Missing at Christmas - K.D. Richards (HI #2023 - Sept 2021)

Series: West Investigations (Book 2)

To bring her sister home for the holidays
They'll put everything on the line.
 
Private investigator Shawn West is stunned when the attack victim he rescues is Addy Williams -- the one woman he never forgot. She's turning a quiet upstate New York town inside out to bring her missing sister home by Christmas. Shawn offers to help if she'll provide a cover for his own investigation into a suspicious company in town, but can they work together to find Addy's sister…or are they already too late?
 
Good book with a nice blend of suspense and romance. Addy went to the small New York town looking for her missing sister. Addy doesn't go long without talking to Cassie, and she doesn't believe those people who tell her that Cassie decided to quit her job and move back to New York. No one takes her concern seriously, but Addy refuses to give up her search. When she's attacked on the street one day, she's shocked when Shawn West comes to her rescue. She hasn't seen or talked to him since the one night they spent together six months earlier.
 
Shawn can't believe the woman he rescued is Addy. He still remembers the night they spent together and his frustration at how she's ignored him ever since. Shawn came to town to look into some counterfeit computer chips. When he learns about Cassie's disappearance, he offers to help Addy find her while using that investigation to disguise his own.
 
Neither Shawn nor Addy forgot the night they spent together, and it's obvious from the start that the sparks between them still burn hot. Addy avoided Shawn after that night because she feared that seeing him again would interfere with her plans for the future. She still feels that he would be too much of a distraction. Shawn didn't want a relationship either, but he did want to spend more time with Addy. Working together to find Cassie gives their attraction a chance to grow. I enjoyed seeing Shawn and Addy together. Addy is an intelligent, driven, and independent woman. She knows what she wants and goes after it. While she appreciates Shawn's offer of help, Addy doesn't just sit back and let him take over. She insists on being fully involved and has no problem taking action if she thinks Shawn isn't moving fast enough. Shawn discovers he is quite protective of Addy and gets frustrated when she puts herself in danger rather than waiting for him. I liked the scenes where they worked together because they balanced each other - Shawn kept Addy from going too far, while Addy moved Shawn a little faster than he would typically go.
 
The more time they spent together, the closer Shawn and Addy became. Each found themselves thinking about the future but fought against admitting their growing feelings for each other and what it meant. After an eye-opening conversation with her boss, Addy faced a life-changing decision. Meanwhile, nearly losing Addy forced Shawn to admit his feelings. I liked seeing Addy support Shawn when he had to follow up on his investigation while giving him hope for the future. The ending was terrific with Shawn's surprise appearance and emotional confession of his feelings.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. Addy knew her sister wouldn't move without letting her know and felt stonewalled by the sheriff and the company Cassie worked for. Her refusal to give up gets her unwanted attention, strengthening her belief that something fishy is going on. Shawn needs to keep his investigation of the counterfeit chips secret, so helping Addy gives him the perfect cover. Their investigation heats up as Shawn suspects there may be a link between Cassie's disappearance and his case. The intensity increases as attacks on Addy and Shawn escalate and the fake chips near shipment time. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that put Addy in the bad guy's crosshairs. The resolution was fantastic. 

 
 

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

Series: New York Bachelors' Club (Book 2)

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

Unsuspecting Target - Juno Rushdan (HI #2006 - June 2021)

Series: Hard Core Justice Thriller (Book 5)

Can they right past wrongs
when an enemy's out to steal their future?
 
Ten years ago, Jagger Carr saved Wendy Haas's life. Circumstances pulled them apart soon after, but when an assassin targets her at a Manhattan charity gala, Wendy has no choice but to trust Jagger, who's now deep undercover. Not even their warring feelings can stop desire from reigniting. But the vengeful cartel gunning for them could destroy any hope for a second chance.
 
Good action-packed second chance romance. Ten years earlier, Wendy and Jagger were a couple until he killed a man saving her life, and the aftermath tore them apart. Jagger went to prison, and Wendy went on to become a well-known PR specialist. While attending a charity fundraiser, Wendy sees Jagger in the crowd and, as she attempts to avoid him, finds herself the target of an assassin. In a heart-pounding series of events, Jagger arrives in time to save her and whisk her away. But their troubles aren't over as he reveals that Wendy is the subject of a hit from a powerful cartel leader.
 
Jagger is an intriguing character. As the son of the cartel leader's lawyer, Jagger grew up familiar with the cartel but not part of it. He escaped to the military for a short time, but his father's death profoundly affected him. When Jagger went to prison, he had difficult choices to make. I ached for him as he explained those choices to Wendy and why he stayed away from her. But his feelings for her never died, nor had his need to protect her.
 
Heartbroken when Jagger went to prison and blamed her, Wendy concentrated on school and then her career. Smart and quick-thinking, she's a wiz at rehabbing people's images. She has some choice words for Jagger when she learns how long he's been out of prison and has not contacted her.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Jagger and Wendy. Thrown together under highly stressful conditions, it's no surprise that their emotions become equally volatile. Each of them must learn to trust the other as they work together to avoid their pursuers. Jagger's protectiveness sometimes runs up against Wendy's determination to be part of the solution. I liked seeing her stand up to him and his growing acceptance of her capabilities. The depth of their feelings for each other is evident, but Jagger's belief that he's not good enough for her creates an obstacle. I liked how Wendy overcame his objections and how Jagger felt hopeful for the first time in a very long time. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me glued to the pages far into the night. Multiple twists kept me guessing as to how Jagger and Wendy would free themselves of the threat against them. Each step they took had its dangers, and I was never sure how it would work out. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a surprise complication. The resolution was great and brought the series to a satisfying end. 

A Proposal for the Unwed Mother - Lauri Robinson (HH #1578 - May 2021)

Series: Twins of the Twenties (Book 2)

A second chance…with his first love?
 
New York businessman Connor McCormick's heart was broken when his sweetheart Jenny Sommers disappeared seven years ago. Now Connor is unexpectedly reunited with Jenny -- and discovers she's a midwife to pregnant runaways and a single mother herself. Winning Jenny's trust when she's wary of depending on anyone and protective of her daughter won't be easy, but Connor isn't about to walk away when she needs him…
 
Good story of second chances, secrets, and trust. Seven years earlier, Connor and Jenny were sweethearts. A misunderstanding, leading to a foolish act of revenge, ended with Jenny leaving town while Connor was away. Brokenhearted, Connor buried his pain in his fledgling telephone business and became very successful. He never expected to find Jenny while knocking on doors selling his telephones.
 
Jenny is a survivor. She became pregnant in high school, was forced into a home for unwed mothers by her mom, fled the cruel treatment she received there, and found a home helping other young women like herself. Her daughter, Emily, is the light of her life, and becoming a midwife feeds her soul. The shock of seeing Connor brought back memories she thought were buried.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Connor and Jenny. They got off to a rough start with Jenny slamming the door in his face, and Connor determined to get answers to his questions. I liked Connor's refusal to give up in the face of Jenny's resistance and how she finally gave in. I wanted to shake her when she told her story, disgusted that she hadn't trusted Connor enough to get his side of the events. Even after he told her the truth, she still jumped to conclusions about other things. Connor is a good man whose early years of trying to please his father grew into a bit of a white knight complex. When he sees something wrong, he wants to fix it. After getting a little too involved in Jenny's business, Connor finds himself on the receiving end of her temper and told to leave her alone. That comes to a quick end when Jenny desperately needs his help.
 
Jenny and her housemate Gretchen secretly help young women from Albany's home for unwed mothers escape the cruel treatment there. When Jenny begs for his help, Connor can't say no. What he experiences that night ignites a need to help Jenny in her mission. Despite some early clashes, Connor and Jenny find their shared commitment helps bring them closer together. The revelation of Jenny's final secret causes a bit of a bump, but Connor realizes his feelings for Jenny outweigh the past events. I love that they learned to talk about their issues before they become obstacles. I loved the ending, from the wedding to the epilogue.
 
One of my favorite things was the relationship between Connor and Jenny's daughter, Emily. The little girl was adorable and took to Connor right away. I especially enjoyed the present he bought her and seeing the bond it built between them. I loved his nervousness when he waited to talk to her about marrying Jenny, his protectiveness when dealing with the class bully, and his joy at becoming her father.
 
Once again, the author made the story come alive with her attention to detail. I loved the little things like the clothing and slang and the description of Connor's car. Then there was the information about the treatment of unwed mothers and its skillful weaving into the story. The pain and suffering they experienced were vividly portrayed, and I rooted for them in their fight for better treatment. I also enjoyed Connor's telephone activities. I didn't know that just anyone could start their own phone company. The lighthearted banter Connor exchanged with his potential customers was a nice contrast to some of the darkness of the women's stories.

So Right...With Mr. Wrong - Anna DePalo (HD #2802 - Apr 2021)

Series: Serenghetti Brothers (Book 4)

Will their fake relationship…
inflame their families' feud?
 
Fashion designer Mia Serenghetti desperately needs a date for the biggest gala of the season. Her only option? The smoldering tech hotshot Damian Musil -- whose family is the Serenghettis' greatest rival in the construction business back home. When the unexpected heat between them proves anything but make-believe, will they risk reputation and family to explore their intense connection? Falling for Mr. Wrong has never been so dangerous…nor felt so right.
 
Fun enemies to lovers story. Mia needs a date for the Ruby Ball. The man she had been dating just got married to someone else. Then Mia mistakes a man at a costume ball for her second choice and discovers that she laid a lip-lock on Damian Musil. She and Damian grew up in the same town, and their families are business rivals, so she's shocked when Damian suggests that he be her date.
 
Though Mia doesn't know it, Damian has been attracted to her for a long time. This event provides the opportunity he needs to get closer to her. Mia is wary, well aware of the animosity her family holds for his. But Damian has an ace up his sleeve to tip the balance his way. Mia soon finds herself embroiled in a fake relationship that becomes all too real.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Damian and Mia. At first, it was just the ball, then Damian needed her for a business outing. It doesn't take long for them to realize that they actually liked each other, in addition to the attraction that burned between them. I liked seeing them spend time together and build a friendship before taking the next step. The more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings grow, though neither admits it. For Mia, the animosity between the two families is a significant obstacle. Things go quite well between them until a recent purchase by Damian's company impacts Mia's family. I ached for both of them, as Mia felt betrayed and Damian was just confused. I loved the advice Damian got from his dad and what he did to make things right. The epilogue was great.
 
The family dynamics in the book were interesting. Mia's brothers Cole and Jordan irritated me with their attitudes toward Damian. I loved the scene at the beginning where he backed up Mia with her family. It was fun to see him refused to get riled no matter what they said. I also liked Mia's encounter with Damian's father and brother. Though I haven't read the other books in the series (yet), there was enough background dropped in through the book that I wasn't lost.  

Scandal at the Speakeasy - Lauri Robinson (HH #1566 - Mar 2021)

Series: Twins of the Twenties (Book 1)

Of all the speakeasies in town he walked into hers…
 
Guilt drives New York cop Patrick McCormick, who promises to reunite schoolteacher Lisa Walters with her long-lost father. Only, Lisa also runs an underground speakeasy! Tough yet innocent, Lisa might be the only one who can help Patrick overcome his past, but she's on the wrong side of the law. Patrick must remember he's there to fulfill a promise, not fall in love…
 
Good book with romance, family drama, and some unexpected suspense at the end. I loved the Prohibition-era setting and the author's deft use of language, description, and real-life events to set the scene.
 
New York cop Patrick, aka "Mick," is haunted by his father's death. Those feelings drive him to leave New York for Missouri to reunite a dying friend with his daughter. However, instead of the schoolteacher he expected to find, Lisa is the owner/operator of an underground speakeasy. Complicating matters, Lisa doesn't believe that her father is alive, forcing Mick to take desperate measures to ensure her cooperation.
 
Lisa's life has been difficult. Her beloved father died during the war, leaving her mother to fall prey to a cruel man. When her mother suffered a stroke, Lisa gave up her teaching plans to care for her. To protect her property from Duane's depredations, Lisa took over the speakeasy. A smart and loyal young woman, Lisa found innovative ways to help her town weather its economic downturn. Mick raised her suspicions as soon as he entered her speakeasy because she knew a cop when she saw one.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Mick and Lisa. They got off to a rough start because Lisa didn't believe him and Mick threatened to bust her speakeasy if she didn't come with him. Because she runs a speakeasy and he's a cop, they are just about as opposite as they can be. But during the three-day train journey from Missouri to New York, each of them begins to gain a new perspective about the other. Lisa sees Mick's human side and understands a little of his need to help Tony reconnect with her. At the same time, Mick gets a look at the possible ramifications of Lisa's departure. I liked seeing Mick's growing respect for Lisa's abilities.
 
Matters are complicated by the growing attraction between Mick and Lisa. There are significant obstacles between them. First is the whole cop vs. speakeasy situation. Lisa needs to return to Missouri to protect her interests from her stepfather's interference, and Mick's life and work are in Rochester. Second, neither Lisa nor Mick has marriage in their long-term plans. Mick has a failed relationship in his past that makes it hard to trust women. Lisa saw the effects of both of her mother's marriages and wants nothing to do with it. However, the more time they spent together, the more each of them longed for a way to be together. Issues with her stepfather put Lisa in danger, and saving her helps Mick see what's essential in his life. I loved the ending and how both Mick and Lisa overcame the obstacles that kept them apart.
 
Both Mick and Lisa suffered from family drama. Mick's was mainly internal, stemming from his early reluctance to follow in his father's footsteps. Mick wanted to be a police officer, and this caused many arguments between himself and his dad. Mick said some things he regretted during their last fight, but his father's death prevented him from making amends. Those regrets motivate Mick to help Tony. Lisa's drama is front and center in the book. She has to face the hurt and anger she feels at what she sees at his desertion of his family. As she learns the truth, that pain and anger turn to her mother, and she deals with her feelings of betrayal. I ached for her and how her world turned upside down. The final blow came with the revelation of Duane's methods of insinuating himself into her mother's life. I  loved Mick's support of Lisa as she worked through everything and his protectiveness when it was needed. It was great to see Duane get his just desserts.
 
I loved the epilogue and seeing Lisa so happy. There was a nice lead-in to the next book about Mick's brother, Connor. I can't wait to read it.

Consequences of Their New York Night - Tina Beckett (HMED #1165 - Apr 2021)

Series: New York Bachelors' Club (Book 1)

An irresistible fling
 
that changed his life forever…
 
What’s the key to a happy life? Well, for relationship-weary Dr. Kaleb, it’s simple… Keep love out of the equation! But when diagnostician Nicola is introduced as his new colleague, life gets complicated. Why? Nicola is the beautiful stranger Kaleb spent one incredible night with—and couldn’t forget! Yet, it’s another unexpected arrival—in nine months’ time!—that will truly shake up Kaleb’s world…
 
Good book. Kaleb is a man who has been burned by love - twice. Two broken engagements have convinced him that love isn't for him. He and his best friend, Snowden, who has just gone through a divorce, have made a pact to that effect - keep love out of any relationship. When one of his medical cases goes sour, Kaleb relieves his pain with a woman he picks up at a bar and whom he never expects to see again. Too bad he can't forget her.
 
Nicola was having a horrible day. The end of her engagement and her brother's death hit her hard, and she went to the bar looking for a way to forget. She found it in Kaleb but was horrified by what she'd done and snuck away the next morning. She still thinks about that night.
 
Imagine their surprise when they discover they now work in the same hospital. When Nicola "met" Kaleb, she pretended that she didn't know him rather than admit their acquaintance in front of the hospital administrator. Kaleb's ego took a hit when it appeared she didn't remember him but told himself it made things easier. I loved the scene where Nicola assisted on the possible eye tumor, and Kaleb ran interference between her and the other doctor, then later talks to her about attitudes. I loved his interest in her methods and how a tentative friendship started between them, all while ignoring the elephant in the room and the attraction that neither will admit.
 
That elephant got a lot bigger when Nicola discovered she was pregnant. She knew she had to tell Kaleb, but that meant admitting she remembered their night together.  That admission triggered an unexpected burst of passion that made the following conversation a bit more complicated. Kaleb was stunned by the news, especially considering his earlier vow, but immediately let Nicola know that he planned to be involved. I loved how they talked honestly with each other about expectations. Both believe that they are not interested in a relationship but can work together to parent effectively. There are some terrific scenes of them spending time together talking. There is also an especially emotional scene where they both consult on the case of a newborn baby.
 
Things come to a head after dinner with Nicola's parents. I loved how comfortable Kaleb was with them. The byplay between Kaleb and Nicola during the dinner was unexpected and led to steamy after-dinner actions. It was also a wake-up call for Kaleb, who realized that he wanted Nicola in his life. However, remembering his pact with Snowden causes Kaleb to behave in a boneheaded way. I ached for Nicola, who had accepted her feelings for Kaleb, and was hurt by his lukewarm proposition. I just shook my head at Kaleb's confusion and dismay and laughed as he was set straight by Snowden of all people. Meanwhile, Nicola uses an unusual method to reach some conclusions of her own. I loved the ending, especially when Nicola revealed her method and its focus. I'm looking forward to Snowden's story. 

The Heiress's Pregnancy Surprise - Donna Alward (HR #4747 - Feb 2021)

 

Series: Heirs to an Empire (Book 2)

A VIP assignment…
 
…an unexpected consequence!
 
Former SAS officer Jacob Wolfe's latest job, as aristocrat Charlotte Pemberton's bodyguard, is pushing him to his limits. Never one to step over the line, he's determined to ignore their intense connection. Until a single dance leads to a forbidden kiss…and Jacob is tempted to break all his rules. But when their resulting night together has an unexpected consequence, Jacob finds himself with a whole new assignment -- daddy!
 
Terrific book. Charlotte runs PR for her family's fashion business, Aurora, Inc., and is also in charge of this year's Fashion Week presence in New York. She's excited but nervous, also and determined to do an outstanding job. However, having a bodyguard tagging along just because of a few strange emails was not part of her plan, especially one so physically appealing to her.
 
Former SAS officer Jacob owns a security company that specializes in protecting VIPs. He's spent enough time around the rich and famous that they don't impress him. The last place Jacob wants to be is babysitting some spoiled socialite when he could have been on his first vacation in years. It would help if she weren't so beautiful, but he can remain strictly professional and keep his mind on the job.
 
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Jacob and Charlotte. Jacob quickly realizes that Charlotte is no high-maintenance society girl. I loved watching his opinion of her change as he sees how hard she works. Jacob also sees past the confident façade and picks up on the occasional insecurity. He's impressed with her wit and intelligence and more than happy to lend his support when she needs it. I loved his actions when they ran into her ex. It's about that time when Jacob realizes that she has more of an effect on him than he expected, which worries him.
 
Charlotte begins to see that there is more to Jacob than muscles and protection. His presence at her side made a huge difference to her confidence, especially when she received another threat. I loved how he gave her the boost she needed to step outside her comfort zone and shine on her own merits.  The attraction that flared between them took her by surprise. I loved how he was there to support her when disaster happened.
 
When the threat against Charlotte ended, that left Jacob at loose ends. He no longer had a purpose but was reluctant to leave, nor was Charlotte ready for him to go. I loved how she talked him into staying and taking her to the party that night as a friend and not her bodyguard. A dance led to a kiss led to giving in to their attraction. I loved that both were honest with each other about their expectations. Neither wanted a relationship. Charlotte has significant trust issues and doesn't want to let anyone that close. Jacob still feels guilt from the end of his last relationship. When they parted ways at the end of the trip, neither expected to see the other again.
 
I loved seeing how, despite their stated expectations, neither Jacob nor Charlotte wanted to end things. However, neither could see a way to make it work. Jacob fixates on the differences in their lives, while Charlotte only sees that they live in two different countries. But when Charlotte discovers she's pregnant, she knows she has to tell him in person.
 
Jacob's happiness at Charlotte's unexpected arrival worried him. Unable to forget her or put their time together behind him, seeing her again makes his longing for her even worse. To say that he was stunned at her news would be an understatement. While Charlotte expresses her ability and willingness to bring up the baby on her own, Jacob's insistence on being part of the baby's life makes her happy. I liked their determination to have a frank discussion on how to co-parent effectively. When Charlotte invites him to the family home for the weekend for further talks, Jacob is wary of what to expect. The arrival of Charlotte's older brother (the earl!) adds unexpected complications. I loved the interactions between Jacob and Stephen and Charlotte's frustration with them both. The private conversation between the two men was eye-opening for Jacob and clarified some things for him.
 
The conversation between Jacob and Charlotte the next morning was heartbreaking, as she allowed her fears to push Jacob away. It didn't take long for her to realize what she'd done, but a while longer to get up the courage to do something about it. I loved her return to England and seeing her face Jacob. In an emotional scene, they were both fully open and shared their hopes and fears. I loved their solution and how easy it was for them to do once they'd dealt with their issues. The epilogue was beautiful. 

 

Claiming His Secret Son - Olivia Gates (HD #2387 - July 2015)

Series: Billionaires of Black Castle (Book 4)

Richard Graves has long battled his dark heritage, and only one woman nearly shattered his elegant facade. Though he seduced Isabella Sandoval to take revenge on the man who'd destroyed his family, walking away from her was the hardest thing he's done. Now he's learned the truth about her son, and he won't walk away again.
 
Richard's mission of vengeance nearly cost Isabella her life. But she can't resist rekindling their dangerous passion. Can she protect her child from the man sworn to claim him -- and herself from the desire she can no longer fight?
 
Good book. Richard appeared in previous books as a secondary character. Unlike the others, Richard had been on the wrong side as a youth and young man, responsible for training the boys kidnapped and held, though he also tried to watch out for them. From the first book, From Enemy's Daughter to Expectant Bride, Rafael was especially close to Richard, though the others in their brotherhood do not trust him. Richard has a reputation for being cold, unfeeling, and ruthless. This was especially obvious eight years earlier when he seduced the wife of the man responsible for Richard's involvement in The Organization to get information from her. He never expected the feelings she stirred up in him, and he walked away, never expecting to see her again.
 
Isabella spent years as the trophy wife of a drug lord to protect her family. Her short affair with Richard was intense, but leaving with him was impossible. It took her months to figure out his motivations for their liaison, and she knew she had to escape before her husband realized it too. Eventually, she earned her medical degree and moved her family to New York to join a friend in her medical practice.
 
When Isabella comes to Richard's attention all those years later, he wants to be sure her past won't cause problems for those he cares for. Their first meeting is volatile, as he makes demands and issues ultimatums. Isabella isn't the same person she had been when he knew her last, and she refuses to be intimidated by him. Unfortunately, the attraction that still burns between them complicates matters. But that's nothing compared to the shock Richard receives when he discovers that Isabella gave birth to his son soon after her escape.
 
This is where my feelings toward Richard began to change. That cold, emotionless, and ruthless man fell utterly in love with his son. I loved seeing a different, kinder, and softer side of Richard emerge, as he was embraced not only by young Mauri but also the rest of Isabella's family. It also affected Isabella, making it harder to keep him at a distance. Richard is stunned to find that the ability to feel he thought was gone forever had only been buried. I loved seeing the changes in him as those feelings begin to grow. When it comes time to talk about telling Mauri that Richard is his father, Richard knows he has to tell Isabella everything about his past. Doing so convinces him that he's too broken to trust himself in their lives. I ached for him and the devastating feelings of loss he experienced and for Isabella, who believed in him but thought he no longer wanted her.
 
Richard's departure precipitates a crisis involving Mauri. I liked that Richard was the first one Isabella called and how he sprang into action. This was one time when the immediate and unquestioning support of the brotherhood was critical. Not only did Antonio (the doctor) drop everything, the others also came to lend their support. The effect on Richard was amazing, and I had to laugh at the teasing he endured. I loved how the crisis brought Isabella and Richard back together, and the emotional turmoil brought everything to the surface. With no more secrets or misunderstandings, Isabella and Richard have a happy future ahead of them.
 
I liked the secondary characters also. Isabella's mom was terrific with the way she pulled Richard in from the moment she met him. I think she suspected the truth from the start. Isabella's son Mauri was adorable. He's smart and funny and connects with Richard immediately. Their relationship is fantastic and brings out an unexpected side of Richard. I also liked Isabella's partner Rose. Neither of them suspected their connection when they met, and both were stunned when they found out.  One of my favorite scenes was with Numair (Pregnant by the Sheikh) after saving Richard's life. It had a profound effect on both of them. 

 

A Family for the Titanic Survivor - Lauri Robinson (HH #1554 - Jan 2021)

From third class on the Titanic…

…to upper-class bride?

When barmaid Bridget McGowen boarded the Titanic, she never could have imagined the crossing ahead of her. The resilient Irishwoman saves four-year-old Elsie, the niece of New York banker Karl Wingard. Swept into Karl's world, Bridget feels like a fish out of water, except for the quiet moments she shares with him. As her connection to Karl and Elsie grows, can she break free from the shackles of society so they can be a family?

Terrific book. I love that the author wrote another book that takes place in the early years of the twentieth century. It is a period not often covered in romances, and Ms. Robinson does it very well. The icing on the cake is the Titanic backdrop, an unusual subject for a romance.

The story opens as Bridget prepares to leave Ireland for a new life in America. Her father recently died, and she promised to fulfill her promise to open a boardinghouse in Chicago, where her aunt lives. As she boards the Titanic, Bridget rescues a little girl's doll and searches the first-class deck until she finds the doll's owner. Little Elsie's parents are very grateful and invite Bridget, a third-class passenger, to spend time with them. Bridget also offers to watch Elsie in the evenings so that Benjamin and Annette can attend some functions, which is how Bridget comes to be with Elsie the night the ship hit the infamous iceberg.

The author's description of the fear and confusion that night was so vivid that I felt as though I was there. Bridget's determination to keep Elsie safe until she could be reunited with her parents brought out an unexpected strength in her. Upon learning of Benjamin and Annette's deaths, Bridget promised Elsie she wouldn't let her go until she put Elsie into her Uncle Karl's arms. The reunion of Karl and Elsie was sweet and showed how much Karl cared for his little niece.

The meeting between Karl and Bridget isn't quite so pleasant. He's grateful for Bridget's care of Elsie but doesn't think much about what she's been through. He's focused on the inquiry into the wreck and expects Bridget to stay on and care for Elsie. The sparks fly when she refuses to cave in to his demands. However, she does eventually give in to the need to make sure Elsie is properly cared for and agrees (with conditions) to stay for a while.

Other than his care for Elsie, Karl doesn't make a very good first impression. He is arrogant and demanding and appears to think a little too well of himself. As a third-generation bank owner, he is wealthy and very class conscious. Much of this can be laid at the feet of his grandfather and father. Karl also has a very poor opinion of women, thanks to his mother's abandonment when he was a child.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Karl and Bridget. Sparks fly over Bridget's opinions of how Elsie should be treated, but Karl learns to enjoy the time spent with his niece. Though Bridget is aware of the divide between them, she doesn't let it stop her from pointing out where she thinks he is wrong. The descriptions of the aftermath of the wreck fascinated me. The treatment of the shipping company toward the various classes of passengers emphasized the attitudes of the time. I liked how Bridget's influence opened Karl's eyes to the inequalities. I loved watching the two of them grow closer, both because of their love of Elsie and their work together to help the Titanic victims. There are some sweet scenes as Karl's attitude undergoes some significant changes.

As they grew closer and their feelings for each other deepened, both tried to resist it. Bridget has her plans for Chicago, believing her promises are more important than her feelings for Karl. There were times I wanted to shake her for thinking that her dreams are not as important. I loved the ending, as Karl's realizations about his father and grandfather opened his eyes to what he wants for his life. I loved his big moment as he worked to convince Bridget that they belonged together.

I loved how the author used Bridget and her friends to illustrate how the White Star Line treated its passengers in the aftermath of the disaster. While the story didn't dwell on the horrors of that night, there was enough detail to get the point across. It was a terrific way to learn about an important historical event.

Pursuit of the Truth - K.D. Richards (HI #1978 - Feb 2021)

Series: West Investigations (Book 1)

His skills can keep her safe

Her secrets could get them killed…

Security expert Ryan West's worst fears come to life when hotel CEO Nadia Shelton is pushed in front of a taxi and nearly killed. Someone will do whatever it takes to find the brother Nadia thought was dead, and the only way Ryan can protect her as they uncover the truth is to stay strictly professional. But the sparks igniting between them are nearly impossible to ignore.

Terrific combination of romance and suspense. Nadia took over as CEO of the family hotel chain when her brother died in a car accident almost a year earlier. Since then, she has had no time for a personal life, but that hasn't stopped her from noticing Ryan West, the head of the security company they use. Unbeknownst to her, Ryan is equally interested in her. But because of their professional relationship, neither one made any attempt to alter the situation. All of that is about to change.

On the way to work the morning of her quarterly meeting with Ryan, someone pushed Nadia off the curb and into traffic. She was lucky to get out of it with just some scrapes and bruises, carefully treated by a very concerned Ryan. That concern increases exponentially when Nadia barely escapes a kidnapping attempt, leading Ryan to make her safety his personal mission. This includes taking her to stay at his apartment, opening them up to all kinds of complications.

I liked the development of the relationship between Ryan and Nadia. Nadia knows she needs Ryan's protection, but she's not about to stay hidden away. She is determined to continue to run her business, and Ryan respects her intelligence and strength enough to work with her to make it happen. As the attacks on Nadia escalate, Ryan's insistence on remaining professional is undermined by the intensity of the attraction between them. I loved that their respect for each other's intelligence and capabilities, combined with excellent communication, made it possible for their relationship to grow and deepen. I liked that when he realized the depth of his feelings for Nadia, Ryan didn't freak out and try to push her away but accepted it. Ryan endured a fair amount of teasing from his brother and coworkers because of it. I also liked that Nadia had the confidence to go after what she wanted while maintaining her professionalism when needed. Protectiveness is a two-way street for her, and she doesn't hesitate to get involved when she thinks it's necessary. I especially enjoyed seeing her go to bat for Ryan against her smarmy ex-boyfriend. The ending was excellent, with the simple admission that it's never been just a working relationship between them. I hope to see more of them in the next book.

The suspense of the story sucked me in from the beginning. From the moment Nadia was pushed off the curb to the final confrontation with the bad guy, I could not put the book down. Nadia has a lot to deal with - a rash of unexplained incidents, an ex-boyfriend pushing her to sell her hotels to him, and the growing suspicion that her brother isn't dead. The escalation of attacks, from the minor ones of a dead rat and a keyed car to attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, and being taken as a hostage, kept Nadia, Ryan, and his team on their toes as they searched for answers. I loved the teamwork as they worked through the unexpected and unbelievable to arrive at the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that took many moving parts to pull off. The ending was entirely satisfactory. 

#netgalley

Her Mountainside Haven - Jo McNally (HSE #2820 - Feb 2021)

Series: Gallant Lake Stories (Book 5)

A new neighbor was not part of her plan

Is there room for one more in her carefully guarded world?

Jillian Coleman has carefully constructed a haven for herself, complete with therapy dog Sophie to ease her anxiety and panic attacks. But when intriguing developer Matt Danzer shows up asking for access to a road that runs through her land, Jillie finds her stand-alone resolve starting to crumble. Up till now, a predictable life was all she could hope for. But Matt made her realize playing it safe was not all it was cracked up to be…

Good book. Jillie is a reclusive author of a popular series of horror novels. Due to her anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia, she spends little time outside of her comfortable mountain home. She has a few close friends in town who know about her issues and help Jillie cope when she visits them. As a general rule, Privacy is her middle name, so she isn't happy when she learns that the abandoned ski resort next to her property has been sold.

Matt is the manager of his younger brother's ski career. While Bryce heals from a ski injury, Matt plans to renovate and flip the abandoned ski resort. He started his business as a way to make money and stay busy while Bryce trains. His plans hit a roadblock when the only access to the property runs through his reclusive neighbor's property.

The first meeting between Matt and Jillie got their relationship off to a rocky start. Matt went exploring his new property (still in his suit!) and ended up on the wrong side of the property line. He was treed by a very protective Sophie and threatened with bear spray by a very wary Jillie. There are some tense encounters between them as Matt makes his plea for access to the road until he receives some advice from her friends. I liked the meeting he set up and how he was willing to work out a compromise that suited them both.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Matt and Jillie. It begins slowly, with the exchange of texts regarding the road, during which Jillie becomes accustomed to the intrusions. A few encounters make Jillie realize that she feels safe with Matt, which hasn't happened for a very long time. I liked watching them get to know each other, especially as Jillie opens up about her mental health issues. I appreciated Matt's desire to understand. There is a beautiful scene when he takes Jillie on a date and has to handle one of her attacks. At the same time, Matt freaks out a bit at his growing feelings for her. They don't fit in with his future plans, but he can't imagine that future without her.

I liked seeing the changes in Jillie, also. Her issues with anxiety and panic attacks are still there, but she becomes more willing to step a little outside her comfort zone. She's honest with Matt about her fears and how they affect her life. When his need to travel runs up against her inability to leave home, harsh words erupt between them. I ached for them both as each one faced the possibility that love wasn't enough. I liked the self-examination that motivated them each to make changes. The ending was fantastic. Matt's actions showed that he finally understood her, and Jillie found the strength to take some chances. I'm looking forward to future books and seeing how their relationship progresses.

I haven't read the earlier books in the series, but this worked easily as a stand-alone. It did whet my appetite to go back and read the previous books, as I am intrigued by the hints dropped about the other couples' romances.