Forged in Fire - Linda Warren (HRS #2151 - Oct 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 9)
 
A simple assignment..
turns into life and death
 
Is Lila Colton a thief? Insurance investigator Carter Finch vows to uncover the truth when he visits her gallery. But his temporary mission goes awry when Lila turns out to be incredibly beautiful. and just a bit lethal. A fire engulfs the building, which puts them both in harm's way. Is Lila his ally or pushing him into a deadly trap?
 
Good book that started with a bang and kept me hooked to the end. The story opens as Lila preps her art gallery for a showing. She's excited to have several paintings from a reclusive painter in her gallery, but that excitement turns to dismay when insurance investigator Carter Finch shows up. Carter believes that those paintings are forgeries and is on a mission to catch the forger. He initially suspects Lila of being involved, especially when the gallery goes up in flames with them inside.
 
It doesn't take long for Carter to realize Lila is innocent of involvement, which is a relief. He can't deny his attraction to Lila or that he finds himself wanting to stay close to her. Carter doesn't know what to do with that feeling. His job requires almost constant travel, and he has never craved a home and family. He stays with Lila at her house while they work to find the forger and the person responsible for torching her gallery. As he and Lila grow closer, he keeps reminding her and himself that he must leave soon. But when it comes time to do so, he can't go while the fire is left unresolved. At the same time, 
Lila finds herself falling hard for Carter.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Carter and Lila develop. The sparks flew between them from the start though they tried to resist. Once they got past Carter's suspecting Lila, their connection took off. I liked seeing them get to know each other, with Carter doing little things for Lila showing his appreciation for staying with her. Lila includes Carter in family events, showing him what a close family is like. Poor Carter was a little overwhelmed by all of the family togetherness and a little envious. I especially enjoyed seeing Lila's mother's treatment of him. Lila keeps telling herself that she can't fall for Carter because he is due to leave but eventually admits to herself that it's too late. Carter has a harder time of it because he doesn't recognize his feelings. I loved seeing him figure it out and come up with the solution to being together.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. It started with the search for forged paintings and the forger himself. When the gallery burned, and it looked like there may be a connection to the forgeries, Carter decided to stay and help the investigation. I liked how Lila insisted on being involved in the search. Some tension occurred when the arson investigator focused on Lila, but Carter quickly showed him the alternatives. I loved seeing Carter follow the tangled threads that led from the forger to the fire to the person behind the fire. The tension increased the closer they came to the arsonist. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Lila wound up in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ending was terrific.

Temptation Undercover - Jennifer Morey (HRS #2147 - Sept 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 8)

Trust becomes a pawn
In a life-and-death game.
 
Undercover agent Damon Colton needs to protect Ruby Duarte and her daughter…and bring down her dead ex's criminal followers. When their growing attraction blossoms into something more, the line between Damon's real self and his alter ego is blurred. He realizes the passion he and Ruby share is real…but when his cover is blown, their lives are exposed to lethal threats. Will Damon be able to regain Ruby's trust and save her child?
 
Good book. Assigned to find out what she knows, undercover DEA agent Damon Colton spent several months cultivating his acquaintance with Ruby Duarte. Her dead ex-boyfriend's criminal followers believe she knows the location of a stash of illegal arms and will do anything to get them, and the feds want them first.
 
Ruby and her daughter Maya (who we met in The Secret Network) have done their best to put that terrifying time behind them. However, Ruby lives in a near-constant state of fear as she worries that her ex's friends will come after her or Maya. The only bright side is her growing friendship with Damon, the bartender who works down the street.
 
Damon has a serious problem with his undercover assignment. Far from being just a subject to watch, Ruby stirred genuine feelings in him. When he reaches the point of asking her out, to draw her out about her ex, Damon's guilty feelings surprise and disturb him. At the same time, Ruby feels a connection to Damon that she cautiously explores. Because of her past, Ruby doesn't trust easily, but Damon feels right to her. After a few dates, she's ready to let him meet Maya. Maya and Damon immediately took to one another, and seeing them interact melted my heart. This adds to Damon's unease about his deception, especially as he attempts to push Ruby for information about her ex. Ruby's growing feelings for Damon war with her feeling that there's something else going on.
 
Things become complicated when Ruby encounters Damon in his real life and discovers his deception. Hurt, angry, and feeling betrayed, Ruby rips into him. Damon tries to explain, but she refuses to listen or to see him. When the gang that Damon has worked to infiltrate pressures him to find out what Ruby knows, his protectiveness kicks in. Now he must convince Ruby of the danger to her and Maya and to let him protect them. I liked seeing them work together. They spend time together, along with Maya, as they try to find the missing weapons. Their feelings for each other grow, encouraged by their happiness during those "family" times. However, trusting those feelings comes hard for both Damon and Ruby. Damon doesn't trust women at all after being badly betrayed by his fiancée, and Ruby has trouble believing anything Damon says after learning of his deception. When everything is over, Damon and Ruby have a chance to start over if they are brave enough to take it. I loved the ending, as Damon puts his past behind him and has the patience to give Ruby the time she needs. I loved the realistic look at their future rather than the magical solving of all issues to make a happy ending.
 
The suspense of the story was terrific. The threat to Ruby from Santiago and his minions leaped off the page from their first appearance. The tension of Damon walking the fine line between his undercover persona and his need to protect Ruby kept me hooked from start to finish. I could feel Damon's frustration as he and Ruby searched for the weapons while trying to keep Santiago at bay. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved watching it happen. 

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. 

 

Guardian in the Storm - Carla Cassidy (HRS #2139 - July 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 6)

A murder broke her heart
Can her protector heal it?
 
While she mourns her father's death, psychology professor Simone Colton is determined to profile his killer. Special Agent Brad Howard wants her to stay away from the case, but an attack on her life convinces him that he needs to keep her close. Hidden away in a secluded cabin, Simone and Brad must confront the desire between them -- and the storm raging outside. Can they survive a murderer's lethal threats?
 
At the beginning of this series, Simone Colton's father and uncle were murdered. Simone, a psychology professor, deals with her grief by trying to profile his killer. As this book opens, she faces the knowledge that all of her conclusions had been wrong. In the previous book, Hidden Target, the killers were identified and one captured. Simone still feels a burning need to be involved and eventually talks the FBI agent into letting her help a little.
 
Brad understands Simone's need but hesitates over her involvement. He finally gives in and allows her to watch video interviews with the suspect in custody. She surprises and impresses him with her insight into the suspect's attitude and behavior. I liked how Brad's respect motivated him to use her suggestions.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Simone and Brad. Sparks of attraction were present from the time they met, though both tried to ignore them. Simone recently ended a relationship and planned to wait before getting involved again. Brad mostly gave up on the idea of marriage because past relationships haven't handled his job well. After discouraging Simone's involvement in the case for so long, it was fun to see Brad succumb to her pleas. Time spent together became exercises in self-control as the attraction grew stronger.
 
When Simone falls afoul of the suspect's father, it arouses Brad's protective instincts. After several threats and an attack on her life, Brad decides the only recourse is to take Simone away from Chicago completely. I loved their time together in the cabin, as close quarters and no distractions gave them a chance to get to know each other. Both struggled to maintain their distance in the face of strengthening attraction and unexpected emotions. The river scene brought those emotions roaring to the surface along with the desire to celebrate being alive, though Brad later felt guilty for "taking advantage" of Simone's vulnerability.
 
Meanwhile, the suspect still at large receives help from his buddy's father, enabling him to evade capture. Determined to escape, Leo takes steps to end the threat that Brad and Simone pose. The tension increases as Leo waits for his chance, and Brad and Simone have no idea the danger is so close. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as I watched Brad go after Leo, followed by Simone, who couldn't remain behind when worried about his safety. The resolution was a nail-biter with Brad's life at risk.
 
I ached for both Brad and Simone when it was all over. Brad allows his fears to push Simone away, leaving her with a broken heart. Simone struggles to move on while putting on a brave face for her family. I loved the conclusion as Brad puts his well-earned misery behind him and goes after what he wants. The depth of his emotions as he faced the woman he loved was the perfect ending.
 
There was one thread from the story arc left hanging - the claim on the Colton business. I don't know if this is just something that fell through the cracks of a multi-author series or if it will show up later through a different set of Coltons. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Hidden Target - Colleen Thompson (HRS #2135 - June 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 5)

Will her virtual scheme succeed when flesh-and-blood killers attack?
 
Desperate to get justice for his slain family, Jones Colton hires Allie Chandler to do what Chicago officials couldn't. Though both are fierce loners, the grieving artisan and the PI agree to work together and keep it professional. When Allie uses her hacking skills to seek out the murderers, their teamwork yields wild passion…and a danger neither expected…
 
Good book. It's been several months since the murder of Jones's father and uncle. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Jones hires a California PI to do what the cops can't. Allie has a high success rate using unusual methods, and she's going to need every one of them on this case.
 
I liked both Jones and Allie. In previous books in the series, we've seen how the murders affected the whole family. Here we see more of their effect on Jones. He and his dad had something of a strained relationship thanks to Jones's career decisions. It eats at Jones that his father died before he repaired their relationship and that his dad may have still been disappointed in Jones's choices. Finding the killer will go a long way toward making him feel that his dad could be proud of him again. Even though he is part of a big family, Jones is also a bit of a loner. He loves his family, but he also needs his time alone and is somewhat set in his ways.
 
Allie never liked being the center of attention, even as a child. As she got older, she preferred her own company and her computer and developed the reputation of being socially awkward. She doesn't suffer fools gladly, tends to get lost in whatever she's working on to the exclusion of everything else, and can be uncomfortably honest. Allie will also do almost anything to avoid groups of people.
 
The first meeting between Jones and Allie was a bit awkward thanks to a hotel disaster and a rainstorm, plus Jones's tendency to get lost in his work. I liked that they came to an understanding quickly, aided by Jones's invitation to stay with him. It was easy to see the beginnings of some sparks between them as they ironed out the details of their cohabitation. Those sparks flared a little brighter when Jones talked her into attending the beer pairing dinner at his cousin's restaurant that night. The night finished with a bang when Allie was attacked and stabbed. Jones's protectiveness kicked in, especially when they discovered it wasn't a random attack.
 
I loved watching the bond between them develop. Besides their loner tendencies, each time one of them shared something of their pasts, the similarities drew them closer together. Though they tried to keep things professional initially, their attraction soon became too much to resist.  Even then, they intended to keep things casual, but their hearts did not cooperate. Allie feared that she brought danger to Jones and tried to pull away, but he was determined to stay close. In the end, they discovered that even two loners could find happiness with someone special.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from beginning to end. Because the things that Allie does aren't always admissible in court, even if she knew something to be true, proof needed to be found. The attempts to obtain that proof often put Allie and Jones in danger, and there were many times I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I was fascinated by Allie's methods, and I could see why Jones was also captivated by her. As Jones and Allie began to close in on their quarry, the intensity of the danger also increased. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, though it didn't turn out quite as I expected. Some questions are resolved, others remain unanswered, and no one will give up until justice is served.
 
There was a secondary mystery going on that involved Allie. Because of the work she does, she has made some powerful enemies. From a random stabbing that wasn't so random to attacks on both her and Jones, they never know where it will come from next. Allie suspected who was behind it, but she couldn't take action without proof, especially considering the background. That the resolution of this issue came in the middle of their other operation added complications to an already intense situation. I liked how a bit of Jones's past played an important part in ending the threat. 

 

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

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 4)

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

Undercover Heat - Anna J. Stewart (HRS #2127 - Mar 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 3)

When her life is upended, a detective goes undercover to save it…
 
After tragedy strikes, chef Tatum Colton buries herself in her job. Detective Cruz Medina soon rocks her world once again, claiming criminals are using her restaurant as a front for nefarious activities. Cruz needs Tatum's help to go undercover as her sous-chef, putting them both in the line of fire. But when things get hot in and out of the kitchen, can Cruz protect Tatum and their growing bond?
 
Fantastic book that grabbed me from the start and kept me hooked to the last page. Tatum Colton, chef and owner of Chicago's trendy restaurant, True, lives and breathes her job. Ever since the murders of her father and uncle, True is where she can forget for a little while each day. That relief takes a hit the day Detective Cruz Medina shows up to tell her that he believes her restaurant is being used for drug running. Cruz is determined to stop the cartel responsible for putting his partner into a coma. Convinced that the restaurant is at its center, he wants to go undercover as one of her employees to investigate.
 
The sparks flew between Tatum and Cruz from the moment they met. She is adamant that her people are innocent, and he is just as sure that someone is not. Though her first instinct was to tell him no, eventually, she knew she had to do the right thing. I laughed at her "training session" with him and her surprise at how easily they worked together. It didn't take long for them to acknowledge the attraction they felt and realize that doing anything with it would be a bad idea. I loved watching their interactions both in and out of the kitchen. As the investigation heats up, so does Cruz's protectiveness, which creates a few awkward situations. There's a great scene with Tatum's mother and aunt and others that involved her staff. But as the investigation hurtles toward its conclusion, Cruz's duty clashes with his feelings for Tatum. I ached for them both as Tatum's worst nightmare came to pass and drove a wedge between them. It takes an unexpected twist that puts Tatum in life-threatening danger to bring them back together. I loved the ending.
 
The suspense of the story was terrific. Cruz won't let anything get in the way of bringing down the drug cartel, and that includes his growing feelings for Tatum. I loved watching him make a place for himself in the restaurant. There are plenty of possible suspects, and Cruz trusts his instincts in the investigation. The intensity ramps up when Tatum becomes the victim of several attacks, and she becomes as determined as he is to get at the truth. I had my suspicions about who it was and followed eagerly along as Cruz pursued his leads. I was glued to the pages as it all came together, and Cruz got his man. Unfortunately, Tatum was in the wrong place at the wrong time as an unexpected twist put her in extreme danger. I loved seeing her take control of her fear and do the unexpected to save the day.
 
I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse secondary characters. Tatum's staff at the restaurant were fantastic. I loved the sense of family they exuded and how they watched out for her. Sam and Ty were my favorites. Tatum's mom and aunt were great. Their continuing grief was evident, as was their love for their family. I also liked Cruz's family and had to laugh at how he helped his younger sister.
 
Though the murders of Tatum's dad and uncle were mentioned a couple of times, there was little mention of its investigation. 

 

Unlikely Alibi - Lisa Childs (HRS #2123 - Feb 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 2)

She's his partner. She's his friend.

And now she's his alibi.

Heath Colton is on the verge of taking his company to the next level...but when a double homicide shatters his world, he doesn't know where to turn. VP Kylie Givens's desire to safeguard him leaves him with no choice; he agrees to go along with a faux romance. But Heath's feelings for Kylie are more real than he's ready to admit, and now they're both in a killer's crosshairs...

Good book. The second book in the series picks up where the first book, The Secret Network, left off. Heath Colton, CEO of Colton Connections, is about to celebrate a pending patent via a phone call with his VP and good friend, Kylie. Their call is interrupted when the police arrive to inform Heath of the double murders of his father and uncle and their request that he identify the bodies. Kylie overhears it all and is terrified for Heath. She remembers as a child seeing her mother taken away in handcuffs and believes her mother was unjustly accused. Kylie doesn't want the same thing happening to Heath. Unable to do anything else, she waits for him at his apartment to give him her support.

Heath arrives back at his apartment, shattered by what he saw. The last thing he wants is company, but Kylie won't leave. She's there when Detective Parker arrives to question Heath. She sees the direction of the detective's questioning - he suspects Heath of the murders - and jumps in to claim that Heath was with her, even though he wasn't. Heath goes along with her because he doesn't want her in trouble, but he can tell Parker is suspicious. Now Heath and Kylie are stuck pretending to be a couple.

The relationship between Heath and Kylie is close, but one of friends. They spend a lot of time together, to the point where Heath's former girlfriend was so jealous he ended up breaking up with her. Heath is attracted to Kylie, but she firmly puts him in the friend zone, so there he stayed. However, now that they are supposedly a couple, Heath finds it hard to rein in that attraction. It also turns out that Kylie felt the same but didn't want to chance ruining their friendship. I loved seeing how Heath's family, while surprised by the fact they came out as a couple, all found it believable. It was sweet to see how Heath and Kylie took care of each other, especially when dealing with the elder Coltons' deaths. The biggest problem was that as Heath started showing his feelings more, Kylie feared believing they were real. It took a near-death experience for her to accept the truth and embrace the future.

The suspense of the story was good, too. The question of the day is, "Who killed Earnest and Albert Colton, and why?" The lead detective questions all family members, and it's pretty clear that Heath is his top suspect. Heath and Kylie are beyond frustrated with what they see as Parker's tunnel vision and decide their best option is to do some investigating on their own. They no sooner make that decision when someone tries to run them down. Matters become more complicated when one of the company attorneys sics the cops on Kylie because of her mother and tries to convince Heath that he's in over his head with the company, rousing Heath's suspicions. As Heath and Kylie investigate the questions raised, the attacks on them escalate. Are the attacks related to their investigation, or is there something else going on? The ending had several twists that kept me glued to the pages until finished. The book ends with some questions answered and others growing more complicated. I can't wait for the next book.

The Secret Network - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2119 - Jan 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 1)

A child brought them together
 
And led them into a brutal world...
 
Social worker January Colton agrees to partner with Detective Sean Stafford -- but only on her terms. She'll help him catch a killer, but only if he can protect the little girl in her care. Once she realizes that Sean is just as committed to keeping the child safe, their connection slowly develops into something fiery...and dangerous. But with a deadly network determined to finish off this "family unit," Sean will have to do whatever it takes to keep them safe.
 
Terrific start to the new series. January Colton, a social worker specializing in children with special needs, is about to go on a long-needed vacation when she gets a call from her boss. A little girl, found at a murder scene, doesn't respond to the detective who found her. Detective Sean Stafford needs to a) find out who she is and b) discover what she saw. She may need protection from the killer.
 
I loved the first meeting between Sean and January. It takes her about five minutes to figure out what the problem is - little Maya is deaf. Sean is chagrined at having missed something so obvious, and January has a little too much fun jerking his chain about it. But both agree that Maya could be in danger. As a certified foster parent, January takes charge of Maya, while Sean arranges protection. When that protection fails, Sean takes it personally and takes over their safety by moving them into his apartment.
 
There is one significant drawback to that plan - the attraction that simmers between Sean and January. After a tragedy involving his former partner, Sean closed himself off from relationships of any kind. Meanwhile, January tries to resist because she "doesn't have time" for men in her life. There are some sweet scenes as the adorable Maya cracks the walls around these two stubborn adults' hearts. Sean's attempt to learn sign language touches January's heart, and the two grow closer in their efforts to unlock the mystery surrounding the little girl. The interactions between them are fun, flirty, and occasionally intense as their feelings for each other grow. A dangerous confrontation causes them to realize the depth of their feelings for each other. Sean's big moment doesn't go quite as planned, though the expected outcome is pretty obvious.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent and kept me hooked just as much as the romance did. Little Maya appears to be a key element in Sean's search for the murderer if they can only find out if she saw anything. The attempt on Maya and January at the beginning was a wake-up call, and Sean's protectiveness kicked in. I could feel his frustration as his investigation went nowhere. A shocking twist broke the case open. Stubborn January put herself at the center of a trap to catch the bad guy that nearly went very wrong. The confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. The ending was a complete shock and likely sets up the story arc for the rest of the series. I'm glad I already have the next book!