Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing - Lacey Baker (Hallmark - Nov 2021)

Series: Christmas in Evergreen (Book 4)

Welcome back to Evergreen,
the town built on Christmas wishes…
And learn what happens
after one snow-globe wish comes true.
 
Life is going great for Hannah, really. She's fallen in love with her best friend, her brother is getting married, and she's looking forward to another festive Christmas in Evergreen. Still, between her job, taking charge of the choir, and being the town's jill-of-all-trades, she's feeling uninspired…especially when Elliot starts to question his own role in the town.
 
Hannah finds fresh inspiration in the brand-new Evergreen Christmas Museum, and she volunteers for their storytelling project. When she interviews her fellow Evergreenians, however, she learns that not everyone wants the museum around; specifically Mr. Cooper who owns a third of the building. As Hannah finds herself with more and more responsibilities, and as her relationships with Elliot and her family grow strained, she starts to wonder about what she really wants. Can her love and newly-found purpose survive the changes that loom after the holidays are over?
 
This was a lovely visit back to the town of Evergreen, Vermont. The main characters in this story are Hannah and Elliot, childhood friends whose romance began during the previous book (Christmas in Evergreen:Tidings of Joy). Working together fixing the town's magic snow-globe made them look at each other as more than friends. A year later, we see where their relationship stands. A secondary plot involves the wedding preparations for Hannah's brother, Thomas, and Michelle, the mayor.
 
I liked Hannah, but she really needed to learn how to use the word "no." Born and raised in Evergreen, the town plays a considerable part in her identity. Her life is jam-packed with activities, from her job at the inn to leading the choir to jumping in when anyone in town needs help, so she doesn't have a spare minute in her day, even for Elliot. However, there are times when she feels that she's looking for something that is truly hers. She believes she's found it when the town starts a Christmas museum in the old hat factory until one of the building's owners threatens to shut it down.
 
Elliot moved to Evergreen with his mother when he was ten years old after his parents' divorce. He and Hannah became best friends immediately, and their friendship grew stronger over the years. Elliot worked for her father in his repair shop as a teen and bought it from Hannah and Thomas after their parents' deaths. The shop remains a town institution and does even better under Elliot's management, but he finds himself wishing for more. His goal of expanding the business joins with his dreams of a future with Hannah, but what will she think of it?
 
Hannah and Elliot have been dating for a year, but there isn't much forward movement in their relationship. Not much of a surprise, considering Hannah is constantly going from one commitment to the next. Nearly every time we see them together, Hannah breezes through on her way to somewhere else, and Elliot just smiles and waves her on. I got the occasional vibe of resentment from him that she has no time for him, but he never says anything to her about it.
 
We soon find out that Elliot plans to open a new store in the city, taking Hannah and moving there. He misses the city life he remembers from his childhood and wants to make his mark with something that's all his. Unfortunately, Elliot avoided talking to Hannah about any of it, sensing that it would be a hard sell. Meanwhile, Hannah goes on about her days believing that everything is hunky-dory between her and Elliot. It comes as quite a shock when she hears of his plans from someone else. They both frustrated me because they STILL didn't talk about it for the longest time. Hannah wonders if Elliot truly knows her or loves her if he thinks she'd be happy away from Evergreen. I ached for them both when they finally confronted the issue and realized their dreams lay in different directions. I wasn't sure how they would find their way back to each other. However, the magic of Evergreen at Christmas comes through and opens their eyes to what is essential. I admit I saw Elliot's solution to the new store coming fairly early in the book.
 
The biggest thing I noticed about Hannah and Elliot's relationship was that I never felt any "zing" between them. If they kissed at all, it made no impression on me. Other "clean" romances I have read have at least made me feel that the couple had some desire for each other.
 
I did enjoy being back in Evergreen during the Christmas season. I loved catching up with characters from previous books. In this book, Michelle is deep in planning her upcoming wedding to Thomas while still handling her mayoral duties. The actual event begins to look questionable when Thomas's return to town is delayed by bad weather. I ached for both as the delays kept piling up. I loved that Michelle and Thomas faced their possible disappointment by remembering that their love was more important than the event. Michelle also faces some family tensions when her dad shows up with a girlfriend. I'd love to visit the Kringle Kitchen for some eggnog waffles, though I think I'd stay away from the peppermint mocha eggnog. I smiled at seeing the teenager David enjoying his job there and his obvious culinary bent.
 
I loved the idea of the Christmas museum and using a previously abandoned building for it. I enjoyed Hannah's many ideas for displays and how she involved the entire town. I ached for her when Mr. Cooper showed up and pitched a fit about how the old factory was used. Nothing she did made a difference to his attitude. Saving the museum looked like an impossible dream. At the end, the matter was tied up in a nice neat bow, and Evergreen had another feather in its Christmas hat.

 

Rescued by the Rancher - Donna Alward (Donna Alward - Nov 2021)

Series: Cowboy Collection (Book 14)

She's the girl he never forgot. Now he's back, determined to win her heart a second time.
 
Jen O'Keefe thought she put Drew Laramie behind her when he left town and left her heart in pieces. Ten years later, she's built a great life for herself in Larch Valley. But her carefully built world is turned upside down when Drew returns to take over the Lazy L Ranch. Suddenly he's everywhere, tearing the scabs off old wounds and unearthing long-forgotten feelings.
 
Drew hates how badly he hurt Jen. He's spent a decade kicking himself while running from the family secret that upended his life. He's come home determined to make amends for his sins. Top of his list is rebuilding his relationship with Jen. But it's going to take more than an apology to earn her trust again - not to mention win back her love.
 
When a spring snowstorm descends upon the valley, Jen and Drew are stranded with nowhere to go and a lot of baggage to sort through. Will this be his chance to prove he's back at the Lazy L for good?
 
Emotional second chance story about two people with a lot of history together. Jen and Drew were high school sweethearts until he left town and never returned, breaking her heart. Ten years later, owner of a successful bakery, she believes she is long over him. That belief goes up in smoke when Drew returns to take over the family ranch, and she discovers her old feelings aren't dead after all.
 
After fleeing from a devastating family secret, Drew became a respected veterinarian on the horse racing circuit. Burned out by some of the things he's seen and done, he returned home to set up a rescue ranch. He still kicks himself for how he hurt Jen, and when he sees her again, she makes it clear she hasn't forgiven him.
 
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between Drew and Jen. Wary of letting him too close, Jen agrees to cater his benefit barn dance while trying to protect her heart. It isn't easy, and the more time she spends with Drew, the more her old feelings revive. Spending time with Jen feels right, and Drew wants more, but his fears keep him from believing it's possible. I loved watching them get to know each other as adults. Some sweet scenes between them give hope for their future, but then some piece of the past would drive them apart again. I wanted to shake Drew several times for not sharing what happened with his father with Jen. Jen received her own cross-eyed looks every time she poked at Drew's pain.
 
An unexpected discovery reveals something that changes Drew's perspective on his past and exacerbates his insecurities. Despite an emotional snowstorm-driven encounter, Drew's fears resurface the next morning. I cried for Jen when Drew once again pushed her away. I also cheered when she stood up for her own needs and desires. It pained me to see them say hurtful things to each other, but it sure got all their issues out in the open. I loved the ending as Drew finally put his past to rest. Their big moment at the end was sweet.
 
One of the things I liked best about this book was the caring community. Much of Jen's strength came from the support she received from the townspeople after Drew left. Despite his past, those same people stepped up to help Drew get his rescue program started. The heart-wrenching scene of the wreck involving the trailer full of horses showed the big hearts of those who jumped in to help. 

Redirecting the Baron's Greed - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade Pub - Nov 2021)

Series: Lords of Vice (Book 4)

Pride, Lust, Envy and Greed…vices that could lead a gentleman down the road to ruin. Unless he meets his saving grace in the form of a painfully shy heiress.
 
An exuberant greeting and a mistaken identity set sparks flying between Lady Phoebe Lippincott and Baron Marcus Summerfield. The baron braces himself to catch the beautiful hoyden rushing down the staircase—either that or land tangled together on the floor! Not the impression he hoped to make when meeting the Duke of Wyndmere for the first time.
 
Summerfield is encouraged by his cousin’s success seeking monetary assistance from the duke. He plans to nudge the duke to fill his pockets so he can enjoy the life he feels entitled to lead. The duke surprises him by offering his London town house for the baron to use in his search for a bride among this Season’s new crop of debutantes.
 
The baron accepts and leaves before he can be further entranced by the duke’s engaging, curvaceous, dark-haired, blue-eyed sister. Lady Phoebe Lippincott is a delightful armful who captivates the baron, but he cannot afford to be distracted from his goal.
 
Phoebe has been slowly emerging from the shell she has been hiding in since a madman held her at knifepoint at her brother’s first ball. After meeting Baron Summerfield, Phoebe’s interest ignites. She’s tempted to travel to London and bury herself in the round of entertainment the Season promises. There is only one problem—the baron will be staying at her brother’s town house! Her sister-in-law offers a solution. Her mother, Lady Farnsworth, happily agrees to chaperone Phoebe who will be staying with Lady Farnsworth in London.
 
The baron is the victim of a plot that begins with smuggled French brandy and ends with a massive headache, two Pinks of the ton, and a bevy of demireps staying at the duke’s townhouse. As he tries to extricate himself from his uninvited guests, the pair see another way to entrap the baron that involves the duke and his sister, Lady Phoebe.
 
Phoebe and Marcus cannot take their eyes off one another every time they meet. The pair who seek to discredit the baron and plan to kidnap Phoebe are thwarted in their attempts by the duke’s guard. When it is the baron who is kidnapped, Phoebe’s the one to receive the ransom note and rushes to the rescue armed with a brass paperweight and a handful of ribbon-wrapped hat pins!
 
When the Pinks who seek revenge against the baron, and the duke, try another kidnapping attempt, and have Phoebe’s carriage surrounded, the baron has to listen to his heart.
 
Will Marcus be able to give up his overwhelming need for monetary gain and prestige among his peers in exchange for Phoebe’s hand in marriage? Will Phoebe completely emerge from her shell to trust her heart to Marcus?
 
Fun book to read, though Marcus does not make a good first impression. Like his cousin Edward (Tempering the Viscount's Envy), Marcus shows up at the home of Jared, Duke of Wyndemere, looking for a handout. He doesn't have the money to live the way he thinks he's entitled and hopes some financial assistance will let him do so. Their meeting gets off to a rough start thanks to a miscommunication about their appointment and an unexpected encounter with the duke's sister Phoebe. The duke is also somewhat the worse for wear, thanks to the recent birth of his twin children. After a brief conversation, Jared offers Marcus the use of his London townhouse, later giving him a list of rules and expectations. Marcus's encounter with Phoebe stirs up unexpected and unwelcome feelings, so he departs for London quickly.
 
Phoebe's excitement at seeing her cousin William turned to embarrassment when she realized her mistake. After a terrifying experience at her first ball the previous year, Phoebe spent the ensuing months back at her brother's estate, recovering from the trauma. Marcus is the first man to stir her interest since then, but following up proves difficult. I loved the scene where she convinces Jared to let her go, though she has some reservations about how well she'll get along with her chaperon.
 
Throughout the series, the Duke of Wyndemere's goal has been to restore his family's name after the depredations of his older brother. Jared protects his family, including his cousins, and expects their cooperation in return. Marcus falls prey to two "gentlemen" who have ulterior motives on his first night in London. I felt Marcus's horror when he discovered what happened, and he pleasantly surprised me when he stood up to them. It's an eye-opening experience, and Marcus quickly realizes that his attitude needs to change. Learning of Phoebe's arrival and his inclusion in the efforts to keep her safe gives him the chance to make amends for his mistakes.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Marcus and Phoebe. The sparks between them were evident from the moment they met, but there were obstacles, especially the disparity in their finances. Marcus has little money and a crumbling estate, and Phoebe has a substantial dowry. I loved Marcus's determination to keep her safe, even from herself. Because despite her withdrawal of the past year, Phoebe might be a tad naïve, but she is neither shy nor retiring. Her outspokenness and stubbornness become more evident as the book goes on, especially when it comes to Marcus, for she is as protective of him as he is of her. When the trouble stirred up at the beginning of the book escalates into kidnapping and murder, the entire family gets involved in ending the threat. Several nail-biting encounters kept me glued to the pages as either Marcus or Phoebe ended up in danger. I loved the ending and seeing the difference loving Phoebe made in Marcus.
 
I enjoyed seeing more of the duke's Irish guards. Their loyalty to Jared and his family creates some interesting situations. I liked seeing them interact with each other, sometimes with great, umm, exuberance. They did have some trouble with striking first, then asking questions. I would love to know more about what happens to them. I remember the name Garahan from the Secret Life of Cowboys series and that there were other family members mentioned. 

Stay Hidden - Julie Anne Lindsey (HI #2032 - Nov 2021)

Series: Heartland Heroes (Book 4)

She wants to disappear
He's determined not to let her
 
Expectant mother Gina Ricci needs an exit plan -- pronto! Her ex is out of control, and private investigator Cruz Winchester insists justice -- not hiding -- is the only way to keep her baby safe. But even as Cruz and his law enforcement family unite in her defense, Gina's attraction to her handsome protector grows undeniable. Unstoppable. Then her family is targeted and the stakes couldn't be higher…
 
Terrific fast-paced suspense story accompanied by a sweet romance. On the run from her abusive ex for two months, Gina thought she was finally safe in Great Falls. Then she spots Tony in town, passing out flyers for his "missing" girlfriend. Desperate to escape before he finds her, Gina asks PI Cruz Winchester to build her a new identity so she can safely disappear. Instead, Cruz insists that stopping Tony rather than hiding from him is the only way to be safe.
 
From the moment she walked into his office, Cruz felt the need to help Gina. The more he heard of her story, the greater his need to protect her grew. As a PI, he has more freedom of action than his law enforcement brother and cousins, but he also knows they have his back if he needs them.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Cruz and Gina develop. Their connection was evident from the moment they met, as were the sparks of attraction. I loved Cruz's kindness and compassion and the respectful way he treated her. Though she had a few moments of self-doubt about her judgment, Gina found it very easy to trust Cruz and his family members. The time they spent together trying to find Tony and keep her safe gave them the chance to get to know each other. I loved Cruz's teasing and flirtatious ways and noticed that they sometimes hid a bit of vulnerability as he recognized the strength of his feelings for her. Gina acted a bit more cautious, but the better she got to know Cruz, the more comfortable she was flirting back. Both worried about whether their relationship would continue after the case was over. I loved the ending and seeing the realistic progress of their relationship. Cruz's big moment was sweet, and typically Cruz.
 
The suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end, equally psychological and action-oriented. The fear that Gina feels knowing Tony won't give up leaps of the page, as does her guilt whenever he harms someone in his zeal to get to her. The feeling of impending doom wars with her optimism when Cruz gets involved. From the moment Tony first appeared to the final confrontation, I could see his growing desperation. I loved seeing the rest of Cruz's family get involved and how each of them played a part in the resolution. The final confrontation kept me on the edge of my seat as Gina faced her worst nightmare. I loved how she kept her head through it all.
 
Though this was the first of this series I read, I definitely want to read the previous books. I can't wait for the next one! 

 

Under the Rancher's Protection - Addison Fox (HRS #2158 - Nov 2021)

Series: Midnight Pass, Texas (Book 3)

Her first love…
Her forever protector?
 
When Dr. Veronica Torres flees her shattered marriage, her hometown, Midnight Pass, is her refuge—and her new start. But when a shadow from her past makes her a target, her first love, Ace Reynolds, springs instantly to her side. Who has her—and her brand-new veterinary practice—squarely in their sights? Can Veronica trust the cowboy she left behind to keep her safe?
 
Good second chance love story combined with gradually intensifying suspense. Veronica and Ace were a couple for a while after she finished vet school. Their volatile relationship could go from happiness to screaming anger in the blink of an eye. They had a talent for pushing each other's buttons but usually managed to make up quickly. That is until the day Veronica had enough, certain that their constant battles meant they didn't belong together. She packed her bags, moved to Houston, started her own practice, and married another man. Devastated by her departure, Ace buried himself in his ranch work.
 
A few years later, Veronica came back to Midnight Pass, divorced and ready for a change. After buying her mentor's vet practice, she earned a reputation as the best large animal vet in the area while avoiding Ace. Ace did an excellent job of avoiding her, too, especially after she all but rejected his apology for past transgressions. Eventually, a sick calf brought the two together, and they discovered that their old attraction was as strong as ever.
 
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between Veronica and Ace, though there were also times I wanted to shake them both. Years before, Ace's father's actions nearly destroyed the ranch and its reputation, and Ace and his siblings spent years rebuilding both. Ace still feels the shame of it, unable to see the respect that he's earned. He thinks that he doesn't deserve the same happiness he sees in the rest of his family. Veronica wants him to let go of the past and look to the future. Unfortunately, issues from her past put her in a similar situation. Veronica feels guilty about the end of her marriage, believing the fault lay mainly with her. I liked seeing them spend time together getting to know who they are now and realizing that their shared connection to the land is as strong as ever. Many scenes show how good they are together, but their insecurities sometimes cause them to doubt themselves and each other. One big blow-up finally helps them share those fears and begin long-overdue healing.
 
The suspense of the story started slow but built steadily to the end. One of the things that drove Veronica out of Houston and back home was being attacked by drug thieves at her vet practice. After two years, she finally started to put it behind her, only to find it happening all over again. A suspicious character hanging around the clinic arouses Ace's protective instincts, while a peek into the perp's point of view shows he is right to be worried. A shooting at her family's outdoor gathering indicates an escalation in the threat and brings Ace's family together to provide protection. I was on the edge of my seat during the scene with the truck, wondering how they would get out of it. Just when I thought Veronica was safe at last, an unexpected twist put her right back in the bullseye. The final confrontation was a nail-biter. I loved Veronica's strength and ingenuity and cheered when Ace and his brother Hoyt made their move.
 
I haven't read the first two books but have added them to my TBR, as the bits of backstory revealed indicate they are just as good as this one. I also liked the hint of a lead-in for Arden's story at the end.

Lord Tresham's Tempting Rival - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1612 - Nov 2021)

Series: Peveretts of Haberstock Hall (Book 1)

Nothing in common
Except an intoxicating attraction!
 
Sharing a steamy kiss with Anne Peverett at a Christmas ball is utterly out of character for Dr. Lord Ferris Tresham. He's far too busy treating London's poor to court anyone. Until Anne is revealed as the herbalist who's been treating his patients with her homemade remedies! If they unite forces, will Anne be a bigger threat to his practice…or his closed-off heart?
 
Good book with an excellent romance that takes place with a background of several social issues. Along with the romance between two people driven to help others, we also see the effects of disease and poverty in Victorian London, women's fight to have a say in their own healthcare, and society's limits on those same women.
 
Ferris, an Edinburgh-trained doctor, devotes all of his time to the care of London's poorest residents. After losing his fiancée to a fever, he put aside any dreams of a family of his own. As the story opens, he's returned home from a confrontation with the local hospital's board to find his older brother waiting. As usual, Ferris forgot that he promised to attend the family's charity ball that night, and Frederick is there to make sure he shows up.
 
One of four daughters of a country doctor, Anne came to London to help people with her herbal remedies. By involving women, she empowered them to keep their families healthy without the expense of London's doctors and medicines. After making arrangements to meet with some local women, she hurries home to join her sister; both committed to attending the hospital's charity ball.
 
When Ferris's mother sets him dancing with Anne, he expects the usual vapid chit-chat. Instead, Anne shows interest in his work. I loved seeing them connect over medicine and their feelings about the disparity between society and the poor. Ferris also found himself strongly attracted to Anne, both her beauty and understanding, going so far as to resurrect his dream of home and family. Anne, equally drawn to him, resists the attraction. Burned by her ex-fiancé, who pretended to support her dreams, she no longer trusts men's honesty. An unexpected and passionate kiss sent Anne running from the feelings he aroused.
 
Ferris and Anne meet again under more difficult circumstances. While trying out his new mobile treatment wagon, he discovers that his expected patients have deserted him for a healer woman and her herbs. Filled with righteous fury, Ferris hurries to confront what he's sure is a charlatan of the worst kind, only to find it is Anne. Feeling betrayed, he lashes out, saying terrible things to and about her. I loved that Anne stood up to him. I especially enjoyed her rebuttal to his statement that there were reasons not everyone can be a doctor. They did not part on good terms.
 
When Ferris comes up with the idea of asking Anne to join him for the sole reason of keeping an eye on her, he doesn't realize what it means. An emergency allowed them to work together, and each saw a different side to the other. Within a couple of weeks, Ferris realized that far from resenting her presence in his clinic, he liked having her there. Plus, having her along on his wagon trips increased the number of patients he/they helped. He feels guilty about using her to pad the numbers for his wagon but reassures himself that it's justified if he gets the funding he needs.
 
I liked watching the relationship between Ferris and Anne develop. They bond over caring for their patients, each coming to understand more about what makes the other tick. The sparks between them continue to grow, as do their feelings for each other. But both have been hurt in the past, and trusting their feelings doesn't come easy. Just when it looks like a future between them is possible, Anne finds out the truth about her presence by Ferris's side. I ached for her feelings of hurt and betrayal and understood her fury at his deception. Ferris kicked himself quite thoroughly for his idiocy upon discovering her departure. I loved his big moment as he confessed all but was interrupted by another emergency. I loved how this one went, as Ferris took the opportunity to show her his support for her work in a most effective way.
 
I loved the attention to detail in the descriptions of the various medical issues. I especially enjoyed Anne's explanations of her herbal remedies and their uses. I also felt for Ferris and his frustration at the lack of interest and care exhibited by the hospital board members - until something affected them personally. The whooping cough scenes were heartrending and made me happy that we have protections against it in modern times.
 
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Once a Laird - Mary Jo Putney (Zebra - Nov 2021)

Series: Rogues Redeemed (Book 6)

After the death of his fiancée, Kai Ramsay left Scotland to roam distant lands. He has searched ancient ruins, collected priceless antiquities, and escaped certain death after being imprisoned as a spy during the Napoleonic War. Ramsay has lived on the edge of danger for years—but everything changes the day a letter arrives for him from Scotland . . .
 
Signy Matheson has dedicated her life to the people of Scotland's remote Thorsay Islands. With a fiery spirit and agile mind, she is a faithful ally to the aging laird. But now their leader is near death, and Signy must summon his successor at once. It's time for Kai Ramsay to come home . . .
 
When Ramsay returns to Thorsay, he's shocked to find that Signy has blossomed into an alluring beauty, and a force to be reckoned with. Their complicated past interferes with their unspoken desire as they work together for their people. Until a wild storm sparks first passion, then unexpected danger when a treasure trove left by their ancestors comes to light . . .
 
Terrific conclusion to the Rogues Redeemed series. From the time he was a child, Ramsay's fascination with the past infused him with a desire to travel. Though the heir to the Laird of Thorsay, after the death of his fiancée Ramsay left Scotland to roam the world, promising to return when necessary. During his travels, he barely escaped death as a spy in Portugal (where he met the other Rogues), explored ancient ruins, and served his government in unnamed ways in Constantinople. It was there that a letter from Thorsay finally caught up with him and summoned him home. Though sad to leave Constantinople, he knew it was time and hoped to reach home before his grandfather died.
 
Ramsay's arrival home gets off to a rough start when he is confronted by Signy, his late fiancée's younger sister. Signy harbored some deep anger toward Ramsay, but they worked through it quickly. Signy spent the last several years serving as the old laird's assistant, devoting herself to the health and welfare of the island's people. Intelligent, compassionate, and a gifted artist, Signy can't wait to turn her duties over to Ramsay and start living the life she wants. She tells Ramsay it's her turn to travel, and she'll start with training with a woman artist in London. But first, she'll fulfill her promise to the old laird to help Ramsay settle into his new responsibilities.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Ramsay and Signy. Blown away by her transformation from a gangly schoolgirl to a Viking goddess, Ramsay can't deny the attraction he feels for her. Encouraged by his grandfather to marry Signy, Ramsay also realizes that pushing will only drive her away. Signy also feels the sparks between them, but she has plans and won't give them up. They haven't seen each other in more than a decade, but their former friendship grows stronger as they get reacquainted. I loved seeing them work together to bring Ramsay up to speed.
 
I loved the scenes all around Thorsay as Ramsay and Signy carried out his tour. The details of the kelp burning and the people who did it brought that facet of island life into sharp focus, along with the dangers that went along with it. The descriptions of the land and the ruins that occupy it were vivid and made me feel as though I was there. I liked how Ramsay appreciated Signy's insights and advice when it came to both people and places. I loved watching their feelings for each other grow while at the same time they are careful not to rush into anything, but wait until the time is right. There was no great drama, just the realization that they belonged together.
 
I ached a bit for Ramsay at the beginning as he gave up his explorations to fulfill his promise to his grandfather. I loved when Signy pointed out to him that the islands had enough ruins to keep him busy for a long time. His excitement leaped off the page when a storm uncovered a Viking ship and an ancient village. At the same time, Signy is torn between her plans and her growing feelings for Ramsay. I loved the surprise he planned for her and how it showed his love for her.
 
However, trouble looms on the horizon for Ramsay and Signy. The disasters that rocked Thorsay in the past created tremendous strain on the laird's finances. Ramsay's grandfather took out a loan that's about to come due, and Ramsay has no way to pay it. The loan's owner is a particularly nasty piece of work. I was glued to the pages as I waited to see how it would turn out, knowing that Ramsay and Signy would manage however it turned out.
 
In keeping with their promise in that Portuguese cellar, the book reunited all the Rogues and their ladies. I loved the timing of their arrival and their words of gratitude for Ramsay. I would have liked to see a bit more of their time on Thorsay, but overall it was fantastic.
 
My favorite secondary characters were the animals. The one-eyed cat, Odin, belonged to Ramsay's grandfather and later attached himself to Ramsay. Like his namesake, Odin has a strong personality and makes his presence known in many ways. Signy's dog Fiona is loyal and intelligent and proves to be a lifesaver at a crucial time. I also loved the horse Thor (the Fifth) and laughed at the scene where he insisted on visiting Signy.

Rogue Christmas Operation - Juno Rushdan (HI #2033 - Nov 2021)

Series: Fugitive Heroes: Topaz Unit (Book 1)

He'll sacrifice his safety…for a woman who could completely upend his Christmas.
 
After Gage Graham saves her from drowning, Hope Fischer revives, determined to learn the truth about her sister's death. All she has to do is infiltrate a mysterious closed Virginia town and discover why the attractive -- but secretive -- Gage feels compelled to help her. Can she trust him? Will he risk being discovered by his former employer, the CIA, for a woman he just met? Neither will matter if a killer succeeds.
 
Terrific book. I made the mistake of starting to read at 10:30 last night and closed the book at 3 am - I could not put it down. The story opens with a rush as someone runs Hope off the road, and her car ends up in the lake. Luckily, Gage Graham witnessed it and saved her.
 
Hope arrived in the rural Virginia county looking for answers about her sister Faith's death. Though ruled a suicide, Hope knows Faith would never take her own life and believes she was murdered. Unfortunately, she gets no cooperation from the off-the-grid and restricted community of Benediction where Faith lived and worked and has been refused entry entirely. Luckily, when Gage rescues her, he talks the gate guards into letting him take her to the town's clinic.
 
Gage knows that Hope is hiding something from him, but he has secrets, too. Though publicly returned to Benediction to care for his stepsister and nephew, he has reasons for hiding out off-the-grid. Once he finds out why Faith is there, Gage must decide whether to help her or protect himself.
 
I loved both Hope and Gage. As an international photojournalist, Hope frequently gets herself into and out of tricky situations. Determined and intelligent, she accepts Gage's help, though initially unsure if he can be trusted. Hiding from his previous employers who had sent people to kill him,  Gage hoped to have longer to prepare for his next move. Helping Hope will likely put the crosshairs back on him, but he can't deny his need to assist her in finding the truth.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Gage and Hope develop. From the moment he pulled her out of the water, there was an undeniable connection between them. Though wary at first, Hope quickly comes to trust Gage and his commitment to helping her. Hope's ingenuity and resilience add to her appeal for Gage. In the rare quiet moments, Hope and Gage take the opportunity to exchange stories and get to know each other better. I loved Gage's surprise at Hope's support and lack of judgment when he told her about his past. The danger they experience adds to the intensity of the feelings that grow between them. But when it's all over, Hope and Gage must decide if their future lies together or apart.
 
The suspense of the story kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. The way that Hope kept getting stonewalled made it evident that something fishy was going on. Hope's presence at the clinic created quite a stir, adding to her certainty that they were hiding something. Gage agreed with her and, when he witnessed her escape from the clinic, promised to help her. The intensity built from one action to the next as Hope and Gage raced to discover the truth before they could be caught. The twists and turns as each discovery led closer to the truth kept me guessing until the end. Complicating matters, a suspicious sheriff unwittingly led Gage's pursuers right to him, leading to a nail-biting confrontation. I loved how well Hope and Gage worked together.
 
Gage's escape "parachute" intrigued me, and I can't wait for the other books in the series. The series theme of why Gage and his team became targets looks like an intriguing storyline and I look forward to learning more. 

 

The Father of Her Sons - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2869 - Nov 2021)

Series: Wild Rose Sisters (Book 1)

How do you make up for four years of lost time?
 
No last names. No promises to meet again. No way for Payton Dahl to find the man who's the father of her twin boys. Until fate reunites them four years later. Easton Wright now wants to be part of his sons' lives—with the woman he fell hard for during those seven days and nights of bliss. Payton doesn't want her sons to grow up fatherless like she did, but can she risk trusting Easton when she's been burned in the past?
 
Terrific second chance love story. Five years earlier, Payton worked part-time as a bartender at the Heartwood Inn, lived on and helped at the family farm, and attempted to write a fantasy novel. A former "wild child," Payton vowed to put those days behind her and concentrate on her writing. That means no distractions like men. But on a particularly dull night at the bar, a visiting businessman caught her eye.
 
In town for a week checking out the Inn as a possible acquisition for the family business, the bartender intrigues Easton. They spend a pleasant evening talking between customers and trying to ignore the sparks flaring between them. They agree on a week-long fling when the chemistry becomes too much to resist, but Payton has conditions. First names only, no exchanging of personal information such as emails or phone numbers, and no contact when it's over.  Easton reluctantly agrees, and they spend an amazing week together. At the end, Easton wants to continue seeing her, but Payton sticks to her guns - a move she later regrets when she ends up pregnant with no way to find Easton to tell him.
 
Five years later, the single mother of twin boys, Payton has nearly given up hope of ever finding Easton. Shocked when she encounters him at a local farmers' market, Payton knows she needs to tell him the truth. Easton, who never forgot her, unsuccessfully tried to find her six months after their fling and is thrilled to find her. Once Easton recovers from the shock of his unexpected fatherhood, he immediately wants to be involved in their lives.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Easton and Payton develop. Easton never forgot Payton, and his feelings for her never diminished. He wants nothing more than for them to become a family for real. Payton is much warier. Her early life taught her that men are unreliable, and she hesitates to risk her heart on him. While Easton wants to marry Payton and be a family, he understands Payton's wariness. He promises to be patient and mostly succeeds with the occasional relapse. I loved watching them grow closer through activities with the boys and time alone together. I liked the realistic pace of the story as it progresses from early fall to Christmas.
 
Their relationship looks promising until a disastrous visit with Easton's family stirs up Payton's insecurities and causes her to pull back. I ached for Easton, whose love for her has grown stronger. Despite her love for him, Payton still fears being left. I understood Easton's frustration, and I sometimes wanted to shake Payton and make her see what she was doing. I liked the support she received from her family, including the straight talk she got from both sisters. But it was the appearance of an unexpected visitor that truly opened her eyes. The ending was fantastic, with emotional confessions from Payton and a sweet role reversal to wrap it up.
 
The secondary characters were great. The twins, Penn and Bailey, were adorable and pretty accurate to their ages. I liked how they took to Easton even before they knew he was their father. Payton's sisters each provide support for Payton when she needs them most. I'm looking forward to reading their stories and seeing them find love, too. I loved Easton's brother, Weston, who was in Easton's corner the entire time. He's a bit more on the wild side than Easton, and I'd love to see him get a story of his own. Easton's parents play a significant role in the book, also. I adored his dad, Myron, but his mom took a while to win me over.

Cold Case at Cardwell Ranch - B.J. Daniels (HI #2013 - Aug 2021)

Series: Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book 6)

Buried secrets threaten a lawman
And a woman with everything to lose.
 
A grisly discovery at the bottom of an abandoned well leads cold-case detective Waco Johnson to Cardwell Ranch -- and a thirty-year-old unsolved homicide. When evidence points to Ella Cardwell's missing mother as the murderer, Waco knows he'll need the Montana rancher's help to find the vanished woman. Ella's desperate search for answers uncovers family secrets that could break the case wide open…and thrust Ella and Waco into a killer's sights.
 
Good book. When Detective Waco Johnson gets a call about some bones at the bottom of an old well, it starts him down the trail of a thirty-year-old murder. The most logical suspect, the man's ex-wife Stacy, vanishes before he can question her. Waco believes that watching the woman's daughter Ella will lead him right to her.
 
Ella worries about her mother. Stacy always kept secrets and often disappeared for days at a time with no explanation. Now Ella wonders if her mother is capable of murder. With the detective on her heels, Ella desperately searches for answers to where Stacy is hiding.
 
The story's suspense was very good, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. The dead man, Marvin Hanover, had any number of people with a motive to kill him. His ex-wife Stacy filed for an annulment after his disappearance, happy to escape his plans for the child she carried. His adult children from his first wife showed no grief when notified of his death, only an obsessive interest in what happened to his money.
 
I enjoyed watching Ella try to evade Waco while she attempted to find Stacy and discover how tenaciously he sticks to her. Her determination pays off when a search through an old photo album turns up a likely bolt-hole for her mother. In this case, Ella lucks out when Waco follows her, as her destination turns out to be a bit sketchy. Ella realizes that they both want to find Stacy and agrees to work together. They get some help from an unexpected source and get quite a shock when they catch up to Stacy. The revelation of a family secret stuns Ella creating hurt and confusion. That same family secret complicates the investigation of Marvin's murder.
 
Ella, who lacks patience when dealing with the investigation, takes matters into her own hands. Though furious at her for risking herself, Waco has to admit that the plan was a good one. The intensity ramps up as Ella carries out the plan to draw out the killer. The final confrontation takes a couple of twists and a dangerous turn before it is all over. I didn't see that ending coming and breathed a sigh of relief when it was over.
 
The relationship between Waco and Ella progressed very rapidly. It started with distrust and wariness and ended with professions of love within a few days. Sparks of attraction bubbled under the initial antagonism and popped to the surface after they started working together. Waco finds himself unexpectedly protective of Ella. However, I honestly didn't feel that there was much in the way of emotional connection between them in that short of a time.
 
I enjoyed seeing more of the previous couple Ford and Hitch (Trouble in Big Timber). Hitch is in a tough spot as the medical examiner because of her connection to the Cardwell family. She's worked with Waco before and knows him pretty well, and I liked their interactions. Dana Cardwell's devotion to her family plays a significant role in the book, especially when it comes to her sister Stacy. I also enjoyed the interactions between Dana and her husband, Hud. I loved that she finally got her long-delayed wish at the end. 

Playing the Duke's Fiancée - Amanda McCabe (HH #1594 - Aug 2021)

Series: Dollar Duchesses (Book 2)

A pretend proposal
For the unconventional heiress
 
When American heiress Violet Wilkins crosses paths with William, Duke of Charteris, she has extremely low expectations of the "Duke of Bore." But when this seemingly stuffy aristocrat offers her escape from a dreadful arranged marriage, she leaps at the chance! To her surprise, the arresting William whisks Vi into an exhilarating make-believe romance. And as she gets to know the man behind the title, she can't help wanting more...
 
Terrific book with fantastic main characters, intriguing secondary characters, and sumptuous settings. As the last of the Wilkins sisters unmarried and her parents back in America, Violet believes she is finally safe from her mother's matchmaking. With no intention of marrying anytime soon, Violet prefers to concentrate on her photography and dream of joining the Photographic Society of London. A husband would only interfere with those plans. Unfortunately, she receives a letter from her parents, detailing their intention of betrothing her to her father's business partner, a man considerably older than she is.
 
William, Duke of Charteris, grew up knowing his duty to his land and his people. His serious, sometimes stuffy attitude earned him the nickname "The Duke of Bore" by some debutantes. During a trip to Egypt, William learned the benefits of balancing work and play, allowing himself to have fun and relax. Though he knows he needs a wife, he's not quite ready to take that step.
 
When they meet, William and Violet feel unexpectedly comfortable with each other. When Violet overhears another woman plotting to trap William into marriage, she knows she must warn him. When she confesses that she knows how it feels to be trapped, William suggests an unusual collaboration. If they enter into a fake engagement, each will be protected from others' machinations. They can end things when they are safe.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between William and Violet. Though they seem like such opposites initially - Violet is the bold, independent American, and William is the reserved and serious Duke - they turn out to be perfect for each other. Violet helps William find his sense of fun, and William provides Violet with the desire to tone down some of her boisterousness. One of the things I loved about William was his complete support of Violet's photography. Several fantastic scenes show how he makes it possible for Violet to meet people who can further her interest. At the same time, Violet helps William see the world from a different perspective. He finds himself more willing to go along with Violet's suggestions. Though they enjoy each other's company, they begin their fake engagement convinced that a real relationship would be impossible, with Violet being all wrong as a duchess.
 
When Violet, her sister and brother-in-law, and William become part of the wedding entourage of Prince Alfred and the Grand Duchess Maria, they are whisked off to opulent St. Petersburg and the Russian Winter Palace. The more time they spend together, the more the attraction they felt began to grow, and the more each begins to think "what if?" Violet worries that she'll somehow cause a scandal, but William is there by her side to boost her confidence. But Violet's fears and desire to do what she thinks is best for William make her pull away from him, just as William realizes the truth of his feelings for her. His big moment at the end comes as he saves her from danger, and Violet finally believes she can have it all.
 
I enjoyed Violet's work as a photographer. Her passion for the subject leaps off the page, from creating the perfect pictures of her subjects to learning new technology to talking to other photographers. The vivid and detailed descriptions of her actions conveyed the complexities without feeling like a lecture. I loved her joy in finding a kindred spirit in Prince Alfred and her excitement in being invited to take pictures of the bride and groom.
 
I also loved the use of historical figures and events in the book. The journey from London to St. Petersburg, via Paris and Berlin on the elegant Royal train, made me feel part of the story. The descriptions of the stay at the Prussian court in Berlin, with all of its hidebound stuffiness, made me ache for Princess Vicky. The arrival at St. Petersburg and the over-the-top opulence of the Winter Palace were so vivid I could easily picture each scene. I adored the scenes with Violet and the Grand Duchess, as they showed Violet's talent for bringing out the best in her subjects.
 
I can't wait to read Rose's story. 

A Fool's Gold Wedding - Susan Mallery (HQN - July 2020)

Series: Fool's Gold (Book 31)

Abby Hendrix would do anything to help with her beloved sister's wedding, even play tour guide to the off-puttingly brilliant—and unexpectedly gorgeous—brother of the groom. She's a small-town schoolteacher; he's a gifted surgeon. Nothing intimidating about that! She'll just ask him to help her plan a top secret surprise for the wedding. No pressure.
 
Joaquin Kincaid has always been book-smart and people-awkward, and Abby's sweet and social nature triggers an unexpected yearning inside him. His whole life, he's been an outsider, while she's so popular she's able to convince an entire town to go along with her wild ideas. For the first time ever, he's met a woman who accepts him as he is, quirks and all, and he feels himself falling in love. Could Abby love him, too? Or, when she discovers the real reason he came to Fool's Gold, will he lose her forever?
 
This was a lovely visit back to Fool's Gold. Abby Hendrix, daughter of Ethan and Liz (Sutton) Hendrix (Almost Perfect), and soon-to-be teacher, is spending the summer helping her sister Melissa with her wedding. She's taken aback when Melissa asks her to take her fiancé's brother under her wing when he comes to Fool's Gold three weeks before the wedding. Joaquin, a brilliant and busy surgeon, hasn't made it to any family gatherings, so no one has met him yet. All she knows is that he's scary smart, so she'll put him to work if she needs to.
 
Joaquin, who was in college by the time he was ten, never developed social skills the way others did. He focuses exclusively on his career and dismisses other peoples' lives as "mundane." When he loses a patient to her burns, he applies and is turned down for a fellowship program with Dr. Simon Bradley, who just happens to be Abby's uncle. At the story's beginning, Joaquin plans to use Abby to get to Simon and plead his case directly. Those plans go out the window when he meets Abby.
 
I enjoyed the first meeting between Joaquin and Abby. Neither looked forward to their forced companionship but planned to make the best of it. I had to laugh at Abby, who was utterly flummoxed by Joaquin's good looks and took a few minutes to get herself together. Even then, she babbled a bit before settling down. Likewise, Abby differed from what Joaquin expected. Her energy drew him right away, and he noticed her beauty in detail that was unusual for him. I loved seeing her give him a tour of the town and its history while he marveled at the fact that he didn't feel awkward talking to her.
 
I loved seeing the development of the relationship between Joaquin and Abby. Before he arrived, Abby asked her Uncle Simon how best to entertain Joaquin since they were so different. He pointed out that Joaquin wouldn't have had a normal childhood to show him her everyday life. So she did. They spent a lot of time together working on wedding stuff. Joaquin's enjoyed it far more than he expected and liked getting to know more about Abby. The more she learned about him, the more she ached for the things he missed in life. I loved the sweet scenes of the things they did together. Neither expected the attraction that grew between them. I loved how they looked at it practically, realizing that Joaquin would leave Fool's Gold after the wedding. However, neither could deny the feelings that grew between them, though they certainly tried. He's not into relationships, and she wants the whole marriage and family thing. But Joaquin has an ax hanging over his head and putting off dealing with it just makes it more difficult.
 
Shortly after he arrived, Abby introduced Joaquin to Simon when they had dinner together. Simon invited Joaquin to meet with him, where he confronted Joaquin about his reason for being in Fool's Gold so much before the wedding. Simon told Joaquin why he was turned down for the fellowship. He also asked if Abby knew the truth and advised Joaquin to tell her asap. He didn't want Abby hurt, and if Joaquin didn't tell her, Simon would do it himself. While Joaquin insisted he had no intention of hurting Abby, he also kept putting off his confession. As his feelings for her grew, so did his guilt. Simon ticked me off when he followed through on his threat after Joaquin didn't move fast enough for him. I ached for Abby and her feelings of betrayal, hurt, and anger. I also hurt for Joaquin, who realized too late how badly he screwed up.
 
It hurt to watch the two of them struggle with their feelings, and I kept my fingers crossed that they would find their way through it. I liked seeing Abby's Aunt Montana (Simon's wife) get involved, help Joaquin know the truth, and offer to help him win Abby back. Joaquin won my respect and admiration with his heartfelt apology and determination to show her how he changed. I liked that Abby made him work for her forgiveness but didn't draw it out too long. There was a nice twist involving Simon that helped move things along. I appreciated that both Joaquin and Abby didn't rush their relationship. The epilogue was fantastic and a perfect ending for the story.

Falling for His Suspect - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2142 - July 2021)

Series: Where Secrets are Safe (Book 18)

All he wants is justice…
…until his search for the truth leads him to her.
 
Detective Greg Johnson thinks he knows how to handle witnesses. Then he meets Jasmine Taylor. They both want to get to the bottom of the allegations against Jasmine's brother, but can Greg trust her to tell him everything she knows? And can he trust himself to resist this enigmatic -- and alluring -- woman with a tragic past?
 
A very emotional book. Jasmine and her brother Josh survived years of abuse at the hands of their father. As adults, they swore they would never follow in his footsteps which is why Jasmine was shocked when Josh was arrested for abusing his ex-wife. Jasmine knows the abuse goes the other way; she's witnessed Heidi's abuse and manipulation herself. But Heidi convinced the judge and the police that she was the victim. To keep his daughter, Bella, safe, Josh gives custody of her to Jasmine.
 
Jasmine, a teacher at The Lemonade Stand, a shelter for abused women, has long given up the dream of a family of her own. Three failed relationships showed her that she's drawn to authority figures who turn abusive after the "honeymoon period" wears off. When that happens, she walks away and doesn't look back. Rather than risk it again, she'll settle for the family she has. When Detective Greg Johnson shows up with questions about Josh and his relationship with Heidi, Jasmine is dismayed by the sparks of attraction she feels for him.
 
Greg works as an investigator for the prosecutor's office assigned to Josh's case. After hearing Heidi's accusations, he believes Josh is guilty, and it's only a matter of time until he has the necessary evidence. One of the people on his list to talk to is Jasmine, who Greg believes has all the information he needs. Greg's reputation for handling witnesses gives him the confidence he needs that she'll cooperate with him.
 
I must admit that I didn't care for Greg through much of the book. It bugged me that he had judged and convicted Josh before he started his investigation. He gets quite a shock when, not only does Jasmine not fall in with his point of view, she actively tries to get him to help her prove Josh innocent. Greg's plan to string her along made me mad, and I wanted her to see through him. I found it interesting that he kept going back to her for more details. Even when she told him how Josh protected her, what a wonderful father he was, and about Heidi's ability to lie, Greg thought Jasmine was in denial about Josh's true nature.
 
The tension never lets up as event after event made Josh look more guilty. At the same time, the sparks of attraction between Greg and Jasmine continued to grow. Jasmine fights them because she doesn't trust her judgment when it comes to men. Greg continues to be cautious because a previous drama-filled relationship burned him. He also believes that he lacks empathy and the ability to care about other people's feelings. That begins to change the more time he spends with Jasmine. His protective instincts are aroused, even though he thinks he'll be offering comfort when Jasmine finally sees the truth. To his surprise, he begins to have some doubts.
 
The story's suspense kept me glued to the pages as I waited to see who was right. My feeling remained on  Jasmine's side the more I saw of Heidi's antics. I had a brief moment of doubt near the end, as an unexpected twist involving Josh put Jasmine in danger. I ached for her and the situation she found herself in but loved how she kept her head. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as the truth came out.
 
I loved the ending as Greg and Jasmine faced their feelings and what they meant for the future. I loved Greg's determination to make sure that Jasmine always felt safe. I especially loved that Jasmine finally learned to trust herself, which helped her trust Greg and his love.

Christmas in the Scottish Highlands - Donna Ashcroft (Bookouture - Oct 2021)

Welcome to the gorgeous little Scottish village of Christmas, where snow is falling, presents are being wrapped and the locals are writing their festive wish lists. Will this finally be the year that Belle's dreams come true?
 
Thirty-year-old Belle Albany is feeling lonely this Christmas. Another whole year has passed and her life is… exactly the same as it was last December. She longs for true love and a little bit of winter magic – but she's almost given up on finding it in the sleepy Scottish community where she lives…
 
When Belle crashes into elderly Edina on her cherry red bicycle, it's not the meet-cute she'd been hoping for. But she immediately recognises the lost look in Edina's watery-blue eyes and resolves to organise a Christmas to remember for them both – brimming with mince pies, mulled wine and lots of sparkle. Although Belle hadn't counted on Edina's home being a crumbling Scottish castle and she certainly hadn't been expecting Edina's handsome long-lost grandson Jack Hamilton-Kirk to turn up on the doorstep in the middle of a snow storm…
 
Jack is arrogant, rude and bossy and Belle is convinced he's about to ruin the seasonal cheer she has worked hard to create. He's basically the Grinch in human form, so why does her heart race every time they're in the same room? They disagree on almost everything, from menu choices to music, and yet she starts to glimpse a softer side hidden behind Jack's clipped words and brooding countenance.
 
As they hunt down costumes for the annual nativity show and save a donkey from a snowy disaster, Belle can't ignore their growing attraction. But will a secret from Jack's past come between them? Or will this finally be the year Belle falls in love?
 
Good book. Thirty-year-old, single, primary school teacher Belle lives in Christmas Village, a tiny town in the Scottish Highlands. A caring, compassionate woman, Belle tends to put everyone else's needs before her own, often leaving no time for herself. As the book opens, Belle feels a little out-of-sorts because nothing in her life seems to change. But as she rides her bike home from school one day in the snow, she accidentally runs into elderly Edina Lachlan, causing an injury to the lady's ankle. Determined to make amends, Belle offers to stay with Edina and take care of her while she heals.
 
Edina is a sweet and feisty woman who has lived alone in Evergreen Castle since the death of her curmudgeonly husband. Her daughter, Tara, lives on Skye, runs a donkey refuge, and rarely visits. Edina recently reconnected with her grandson, Jack, who only just found out she was still alive but hasn't visited yet. She loves having Belle stay with her, especially when Belle's class comes to visit.
 
During one visit, the children write letters to Santa, and the adults do too. When Belle ends up with Edina's letter, its contents inspire her to make Edina's wishes come true - without giving away how she knows about them. I loved seeing how Belle involved others in helping and how her actions encouraged Edina to become part of village life again. One of the first wishes to come true was for Edina to dye her hair pink. It's around this time that Edina's grandson Jack shows up for that long-delayed visit.
 
A successful London divorce lawyer, when Jack learns of Edina's injury and Belle's moving in, he cynically believes Belle has nefarious intentions. He rushes to Evergreen Castle, sure he'll find Belle in the process of stealing anything not nailed down. At the same time, he thinks Edina shouldn't live there alone and wants her to move to a retirement home.
 
The first meeting between Belle and Jack doesn't go well as each is suspicious of the other. Jack doesn't trust women at all, thanks to his father. Belle thinks Jack wants Edina out so that he can have the castle and her money for himself. I loved seeing Belle slowly draw Jack into everything from Edina's Santa list to the school's Nativity play. It isn't too long before both realize that they may have misjudged each other. The more time they spend together, the more the attraction between them grows, but their trust issues may prevent anything from coming of it.
 
Complicating matters, Belle attempts to end the estrangement between Jack and his mother, Tara. I wanted to shake Jack for his obstinate refusal to even listen to Tara's side of the story. A confrontation between Jack and Belle over his stubbornness ends with them having to face some uncomfortable truths. It takes an eye-opening conversation with his best friend's soon-to-be-ex for Jack to see the benefits of looking at things from another's point of view. I liked the ending as both Jack and Belle face their pasts, and in doing so, overcome the obstacles that kept them from having the future they wanted.
 
The romance between Jack and Belle isn't the only one going on. Belle's friend, Kenzy, has been crushing on local handyman Logan for a long time. But Kenzy believes love doesn't exist thanks to her family background, and Logan doesn't do casual affairs. I loved watching his gentle way of chipping away at her walls and Kenzy's bewildered reaction to his refusing to take what she offers.
 
I also enjoyed the various aspects of village life. When a family loses their rental lease right before Christmas, Belle lets them have her house while she stays with Edina, and they search for a new place to live. Everyone jumps in to help Belle make Edina's wishes come true. Local curmudgeon Tavish steps up to carry Edina up and downstairs while she's healing. I got the feeling that there was a very subtle romance going on between those two. I especially enjoyed the villagers' support of Edina staying in her home when word of Jack's plan got out. I loved how so many people got involved in making the school's Nativity play happen.
 
The secondary characters added to the richness of the story. Besides Tavish, Logan, and Kenzy, one of the most important ones was Tara. My heart broke for her as more of her backstory came out. She wants to reconcile with Jack, but standing up to his anger doesn't come easy. The various children in Belle's class were adorable, and I liked how each one found the perfect role in the play. My favorite secondary character was Bob, Edina's donkey. He made me laugh with his frequent walkabouts as he searched for friends. I also loved how he attached himself to Jack.

Braving the Heat - Regan Black (HRS #2002 - July 2018)

Series: Escape Club Heroes (Book 4)

One man wants her dead.
 
Another will do anything to protect her.
 
Firefighter Kenzie Hughes never thought saving lives would make her a target. When someone rigs her car and sexy Stephen Galway offers to be her bodyguard, the flames of danger burn red-hot. Stephen lost his fiancée to violence years ago, but he can't resist Kenzie. Can he keep Kenzie safe and out of his arms when they're forced to confront what they fear most?
 
Beautiful balance of romance and suspense. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down until I finished it. The all-too-believable premise gave the story an extra layer of realism. Kenzie, a female firefighter, is stuck on administrative leave while being sued by a recent victim. The man claims that she screwed up his rescue because she was a woman trying to do a man's job. While on leave, she works as a waitress at Philly's Escape Club, whose owner helps off-duty law enforcement and first responders, as well as those let down by standard justice. After work one night, her car won't start, and a firefighter coworker calls his brother Stephen to help.
 
Stephen is a man mired in grief and guilt. Three years earlier, his fiancée was murdered while leaving her work at the local community center. Angry that the man who shot her was found not guilty of her murder, Stephen deals with his grief by haunting the area where she died and photographing the criminal activity that takes place, and sending anonymous tips to the cops. He can't imagine ever being interested in giving his heart to another woman.
 
When Stephen arrives to tow Kenzie's car, he also notices her suitcases in it. When he finds out she's essentially homeless while her apartment building undergoes fumigation, he offers her the camper he lives in behind his garage. Kenzie, whose second love behind firefighting is cars, offers to help Stephen around the garage when she's not at the Escape Club. As they work together and bond over their love of cars, Kenzie's determination and ability to still laugh draws him in. His growing attraction and feelings for her surprise him, and he fights hard against admitting them. Kenzie tries to resist falling for the man who is clearly not ready to move on, but it's a losing battle. I loved seeing Stephen's walls crumble the more time he spent with her. Giving in to the attraction complicates matters, especially when Kenzie tells Stephen how she feels. I ached for both of them as Stephen froze when his fear of losing her kept him from saying anything back, and Kenzie felt her heart break when he just stood there. I loved seeing him realize his mistake and rush to fix it. He gets a slight assist from both Grant and Jason, but it's his emotional confession that wins the day. An unexpected interruption delays the rest of their big moment, but it is sweet and touching when it comes.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. The irrational behavior of Kenzie's accuser kept me glued to the pages as I waited to see what he would do next. Just when things started to look up, Murtagh began a new campaign of intimidation while hiding his involvement. I loved Kenzie's strength of will as she refused to give in. The escalating attacks led to a terrifying final confrontation. Kenzie's calmness in the face of danger showed her strength as a firefighter. The resolution was heartbreaking but not unexpected.
 
One of the other things I enjoyed about this book was seeing Kenzie and Stephen's bonding over cars. From his surprise at her talents to her appreciation of his skill, you could feel their love of classic cars. I loved their joy at test driving the Camaro at the race track and seeing the buyer's over-the-moon happiness when he picked it up. I liked how working on the cars provided Kenzie with stress relief and how she even liked helping with the office work. I foresee a lot of happy together time for them in Stephen's garage.