Henry with her opinions, and they arrange to walk in the park the next day. With similar outlooks on marriage, their "friends at first sight" relationship is unusual, to say the least. Both are surprised by how easily they share their lives and backgrounds. It isn't long before Henry recruits Melissa to help him keep an eye on his quarry. At the same time, Melissa and her friends discover that Harlby is up to his old tricks. They plan to split up and attend as many functions as possible to find out his latest target. Melissa and Henry team up and use their time to fulfill both missions.
 
I liked seeing the relationship between Henry and Melissa develop. Both are quick-witted and intelligent, their conversations full of teasing and honest discussions. When circumstances put them on the path to thwart Harlby's latest plan, they don't hesitate, even though they risk their reputations. I loved seeing their teamwork as they threw themselves into their pursuit. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that appeared between them during their travels. Both worry about the effect on their friendship if the other finds out about their feelings, sure that the other is only interested in friendship. Rumors of their travels bring on the inevitable consequences, including some interesting confrontations. Those secrets, which go against their earlier honesty with each other, cause some drama near the end. Fortunately, the friendship that underlies everything made it possible to discern the truth. I liked the ending and seeing their friendship enhanced by the love they felt for each other. I would have enjoyed an epilogue showing their life at Henry's next posting.
 
The two substories, Henry's pursuit of the spy and the issue with Harlby added some additional depth to the story. I liked Melissa's enthusiastic support and assistance in their observations of the spy. Her actions at the church helped Henry immensely. Their determination to stop Harlby, while adding to the story's excitement, also gave Melissa a chance to educate Henry on a Regency woman's circumstances and life. 

Once Upon a Royal Summer - Teri Wilson (Hallmark - June 2021)

A theme park "princess" meets a single dad…who turns out to be a real prince!
 
Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It's just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice.
 
Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter's birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That's why they're pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he's been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love?
 
This was a fun and sweet book. Lacey is a theme park princess, Princess Sweet Pea, who loves her work, especially the smiles on the faces of the children she meets. When Lacey was a little girl, her mother became very ill, and Lacey spent a lot of time at the hospital with her. The theme park princesses used to visit the children, and Lacey grew up wanting to be one of those princesses. The only downside is that Lacey's boyfriend and his mother aren't impressed with her choice. That comes to an end when Lacey calls it quits on their relationship after one too many put-downs.
 
Henry is the crown prince of a tiny Mediterranean country. His wife died four years earlier, leaving him the single father of a little girl. Henry struggles to give Rose as normal a childhood as possible, frequently over the objections of his mother, the Queen. Finally, with a critical royal event coming up and Rose fighting her part in it, Henry decides the two of them need to get away for a few days. Rose's seventh birthday is in a few days, so Henry takes her to an American amusement park. The first day they arrive, they go to the park incognito, pretending to be an ordinary dad and daughter.
 
I loved Henry and his determination to give Rose as ordinary a life as possible. He remembers his childhood loneliness and wants something better for her. I enjoyed the scenes where he stood up to his mother and insisted on public school and again when he informed her of their trip.
 
I loved the first meeting between Lacey, Henry, and Rose. Henry took Rose to Princess Sweet Pea's tea party, and when Lacey made the rounds of the tables, she and Rose immediately bonded. Henry was a touch cynical and mocking and soon found himself called upon to dance with the princess. Lacey thought she'd show him up, and instead, he blew her away with his dancing skills, not to mention the electricity that zapped between them. Lacey thought she wouldn't see them again - until the following day when she discovered that Princess Sweet Pea would spend the next few days escorting them around the park!
 
The days at the park enhance the connection between Lacey and Rose, who bond over all things princessy. Rose is adorable in her enthusiasm and hero-worship of Lacey. There's a heartwarming scene where she sees Lacey interacting with a girl in a wheelchair and can't help reaching out herself. Meanwhile, Lacey and Henry discover how easy it is to open up to each other, and the sparks between them continue to grow. I loved how Henry shared his worry over Rose's new fear of riding her pony and the brilliant way that Lacey found to help. Henry didn't want to say goodbye to Lacey and impulsively invited her and her friend Ava to come to his country for the Flower Festival and Ball. His argument? "The royal ball?" she sputtered. "A real royal ball." Henry gave her a half-shrug. "We've danced in your castle. It seems only fair that we should dance in mine."
 
Lacey is equally excited and terrified to go to Bella-Moritz. She knows in her heart that there's no way a commoner and a prince can be anything more than friends, but that doesn't stop a tiny spark of hope. Henry and Rose are visibly happy to have Lacey there, though the Queen appears less so. Henry takes great delight in showing Lacey around, and it's easy to see where his heart lies. Lacey experiences a few awkward moments, especially around the Queen, but her enthusiasm remains high. Her innate kindness and ability to think of others lead her to a couple of terrific "Lacey to the rescue" moments. I ached for Lacey when a pre-ball disaster struck, leaving her heartbroken. Help came from an unexpected source, setting Lacey up for an incredible Cinderella-like moment. Henry's big moment was fantastic.
 
I enjoyed the secondary characters almost as much as the main characters. Rose was adorable. She wasn't too good, given her resistance to the pony thing, but her heart is just as big as her dad's. I loved how she connected with Lacey and the fun they had together. I also liked Henry's bodyguard, Ian. He is just as much friend as bodyguard, and he immediately notices the effect Lacey has on Henry. Lacey's best friend, Ava, was fun. I liked how well she knew Lacey and her support after Lacey's breakup. She was almost as excited as Lacey about their trip, and even more so once she laid eyes on Ian. Finally, the Queen was the biggest surprise. Her early appearances in the book made her seem stiff, cold, and autocratic, especially when it came to Rose's schooling. I worried a little at her first reaction to Lacey. But as the visit went on, I saw a different side to her. In the end, I thought that her heart was almost as big as Henry's. 

 

Trouble in Big Timber - B.J. Daniels (HI #2001 - June 2021)

Series: Cardwell Ranch Montana Legacy (Book 5)

He's back at Cardwell Ranch
to find a killer.
 
Ford Cardwell is shocked when his college crush calls him out of the blue -- even more so when he hears a gunshot. But when he joins forces with medical examiner Henrietta "Hitch" Rogers, she makes him wonder if the random call was a setup -- not a murder. Together, they'll need to discover the truth, but looking into the case will put them in the sights of a killer.
 
Good book. The book opens as Ford, on his way home after leaving the military and haunted by his experiences, comes close to ending his pain by driving off a cliff. Stopped by the ringing of his cellphone, he is shocked to hear a woman scream and then a gunshot. When he realizes the call came from his college crush, Rachel (who married his best friend), he calls the cops and rushes to Rachel's side. But, when he discovers she'd been badly beaten before killing her husband, he doesn't know what to think.
 
Henrietta, aka "Hitch," is a state medical examiner assigned to the case by the governor. Unfortunately, the dead man's father is a bigwig, and she's under a lot of pressure to solve the case quickly. Though the local sheriff believes it's a clear-cut case of self-defense, Hitch isn't so sure. Something doesn't feel right.
 
The suspense of this story was great. Hitch considers that "butt-dial" call suspicious from the get-go, while Ford believes it was accidental. Though the two butt heads at the beginning, it isn't long before Hitch's suspicions have their effect on Ford. As Hitch uncovers more suspicious activity, Ford joins her in her pursuit of the truth. There were quite a few twists as they considered if Rachel had an accomplice and, if she did, who it was. Just when I thought I had it figured out, someone new would appear on the scene. The tension ramped up when both Hitch and Ford experienced attempts on their lives. I never suspected the person finally identified as Rachel's partner. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the very end when karma came for Rachel.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ford and Hitch. Once they got past their initial suspicion and antagonism, both noticed sparks of another kind. I loved seeing them work together and get to know each other along the way. Ford discovered that when he was with Hitch, the numbness that he'd felt since the crash began to fade, and his emotions came roaring back. Hitch had pretty much given up on relationships. She found that she intimidates a lot of men, and her job hours are irregular at best. I loved their interchange after their first kiss: "You don't find me too scary, then?" "Oh, I wouldn't say that," he chuckled... I liked that each recognized their feelings and continued to get to know each other in the aftermath of the case. The epilogue was excellent, as Ford took Hitch home to Cardwell Ranch to meet the family.

The Trouble with the Tempting Doc - Tina Beckett (HMED #1166 - Apr 2021)

Series: New York Bachelors' Club (Book 2)

He's trouble with a capital T!
 
Can she walk away?
 
Starting a new job is never easy. But for Dr. Kirsten, the hardest part is cracking the enigma that is Snowden -- the surgeon she'll be working very closely with! Kirsten can't help but ask how he can he be so standoffish…yet so irresistible. Still, Snowden is clear: a fling is all he can offer. Can Kirsten say yes and still protect her heart?
 
Excellent book. Snowden made his first appearance as Kaleb's friend in Consequences of Their New York Night. He and Kaleb made their "keep love out of relationships" pact on the occasion of Snow's divorce. Of course, Kaleb promptly fell in love and got married, leaving Snow as the sole member of the club.
 
Kirsten is new to the hospital and still finding her way around the immense facility. She becomes lost on her way to a meeting with the top transplant surgeon, where she is to consult on a case. It isn't the kind of first impression she wants to make, and she's dismayed by his cold reception. Fortunately, the coldness fades quickly, and their consultation goes well.
 
Neither expected the burst of attraction that flared between them. Kirsten is fresh off an unpleasant breakup with no intention of getting involved anytime soon. Because of trauma experienced as a child, Snow keeps his emotions locked up tight, determined to remain in control at all times. Being drawn to her so strongly stuns him, and he finds himself looking for ways to spend time with her. Kirsten is wary when he offers to take her sightseeing, but she can't say no. I loved seeing them connect during their tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and give in to the passion that suddenly flared between them. But when a holdover from Snow's childhood days freaks out Kirsten, he must decide whether to open up about his past.
 
The relationship between Snow and Kirsten resembled a rollercoaster at times. There were the highs of their physical connection and how well they meshed, personally and professionally. There were also the lows of Snow's difficulty in expressing his emotions and Kirsten's fear of the same kind of rejection she faced before. I liked that Snow could share his past with her and that her knowing the truth was a relief to him. It surprised Snow that he wanted to include her in things he usually did alone. Kirsten worried that she was developing feelings for him when she knew he wouldn't return them. When their attraction led to another passion-filled encounter, Snow didn't react well, leaving Kirsten desperate to put distance between them. I ached for Kirsten and her unhappiness as she admitted the depth of her feelings for Snow. I liked Snow's honest look at himself and his actions and his realization that he may have wrecked something significant. I loved seeing him reach out for help from his friends. The scene at the airport was great as Snow put his heart on the line. I loved Kirsten's reaction. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the visible changes in Snow.
 
As usually happens with the Medical Romance line, I learned some new things. Kirsten is a doctor of pulmonology (lungs), and Snow is a transplant surgeon. I was fascinated by a couple of the cases they worked on and the diseases described. The description of the heart transplant Snow performed was vivid and intense and made me feel as though I was there.

Redeeming Grace - Emma Miller (LI #742 - Nov 2012)

Series: Hannah's Daughters (Book 5)

With nowhere to turn, penniless widow Grace Yoder travels with her young son to the Amish community of Seven Poplars. She hopes to reunite with the Plain father she never knew -- and become part of the community. Though her father is deceased, his new family still welcomes her. Grace is overcome with gratitude. But when handsome family friend and Mennonite John Hartman offers her a job in his veterinarian office, Grace discovers a beautiful bridge between the two worlds. And prays John will ask her to stay by his side.
 
Good book. Grace is the daughter of an Amish man and woman who were not married. Her mother left the community without telling anyone she was pregnant. Grace's early life was difficult; then, she landed in foster care when her mother died. Grace later learned her father's identity, and when her life imploded decided to seek him out and become part of the Amish community. Dismayed to discover that her father is dead, Grace is grateful when his family accepts her and her son.
 
I ached for Grace when she arrived at the Yoder home. She is down to her last few dollars and has no idea what she'll do if they reject her. Her relief is evident when Hannah, her father's widow, accepts her without question, though some of the family is wary. Grace carries a lot of guilt for things in her past and believes the only path to God's forgiveness is to leave the world behind and become Amish. She fixates on this plan despite Hannah and the local bishop telling her that doing so is unlikely. Grace's struggles with the strictures of Amish life are present throughout the book.
 
Grace wants to earn her keep and contribute to the household, so she accepts a job working for John, a family friend, and Mennonite veterinarian. John is immediately drawn to Grace and quickly pictures her as a vital part of his life. Though Grace is equally interested in him, she fights her feelings because he isn't Amish. There were plenty of sweet scenes of John and Grace together as he tries to show her that they belong together. I frequently wanted to shake Grace and tell her to open her eyes to the good man that was right in front of her. I loved the family intervention and its effect on Grace. The epilogue was terrific.

Operation: L.O.V.E. — Anne Elizabeth, C.H. Admirand, Tara Nina, D.C. Devane, Lindsay Downs (Highland Press - May 2008)

NAVY, COAST GUARD, AIR FORCE, ARMY, & MARINES Five sweet romantic stories delving into the world of Special Operations from authors whose family and friends are part of the military community. The memorable twists in FUNNY BONE, B&B BIVOUAC and ANGEL FROM ABOVE will tug at your heartstrings, while the action and adventure of MISSION: DEVIL DOG and SO OTHERS MIGHT LIVE will get your heart pumping. OPERATION: L.O.V.E. - Locate, Observe, Vector, and Encounter - may it share optimal methods for securing the sweetheart of your dreams.
 
Mission: Devil Dog - Tara Nina
 
Sgt. Jack Stone, a sniper, is on a training mission, with his team going up against a team from Parris Island. When he spots one of the opposing snipers, he understands why he was given little information about the exercise. The other team consists of woman Marines, a test unit exploring the feasibility of using women as snipers. What gets his attention is that he knows the sniper he sees - his ex-girlfriend and the woman who broke his heart.
 
The first day of the exercise didn't go quite as Jack expected, and his pride took a bit of a hit. A confrontation with Riley that evening brought home to him that he'd never stopped loving her. Riley just wanted to talk to Jack to clear the air about why she did what she did. Both ended the evening determined to defeat the other the next day.
 
I liked seeing Jack and his partner, Bear, as they waited for their opportunity. Matters got very complicated when one of Riley's teammates, who was extremely jealous of her abilities, went off the deep end. The tension ramped up quickly as Riley fought for her life. While Jack and Bear could step in if necessary, I loved how Jack stood back and watched Riley handle it on her own. The end of it was a nail-biter, and I ached for Jack's fear that he would lose her. I loved the teamwork shown by the rest of the snipers as they worked to save her life. The scene at the hospital was excellent, with a sweet ending.
 
 
Funny Bone - Anne Elizabeth
 
Chuck and Cheryl are engaged, and  Chuck is about to leave on a SEAL mission. He wants them to get married right away so that he knows she is his forever. Cheryl loves Chuck as much as he loves her, but a part of her holds back. Given up for adoption as a baby, Cheryl fears being abandoned and knows that there are no guarantees that he will return. There are flashbacks to when they met and when they got engaged, and when Cheryl met Chuck's parents, all of which emphasize her love for him and her fear of losing him.
 
During their dinner out, his pager goes off, forcing an early departure.  Chuck pushes for a quick marriage while Cheryl both wants it and dreads it. I liked seeing how well Chuck understands Cheryl and how he walks her through examining her fears. While I got a little frustrated seeing Cheryl's mind running around in circles, I loved Chuck's patience as he waded through her mental turbulence. I liked the ending and seeing them come together. My only disappointment was the amount of "tell" versus the amount of "show."
 
 
B & B Bivouac - D. C. DeVane
 
Air Force Captain David went to Washington state to attend SERE school (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape). After a journey where nothing went right, he arrived to discover the barracks burned down and the other students scattered about in makeshift housing. The last to arrive, David ended up in a B & B in a pink bedroom. His first encounter with his hostess knocked him for a loop, and he stayed off-balance for much of the story. David has the stereotypical pilot reputation of being a party animal and ladies man. Finding himself fascinated with Susan was not what he expected. Susan turned her childhood home into a B & B and went from a busy urban professional to a busy business owner. She currently has no one special in her life but knows better than to get involved with someone who isn't sticking around.
 
I enjoyed seeing David and Susan get to know each other. Much of their time together was early mornings as she prepared breakfast. They connect quickly and find it easy to talk to one another. There are some terrific scenes as they share things they don't talk about with other people. I loved how Susan watched out for David, leaving dinners for him and slipping snacks into his bag. When David goes into the field for a week, he and Susan realize that their feelings for each other have grown. When David returns to the B & B, he inadvertently damages something important to Susan. I loved watching him find inventive ways to make it up to her (with some unexpected help). The ending was sweet.
 
 
Angel from Above - Lindsay Downs
 
My favorite of all. Cristal is a medevac pilot with the Army. After being something of a screwup her first two years at West Point, she found her calling when she got a taste of flying helos. As the story opens, Cristal is preparing for her first deployment during Desert Shield. With no rest for the weary, almost as soon as she arrived in the country, she and her crew went on a rescue mission. Cristal didn't expect to be gobsmacked by their leader when extracting the special forces team and their injured member. The feeling was mutual, as Paul was just as drawn to her. I had to laugh at the way she ignored him at first, not wanting to contribute to his ego. I liked how Paul looked out for her and her crew and then found a way to accelerate his team's transfer to her base.
 
This was definitely a love-at-first-sight story, but I felt as though it worked. Despite their work schedules, Cristal and Paul found time to be together, allowing their feelings to grow. I loved the scene where Cristal found out why the twinkle in his eye when Paul teased her looked so familiar and the shock it gave both of them. I also laughed out loud when Paul and Cristal were called before their C.O.s and told to explain a particular prank pulled by their mothers during Vietnam. Their relationship progressed beautifully until Paul freaked out about Cristal being in danger and told her he wanted her to stop flying medevac. She did not take it well (ouch!). Both of them went through a miserable period before the very intense event that brought them back together. In a terrific scene, Paul admitted his stupidity and did a decent grovel. I loved the ending.
 
 
So Others Might Live - C. H. Admirand
 
Bronwyn is a writer researching her next book. She intends to sail her cousin's boat - by herself - to experience every step of the process. Her cousin tries desperately to talk her out of it. He knows there's a storm coming, and the radio doesn't work. Just when he thinks he's talked Bronwyn into taking him along, she manages to leave without him. She quickly finds herself in trouble.
 
Purcell is part of the local Coast Guard rescue crew. He already pulled three fishermen out of harm's way, dislocating his shoulder along the way. Though it's back in place, he is still in pain. Then they get a call from a Good Samaritan, reporting a missing boat and cousin. Purcell jumps into the water to get to the boat and is stunned to find an injured young woman attempting to sail the boat. He's even more stunned when she refuses to be rescued.
 
I didn't care for Bronwyn, at least at the beginning. Stubborn and headstrong, she refused to listen to reason, putting herself and ultimately the Coast Guard crew in danger. She redeemed herself somewhat when she realized how stupid she'd been. I liked Purcell and his dedication to his job, even when injured.
 
I'm not sure I would call what they had love-at-first-sight, more like instant attraction. I enjoyed their encounter at the hospital and their desire to take care of each other. I had to laugh at their return to the Coast Guard base. Bronwyn wanted to discover what happened to her cousin's boat, and Purcell was determined to help her find out. Bronwyn didn't expect to find her cousin there or have to face the music quite so soon. Purcell's protectiveness was sweet, and his comments on keeping her were adorable.
 
 
Overall, I enjoyed the anthology. I love stories involving our men and women in uniform, and special ops stories are always especially good.