Little Girl Gone - Amanda Stevens (HI #2047 - Jan 2022)

Series: Procedural Crime (Book 1)

Nothing matters more to her
when a child's life is at stake.
 
Special agent Thea Lamb returns to her hometown to search for a child whose disappearance echoes a twenty-eight-year-old cold case -- her twin sister's abduction. Working with her former partner, Jake Stillwell, Thea must overcome the pain, doubt and guilt that have tormented her for years and denied her a meaningful relationship. For both Thea and Jake, the job always came first…until now.
 
The first book in the new series is a good blend of suspense and second chance romance. Thea is an FBI agent who works on cold cases involving children. As the story opens, she is headed back to her hometown in Florida to be with her estranged mother, who finds herself at the center of another missing child mystery. Twenty-eight years earlier, Thea's twin sister Maya disappeared from their bedroom without a trace. That disappearance undoubtedly influenced Thea's choice of a career. Now another child has disappeared from the same house and the same room. While she supports her mother, Reggie, Thea also questions what happened in both cases.
 
Jake heads the FBI unit CARD (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment) tasked with finding the missing Kylie. His awareness of the chances of success with each passing hour keeps his determination to succeed fueled. He will take whatever help is offered.
 
Thea and Jake have a history together. They were a couple while both worked for the FBI in DC until Jake received the promotion that sent him to Florida. A bit of pride and some lack of communication pulled them apart, but neither had forgotten the other. Both are dedicated to their careers, but their old feelings don't take long to resurface. I liked their realism, trying to keep things professional while working on the case and finding the time to reconnect. I loved the ending, as they realized that the blame for their split belonged to them both. I wasn't too surprised at the resolution.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from beginning to end. The similarity of the abductions of Maya and Kylie was especially intriguing, considering the time difference between them. One common factor was Reggie, and Thea's memories stir up questions she wants answered. Meanwhile, Reggie's boyfriend from during that time was recently released from prison and appears to have a grudge against her. Add in a creepy neighbor, an odd doll shop owner, and some bones found in a cave, and there are plenty of suspects to go around. The final confrontation was a nail-biter. The motivation behind the kidnapping was heartbreaking, but I had little sympathy for the kidnapper. I loved seeing Thea's confidence in standing up to the kidnapper and seeing Jake come through as backup at just the right time. While one mystery was solved, there are still unanswered questions about Maya's disappearance. I'm looking forward to learning more and hopefully getting a good result.
 
The relationship between Thea and Reggie is also a big part of the book. The tension is palpable as Thea's memories make her question things about her mother. While I ached for Reggie, I also had questions about her past actions. Thea and Reggie's interactions have been strained for many years, starting after Maya's disappearance and worsening as the years went on. Reggie has changed her life since then, and those changes seem to improve their ability to talk to one another. Things have improved between them by the end of the book, though questions remain.

Deeper Than the Ocean - Julie Ann Walker (Limerence Pub - June 2021)

Series: Deep Six (Book 4)

The former Navy SEALs of Deep Six Salvage thought they could retire to the sea and hunt for treasures of the deep, but when trouble comes to visit, there'll be hell to pay.
 
Ray Wolf Roanhorse took one look at Chrissy and knew she was the woman of his dreams. There's a hitch, however. He screwed things up with her. Bigtime. Now all she wants is to be friends. He'll have to be his most charismatic and charming self if he has any hope of changing her mind. And winning her heart.
 
Christina Szarek knows all about sexy, brooding men like Wolf. She grew up watching her mother fall for - and be broken by - plenty of them. If she had her way, she'd avoid Wolf altogether. But they're partners in the hunt for the Santa Cristina's legendary treasure. Avoidance is impossible. And the longer she's near him, the more he chips away at the walls she's erected against him.
 
However, the danger to Chrissy doesn't only come from her burgeoning feelings. Some mysterious players would see her silenced - for good. And Wolf, with his wicked grin and spec-ops training, is all that stands between her and a date with death in the deep.
 
Good book. This is the fourth book in the series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading them in order. The backstory of the search for the Santa Cristina and the men (and women) adds increasing depth to the story. In this story, the ship has been found, but the Deep Six team still hasn't found the treasure. While the team hasn't entirely given up hope, they wonder if they will find it before running out of funds.
 
Chrissy and Wolf struck sparks off each other from the first book. Chrissy owns the local dive shop where the team gets much of their equipment. She also leads dive tours, whose divers pay to help search for the treasure. A strong, independent woman, Chrissy holds her own in a male-dominated business. She and Wolf seem to be perfect for each other, but Chrissy has some serious relationship issues. Her mother constantly searched for love, leaving Chrissy with a revolving door of stepfathers who forgot about her when the relationship ended. While she wants a husband and children, she adamantly refuses to fall in love. She plans to choose with her head and allow love to grow that way.
 
Wolf has had it bad for Chrissy from the beginning. Though he is a tough SEAL, he has a soft center. He supports several unmarried sisters and their children and clearly loves them all. He wants a family of his own and fervently believes that Chrissy is the one. Wolf frequently made me laugh with his fortune cookie sayings and his hilarious misheard song lyrics.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Chrissy and Wolf develop. It started out well with a good friendship that grew into more. Then Wolf made a bone-headed move thanks to misplaced jealousy, and Chrissy shoved him back into the friend zone. Every time he tries to move things forward again, she shoots him down. On a night she finally agreed to meet him for a drink, their world becomes highly complicated. On the way to meet Wolf, Chrissy and her business partner witness some drug
activity. After being shot, her partner is seriously wounded, and Chrissy is knocked into the water, she knows Wolf is the only person who can help. The intensity of this scene had me on the edge of my seat as Wolf sprang into action.
 
I loved seeing Wolf go into protector mode, appointing himself Chrissy's bodyguard. Being thrown together like that gave Wolf a chance to convince her that they are meant to be together. I loved seeing them grow closer and how Wolf learned why Chrissy feels as she does about love. I loved his determination and the sweet care he took of her. I often got frustrated by Chrissy's stubborn refusal to admit her feelings for Wolf. I loved their interactions. Their similar senses of humor created some hilarious conversations. I liked how Wolf kept demonstrating his love for Chrissy, and showing her falling in love doesn't have to be a bad thing. I also enjoyed how Chrissy's friends pushed her toward Wolf, clearly seeing that they belong together. In the end, Chrissy realizes that she isn't her mother and doesn't have to allow her mother's mistakes to rule her life. I liked seeing them come together in the end.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. Chrissy had no idea the seriousness of what she'd stumbled upon at first. The reader gets a look at things from the bad guys' point of view, so we know how much trouble she's in. The bad guys sometimes appear to have regrets about their orders regarding Chrissy but still intend Chrissy's death. I got a bit frustrated with Wolf and the local cop who didn't find the accidents that suddenly kept happening to her suspicious. With the drug cartel breathing down the bad guy's neck, I could feel the desperation to resolve the issue. The final confrontation was a nail-biter. I liked seeing Chrissy practically save herself with a brief assist from Wolf. The identity of the head bad guy surprised me almost as much as it shocked Chrissy.
 
Alongside the romance between Chrissy and Wolf, a new romance budded between the ladies' man, Romeo, and the super-quiet Mia. Romeo resists the truth of his feelings, so it's easy to see that a hard fall is in his future. I'm looking forward to the next book to see how it turns out.
 
I also look forward to seeing how the search for the treasure progresses. Things may be looking up as the campsite of the shipwrecked sailors was located, along with the captain's journal. 

The Vet's Unexpected Hero - Traci Douglass (HMED #1179 - June 2021)

Series: First Response in Florida (Book 1)

In the midst of the hurricane…
…will she find safety in his arms?
 
Vet Lucy Miller is happy with her quiet, ordered life. But when a tropical storm bears down on her Florida Keys animal sanctuary, the arrival of devastatingly gorgeous, yet equally guarded, emergency medic Jackson Durand brings disorder -- and desire! He's there to rescue her, but Lucy suspects her red-hot reaction to Jackson will be much more dangerous than the storm raging overhead…
 
Good book with an unusual heroine. Lucy is a veterinarian who runs an animal sanctuary on one of the islands in the Florida Keys. She suffers from OCD and anxiety issues, so it is a sanctuary for her too. With a hurricane bearing down on the Keys, Lucy decides to volunteer with the emergency response team. There she meets Jackson, the EMT tasked to lead the team. From the moment they met, sparks flew between them.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Lucy and Jackson. Both have trust issues. Jackson was abandoned as a small child, and even though a loving family adopted him, he doesn't let other people get close. His romantic relationships lean toward short-term flings. Jackson is a protector and believes that taking care of people proves he is worthy of others' care and attention. Because of her OCD and anxiety issues, Lucy's parents kept tight control over her and told her she couldn't care for herself. Her fiancé was even more controlling and appeared more interested in her as a case study than a person. When she broke free of their control, she earned her vet degree and promised herself she would never be controlled again. This includes deciding to ride out the hurricane at her sanctuary.
 
When Jackson discovers Lucy disobeyed team rules and refused to take refuge in Key West, he can't leave her in danger. He rushes to her island, determined to drag her away, only to find a woman equally determined to stay. I enjoyed watching them face off, though I think she was wrong to stay. When the storm intensifies too quickly for them to evacuate, they are forced to ride it out. Huddling together in Lucy's basement, she and Jackson spend the time getting to know each other. I loved how Jackson accepted her OCD quirks and helped her through her panic attacks without judging or trying to control her. But when attraction overcomes wariness, Lucy panics and pushes Jackson away, reinforcing his feelings of rejection. It takes some soul-searching for both, and advice to Jackson from his brother to help them see that they belong together. I liked the ending and their honesty about their fears and hopes.

No Sunshine When She's Gone - Kate Angell (Kensington - May 2014)

Series: Barefoot William (Book 3)

Though his family owns the charming beachside town of Barefoot William, Aidan Cates is as down-to-earth as the locals. He's also practical to a fault and doesn't believe some psychic on the boardwalk can predict his future.
 
Jillie Mac is as free as an ocean breeze, so when the hot stranger and his date mistake her for a fortune teller, she's ready to have some fun. But one devastating secret told, one mistaken identity revealed, and numerous long summer nights later, it's Jillie and Aidan who discover that sometimes love comes with a simple twist of fate.
 
Fun book. It opens as Aidan, who owns the successful construction company building the new baseball training facility, and his girlfriend wander the Psychic Festival on the pier at Barefoot William. Lily wants to know what's in store for their relationship, while Aidan knows exactly where it's going - and it isn't the altar. When Lily settles on a psychic, neither she nor Aidan expects the reading they received. In a great scene, the psychic opened Aidan's eyes, then disappeared before he discovered she was an imposter. Determined to confront her, Aidan sets off in hot pursuit, eventually catching up with her.
 
Jillie arrived in  Barefoot William a few days before she starts work. As the Community Liaison for the Richmond Rogues, it's her job to drum up support for the team while their new spring training facility is built. On her first day in town, she explores the place she'll live for the following year. While resting her feet at an empty table, she couldn't resist the chance to have a little fun and save Aidan from disaster at the same time. But while she knows who he is, he has no idea that they'll soon work together.
 
I enjoyed the first meeting between Jillie and Aidan. The sparks flew between them from the start, though not all of them were pleasant. Jillie tends to bend or stretch the truth on occasion, while Aidan is a straight shooter. Jillie's revelations were a slight blow to Aidan's pride though he wouldn't admit it. Jillie felt a little guilty, but having been on the receiving end of a similar situation, she thought Aidan should know sooner rather than later. When they meet again, once Aidan gets over his anger at the deception and learns of their connection, he wants to get to know her better. Jillie is a little gun shy, having just ended a relationship.
 
I liked watching Jillie and Aidan get to know each other. Aidan is a nice guy, confident, and well-known for his kindness. He's close to his family and protective of them. Jillie is fun and free-spirited, but she has trouble trusting in others' ability to commit, thanks to childhood baggage. I enjoyed watching Aidan show Jillie around his town and work his way past her walls with the help of his dog, Sadie. He quickly realizes that he more than likes her but tries to be patient with her fears. Jillie's feelings for Aidan are just as strong, but she has trouble believing that he's in it for the long haul. When she freaks out over those feelings, it takes patience on Aidan's part and some advice from her friend Carrie to help her past her fears. I liked Jillie's courage in facing her fears and confessing her feelings to Aidan.
 
I loved seeing Jillie settle into life in Barefoot William. She is very much a people person, and there were some terrific scenes of her doing her job around the town. I thoroughly enjoyed the Rogues vs. town softball game and how Jillie made it work. Aidan had an amusing flare-up of jealousy regarding one of the Rogues players, and I laughed out loud at the resolution of that incident. She showed her creative bent with community relations with an exciting idea involving the facility's sidewalk. I hope to see more of her and Aidan in future books.
 
There was a secondary romance between Jillie's friend and coworker Carrie, and Aidan's second-in-command, Mike. Mike is a rough around the edges guy who is bitter about how his baseball dreams ended. He tends to be snide and sarcastic when he isn't comfortable. This attitude is front and center when Mike and Carrie meet, making some very obnoxious remarks to and about her. A victim of severe abuse as a child, Carrie came out the other side with a surprisingly good attitude. However, she does have some self-esteem issues, which make her wary of Mike's interest. I liked seeing them first become friends. Mike turns out to be surprisingly sweet and protective, and I enjoyed seeing him do little things to make her life easier. It didn't take long for attraction to blossom, and deeper feelings quickly followed. Mike's life takes a surprising twist, and I liked Carrie's effect on how he viewed it. I liked the ending of their story. 

 
 

All Consuming - Jaci Burton (Penguin - Mar 2021)

Series: Brotherhood by Fire (Book 3)

When firefighter Kal Donovan transfers to the Tactical Rescue Team, he's determined to succeed by giving work one hundred percent of his attention. This proves more difficult at his ten-year high school reunion when he runs into Hannah Clark, his first love. She's still the smart, funny, beautiful girl he loved in high school, but everything has changed. She's divorced, has a son, and has zero interest in exploring an old romance.
 
Hannah has moved back home after a disastrous end to a marriage that never should have been. Now her only focus is getting her hair salon up and running, and making sure her son is happy. She doesn't have time for love -- especially not with Kal. She intends to look forward, not backward, and Kal is most definitely part of her past.
 
However, as Hannah and Kal start spending time together, Hannah realizes that what she's feeling for him isn't nostalgia, but red-hot attraction. Kal's intent on showing her what it's like to be cared for, romanced, and consumed with passion -- and Hannah loves it. But she wonders if she has the courage to risk her heart again, even as Kal vows not to lose her a second time.
 
Good second chance romance. Kal is the youngest of the three firefighter brothers and recently transferred from firefighting to the Tactical Rescue Team at another station. He loves what he does and is determined to give it one hundred percent of his attention. That is especially necessary as two of his new teammates seem determined to find fault with everything he does. After a rough shift, he's happy to go to his ten-year high school reunion and hang out with some of his friends. Then his high school girlfriend walks in the door, and distraction becomes the name of the game.
 
After she and Kal broke up, Hannah ended up marrying someone else and moving out of state. After years of a miserable marriage, Hannah and her son returned home. She plans to concentrate on getting her new hair salon set up and focusing on her son Oliver's needs. The last thing she's interested in is rekindling her old relationship with Kal. She's learned that the only person she can depend on is herself.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Kal and Hannah. From the moment they saw each other again, the sparks flew. Kal never forgot his feelings for Hannah, and he likes the idea of getting to know her again. Hannah makes it clear she's not interested but spending a little time together as friends would be okay. Kal is such a sweet, laid-back guy that it doesn't take long to start breaking down Hannah's walls. Hannah is wary of getting deeply involved with Kal. She doesn't trust her judgment any longer, but Kal is hard to resist. I loved how he connected so quickly with Hannah's son, which warmed her heart and made her very nervous.
 
I enjoyed seeing Hannah and Kal grow closer the more time they spent together. There were some terrific scenes of ordinary, day-to-day activities that showed how right they were for each other. Kal is fantastic at showing Hannah the love and respect she deserves, but she worries that depending on him opens her up to the possibility of more heartbreak. When Kal's patience wears a little thin, and he pushes for more, Hannah panics and pushes him away. It takes some deep soul-searching for Hannah to let go of those fears and trust Kal with her heart and Oliver's. I loved Hannah's big moment of sharing those fears with Kal and admitting her love. The epilogue was excellent, with a terrific look at the futures of all three couples.
 
I liked the parts of the book that showed Kal on the job. His love of his work is evident, as is his frustration at his issues with his two coworkers. I wondered how Kal would resolve those problems and loved that he did it by simply doing his job.

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

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

 

Do or Die - Suzanne Brockmann (Ballantine - Feb 2014)

Series: Troubleshooters: Reluctant Heroes (Book 1)

            Troubleshooters (Book 18)

Navy SEAL Ian Dunn went rogue in a big way when he turned his talents to a lawless life of jewel heists and con jobs. Or so the world has been led to believe. In reality, the former Special Ops warrior is still fighting for good, leading a small band of freelance covert operatives who take care of high-stakes business in highly unofficial ways. That makes Ian the hands-down choice when the U.S. government must breach a heavily guarded embassy and rescue a pair of children kidnapped by their own father, a sinister foreign national willing to turn his kids into casualties. Shockingly, Ian passes on the mission for reasons he will not -- or cannot -- reveal.

But saying no is not an option. Especially not for Phoebe Kruger, Ian's beautiful and unexpectedly brash new attorney. Determined to see the abducted children set free, Phoebe not only gets Ian on board but insists on riding shotgun on his Mission: Impossible-style operation, whether he likes it or not.

Though Phoebe has a valuable knack for getting out of tight spots, there's no denying the intensely intimate feelings growing between Ian and Phoebe as the team gears up for combat. But these are feelings they both must fight to control as they face an array of cold-blooded adversaries, including a vindictive mob boss who's got Ian at the top of his hit list and a wealthy psychopath who loves murder as much as he loves money. As they dodge death squads and play lethal games of deception, Ian and Phoebe will do whatever it takes to save the innocent and vanquish the guilty -- or die trying.

It's been a long time since I read a Brockmann book, but I quickly remembered why I like them so much. This book has lots of action, a little bit of romance, and a wide variety of secondary characters.

The story opens with a flashback to one of Ian's operations that very nearly goes wrong, but his quick thinking saves the day. Included are brief introductions to his team - the same people we see again later. It then jumps several years into the future. Ian is serving a prison sentence for getting drunk, busting up a bar, and crashing into a bunch of cars. He is visited by two lawyers, one a federal attorney and one from the law firm that represents him. The federal attorney, Martell, offers Ian a get out of jail free card in exchange for his help rescuing two kidnapped children, while Phoebe, his supposed attorney, encourages him to agree. Both are shocked when Ian turns them down flat. Martell doesn't accept the answer and pulls strings to get Ian released, while Phoebe has the unwelcome job convincing Ian to cooperate.

The action starts immediately, as Ian takes control of Phoebe's car in an attempt to head off the disaster looming because of his release. It seems that Ian cut a deal with a mob boss who has it in for Ian and his brother, Aaron, and Aaron's family. By taking the fall for someone else, Ian's family is safe. But that deal is null and void if the mob boss thinks Ian has double-crossed him. Meanwhile, Phoebe, a new hire to the law firm, suddenly feels in over her head.

The first half of the book covers Ian ensuring that his family is safe. A shoot out with the mob, rescue by the FBI, and secrets kept and revealed had me glued to the pages throughout this section. I liked getting to know Ian, who is much more than the jewel thief initially portrayed. He is smart, quick-thinking, and super-protective of those he cares for. The recipients don't always appreciate that protectiveness. He is also a natural leader and quickly takes command from the start. Several twists must be dealt with before anything can be done toward rescuing the children. As each of the secondary characters makes an appearance, relationships and secrets add complications to Ian's plans. I was most surprised by the link between Ian and the mob boss, but the rest made sense once I found out about it.

In the second half of the book, Ian and company move on to planning the children's rescue. They were kidnapped at the order of their father as a way of striking back at their mother. Ian has to move fast before the kids are spirited out of the country. The man holding the children is someone Ian knows well from previous encounters, and Ian knows what he is capable of. I loved the intricacy of the planning, from the high-tech equipment to the perfecting of the timeline. Of course, there's always the (likely) chance that something will go wrong. In this case, a hit team from the mob shows up at just the wrong time, and Phoebe comes to the rescue. Unfortunately, her involvement complicates matters even further, and she and Ian scramble to contain the problems. I was on the edge of my seat as the operation played out, with Phoebe held hostage and unknown players entering the game at the last minute. The final confrontation was intense, and I could feel Ian's fear for Phoebe and hers for him. I loved the ending.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ian and Phoebe. To say there was a little antagonism at the beginning would be putting it mildly. Ian did not appreciate her messing up his prison gig. Phoebe started to grow on him a little when she didn't fall apart during the shoot-out at Aaron's house. She also didn't have any trouble standing up to him and held her own in their verbal battles. Phoebe was a bit naïve at the start when it came to what criminals were capable of doing, even to lawyers, but she learned quickly. Phoebe is also very observant, and it doesn't take her long to figure out that the jewel thief persona doesn't fit Ian very well.

About this time, sparks of attraction start popping between the two of them, and both fight hard against them. There are some funny parts where the sparks get the better of them before they retreat to their corners and come out swinging again. I loved watching them get to know each other in the downtime. Phoebe turns out to be a good listener, and Ian shares things with her he hasn't told anyone else. Neither one wants to admit the feelings that grow between them, though everyone around them is happy to point it out to them. I ached for Ian when a confrontation with Aaron points out Ian's tendency to think he knows best. It's a wake-up call for Ian, and he has a lot to think about, especially when he has to face Phoebe's unexpected involvement in the upcoming operation. I loved seeing him finally accept that he's allowed to be happy, too, and stop trying to push Phoebe away.

I also enjoyed the wide variety of secondary characters. The most important of those are Ian's brother, Aaron, and Aaron's husband, Sheldon. Their relationship is a central part of the story because of who Sheldon is. His father is the insane mobster who has the hit out on Aaron and Ian. Their history comes out in flashbacks scattered throughout the book, beginning in high school through the present day. There were times when their interactions were a little too sweet, but some serious problems had to be dealt with.

Another character was Sheldon's half-brother Berto, who was neck-deep in the family business. Sheldon's orientation caused a rift between them, as did Berto's subsequent actions, involving their adopted sister Francine. Berto did eventually redeem himself somewhat, but it was a slightly uneasy alliance. Francine was an interesting woman. Her history with Bento changed her life, and not necessarily for the better. I loved her relationships with Ian, Aaron, and Sheldon and how they all supported each other. She is an integral part of Ian's team and has earned the respect of those who work with her.

Martell is the federal lawyer who started the whole process with his need for Ian's help. Though he initially came across as ineffective, he also had unexpected depth. I appreciated that he was a good man, though he occasionally stuck his foot in his mouth. I'm not sure whether I'd like to see him end up with Francine or the female FBI agent, Deb. I loved Deb's versatility and take-charge attitude. There were some conflicts between her and Ian when it came to who was in charge, though Ian usually won out. The other agent, Yashi, was known best for being unflappable.

Healed with a Kiss - Sharon Buchbinder (CPC Publishing - Feb 2021)

Series: Cat's Paw Cove (Book 20)

Where science ends, magic begins...

Brendan Redbird is a man of science and a medical professional. When this very uptight, predictable guy is adopted by a naughty talking cat (Tom) and his two brothers (Dick and Harry), Brendan's life makes an unpredictable turn.

Tom smacks a girl on the butt and lets Brendan take the blame. The only problem is the girl Tom smacked is a water nymph, Myrotessa, or Tessa for short. She isn't about to let Brendan off with that ridiculous excuse. Tessa has healing waters and the gift of prophecy -- but she did not see that coming.

When the magical felines of Cat's Paw Cove begin succumbing to a mysterious malady, Tessa and Brendan are forced to work together to find a cure. Along the way to helping others, they fix the cracks in their hearts -- and are healed with a kiss.

Another fun trip to Cat's Paw Cove. The story starts with Brendan falling for Naomi, a woman in Orlando's swamps near his home. What he doesn't realize is that she is a naiad - a nymph. Brendan is ready to propose to her when he discovers her with someone else. Hurt, though maybe not as brokenhearted as he thinks, Brendan heads off to Cat's Paw Cove to visit his very pregnant sister, Charlotte (Charlotte Redbird, Ghost Coach). Angry at being dumped, Naomi swears to get him back.

On arriving in the Cove, Brendan is adopted by three Sherwood cats - Tom, Dick, and Harry. Freaked out by their talking to him, Brendan believes that his sister is playing a trick on him. You see, Brendan doesn't believe in magic. He is a medical professional and man of science, and magic doesn't make sense. During his visit, he must also face his father, whom he still resents for leaving after his mother died in childbirth. Complicating matters further, he falls fast and hard for Tessa, yet another nymph. Brendan feels ambushed by magic no matter which way he turns - and then Naomi shows up.

I had to laugh at Brendan's first encounter with Tom and his brothers. His frustration and bewilderment leaped off the page and only got worse when he confronted Charly about it. He tried so hard to find a scientific explanation, and it wasn't happening. I loved his first meeting with Tessa, helped along by Tom's mischievousness. What looked promising that evening turned to disaster the next morning when Tessa showed up just as Naomi made her move on Brendan. In another scene that tests Brendan's scientific beliefs, he makes up with Tessa.

But things are about to get really crazy in the Cove. Tessa's fountain turns to slime, Naomi lurks about trying to steal Brendan back, and the cats of the Cove suddenly start to bark instead of talk. With his grandmother's help, Brendan and Tessa must find a way to combine science and magic to cure the cats. At the same time, Brendan faces some uncomfortable facts about his past and what he believes. I loved the support that Tessa provides as he adjusts to the changes in his life.

Not to be forgotten, Naomi is still determined to get Brendan back in her clutches. Some of her actions have far-reaching consequences that Brendan and Tessa must find a way to mitigate. My heart was in my throat as Charly was one of those affected, and they raced to save her life. There was an intense scene as Naomi's attempt to kidnap Brendan goes awry (for her). I loved Tessa's revelation of why Naomi's actions were so extreme and the difference it made to Naomi.

I loved the ending as Brendan faces a new chapter in his life. I loved seeing him accept that science and magic can coexist and the difference it made to his family relationships. The scene at the Valentine's Ball was fantastic.

Scandal in the VIP Suite - Nadine Gonzalez (HD #278 - Jan 2021)

Series: Miami Famous (Book 1)

Two strangers. One bed.

And a kiss as scorching as the Miami heat!

When Nina Taylor peeks into the luxury hotel suite that should have been hers, she's caught by the room's occupant, Julian Knight. The Hollywood bad boy quickly offers a compromise: why not share? Soon, the paparazzi is jumping to scandalous conclusions -- and Julian and Nina share an incredible kiss. Good thing they're only booked for a week…because, boy, is she in trouble!

Good book. I enjoyed reading a Desire line book with all of the expected sparks and a hero who starts as a decent human being rather than a jerk who needs to learn a lesson. Julian is a Hollywood action film star whose star is on the way down thanks to the "toxic masculinity" of his films and his reputation as a bad boy. His self-confidence has taken a hit, and he is in Miami to lay low and consider his next steps. The last thing he expects to find is a woman who could derail all of his plans.

Nina is the daughter of a Broadway actress. She honors her mother's last wish by staying in the hotel's premier suite and hopes that staying there will help break her writer's block. Nina is a writer and wrote a memoir about life with her mother. Her agent wants her to do another book, but Nina hasn't come up with anything so far. However, when Nina arrives at the hotel, she finds that the room has been given to a more important guest.

I loved the first meeting between Julian and Nina. Because of the last-minute change, the bellhop takes Nina to her original room instead of the new one. Nina can't resist taking a few minutes to explore the space she should have had and expects to be gone before the new occupant arrives. Though he initially suspects Nina of being an intrusive fan, his reaction does a complete turnaround when he finds out the circumstances. When Julian finds out that Nina will have to go to another hotel, he offers to share the suite with her.

Sparks fly between Julian and Nina from the beginning. Nina is wary. With her background, she has no interest in getting involved with an actor. I liked that Julian respects her decision, and they begin by becoming friends. I loved watching them get to know each other. Nina had no idea that he was a movie star - she isn't a fan of most Hollywood productions. I loved the scene where he catches her watching one of his movies and confesses that he is listening to her book. It isn't long before Julian is comfortable enough with Nina to share his other reason for being in Miami. He's written a script for a movie he wants to produce and gives it to her to read. Though her reaction isn't quite what he expects, I loved that he listened to what she had to say and recognized its worth.

I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop from friends to lovers to more. Though initially they expected a short fling, once Nina began working with Julian on his script, what they had deepened. I liked their obvious respect for each other's abilities, and seeing them work so well together was wonderful. It is clear that they are in love, though neither is ready to take that final step. It looks promising until an excerpt from Nina's very private diary turns up in a tabloid. Julian blames Nina and says some very harsh and hurtful things. I ached for Nina, who expected better of him, and her reaction was undoubtedly justified. Of course, by the time he cooled down and realized what he'd done, it was too late. Though it took several months, I thought the time apart was good for them as both had some baggage to deal with. The ending was terrific. The scene at the premier was sweet and romantic. I loved his heartfelt speech and its effect on Nina, especially her bit of pushback at the end. The epilogue was fantastic.

I loved the lush descriptions of the hotel. I frequently felt as if I was right there with Julian and Nina. I also liked the behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. I could feel Julian's anxiousness as he put his dream out there and cheered as it became a reality.