For His Daughter's Sake - Stella Bagwell (HSE #2851 - Aug 2021)

Series: Montana Mavericks: The Real Cowboys of Bronco Heights (Book 2)

The Cowboy's Second Chance
 
Single dad Tyler Abernathy has vowed to devote himself completely to his little girl, Maeve. The widowed rancher's belief that he wasn't a present-enough father or husband pushes him to turn down the locals' well-meaning attempts to fix him up. But when he meets Callie Sheldrick, she disarms him in ways he can't explain…or ignore. Walking away would be the right thing to do. Yet doing the "right" thing might end up breaking all three of their hearts…
 
Good book. Tyler is the single father of a nine-month-old little girl who is the center of his life. After his wife's death six months earlier, it seemed as though everyone in town had someone they think would make the perfect wife/mother. Tyler isn't interested until he meets Callie, who appeals to him in ways he doesn't understand and can't resist.
 
Callie works as the admin assistant for Bronco Ghost Tours. She recently broke up with her boyfriend, and while at a bridal shower for a friend, contemplates her singleness. She wants the same sort of love she sees her friends finding and wonders if it will ever happen. Town mystic Winona gives Callie some unexpected and mysterious advice, leaving her puzzled about what it means. Callie is drawn to Tyler but gets tongue-tied around him.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Tyler and Callie. Drawn to each other from the beginning, issues from their pasts make them wary of risking their hearts. Riddled with guilty feelings about his marriage, Tyler believes that he doesn't deserve to be happy. I ached for him because he couldn't see that his late wife was a selfish woman who brought many of her problems on herself. Tyler made some mistakes, but I felt he was driven to them by his wife's attitude. I loved how hands-on he was with Maeve, but because of his belief that he was a terrible father, he went a little overboard. He frequently felt overwhelmed between his ranch work and caring for Maeve because he accepted only the bare minimum of help.
 
Callie couldn't resist Tyler when he asked her out. She's interested but wary. Having never spent much time with babies, Callie feels inept initially, especially when Maeve cried the first time she saw Callie. She's also cautious about risking her heart because previous boyfriends walked away so easily.
 
When Tyler decided he wanted to get to know Callie better, he went all in. I loved the sweet scenes of their time together, both with and without Maeve along. Seeing the differences between Callie and his late wife opened Tyler's eyes to the truth about his marriage. He still fought against admitting his feelings for Callie, preferring to believe they are casual. Meanwhile, Callie falls hard for Tyler but thinks he's still in love with his wife. When Tyler accidentally learns how Callie feels about him, he panics and runs away, claiming things are moving too fast. I ached for Callie, who was blindsided by Tyler's actions. I felt that Tyler earned every bit of his misery. Even after some excellent advice from his mom, Tyler still can't let go of his guilt. I loved how his brother Dean's words to Callie sent her to confront Tyler. I loved his emotional confession and its effect on Callie.
 
I laughed at the ending scene and Winona's comments to Callie and Tyler. Mystic or not, she certainly saw something back at the beginning that told her they belonged together.

How to Catch a Bad Boy - Cat Schield (HD #2821 - Sept 2021)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book 7)

He fooled her once.
 
It won't happen again.
 
Bailing her onetime lover out of jail is Lani Li's ticket to a big career. The Dallas PI needs accused embezzler Asher Edmond to lead her to a cache of missing millions -- whether or not he's innocent, like he claims. But Lani didn't count on pesky old passions reigniting the minute they make contact. With suspicion and scandal swirling around them and her future on the line, Lani can't let the sexy playboy sweep her off her feet again. Surely he can't fool her twice…can he?
 
Terrific second chance love story combined with a mystery of missing funds. Arrested for embezzlement at the end of the previous book (Trapped with the Texan), Asher Edmond sits in jail wondering what happened. He insists he is innocent, but no one believes him, not even his own family. SO he is shocked when former girlfriend Lani Li bails him out of jail.
 
Now a private investigator, Lani bailed Asher out for one reason - she needs him to lead her to the missing money her client wants recovered. If she succeeds, her PI business will get the boost it needs to survive. She neither knows nor cares if he is innocent.
 
I liked Asher, but I have to say he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Adopted by Rusty Edmonds when he married Asher's mom, Asher spent years trying to earn Rusty's approval before giving up. Instead, he lived down to Rusty's opinion, spending his time as a playboy polo player. After that, he took a job with the family business and barely paying lip service to that. But as the story went on, I saw a different side to Asher and realized there was more to him than initially portrayed.
 
I also liked Lani. A strong, determined woman, she fights every step of the way for the life she wants. She has a tough, cynical exterior that hides a heart wary of being risked again. Like Asher, I saw changes in her as the book progressed.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Lani and Asher's relationship. Their previous romance occurred between two young, somewhat immature people who had differing goals in life. While Asher wanted Lani to go with him on his polo matches, she had her eyes set on a career with the FBI. Their parting affected them both when it came to future relationships. When Lani showed up to bail out Asher, the sparks between them flared again. Dismayed by her reaction, Lani fights her feelings, determined not to fall for his charms again. At the same time, Asher would love to pick up where they left off. He doesn't give up when Lani shuts him down.
 
I liked how Asher found ways to keep himself close to Lani. All that time together gave her the chance to see Asher in a new light. Complicating matters, the attraction between them proved to be irresistible. Slowly, the new Asher replaced Lani's memories of the old Asher, and the walls around her heart crumbled. At the same time, Asher admitted his past mistakes and struggled to become the man he thought she wanted. But none of it would do any good if Asher wasn't cleared of the embezzlement charges.
 
When Lani arrived in Royal, she was convinced that Asher was guilty of the charges. All she wanted was for him to admit it and tell her where the money was. She didn't believe his claims of innocence, but Lani also knew he couldn't help her from jail. Bailing him out came with the condition that she was responsible for him, requiring her to stay with him at his apartment. I liked how Asher's apparent cluelessness about some of the embezzlement's details opened Lani's eyes to the possibility that Asher had been framed. Some interesting scenes of their cooperation showed that they made a good team. I loved following their investigation and seeing that it ran along the same lines as my suspicions. I was glued to the pages when Asher took matters into his own hands and ended up in trouble. I felt the frustration when their quarry escaped but cheered when Asher managed to come up with a crucial bit of evidence. I can't wait for the next book and to see if the thief finally gets caught.
 
I loved the ending. Lani had a bit of fun jerking Asher's chain at the jail. Asher's big moment was terrific. I loved seeing his vulnerability as he opened his heart to Lani. I hope to see a little more of them in the next book.

Trapped with the Texan - Joanne Rock (HD #2815 - Aug 2021)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book 6)

Stranded together…and then crossing the line!
Is he her shelter from the storm…Or her biggest mistake?
 
Valencia Donovan's plan to dazzle the wealthy investor she needs for her horse rescue start-up takes an unexpected turn when a tornado strands her with Lorenzo Cortez-Williams. Giving in to attraction in a desperate moment only makes them hungry for more. After they've blown away all boundaries, Valencia's treacherous feelings for the guarded ranching heir could jeopardize her lifelong dream. But closing the deal -- while walking away from their intimate affair -- could cost her even more…
 
Good addition to the series. Valencia owns a horse rescue farm and plans to expand into providing equine therapy for children. For that, she needs extra funds and applies for a grant from the Cortez-Williams family's foundation. She's ready to give her presentation to the elder board member when she discovers that he's turned over vetting applicants to his grandson, Lorenzo the Third. Taken aback by her attraction to him, Valencia struggles to remain professional.
 
Lorenzo takes his job of vetting organizations very seriously. Burned by his ex-fiancée, who used their relationship for her own gain, Lorenzo doesn't trust easily. He vowed then that he would keep personal and professional relationships separate. His attraction to Valencia makes that problematic.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Lorenzo and Valencia. The sparks between them are evident from the moment they met, yet they manage to get through their meeting with their professionalism intact. That doesn't mean that either forgets about those sparks. Lorenzo invites Valencia to dinner to tell her the results of her application, and the attraction still simmers in the background. When their dinner is cut short by a tornado warning, Lorenzo accompanies her back to her ranch to help prepare, and they end up taking shelter in her storm cellar. Because of a childhood trauma involving a tornado, Valencia is understandably nervous. While the storm rages outside, the flaring attraction between them provides an unexpected distraction. When the storm passes, they can't resist giving in, creating complications.
 
Baggage from the past, and a secret from the present, keep Lorenzo and Valencia from fully trusting each other. Finding out Lorenzo's secret devastates Valencia and breaks her heart. I ached for Lorenzo, also, because his boneheaded move drove a wedge between them. I loved Lorenzo's realization of his feelings for her and his determination to make things right. His big moment at the end put their pasts to rest and looked to the future together.
 
The overarching story of Soirée on the Bay continues to heat up. Valencia has a vested interest in its success as one of the proposed charitable beneficiaries. The news of the missing money hits her hard because of its impact on her plans. The blows to the Soirée continue when the tornado damages some of the site days before the projected start, and Asher Edmond is arrested on suspicion of embezzlement. I personally believe that he is innocent and still suspect a  different player in the drama. I can't wait to see if I am right. 

Secret Defender - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2143 - Aug 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 7)

A former boxer must KO the threat to one woman's life
 
When he meets skittish Felicia Wagner, ex-boxer Aaron Colton immediately senses she's hiding something. He makes it his mission to figure out what she's hiding…and soon discovers Felicia is keeping a dangerous secret. A threat from her past looms large over her present, and Aaron offers to keep her safe. Even if that means resisting their mutual attraction. Even if that means risking it all…
 
Sweet romance with a bit of heat and hovering suspense just waiting for the shoe to drop. When ex-boxer and gym owner Aaron Colton gets a phone call from his mom, he knows something is seriously wrong. A broken hip and an unwilling stint in rehab have Nicole Colton ready to go home while Aaron and his brothers lobby for a live-in nurse. I thoroughly enjoyed the negotiations between Nicole and her sons as her independence ran up against their protectiveness. I loved when they agreed for Nicole to hire one of the physical therapists from rehab.
 
Felicia works part-time as a PT while trying to keep a low profile. Making ends meet is always a challenge, and she's thrilled when Nicole offers her the position. Excellent pay, including a place to stay, gives her the security she hasn't had in several years. I loved the rapport between Felicia and Nicole, both as therapist and patient and as friends. Nicole's nurturing personality fills a hole in Felicia's life that she's had for as long as she can remember.
 
I laughed out loud when super-protective Aaron showed up to check up on the therapist his mom hired. Instead of the middle-aged Brunhilde type he expected, Aaron faced a young woman whose beauty left him speechless. Immediately suspicious, he gets a bit intense in his questions for her. Felicia handles him well but is wary, thanks to her past. Aaron suspects she's hiding something and is determined to figure it out. To do that, he makes frequent visits to his mother's house, more and more fascinated by what he sees.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Aaron and Felicia. As Aaron begins to suspect that she's on the run from an abuser, his protectiveness is aroused. Felicia's wariness fades as she learns more about Aaron and realizes that he's one of the good guys. There are some sweet scenes of them together, from teaching her self-defense to taking Felicia on her very first picnic. I especially enjoyed seeing Aaron take her out to dinner at his cousin Tatum's restaurant, True (Undercover Heat).
 
But as Felicia and Aaron grow closer, she also feels as though she's being watched. I ached for Felicia and her feeling of impending doom. When it becomes evident that her ex has found her, Felicia fears for Nicole's safety and runs rather than bringing danger to her friend. I was glued to the pages as Felicia's past caught up with her, and Aaron desperately tried to find her. I loved watching Felicia use what she learned from Aaron and even more when Aaron delivered the final blow. Though the suspense was low-key until the end, it sure made up for it with an intense confrontation. I loved seeing Aaron and Felicia come together at the end, ready to face the future without her past hanging over her head.
 
The storyline pays a little bit of attention to the lawsuit running through the second half of the series. In a previous book, we learned that Aaron's father is suing the other Colton family for part of the company after the murders of their fathers. Some of the family dynamics behind it come out during Aaron's visit to his father and conversation with his grandmother. The grandmother is not a nice person and is good at manipulating her selfish and weak-minded son. I look forward to seeing how this works out. 

 

Covert Amish Investigation - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #917 - Oct 2021)

Series: Amish Country Justice (Book 11)

A deadly undercover assignment…
in the Amish community she left behind.
 
After a woman in witness protection disappears from Kate Bontrager's Amish hometown, the now Englisch police officer goes undercover -- and enters a killer's sights. Partnering with Abram Burkholder, the man she'd hoped to marry nearly a decade ago, is the only way to solve the case. But can they face the past and heal their still damaged hearts…before they both end up dead?
 
Excellent book that had me hooked from start to finish. Kate is a formerly Amish woman who left her community after a horrific attack and no support from her parents. She got a job and eventually became a police officer. Her world is turned upside down when her chief asks her to go undercover back in her hometown, investigating the disappearance of a woman in witness protection. She's stunned when one of the first people she encounters is Abram, the man she loved all those years ago.
 
Abram never forgot his "Katie," who disappeared with no word almost ten years earlier. The last thing he expected was to find her carrying a gun and investigating a missing person. When asked to help, he can't refuse, and as danger looms vows to keep her safe.
 
I enjoyed seeing Kate and Abram find their way back to each other. When Kate fled the Amish community, she believed that Abram would feel the same way her parents did. In addition to losing her home, she also lost her faith. Seeing Abram again stirred up her memories and her feelings, but nothing could be done about them. She's Englisch now, with a completely different life. Though happy to see her again, Abram realizes that he can't ask her to give up her new life. But the more time they spend together, the more their old feelings rekindle and grow. As the dangers stirred up by her investigation intensify, Abram's protectiveness increases. I loved Abram's support when he found out why she left. I ached for Kate, who believed she couldn't go home again, and Abram, who knew he couldn't leave his faith for her. When the case ended, and they went their separate ways, both had some serious thinking to do. I loved the ending, which had a nice bit of timing for Abram's big moment. The epilogue was fantastic.
 
The suspense of the story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The disappearance of Bailey/Beth raised questions of whether it was foul play or by choice. Someone is determined that Kate's investigation goes nowhere, as she endures attacks at every turn. Unexpected twists reveal previously unknown players in the exposed trafficking ring. As Kate and Abram put the clues together, finding Beth becomes a race against time. A nail-biting final confrontation provided an exciting and satisfying resolution.

Colton K-9 Target - Justine Davis (HRS #2148 - Sept 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 8)

Man's best friend
…is this cop's most trusted partner
 
New to the Grave Gulch Police Department, K-9 detective Brett Shea feels like an outsider among its many Coltons. Even Annalise, his dog's trainer, is a Colton! But when she's attacked by a man pretending to be her date, Brett vows to track down the criminal. Though he's sworn off forever love -- which is proving harder by the day -- Brett will protect her at any cost.
 
Terrific continuation of the Coltons of Grave Gulch series. In this book, Detective Brett Shea and his K-9 recently joined the Grave Gulch PD. He left his big-city department, looking for something to feel more connected to the people he serves. Brett didn't realize at the time that there were quite so many of the same family working for the department, from the chief down to the newest rookie. He's a little uncomfortable with all that family closeness, something he never experienced with his family. I ached a bit for Brett, who felt like an outsider among them, despite having Troy Colton as his partner. Brett's connection with the Coltons goes up significantly when he comes to Annalise Colton's rescue during an attack.
 
Annalise works as a dog trainer, including training some of the GGPD's dogs. Having watched several of her family members find true love over the past few months, she wants the same thing for herself. At the advice of a friend, she joined a local dating app and connected with an ER doctor who checks all her boxes. But when he cancels on the night of their first date (because of an emergency), she's attacked by a deliveryman he sent - only it's more than that. Annalise becomes the victim of a catfisher, a man who lures women and attacks them for various reasons. Fortunately for Annalise, Brett and his dog, Ember, were in the neighborhood and witnessed her fight against her attacker.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Brett and Annalise. Because Annalise works with Ember, she and Brett know each other already. Though neither has acknowledged it, sparks of attraction are already present between them. When Brett witnesses the attack on Annalise, his protective instincts kick in stronger than for any other woman he's helped. I loved how he stayed close that first night and invited her to stay with him in case the guy came back to finish the job. Shaken badly, Annalise accepts his offer. Over the next few days, they work together to try to catch her attacker. At the same time, all that togetherness ramps up the attraction between them, though both try to fight it. Brett isn't looking for a relationship. He doesn't believe in forever love because of what he witnessed with his parents, and he knows that's what Annalise is looking for. Annalise knows Brett's views and tries to convince herself it's just the situation that draws her to him.
 
There were some sweet moments between Brett and Annalise. I loved how he looked after her, built up her confidence when she felt down because of falling for the catfisher's tricks and involved her in the search. I liked seeing Annalise show Brett what family should be. When they give in to the attraction, both freak out a bit at the intensity of the connection and try to put some space between them. When something goes wrong with the attempt to catch the bad guy, both Brett and Annalise finally realize the depth of their feelings for each other. I loved Brett's big moment at the end.
 
I liked the suspense of the book. The main story involves catching the man who attacked Annalise. The underlying tension of worrying if the man would attack again pushed Brett and Annalise together. Each bit of evidence uncovered about other attacks gave Brett more ammunition for the sting operation he planned. The tension ramped up with the second attack and kept me glued to the pages waiting for the intense final confrontation.
 
The other suspense involved the ongoing story arc for the series. A corrupt CSI official, Randall Bowe, tampered with evidence in ways that suited his agenda, allowing a serial killer to go free. At the same time, he went into hiding to escape prosecution. The entire GGPD is under attack by protestors who hold them responsible. The intensity increases as the released serial killer, Len Davison, strikes several more times. Both fugitives make appearances in this book. Bowe contacts the chief of police with demands. Davison strikes again while Brett and others attempt to set up a trap to catch him. The frustration of the entire GGPD leaps off the page as the two continue to elude capture.
 
The author was an excellent choice for this particular book in the series. She has a wonderful touch with dogs in her books (see the Cutter's Code series). Brett's K-9 partner, Ember, and Analise's two dogs, jack and Apple, come alive in this story with a unique personality, lending an extra layer of realism to the story.

Stalked in Silver Valley - Geri Krotow (HRS #2153 - Oct 2021)

Series: Silver Valley PD (Book 9)

Hunting a ruthless enemy, revisiting her darkest fears
 
Forced marriage to a Russian gangster left Kit Danilenko with PTSD. Now she devotes all her time to taking down organized crime. When Kit is paired with undercover agent Luther Darby on a covert mission, she's wary of the attraction simmering between them. Their work requires trust, though, and Kit and Luther forge a connection—fragile and tentative, but unlike anything she's ever known. Can it withstand the haunting threats of mobsters on their trail?
 
This book hooked me from the first chapter, and didn't let go until I turned the last page. Kit escaped from the abuse of a forced marriage to Russian Organized Crime leader Vadim Valensky. At the same time, she found a way to help the Silver Valley PD take him down for his sex-and-drug trafficking crimes. In the two years since then, she divorced him, dealt with her PTSD, and took a job with SVPD and Trail Hikers using her language skills to continue the fight against ROC. Her latest assignment involves working with Trail Hikers agent Luther Darby to find two ROC members intent on resurrecting the local ROC then listen in on their plans.
 
As an FBI agent and then a Trail Hikers agent, Luther spent years going after ROC. After his last op, his determination became personal as well as professional. The last thing he wanted was to be paired with a civilian who wasn't even allowed to carry a weapon.
 
Luther and Kit got off to a rough start. Kit didn't appreciate Luther's lack of belief in her abilities, and Kit stirred up some unpleasant memories from Luther's past. Sparks of attraction added unexpected complications. Neither one is interested in a relationship. Kit felt zero interest in men after her time with Vadim, and she's not sure she can trust the feelings Luther causes. After the betrayal Luther experienced from the last woman he cared for, getting involved with another work-related woman is not an option. He's determined to stay unencumbered for as long as he works undercover.
 
I liked seeing the relationship between Luther and Kit develop. The more time they spend together, the closer they get, settling into a friendly partner role. The attraction between them continues to grow while each of them fights the yearning to get closer. An unexpected attack brings out Luther's protective instincts and Kit worries that she's put him in danger. When the operation ends, both must decide whether to take a risk. I wanted to shake Luther for walking away despite his feelings. I loved the ending as he realized the future he expected was no longer what he wanted. I loved his big moment and Kit's response.
 
The book had a double-barreled suspense story going on. The main one followed the story arc of the last several books, the partnership of the Trail Hikers and the SVPD as they worked to shut down the East Coast ROC. The remaining two leaders intend to reestablish the ROC's hold on the area, though each harbors plans of their own that are mutually exclusive. We get a look at the interactions between the two bad guys as each tries to get the upper hand. An unexpected twist ends up putting Kit in danger. I was on the edge of my seat as she took on the bad guys and won (with a bit of help).
 
The second story involved Kit's past coming back to haunt her. Her ex-husband's adult son wants her, not just for himself but also to use as a bribe to get back into the ROC. From her feelings of being watched to his attempted kidnapping of her in the woods, I couldn't wait to see how it turned out. I was glued to the pages as I saw Kit's struggle and her fear for Luther. I loved seeing Kit's response to the danger and Luther's confidence in her.

His Unlikely Duchess - Amanda McCabe (HH #1554 - Jan 2021)

Series: Dollar Duchesses (Book 1)

Money can buy her marriage
 
But will it lead to love?
 
Miss Lily Wilkins hopes her American money will compensate for her lack of etiquette, as she needs a prestigious marriage to save her sisters' prospects. Raised to believe wealth was her greatest attribute, she's stunned when her unconventional ways catch the eye of the notorious Duke of Lennox. He's far from the safe, sensible match she'd planned on -- but Lily might just discover he's the one she needs!
 
Good book. American Lily is the oldest daughter of a self-made millionaire and his Southern Belle wife. Mrs. Wilkins is quite ambitious, and when she receives an invitation from a school friend to bring her daughters to England for the Season, she can't resist. She immediately sees her girls finding husbands with titles, cementing her reputation at home.
 
I liked Lily. She prefers spending time with her books instead of the social whirl, but she doesn't rebel against her mother's plans. She knows that if she makes a good marriage, it will help her two younger sisters. She wants to find love but draws only those men more interested in her fortune than herself. I ached for Lily because she feels like an outsider in the London ballrooms, mocked as the daughter of the "Coal King" and looked down on because of her "trade" background.
 
I liked Aidan also. As the second son, he never expected to inherit the title. He spent the last several years traveling the world, having adventures from Egypt to South America to the American West. But when his brother died, Aidan returned home to take up duties he felt unprepared for and a nearly bankrupt estate. The only way out is to marry a woman with a large dowry, something Aidan is reluctant to do.
 
I loved the first meeting between Lily and Aidan. She's hiding behind the plants at the edge of the ballroom, avoiding her mother's attempts at matchmaking when another reluctant attendee joins her. They chat for a few minutes, exchanging only first names. I liked the immediate connection between them and how easily they talked together. When Aidan asks her to dance, she agrees, and they enjoy their waltz together. Lily's ease disappears when Aidan is revealed as the Duke of Lennox, and her mother gets that look in her eye.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Lily and Aidan. When together, they find they have much in common, can talk of almost anything, and soon find themselves dreaming of a future together. But when they are apart, their insecurities take over, casting doubt on whether they could make the other happy. When Lily and her family visit Aidan's home, their emotions go through multiple ups and downs. As Lily sees everything that a duchess must know and do, she doubts her ability to measure up to the current duchess. When Aidan looks around his crumbling estate, he feels guilty about having so little to offer her. There are some sweet scenes of Aidan and Lily together, from riding to rowing to exploring his home. The long history of his family fascinates her, and he sees it anew through her eyes. Her warm heart and ease with people draw him closer when they visit one of the families on his estate.
 
The more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings for each other grow, but both are wary of saying anything. Lily can't tell if Aidan truly cares for her or if he's making the best of things to get the money he needs for the estate. Aidan keeps quiet because he doesn't feel worthy of her. I had high hopes during their time in Brighton. With no one around to tell them otherwise, they could be themselves, and their happiness leaped off the pages. But on their return home, outside pressures once again threw obstacles in their path. The ending had me glued to the pages as Aidan's past nearly ruined his future with Lily. The situation forced them to face their fears and risk sharing the truth of their feelings. Aidan's emotional plea was just what Lily needed to share her own feelings. The epilogue was terrific.
 
I can't wait to read her sisters' stories, though we get a look at Rose's future at the end of this one. 

 

The Railway Countess - Julia Justiss (HH #1588 - July 2021)

Series: Heirs in Waiting (Book 2)

She didn't want to marry
 
Least of all a Viscount!
 
Marcella Cranmore wants to avoid marriage and continue using her mathematical expertise to help her railway engineer father -- but her mother insists on her having a season. At her first ball, Marcella's relieved to see someone she knows, railway investor Crispin D'Aubignon. Conversing with the viscount is safe, for she's as off-limits to him as he is to her…except that is only increasing the fascination!
 
Terrific story of two people from different classes who make a bargain to help each other and find themselves falling in love instead. Crispin, Viscount Dellacourt, believes that the way of the future lies in technology and industrialization and has made a fortune by investing in railroads. His father, the earl, constantly harangues Crispin for dabbling in "trade," so Crispin avoids him whenever possible. The book opens as Crispin pays a visit to the office of a railway engineer, looking for a new investment opportunity. There he meets Marcella, the engineer's daughter, who surprises him with her wit, intelligence, and knowledge of the project. Fascinated by his conversation with her, Crispin hopes to see her again.
 
Marcella loves working with her father, who willingly puts her love of mathematics and engineering to use. She would love nothing more than to continue her work with him, avoiding marriage for as long as possible. Crispin impresses Marcella with his interest and understanding of the railroad engineering process, unlike many of his peers.
 
I loved the first meeting between Crispin and Marcella. Though dismissive of him at first, Crispin quickly wins her over with his knowledge. They connect over the railroad project and in sharing their mutual disinterest in marriage. They also experience unexpected sparks of attraction, which each bury deep. Neither expects to see the other again except perhaps at her father's office. Fate, however, has something else in mind.
 
Though Marcella intensely dislikes the aristocracy thanks to some bad experiences in her past, her mother's dream is for her to marry a title. Marcella agrees to participate in the Season to keep her mother happy but vows to return at the end unwed. Unfortunately, having a considerable dowry makes her the target of cash-poor gentlemen despite her "merchant class" heritage. At the same time, Crispin's father insists that he court the "Factory Heiress" as a way to replenish the estate's coffers because marriage is the only acceptable method to do so. If he does so, the earl will allow his wife time in London to participate in the festivities. Because he loves his mother as much as he detests his father, Crispin agrees.
 
Marcella and Crispin are shocked to encounter each other in a ballroom, especially after their discussion about marriage. Though initially angry at what each sees as the other's deception, they discover that both are there under duress.  I loved how they made a deal to publicly spend time together, appearing to court, to protect her from the bullying aspects of society and satisfying his father's demands. They agree to a month, at which time they will part ways. Both believe that there is no danger of developing feelings for each other.
 
I loved watching the development of Marcella and Crispin's relationship. Because of their common interests and shared disinclination for marriage, they can relax in each other's company. While carefully toeing the line of society's rules, they spend as much time as possible together. I loved Crispin's growing protectiveness as he witnessed the vicious attitudes of the ton and the unwelcome attentions of one overeager suitor. Crispin and Marcella have some wonderful scenes together as they learn more about each other. I laughed out loud at his horror when he discovered her plans to attend a scientific lecture wearing men's clothing and how he ended up helping her. At the same time, Marcella teaches him about the unequal treatment of women, especially when it comes to education. The scene in the bookstore went a long way toward opening Crispin's eyes. I especially enjoyed their growing respect for each other.
 
All too soon, both Marcella and Crispin realize that their feelings for each other have changed. However, Marcella knows she wouldn't fit in his world, and Crispin's witnessing of his parents' marriage keeps him from believing long-term happiness is possible. When vicious rumors circulate about Marcella, she breaks things off with Crispin early rather than trap him in a marriage he doesn't want. It takes some time apart and looking at a future without each other to realize they belong together. I loved Crispin's big moment at the end, his vision of their future, and Marcella's dreams coming true.
 
I enjoyed the inclusion of Crispin's friends Alex (TheBluestocking Duchess) and Lattimer (The Explorer Baroness). For Crispin and Lattimer, Alex's sudden marriage came as a shock but seeing his happiness made Crispin reconsider his beliefs. I also enjoyed the mention of Marcella's school friend, Miss Henley, whose story is told in The Awakening of Miss Henley. I enjoy it when characters from previous books make appearances in new ones. 

How Not to Chaperon a Lady - Virginia Heath (HH #1606 - Oct 2021)

Series: Talk of the Beau Monde (Book 3)

His childhood nemesis…
 
…is the woman he can't resist!
 
Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she's on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he's spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she's much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn—he's supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!
 
Terrific book. The Philpot and Brookes families have been friends for many years. While Charity's best friend is Griff's sister, Dorothy, she and Griff have never gotten along. Griff believes that Charity is flighty, spoiled, and selfish, while Charity thinks Griff is a humorless prig. But underneath the antagonism simmer feelings that neither wants to admit. Charity's singing career takes off, leading to a month-long tour in the north. Charity plans to take her BFF with her and enjoy some adventures away from London. Then Griff announces his intention to chaperon the trip, ostensibly to protect Dorothy from Charity's bad influence. Charity is understandably furious to have Gruff Griff the Fun-Stealer tagging along.
 
Griff is a practical man, an engineer by trade and by avocation. Charity drives him nuts with her flirting, stubbornness, and sometimes reckless behavior. There's something about her that gets under his skin, and even moving away for four years didn't get her out of his system. Finding out about her trip sends him scrambling to find a reason to go along.
 
The trip starts rough as Charity schemes to do everything she can to make Griff regret coming along. She comes across as something of a brat, pouting because she didn't get her way. Griff isn't much better; his smugness at thwarting her is not an attractive attribute. Meanwhile, poor Dorothy is caught in the middle. I enjoyed that first day, as Charity put a crimp in Griff's plans by forcing a stop at a different inn. It's there that Griff begins to get an inkling of the real Charity Brookes when she puts on an impromptu performance for some soldiers.
 
Forced together as they are, both Griff and Charity soon discover that their impressions of each other are not entirely accurate. While Griff is secretly a huge fan of Charity's singing, he never understood how much work went into it. I loved seeing his growing respect for her and how that respect opened his eyes to other feelings. I also enjoyed seeing Charity begin to see past Griff's gruff exterior. His passion for his work fascinates her. His rescue of her during a panic attack opens her eyes to the more sensitive man he keeps well hidden. I loved seeing his protectiveness come out when he saw the toll the tour takes on her.
 
But as their unexpected feelings for each other grow, so too do their insecurities. Charity knows what his opinion of her is because he's complained about her often enough. Even if she has feelings for him, they can go nowhere. At the same time, Griff knows he's falling for Charity, but with all of the fancy suitors she has, why would she be interested in a plain old Mister? But just as things start to look promising between them, Griff's jealousy (spurred by his insecurity) erupts in a burst of anger and accusation. I ached for Charity because she didn't deserve any of it. When she confronts him about it later, both of them fling hurtful words at each other. Their passionate anger turns to passion of another kind. Unfortunately, the next day Griff's reaction manifests in some boneheaded statements rather than telling her how he feels. Charity naturally wants something more that matches her feelings. So she runs for home, leaving Griff behind wondering what to do.
 
I ached for Charity, who buried her hurt in her work to exclude all else. When he returns to London, Griff's reaction shows that he still cares but has no idea what to do about it. That is until Charity discovers that she isn't just rundown from overwork, and they find themselves married. Neither knows how the other feels and because of it must find a way to live together. I liked Griff's determination to make their marriage work. In a hilarious scene with his two brothers-in-law, Griff comes up with a plan to win his wife's heart. He really won my heart with his sweet care of Charity when she was so sick, and I loved how that chipped away at the wall around her heart. But when her past runs up against his insecurities, Griff again allows his fears to explode in anger. I cried for Charity and her devastation at his words and cheered for the support she received from her family. Fortunately, Griff had learned his lesson and realized what a monumental idiot he was. He did a stellar job of groveling, with witnesses, in an emotional plea for forgiveness. I loved that Charity was woman enough to admit her own mistakes in a memorable final scene. 

 

A Stranger on Her Doorstep - Julie Miller (HI #2015 - Aug 2021)

She senses he's in danger because of his past.
 
If only he could remember why… Ava Wallace feels safe in her remote cabin -- until a wounded man collapses at her door. He remembers being a Marine, but he has no idea who left him for dead or how he ended up in the mountains of Wyoming. As the stranger begins to recover his memory, he and Ava begin to trust each other. But every recollection brings them closer to a deadly revelation…
 
Fantastic book that started with a rush, and the intensity never let up. The story opens with Luke hurtling down a mountain in Wyoming in an SUV with no brakes and two other SUVs in hot pursuit. When the inevitable happens, and the SUV crashes, two men haul a dazed Luke out of the vehicle. Hearing them talk about putting a bullet in his head leaves him with two options: die or try to escape. So Luke rolls off the side of the road and down a steep drop, sustaining more injuries before stumbling away to look for help. He eventually ends up knocking on the door of an isolated cabin.
 
Ava Wallace (aka author A. L. Baines) moved to her grandparents' cabin from Chicago after surviving a horrific attack that left her scarred and suffering from PTSD. With her big white dog, Maxie, Ava avoids people as much as possible and is not pleased to have a strange man pounding on her door. Doing her best to ignore her anxiety, Ava provides first aid before driving him to the local hospital. Complicating matters, Luke can't remember his name and thinks he is a character from her series, of which he's a huge fan). I loved this scene which was at the same time hilarious and heartbreaking.
 
Sure he's in danger, Luke convinces Ava to let him stay with her while he tries to recover his memory. Instinct tells Ava he's right, but the last time she helped a strange man, it didn't end well for her. I loved the combination of romance and suspense. As Luke learns more about Ava's past, his admiration for her grows, as do stronger feelings. I loved how he saw past her scars to the strong and resilient woman she is. His unstinting respect goes a long way toward changing Ava's view of herself as damaged goods. Likewise, Ava's growing trust helps Luke face some things from the past that still haunt him. I especially enjoyed the mixing of their real lives with those of the characters in Ava's books. I loved how Luke saw so much of Ava in her character of Willow. The ending was fantastic. I loved their conversation on the cabin's porch, especially Luke's teasing about her book.
 
The suspense of the story kept me glued to the pages from the start.  From Luke's hair-raising trip down the mountain to the final confrontation with the bad guys, I never knew what would happen next. The biggest question was whether Luke would get his memory back before the bad guys caught up with him. Each new memory revealed another puzzle piece and added to the surety that Luke was caught up in something big. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with Ava caught up in her worst nightmare before Luke's arrival. Luke's comment to "Summon the dragon" was the perfect way to take down the final adversary. 

For the Defense - Maggie Wells (HI #2022 - Sept 2021)

Series: Raising the Bar Brief (Book 2) 

She'd bring down a criminal
With or without his lawyer's help.
 
Deputy Lori Cabrera is shocked to discover that a powerful local businessman is a front for a drug-trafficking ring tucked away in her own rural Georgia community. It figures his defense attorney is none other than the distractingly handsome Simon Wingate. Can Lori convince Simon his client is guilty as sin? If she can, the big-city attorney could be putting more than his heart on the line to see that justice is served.
 
Good combination of romance and suspense. Lori is a deputy sheriff in Pine Bluff, the hometown she returned to after a stint in the army. The oldest of seven, Lori moved out of the family home into the house she inherited from her aunt when she realized she needed some space from her family. She is also a little frustrated at work when the men she trains end up senior to her, even though she's better qualified. When she picks up a terrified young girl late one night, she immediately suspects a new resident.
 
Samuel Coulter moved to Pine Bluff from Miami and set up a Reptile Refuge, popular with tourists and teenagers. Something about the man doesn't sit right with Lori. She's even more suspicious when one of her sister's friends gets involved with an employee there. However, she has no proof of any wrongdoing and runs afoul of Samuel's lawyer when she tries to get a search warrant.
 
Big-city lawyer Simon Wingate came to Pine Bluff to help his grandfather with his practice. The timing worked well because Simon was encouraged to take some time off from his Atlanta firm after getting into some trouble there. He's not exactly thrilled to be out in the boonies, so he jumps when Samuel hires him. He quickly regrets his decision.
 
Lori and Simon get off to a rough start when he objects to her request for a search warrant. Despite her attraction to him, Lori bluntly tars Simon with the same brush as Samuel. I felt bad for Simon, who was just as attracted to Lori but couldn't get her to see past her dislike of Samuel to look at him as himself. Lori refuses to give up trying to get Simon to see his client as dangerous and finds herself spending more time with him. Their interactions span from antagonistic to flirty, with some serious sparks thrown in for good measure. I liked watching their relationship develop despite being on opposite sides of the issue, though it doesn't take long for Lori to get through to Simon. But even if he kicks Samuel to the curb, what about his plans to leave Pine Bluff as soon as possible? Lori's roots run deep in Pine Bluff. I loved the ending. Simon's protectiveness reveals his feelings for Lori. It was sweet to see how he needed to see her safe even though he knew and supported her capabilities. His big moment at the end was terrific.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. Samuel Colter gave me the creeps from the moment he showed up, and I fully understood Lori's point of view. The incidents with the teenage girls put him on Lori's radar, and she wasn't going to let go. Meanwhile, the things that Samuel required of Simon began to grate on him and raise his suspicions. I loved the conversations Simon had with both Lori and the sheriff. I laughed to see them talk about Samuel and their suspicions while adhering to the letter of the law and ethics. Combined with the sheriff receiving a visit from a former coworker at the DEA, the truth about Samuel's activities became evident. I loved both parts of the final confrontation. The scene in Simon's office kept me hooked as Samuel walked right into the trap but required some extra "attention" from Simon before it was all over. The second part had me glued to the pages as Lori got her chance to check out the Reptile Refuge. Intense action made the resolution even more satisfying.

The Major Gets It Right - Victoria Pade (HSE #2847 - July 2021)

Series: Camdens of Montana (Book 3)

He was the son her father always wanted…
 
Major Quinn Camden is a man of honor. But working with Clairy McKinnon on her father's memorial tests every chivalrous code! Clairy is feisty, beautiful -- and still hurt that General McKinnon mentored Quinn over his own adoring daughter. When their years-long rivalry is replaced by undeniable attraction, Quinn wonders if the general's dying wish is the magic they both need…or if the man's secrets will tear them apart for good.
 
Fantastic enemies-to-lovers story. After her mother's death when she was eight, Clairy's Marine father packed her off to his parents to raise, leaving him free to pursue his career. On his rare visits home, he paid very little attention to Clairy. Those attentions disappeared altogether when ten-year-old Quinn showed up, asking for the general's help preparing to become a Marine himself. Over the next eight years, Clairy found herself shoved aside time and again.
 
Quinn was raised to pursue any goal in a no-holds-barred fashion, so he saw nothing wrong with asking for the general's help. However, with the typical selfishness of a teenage boy, he never saw the effect it had on his idol's daughter.
 
The book opens shortly after General McKinnon's death. In his will, he left instructions and money for a memorial and foundation showcasing his career and those of other town military members. The foundation will help veterans, and is to be run by Clairy. Quinn is tagged to set up the actual display of the general's life and career. This means that Clairy and Quinn must find a way to work together. Furious, Clairy wants nothing to do with Quinn but can't find a way out of it. All she can think of is the way he treated her, even though she hasn't seen him in fifteen years.
 
Quinn knows he has a challenging task ahead of him. He recently learned some things about the general that shook him to the core and caused him to take a hard look at himself and his attitudes. Can he overcome the effects of his mentor's training, or is he destined to follow in his footsteps?
 
The first couple of meetings between Quinn and Clairy are painful. The hurt and anger Clairy feels run deep, and with her father's death, any hope of changing their relationship is gone. She still holds Quinn responsible for keeping her father from her, and she makes no secret of her feelings toward him. Quinn attempts to apologize, but Clairy is skeptical of his sincerity. I liked that Quinn didn't give up and did his best to demonstrate by his actions that he'd changed. In a very emotional scene, Clairy explains to Quinn what life with her father was like, countered by the same events from Quinn's point of view. It was an eye-opening conversation for both of them and the first steps in healing the rift between them. As the general's secrets come out, we see the effect on Quinn as he learns about them and again as he shares them with Clairy. Her reaction surprised him, and I loved how she helped him deal with the guilt he felt.
 
As that rift narrowed and then disappeared, the attraction that each felt began to simmer and grow. The question became one of what to do about it? Clairy, recently divorced from a man who turned out to be much like her father, wants no part of a relationship with a man whose life revolves around his work. At the same time, Quinn's look at his past relationships leaves him wondering if he's capable of a normal relationship with any woman, much less Clairy. I loved watching Quinn's journey as he looked at himself, the changes he needed to make, and the effect that Clairy had on how he saw himself. I loved the ending as he bared his heart to her, and Clairy had to decide if she could trust him and herself enough to have a lifetime together.
 
My only complaint about the book has nothing to do with the story itself. Yet again, Harlequin and its editors have shown themselves unable or unwilling to capitalize the word Marine in their books properly. When writing of a member of the United States Marine Corps, the word Marine is ALWAYS capitalized. Lower case "marine" refers to something related to water or the sea, such as marine mammals or marine life.
 
See:  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.

Cheers to the Duke - Sally MacKenzie (Zebra - Oct 2021)

Series: Widow's Brew (Book 3)

The "fallen" ladies of Puddledon Manor's Benevolent Home are restoring their reputations—and their future prospects—by operating their very own brewery and alehouse . . .
 
As the founder of the Home, Jo, the widowed Lady Havenridge, is determined to be there for the women who need her. But when those same women conspire to accept an invitation on her behalf, she finds herself suddenly on the way to the Earl of Darrow's home for the christening party of the son of her longtime friend and former partner, Pen, now the Countess of Darrow. Guests will include her other former partner, Caro—and Edward Russell, the new Duke of Grainger and the Home's generous benefactor. While Jo is determined to resist her friends' matchmaking ways, the duke's handsome looks and charming words are enough to make the lovely widow a little reckless . . .
 
Even after a year, the title of "duke" still sits strangely on Edward Russell's shoulders. But the responsibilities of the title are his duty, no matter his less-than-positive opinion of the nobility. When Edward encounters Jo—capable, fun, and utterly irresistible--he's delighted to find someone he truly connects with. A trick of fate has placed them on two different paths . . . but Edward is beginning to realize that perhaps he's not the kind of man who does the expected thing after all . . .
 
Fun book. Jo, Lady Havenridge, and her two friends Caro and Pen started the Benevolent Home years earlier to help women who had nowhere else to go. The Home partially supports itself by running a brewery and alehouse and partially with the financial support of the Duke of Grainger. Jo corresponds with the Duke regularly. Caro and Pen married and moved on to life with their husbands in the past year, though they are still peripherally involved with the Home. They also remain friends with Jo and support her as best they can. Jo is a bit of a control freak, and with her friends gone, she feels she must do it all herself, despite offers from others to help. It's become so bad that some of the ladies collaborate with Caro and Pen to get Jo to the christening of Pen's son as the boy's godmother. Jo arrives at Darrow to find that Pen and Caro have matchmaking on their minds, with Edward and Jo as their targets.
 
Edward was a solicitor until recently when he unexpectedly inherited the title of Duke of Grainger. The widowed father of a seven-year-old son, Edward wants a mother for Thomas and a wife who can be a partner for him. Attending the ton's ballrooms does nothing to improve his opinion of the nobility, and the available ladies are not what he wants. After a particularly stressful evening, Edward opts for an early arrival at his friend Darrow's home, where he will be the new heir's godfather. He takes Thomas and their dog, Bear, with him.
 
I loved the first meeting between Jo and Edward. Jo encountered Thomas and Bear first and immediately connected with Thomas. He's a very forthright little boy and jumps right into pleading his case for himself and his father, even though he just met her. Edward arrives shortly after. He is immediately smitten by the woman who interacts so easily with Thomas. While Jo is attracted, her first marriage was so terrible that she has no intention of ever marrying again; additionally, she refuses to give up control of the Home. Be that as it may, Jo and Edward quickly discover that they like each other and enjoy spending time together. I liked how Jo found herself relaxing and enjoying her time away, especially with Edward and Thomas, and she irritated me when she kept forcing herself to put the Home first.
 
When Edward and Jo gave into the attraction between them, Edward had high hopes that it would lead Jo to marriage with him. He accepts that he's already fallen in love with her. Jo suspects that she loves him, too, but after her first marriage is wary of trusting the speed of those feelings. I liked how Edward respected her fears and feelings, giving her the time she needed to believe in what they could have together. I loved the ending, as Edward shows up at the Home to plead his case just as Jo receives some unexpected news. Once they get past some insecurity-induced misunderstandings, seeing them finally admit their feelings made a fantastic ending. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up.
 
This book was a lot of fun to read. The interactions between Jo and Edward ranged from fun and flirty to serious and deeply emotional. Edward's son Thomas stole the show with his sweet care and worry for his father and conviction that Jo was precisely what they needed. The dog, Bear, certainly kept things interesting with his enthusiasm and occasionally awkward interference. I loved the close relationship between Jo, Caro, and Pen, though Caro and Pen may have been a little too enthusiastic in their attempts to get Edward and Jo together. That much pressure tended to make Jo dig in her heels rather than agree that she and Edward were right for each other. The dinner scene was both funny and uncomfortable because of two women who had no filters regarding gossip, Jo, and Edward. One of the funniest scenes was at the end when Livy explained to Jo why she didn't feel good. 

 

Code Name: Aries - Janie Crouch (Calamittie Jane Pub - Sept 2021)

Series: Zodiac Tactical: Rescue Unit (Book 1)

My code name is Aries. The stars say I'm aggressive, dominant, first in line to lead.
 
The stars aren't wrong.
 
Zodiac Tactical is my company. It's run by those I've chosen for their skills and ability to outmaneuver adversaries. We guard, protect, rescue…assist on the side of the angels.
 
We eliminate the threat when nobody else can.
 
My pastime of putting bad guys out of business has created powerful enemies, but I've always made sure there was nothing in my life I couldn't live without.
 
Until now. Until her.
 
She's not a warrior, she's an artist. She sees colors everywhere and greets the world—and me—with a smile. I knew I shouldn't come near her from the beginning, but she's everything I've never been able to be.
 
And now a monster has taken her, caged her, to get even with me.
 
My code name is Aries. And I will burn the world to the ground to get her back.
 
Wow. Just wow. Outstanding start to the new series. As an avid fan of Janie Crouch's books, I couldn't wait to read this book. Wavy is a familiar character from the Linear Tactical series, where she is Finn (Eagle) and Baby's (Baby) sister. Ian popped up in Blaze to help the LT crew.
 
Ian is the owner and leader of Zodiac Tactical, a private company that provides security, hostage rescue, and other things that the government/law enforcement can't or won't get involved with. At the core of his mission, personal and professional, is the need to wipe out the group Mosaic once and for all. Ian is an intense man, brooding, guarded, and super-protective of those he cares about.
 
Wavy is an artist. She sees the world through a kaleidoscope of colors and brings that light to everyone she knows. She is cheerful and friendly and occasionally a bit mischievous (Electric Smurfs).
 
Code Name: Aries grabbed me from the first pages and didn't let go until the end. Between the suspense of not knowing what would happen from one moment to the next and the romance between two incredible people, I was glued to the pages from start to finish. I loved the first meeting between Wavy and Ian. Who else but Wavy would take on a suspected Mosaic operative with a tray of pie? Ian's reaction was pretty mild considering the circumstances, and I laughed out loud when Baby and Zac showed up. Even better, I loved the effect Wavy had on Ian, "Especially when I didn't understand it myself. It was something about her smile." Right there, you know Ian is toast. Wavy isn't much better. After dreaming about painting him and remembering the feelings he stirred the day before, Wavy decided to "accidentally" encounter him in the city the next day. She never expected to get caught up in his latest op and end up rescuing him.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Ian and Wavy develop. Ian tries to resist, but it's impossible. Something about Wavy, her smile, and the way she sees the world brings out a softer side of him. At the same time, Wavy sees Ian the man, not the wealthy, dangerous operative. She senses his torment and does what she can to relieve it. The chemistry between them is off the charts, but so is the sweetness of some of their time together.
 
A revenge-seeking man from Ian's past sets his sights on using Wavy to get to Ian. The terror Ian felt when Wavy disappeared broke my heart as he threw everything he had at finding her. Seeing what Wavy endured brought to mind Ray's story in Ghost and emphasized Wavy's determination to survive. The twists and turns of the search kept the intensity high as every minute counted to get to her before it was too late. I cried at her condition when Ian found her and felt his heart ache for her. The author's description of Wavy's "bubble" existence vividly showed the depth of her trauma. Ian's experience made him the perfect person to help Wavy recover, and I loved seeing her respond to him.
 
I loved how Wavy eventually calls Ian on his excessive protectiveness. She fights hard for her recovery and pushes herself, desperate to provide the information Ian needs. A stunning twist puts Wavy back in danger. I loved watching Ian unravel the clues that Wavy unknowingly left behind and know exactly what they meant. I ached for Ian, who had to face the nightmares of his past to rescue her. The intensity of his confrontation with his nemesis kept me glued to the pages straight through to its fantastic resolution.
 
I ached for Ian and Wavy because they still had some obstacles to overcome. Ian won my heart with the depth of his love for Wavy and his understanding of all she endured. My heart broke for Wavy as she struggled to regain the ability to trust herself and pushed Ian away while she did it. Their reunion at the end was fantastic. I laughed when Wavy threw everyone into chaos by ditching her security so she could finally face Ian. I loved how Ian showed, once again, that he understands her: "They're all pieces of you" and "these allowed me to feel like you were with me, even when you weren't." I loved seeing Wavy finally see that their love and trust will see them through anything as long as they are together.

Texas Tough - Janice Maynard (HD #2809 - July 2021)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book 5)

He's the kind of cowboy even big-city women dream about…
 
The only reason artsy Abby Carmichael is way out in Royal, Texas, is to shoot a documentary film. But to get it right, she needs a cowboy. And fifth-generation Texas Cattleman's Club member Carter Crane is it. His slow drawl, blue eyes and swagger say he's the real deal… Their sparks ignite like wildfire. But when her work reveals big-money secrets that could bring down Royal, Abby must choose between the film that could make her career or riding into the sunset with Carter…
 
Good opposites attract story. Abby arrived in Royal to film a documentary about the Soirée on the Bay arts festival. All city-girl, Abby feels like a fish out of water in a place that doesn't even have a Starbucks, but she's determined to do her best with her film. Out exploring the first evening she's there, Abby spots a cowboy riding with the sunset as a backdrop and immediately wants him for her film. Their face-to-face encounter doesn't go so well, and she high-tails it back to town, only to meet him again that evening.
 
Carter is a born and bred country boy and Royal native. He took over the family ranch when his father retired, and it consumes most of his life - by his choice. His encounter with Abby disrupts that focus with unexpected intensity.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Abby and Carter. Their first encounter was amusing with the way Abby's city experience caused her to react and Carter's somewhat ill-conceived response. They certainly made an impression on each other. When they meet again later that evening, Carter's apology goes a long way toward repairing his reputation. Sparks fly over drinks as neither can deny their attraction. Carter wants Abby in his bed, and she wants Carter in her film.
 
Abby's beauty, confidence, and wit intrigue Carter, but he's been burned by a city girl once before. He doesn't intend anything more than some mutually agreed on fun. Abby knows getting involved with a man with deep roots is a bad idea, but mixing a little pleasure with business should be okay. Neither expected the speed and depth of their connection and were wary of believing their feelings were real. Even when they acknowledge that there is something there, neither can see a way to make it work. When Abby's plan for her film drives a wedge between them, both she and Carter have some soul searching to do. I liked the ending and seeing how they came to realize that their love was more important than where they live.
 
Preparations for the Soirée on the Bay is a theme that runs through the series. In earlier books, we've seen the building of the venue and the beginnings of the publicity. At the end of the previous book, The Trouble with Bad Boys, organizer Rusty Edmonds dropped the bombshell that money is missing from the festival funds. When Abby learns of it, she wants to make it part of her documentary. Carter wants her to leave it alone, especially when he overhears someone all but threaten her. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books to see if my suspicions are correct.