The Sunshine Club - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Dec 2021)

Gussie, Ina Mae, and Blanche have been best friends for more than sixty years. From their humble beginnings of founding the Sunshine Club when they were girls to becoming the matchmaking queens of Newton, Texas, these three were inseparable. When Blanche passes away, Gussie and Ina Mae feel the best way to honor their dearly departed is with a shot of whiskey, some good music, and making a match for Blanche’s niece, Sissy.
 
Never mind that Sissy’s in town for only six weeks. Is there a better reason for her to stay? And is there a better prospect than handsome, charming, blue-eyed local preacher Luke Beauchamp? No and no. The attraction is already there. Now it’s up to Gussie and Ina Mae to make sure the sparks get to crackling by Christmas.
 
The Sunshine Club is back in business. Don’t underestimate two feisty women who have their hearts set on a happy ending.
 
Good story of love, friendship, and healing. Gussie, Blanche, and Ina Mae have been friends since they were children - more than sixty years. The three women were sisters of the heart, and when Blanche suddenly passes away, Gussie and Ina Mae don't know how they'll cope with their grief and loneliness.
 
The story opens on the day of Blanche's funeral, as Gussie, Ina Mae, and Blanche's niece Sissy carry out Blanche's last wishes. I had to laugh at Blanche's last bit of shenanigans as her requested "jazz funeral" shocked the townspeople, though Gussie, Ina Mae, and Sissy enjoyed every minute of it. I loved the flashbacks/memories that each of them experienced and how they provided insight into Blanche for the reader. Ina Mae and Gussie continued their celebration of Blanche's life by inviting Sissy into their clubhouse and sharing memories - and whiskey shots - for the rest of the day. The three women's grief leaped off the page, and I ached for their pain.
 
I enjoyed the story of how they began the Sunshine Club and the part it played throughout their lives. It was the support of Gussie and Ina Mae that got Blanche through her disastrous and short-lived marriage. All three were there for each other through their successful careers. They also earned a reputation as the matchmaking queens of the town. Ina Mae and Gussie agree that the best way to honor Blanche is to find a husband for Sissy. This would have the added benefit of keeping Sissy in Newton rather than returning to Louisiana.
 
Sissy had an unusual childhood, traveling the country with her rock band parents in an RV. While she loved her parents and enjoyed the travel, it was a lonely life. She enjoyed the time she got to spend with Aunt Blanche, experiencing "normal" life. Sissy now lives in Louisiana and has a job as a therapist that she loves. When Blanche died, Sissy took six weeks of leave to settle Blanche's affairs. She received quite a shock when she learned what Blanche left to her and decided to take her time deciding what to do.
 
I loved seeing the interactions between the three women. Ina Mae and Gussie think of Sissy as family since they have none of their own. They also don't bother to sugarcoat anything at their ages and are forthright with their opinions and advice. It was funny to see their plotting and planning to throw Sissy and Luke, the preacher, together. They think they are subtle about it, but Sissy figures it out right away. Sissy doesn't want to hurt their feelings, so she goes along with their efforts. She has no intention of falling in love as she plans to return to her job in Louisiana, but Luke certainly gets her attention.
 
Luke has been the preacher in town for about two years, hired when his Uncle Jimmy retired. He's a good-looking and charming young man who loves what he does. He's successfully avoided the efforts of other matchmakers but finds himself intrigued by and attracted to Sissy. I loved their conversation about the matchmaking efforts and their agreement to be friends. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as friendship grew into more. It was easy to see that their outlooks on life and helping others were compatible, and I loved seeing them support each other. There are obstacles, however, as a few people don't approve of Luke's interest in Sissy, and they are intent on making trouble for the pair. I liked the reasoned and practical approach that Luke and Sissy took to their options and that they found a way to have each other and the life they wanted. I especially loved Luke's statement at church.
 
Ina Mae and Gussie do their best to help things along. There are some terrific parts as they attempt to run interference against the most vocal of the objectors. This woman is a real piece of work, and I wanted to see her get her comeuppance at the end. I'm not sure she did, but it all ended well anyway.
 
I also had fun watching Sissy turn the tables on Ina Mae and Gussie. After getting wind of their plans to push her and Luke together, Sissy figured that getting them involved with suitors of their own would keep them out of her hair. She also recruited Luke to help her. They were much more subtle than the two ladies. I had a great time seeing Jimmy and Paul become more involved in their lives, and none of them suspected a thing. The scenes involving them were often sweet and sometimes hilarious.
 
I liked how these activities helped all three women work through their grief. Stories of Blanche frequently came up when some action would remind them of her. In contrast to the tales of hijinks, Ina Mae and Gussie also revealed the whole story behind Blanche's marriage. Their actions to protect Blanche showed the depth of their love for her and their willingness to go to any lengths to do so. One of the things I loved about the book was how each one would hear Blanche's voice in their heads during times of stress or confusion or just needing advice.
 
One of my favorite characters in the book was Blanche's bird, Danny. His salty language and nightly drinks of vodka were hilarious. Though each of the ladies frequently seemed disgusted with him and threatened to give him away, none of them could. He reminded them too much of Blanche. I also loved his relationship with the rooster.
 
I liked hearing stories about their Sunshine Club activities, from how and why they started it to what they did during their meetings. Ina Mae and Gussie's grief over Blanche's death made it difficult for them to spend time there. I loved the decision they finally made about what they would do.

Bidding on a Texan - Barbara Dunlop (HD #2828 - Oct 2021)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book 8)

The bachelor auction will save his legacy,
if he can keep his heart out of the deal…
 
Cowboy restaurateur Rafe Cortez-Williams blames the wealthy Edmonds family for swindling him and the folks of Royal, Texas, out of millions. So when Gina Edmonds proposes a fundraiser to recoup the losses, Rafe is skeptical, until the gorgeous, sheltered heiress proposes a cowboy bachelor auction -- with Rafe as the main prize. By the time the gavel comes down, he can't say no to their explosive attraction, which sets off a chain reaction of secrets this ranching heir never bargained for!
 
Good conclusion to the series. In the previous books, the town of Royal and its people got behind the planned Soirée on the Bay cultural event organized by the Edmonds family. Many businesses contributed money as sponsors. But when a tornado ripped through the event site a few days before the event was due to start, the organizers and participants discovered millions of dollars missing from the event's accounts. The Edmonds found themselves suspected of the theft and became overnight pariahs.
 
Many of the contributing businesses find themselves facing bankruptcy because of the missing funds. One of those business owners is Rafe Cortez-Williams, owner of the RCW Steakhouse. Though his personal finances could survive the hit, losing the restaurant means the employees he thinks of as family would lose their jobs. He holds the Edmonds family responsible and thinks they should make it right for the people of Royal.
 
Gina Edmonds and her brothers agree that they need to do something to help, but the question is, what can they do? Gina comes up with the idea of auctioning off ranch experiences with bachelor cowboys from those ranches. The idea gets a lukewarm reception until Rafe steps in to help her out.
 
I liked Gina and Rafe. Gina is intelligent and enthusiastic, though a bit naïve, and as the baby of the family, is treated like a pampered princess. The ideas she proposes for the family business are continually shot down because none of the men in her family take her seriously. While it frustrates her, in the past, she caves in and lives up to their expectations. Rafe's experiences are much different. Part of a ranching family, he bucks tradition and goes his own way, fulfilling his dream of owning a restaurant. I liked his focus on making his dream a reality while maintaining his family relationships.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Gina and Rafe. They rubbed each other the wrong way during their first meeting, but there were sparks of attraction under the antagonism. Despite his belief that Gina is a pampered princess clueless about the real world, he finds himself wanting to help her. Though she has no idea how to plan such an event, Gina is determined to succeed and cautiously accepts Rafe's help. I loved the banter between them as Rafe pushes Gina outside her comfort zone, and Gina calls him out about his attitude towards her. As they worked together, they brought out the best in each other, and the attraction between them grew stronger. Both fight against their feelings for each other but eventually can't deny them. A misunderstanding nearly puts an end to their relationship, but their love wins out in the end.
 
While the auction turned out well, I felt some issues were still left unresolved. And while most of the characters were members of the Cattleman's Club, the Club itself didn't play much of a part in this series.

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

Series: Midnight Pass, Texas (Book 3)

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

Their Rancher Protector - Sasha Summers (HSE #2855 - Aug 2021)

Series:: Texas Cowboys and K-9s (Book 2)

Will Operation Dog Delivery
 
Become Operation Family Found?
 
Skylar Davis is grateful to have the dog her husband nursed back to health on his last deployment. But the struggling widow can barely keep her three daughters fed, much less a hungry canine. Kyle Mitchell's soldier's instincts won't leave them behind -- they'll all come live at his ranch. Her husband was his best friend, after all. And Skylar? He'll give her the love she deserves…if she'll forgive him when his secrets are exposed.
 
After years away in the military, Kyle is on his way home to Granite Falls, Texas. But before that, he must keep his promise to his best friend, who died while they were deployed. Chad made Kyle promise to take his dog, Jet, who he rescued over there, to live with his family. Kyle also pledged to make sure Chad's family was okay. What he finds when he gets there disturbs him greatly.
 
When Kyle arrives, Skylar is in a desperate situation. Struggling to make ends meet thanks to the unscrupulous relative that took them in when her daughter Mya was sick, there's no way she can take care of Chad's beloved dog. It's all Skylar can do to take care of her three daughters and try to save for the surgery one of them needs. But she tries to put a brave face on it for Kyle.
 
I loved the first meeting between Kyle and Skylar. Skylar is wary until she connects him with his nickname in Chad's letters and then feels she knows him. Skylar bowls over Kyle as he discovers that Chad's letters and pictures didn't do her justice. Equally affected, Skylar buries her reaction and tries to make everything look normal. I loved seeing Kyle connect with the little girls; he was so sweet and easy with them. At the same time, his observant gaze didn't miss anything about their living conditions.
 
Driven by his promise to Chad and his guilty feelings over Chad's death, Kyle quickly comes up with a solution. He knows where Skylar can find a job, and there's room for them to live on the family ranch. Overwhelmed by the idea, Skylar isn't sure what to do. Getting out is so tempting, but thanks to the insidious comments by her uncle, she also doesn't want to come across as needy. Fortunately, common sense overcomes her fears, and she accepts Kyle's offer.
 
I loved watching Kyle and Skylar together as she began her new life. The sparks of attraction between them continue to grow, but both of them fight it. Kyle's guilt weighs him down, and he's certain that she'd want nothing to do with him if she knew the circumstances of Chad's death. Skylar's feelings for Kyle grow, but she is convinced his feelings are only friendship and the need to keep his promise. I enjoyed how everyone around them could see that Kyle and Skylar belonged together. Some sound advice from his brother Hayden, and an emotional scene under the stars with his memories of his friend, helped Kyle release his guilt. All he can do now is tell Skylar how he feels and hope she feels the same. I had to laugh at all the "help" he had along the way. I loved how Kyle didn't wait for the perfect moment but grabbed the opportunity when it came.
 
I enjoyed watching Kyle with Skylar's daughters. He related to them so easily, even learning sign language so he could talk to Mya. Seeing him with her daughters was one of the things that contributed to her love for him. Brynn, Mya, and Greer all accepted him into their lives right away. There were so many adorable scenes of them together, but one of my favorites was the French toast breakfast. I loved how he included them in his big moment with Skylar.
 
I liked the secondary characters of the various townspeople, all of whom play a part in getting Kyle and Skylar together. I especially enjoyed Kyle's reactions to the men who showed an interest in Skylar. I also liked seeing Hayden and Lizzie again. After seeing Hayden's regrets over his estrangement from his brothers in The Rancher's Forever Family, I wasn't surprised by Kyle's nervousness about seeing Hayden again.  It was great to see that Kyle also had regrets and was ready to mend fences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rancher's Forever Family - Sasha Summers (HSE #2838 - May 2021)

Series: Texas Cowboys and K-9s (Book 1)

She was looking for a rescue…
 
But he's the one who was saved.
 
Sergeant Hayden Mitchell's mission: give every canine veteran the perfect forever home. But when it comes to Sierra, a sweet Labrador, Hayden isn't sure Lizzie Vega fits the bill. Her PTSD and city lifestyle raise concerns, even as her vulnerability -- and gorgeous eyes -- draws him closer. When a storm leaves her stranded at his ranch, the hardened ex-military man wonders if Lizzie is the perfect match for Sierra…and him…
 
Good start to the new series. Hayden is a former military dog trainer who now works to find homes for retired military dogs. As a dog-human matchmaker, he finds the right forever home for his canine charges. When Hayden receives a call from a friend about a candidate for one of his dogs, he thinks he has the right dog, but he isn't quite sure when he meets Lizzie. Hayden also runs the family ranch, and with the help of his mother, cares for his toddler son, Weston.
 
Lizzie teaches art at the college level and also works with seniors and children. She recently experienced an event that left her with debilitating PTSD. Faced with losing her job if she can't overcome her panic attacks, Lizzie agrees with her therapist that a support dog may help.
 
The first meeting between Hayden and Lizzie got off to a rough start. Lizzie ran into a violent thunderstorm on her way to pick up Sierra, which left her a shaking mess. Hayden sees that Lizzie needs help but worries that she isn't right for Sierra. Hayden reacts rather gruffly to Lizzie, and her fears and insecurities send her running. However, another series of severe storms traps Lizzie on Hayden's ranch. That's not such a bad thing, as it gives Hayden and Sierra a chance to get to know her.
 
I liked Lizzie's arrival on the ranch. Despite still suffering from her panic attack, she steps in to help Hayden while his mother recovers from being ill. Lizzie also falls under little Weston's spell, and the interactions between the two are sweet. The frequent storms strand Lizzie on the ranch for several days, where she undergoes some big changes. One of the biggest changes was the growing bond between her and Sierra. From the moment the two met, it seemed that Sierra knew exactly what Lizzie needed. It warmed my heart to see Sierra snuggle up to Lizzie during her toughest moments.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Lizzie and Hayden. It got off to a rough start with Lizzie's panic attack making Hayden wonder if he can help her at all, and Lizzie was sure that he'd turn her down as Sierra's partner. However, despite his concern, Hayden sees Lizzie's struggle and decides to use her time at the ranch to see if she and Sierra suit each other. Neither expects the attraction that flares between them, and both try to ignore it. Lizzie will only be there a few days until the roads clear and she heads home. Hayden remembers his ex-wife accusing him of having a white knight complex, where he's involved with a woman who needs help, then loses interest when the problem is fixed. He fears that is what he feels and doesn't want to hurt Lizzie by getting involved with her.
 
Despite his fears, Hayden is a sweet and caring man. His joy in being Weston's father is evident and heartwarming. As he has a front-row seat to Lizzie's struggles, he can't deny his need to help her. I loved seeing him give her free rein in the kitchen where she cooked to cope. I liked seeing them get to know each other. Each of them has a caring, nurturing heart, and I loved seeing them focus that caring on each other. The strength of their feelings took both by surprise, and Hayden freaked out a bit when Lizzie confessed her love. I wanted to shake him when he pushed her away. I loved the advice he got that helped open his eyes. His big moment at the end was fantastic.
 
The main secondary characters were Hayden's mom, Jan, and his son, Weston. We didn't see much of Jan because of her illness, but her parts were significant. I laughed out loud at the first meeting between her and Lizzie. It was awkward, especially for Lizzie, but certainly seemed to improve Jan's mood. I also loved the kick in the seat she tried to give both Lizzie and Hayden with her talk about the newspaper ad. Little Weston was a considerable part of the story with how quickly he took to Lizzie. A big part of Hayden's feelings for Lizzie came from watching her with Weston. He wasn't perfect, though, and his Houdini act could have ended very badly for both him and Lizzie.
 
This book grabbed my interest from the start and kept me hooked right through the end. I can't wait to read the following two stories about Hayden's brothers. 

Texas Sheriff's Deadly Mission - Karen Whiddon (HRS #2145 - Aug 2021)

Can fear of repeating past mistakes hinder a sheriff's search for a serial killer?
 
Rayna Coombs has enough on her plate, juggling single motherhood and working as a sheriff. So she's determined to resist the white-hot desire she feels for Parker Norton. But when Parker enlists Rayna's help to find a missing friend, she can't ignore the sparks flying between them. As passion flares, though, bodies start turning up. Can Rayna and Parker track a lethal killer while guarding their own hearts?
 
Excellent combination of romance and suspense. Rayna is the sheriff of the small town of Getaway, Texas. She, her daughter, and her mother moved to Getaway for a fresh start after Rayna fell for the wrong man. Encouraged by her mentor Sam, the current sheriff, she ran for sheriff when he retired and won. When Sam's nephew, Parker, arrives in town asking Rayna to revisit a missing persons case, she reluctantly agrees. They investigated once and found nothing, but they'll give it another go.
 
Parker came to Getaway looking for his best friend's younger sister, hoping to find her before John succumbs to cancer. Since leaving the service, Parker has drifted from place to place doing various jobs but dropped everything to help his friend.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Parker and Rayna. Between the motorcycle and the bad-boy vibes he exudes, Parker hits all the points that stir Rayna's attraction. But she's been burned before and wants nothing to do with him. Parker feels the same sparks, but his focus needs to be on finding Nicole. However, the sparks fly fast and hot between them and quickly become too much to resist. As the search for Nicole turns into the hunt for a serial killer, Parker and Rayna spend a lot of time together.
 
I loved how Parker respected Rayna's position as sheriff at the same time he wanted to get closer to her as a woman. Rayna spends some time fighting her growing feelings for Parker, worried that history is repeating itself. I liked seeing her slowly let go of her fears and accept those feelings. But when her trust is tested, Rayna allows those fears to surface again. I ached for Parker and his feelings of hurt and betrayal. I was glad to see that Rayna quickly realized her mistake and apologized, but there were consequences to her actions. I liked seeing them work to repair their relationship and strengthen their bond. When everything was all over, both had decisions to make. I loved Parker's big moment at the end, and the advice he received that made it possible.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from beginning to end. Though skeptical of Parker's belief that Nicole disappeared in Getaway, Rayna did the right thing by reopening the investigation. The tension ramped up when they found a body, and they had to wait to see if it was Nicole's. Rayna knew that whether it was or not, she had a killer loose in her town. When they found a second body, it went from murderer to serial killer, and the stakes increased. When the FBI provided Rayna with a profile of the killer, and someone tried to set up Parker to take the fall, I thought I figured out the killer's identity. After a local girl turned up missing, Parker stepped up to help despite the trouble that came with it. A lucky break led to the identification of the killer and a confrontation that had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over. 

Safeguarding the Surrogate - Delores Fossen (HI #2007 - July 2021)

Series: Mercy Ridge Lawmen (Book 2)

She'd brought him his greatest joy. Now he must save her life…
 
Rancher Kara Holland's hot on the trail of a murderer who's been killing surrogates -- like she was for her ill sister. But when Kara's trap goes terribly wrong, she's thrust headlong into the killer's crosshairs…along with her sister's widower, Deputy Daniel Logan. And as she and Daniel stay one frantic step ahead of a deadly foe, the sparks igniting between them rival the danger they face.
 
Good book that started with a bang and didn't let up the tension until the end. Kara is a woman on a mission. Two surrogates from the same clinic she used have turned up dead. Kara believes they were murdered and that she is a target also, having acted as a surrogate for her late sister and her husband. She set a trap for the killer and waited in the barn to see if he took the bait. Instead, she gets her widower brother-in-law Deputy Daniel Logan, who arrived to check on her and read her the riot act for putting herself in danger. That danger becomes evident when they discover another dead surrogate left in Kara's house. Daniel has endured enough heartache and doesn't want to lose Kara too. Convincing the headstrong woman to leave the investigation to the police gets nowhere, so Daniel plans to stay close.
 
The suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages all the way through, while the romance added an extra layer of tension. Kara always had feelings for Daniel, but he was married to her sister, so she buried them deep. She was happy to help them by carrying their baby and heartbroken when Maryanne lost her battle with cancer before little Sadie was born. Meanwhile, Daniel starts to see Kara as more than his sister-in-law.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Kara and Daniel. They already know each other well because of his marriage to her sister, but it has been as friends only. But with Kara's determined involvement in the deaths of the surrogates, Daniel finds himself feeling extra protective of her. The stirrings of attraction he feels are even more surprising, and the similar stirrings he sees in her eyes. Because of the intensifying attacks on them, Kara and Daniel try to put those feelings aside as they attempt to discover the truth and stay alive. I loved how protective they were of each other, with Daniel getting a bit frustrated with Kara's tendency to rush into danger. That danger brings the knowledge that life can be short and uncertain into focus and makes them realize they don't want to waste any of it.
 
The suspense of the story is excellent. From the first pages to the last, I couldn't wait to see how it ended. Convinced that the deaths had something to do with the fertility clinic, Kara tried investigating on her own. Though skeptical at first, Daniel became a believer when a dead surrogate turned up in Kara's house. When he and Kara were shot at, the question was whether it was related to those deaths, or is it someone who has a beef with Daniel? Neighboring rancher, Rizzo, makes no secret of his dislike of Daniel, who is investigating his connection with a militia group. There is also a man who made many threats against the clinic and surrogates because of the death of his daughter. He has the means and motivation to commit the murders. Joining the list of suspects, Kara's ex-boyfriend accuses Daniel of putting her in danger. Every time one of those men would move to the top of my suspect list, something would change my mind. I loved following the efforts of the Mercy Ridge Sheriff's Department to unravel the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Daniel and Kara faced off against the killer. The ending was great.
 
As a long-time reader of the author's books, I loved seeing Mason Ryland from the Lawmen of Silver Creek series get a brief mention. It's always fun for me when there are series crossovers. I also liked seeing more of Daniel's brother Barrett from the first book (Her Child to Protect) and getting to know his other brother, Leo, a little. I look forward to reading his book. 

 

The Trouble with Bad Boys - Katherine Garbera (HD #2803 - June 2021)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book 4)

A playboy who's all about the likes…
 
Is about to get a lesson in love!
 
Notorious social media influencer Zach Benning is happy to swoop into Royal, Texas, promote the Soiree on the Bay and leave with a fat paycheck. While he's at it, he'll give plain-Jane event planner Lila Jones a makeover, online and off. The last thing he expects is to fall for his ravishing creation! But is he really seeing the captivating woman underneath all the newfound hype?
 
This is the fourth book in the series, and the Soiree on the Bay is beginning to come together. The venues are built; now they need the acts to fill them and the publicity to sell the tickets and bring the customers. The ticket sales aren't where they should be, which worries Lila, who works the event for the Chamber of Commerce.
 
Lila is a born-and-bred Royal resident. Everyone who knows her likes her, but nothing about her stands out. She's sweet and smart and determined to do her part to make the Soiree a success. She gets the idea to ask social influencer Zach Benning to mention the event and hopefully get some buzz going. She never expected him to show up in person.
 
Lila's message arrived at the perfect time for Zach. He unknowingly crossed a line with one of his women and needs to let the scandal die down. When he arrived in Royal, he didn't expect his instant attraction to Lila. The quiet, girl-next-door woman is nothing like the women he usually dates. In addition to promoting Soiree on the Bay, he decides to give Lila a personal and social media makeover. If he can turn her into the kind of woman he usually dates, he can sleep with her without feeling guilty.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Lila and Zach. Both of them are more than what they appear on the surface. Lila looks like a quiet, unassuming woman, content to stay in the background. In reality, she is a vibrant, passionate woman who simply lacks the confidence to stand out. Under Zach's tutelage, Lila changes the way she dresses, gaining confidence from the positive feedback. She also learns how to use social media for herself and her job. As for Zach, in the beginning, he appears to be all flash and no substance. Everything he does is staged for maximum public display and to put himself in the limelight. But it isn't long before we see a vulnerable side to him.
 
I loved seeing them spend time together. While Lila really gets into the whole lifestyle, there is still a part of her that sees its superficiality. When she spends a few days in LA with Zach, deep down, she misses Royal. She knows she is falling for him but can't see him giving up the fast pace of LA for the quiet of small-town Texas. Zach has it a little rougher. Spending time with Lila stirs up emotions that he has spent his life avoiding. When he realizes the depth of his feelings, Zach freaks out and pushes her away. It takes some straight talk from an unexpected source for him to accept the changes in himself and see what he needs to do. His big moment was terrific, and I loved seeing his plan for the future.
 
Near the end of the book, during a Soiree on the Bay committee meeting, head organizer Rusty Edmonds drops a bombshell that could derail the event. Since the start, one character has rubbed me the wrong way, and I suspect this person is involved. I can't wait to see if I'm right. 

 

Cowboy in Disguise - Allison Leigh (HSE #2839 - June 2021)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune (Book 6)

The truth is about to come out!
 
From the first time Jay Cross met Arabella Fortune, he has longed to tell her everything. The Stetson-wearing Texan and hotel employee has been hiding a secret, and it's a biggie. The closer he gets to sweet Bella, however, the harder it becomes for him to divulge the truth. She is falling for the man she believes him to be. Will she be able to open her heart to the man he really is?
 
Terrific conclusion to the Hotel Fortune series. I love the Fortunes of Teas continuity, and this series was excellent. It all started with Her Texas New Year's Wish, as the Hotel Fortune in Rambling Rose, Texas, prepared to open its doors. The hotel got off to a rough start when a balcony collapsed during a party, injuring one of the staff members. The hotel experienced so many glitches and problems for the next several months that people wondered if it would survive.
 
Arabella Fortune, a cousin to the hotel-owning Fortunes, attended that party in January. She met one of the management trainees, Jay Cross, and couldn't forget him after returning to New York. A few months later, she moved to Rambling Rose, staying with her brother Brady until she earns enough to get her own place. She also hopes to see Jay again, though it doesn't go too well when she does.
 
Jay Cross, a member of the original training program, has been present in all of the series' books. Now halfway through the year-long program, he has worked in every segment of the hotel. This brings him some unwelcome attention from local law enforcement, who consider him a suspect. Jay, frustrated by yet another interview by the cops, reacts badly when he encounters Bella on the steps of the police station.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Bella and Jay. The sparks were evident when they met in January, and I could feel Bella's frustration at her father's insistence that they leave immediately after the accident. I wasn't surprised by her decision to move to Rambling Rose or her hope of seeing Jay again. She is especially interested in finding out what he'd been about to tell her before they were interrupted that evening - "I think you should know that..." Bella has a fertile imagination and comes up with many different conclusions to that line. She's hurt and angry at his reaction to seeing her that day, and Jay feels guilty about taking his frustration out on her. I enjoyed the way he found to apologize and how it opened up a chance for them to get to know each other.
 
I loved watching Jay and Bella spend time together. He is sweet and caring, and I liked the simple things that they did together. Bella found him fun to be with and easy to talk to, even sharing her secret hobby with him. The more time they spent with each other, the hotter the sparks between them grew until they couldn't help giving into them. But Jay has a big problem. He has a secret, and the longer he puts off telling Bella, the harder it gets to come clean. And while he waits for the perfect time, Bella stumbles onto the truth herself. Understandably hurt, Bella also feels betrayed and furious with herself for falling for him. I liked the advice Jay received about finding a way to make her listen. What he came up with was perfect in several ways. Not only did he find a way to express his feelings, but he also came up with a plan to help the hotel.
 
I loved Jay's big moment and the effect it had on Bella. But just when it looked like everything was perfect, disaster struck. Once again, another "accident" came close to destroying everything they hoped to accomplish. I never suspected the person revealed to be responsible, and my heart broke for the story behind it. With the threat to the hotel ended, and the financial troubles over thanks to Jay's plan, the future looks bright for the Hotel Fortune. I loved the epilogue and wonder if the next Fortune series will open with a quintuple wedding...

An Officer and a Fortune - Nina Crespo (HSE #2835 - May 2021)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune (Book 5)

His homecoming was temporary.
Until he met the woman who changed everything.
 
Captain Collin Waldon is on leave from the military, tending to his ailing father in his final days. Knowing his stay in Rambling Rose will be short, Collin is not looking for romantic entanglements -- especially not with Nicole Fortune, the beautiful, free-spirited executive chef of Roja Restaurant in the struggling Hotel Fortune. Yet these two unlikely lovers seem perfect for each other, until Collin's reassignment threatens their newfound bliss…
 
Excellent book. Nicole Fortune is the head chef of the restaurant Roja in the family's hotel. The story opens as she shops at the local farmers' market, looking for fresh ingredients for the restaurant and contemplating ideas for new dishes. While there, she notices a handsome man who is also picking out fresh herbs and veggies. After a brief conversation, Nicole invites him to Roja to sample the dish she's experimenting with.
 
Collin is an army officer home on leave to care for his terminally ill father. Matters are tense between the two men, and cooking is one way that Collin destresses. Encountering the beautiful Nicole proves to be another. The last thing he expected or wanted was to get involved with a woman in his hometown when he's only there for a short time.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Collin and Nicole. Neither is looking for a relationship. Nicole is too busy with her restaurant, and Collin's experience with long-distance relationships holds him back. I loved how the two of them connected over food. Their lunch together as Collin sampled Nicole's new dish only deepened their connection while exchanging stories about their foodie experiences. Nicole, who has been struggling with her upcoming summer menu, invited Collin to help her develop the recipes. I enjoyed watching them cook together, beautifully matched in skill and enthusiasm.
 
Collin needs this time away from his dad as they butt heads over Sam's upcoming move to assisted living. I ached for Collin, who wants these weeks with Sam to be a return to the closeness of his youth. It's evident that something deeper bothers Sam, and he takes it out on Collin. I loved seeing Nicole reach out to help Collin deal with his problems with Sam. Her insight goes a long way toward assisting Collin and Sam regain their closeness. I loved the depth of emotion displayed as Collin and Sam find their way back to each other. I loved the sweet reminisces expressed by Sam.
 
Meanwhile, the attraction between Collin and Nicole continues to grow. Though they know there is an expiration date, eventually, they can no longer resist the pull. Neither one expects the attraction to deepen into more. Both dream of a future together, but neither can see a way to make it happen. I ached for them both as they struggled to find a way to turn "for now" into "forever." I loved Collin's big moment at the end and the epilogue that hinted at their future.
 
Throughout this series, the Hotel Fortune has struggled with suspicious accidents and other strange happenings that impact the business. In this book, someone sabotaged the hotel's big fundraiser for community charities. They messed with the foods that Nicole worked so hard to provide, making them not only inedible but, in one case, dangerous to consume. I ached for Nicole and the devasting blow this was to her professionally and personally. This was on top of a local diner using questionable tactics to entice patrons and staff away from Roja. I've had my suspicions about the culprit, which strengthened in this book. I look forward to the next book, which should reveal whether I am right. 

Blue Collar Billionaire - Karen Booth (HD #2798 - Apr 2021)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book 3)

Uptown girls who think they have the upper hand?
 
They don't know Jack!
 
Jack Bowden has met enough rich women to know that Lone Star socialite Lexi Alderidge doesn't take him seriously, even though their connection is instant. Still, the rugged contractor built his fortune from the ground up -- surely he can build real rapport with Lexi the same way? But when "getting along" becomes "getting into bed," will his brand of rough-and-tumble success ever truly fit into her high-class world?
 
Good book about two people with different lives seeing past stereotypes to possibilities. Lexi returned to Royal when her fifteen-year marriage ended in divorce. Shortly after arriving, she got involved with her high school boyfriend; their romance rapidly progressing toward marriage. Then Brett broke their engagement the night before the wedding, putting Lexi right back in the middle of Royal's gossip chain. She now works as VP of Marketing for her father's bank, determined to bring his old-fashioned way of doing business into the twenty-first century. As such, she encouraged the bank's sponsorship of the upcoming Soiree on the Bay Arts Festival.
 
Jack is the owner of the construction company hired to build the stages and other structures at the festival site on Appaloosa Island. A self-made man, Jack moved to Royal eleven years earlier after his fiancée called off their wedding. He is a hands-on owner, most often found on-site working alongside his employees.
 
I loved the first meeting between Jack and Lexi. She flew to the island to check on the progress of the work and mistook Jack for one of his workers. Jack didn't correct the mistake until Ross Edmonds, one of the festival organizers, started commenting to Lexi about her divorce. Jack saw the effect it had on her and stepped in, claiming that he and Lexi were an item. After a bit of back-and-forth conversation, Lexi agrees to a date with Jack. Dinner at the exclusive Sheen restaurant gives them a chance to get to know each other. The sparks between them are off the charts, but they agree that neither is interested in anything serious. Dating and having fun together, however, are something both are up for.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Jack and Lexi develop. The attraction between them deepens and grows as each discovers the other is not what they expected. Far from being the snooty socialite Jack expected, Lexi is down-to-earth, friendly, and easy to like. Rather than the playboy Lexi had heard about, Jack is fun, easy-going, and caring. Lexi tends to see the worst in herself, blaming herself for things that went wrong in her relationships. Jack's admiration of her goes a long way toward changing the way she sees herself.
 
The more time Jack and Lexi spend together, the deeper their feelings grow. There are some terrific scenes of them together, having fun and fanning the flames between them. It doesn't take long for Jack to realize he's ready to give up his playboy ways for a future with Lexi. But Lexi's inability to trust her judgment after two failed relationships makes it difficult for her to believe that she's ready for something more. I ached for Jack when he didn't get the response he hoped for and for Lexi when she let her fears come between them. I liked her sister's pep talk and how it helped Lexi see the truth of her feelings. I loved the ending and seeing Lexi go after what she wanted.
 
The secondary characters were an essential part of the story. I was not too fond of Lexi's dad at first, especially given his history with Jack. It seemed that he was more concerned with prestige and appearances than in progress. But as the book went on, I saw a different side of him, and in the end, he turned out to be pretty wonderful. I also liked Jack's sister, Angie. She's protective of Jack, and she initially disapproved of his relationship with Lexi. However, I enjoyed the scene at Angie's birthday party as she and Lexi bonded over their divorces.
 
As for the overarching theme of the series, the Soiree on the Bay festival, the planning continues. In earlier books, there is a feeling that something isn't quite right. That suspicion continues here with an unexpected financial problem. I have an idea who is behind it and can't wait to see if I am right. 

The Hope Chest - Carolyn Brown (Amazon Publishing - June 2021)

An inheritance has reunited three estranged cousins. Their grandmother Lucy left Nessa, Flynn, and April her home nestled in the woods near Blossom, Texas, as well as a hope chest to be unlocked after they complete a special task. Together, they must hand-stitch a cherished quilt Lucy left unfinished. It meant everything to her. And now, to three people struggling with their own patchwork pasts…
 
To Nessa, the house has always been an escape from her strict parents -- a home away from home. Flynn has followed a profligate path into adulthood, never guessing it would lead him here. And the town of Blossom only stirs up a lifetime of disappointments for April. Lost and with nowhere to go, her last chance is helping fulfill Nanny Lucy's final wish.
 
Thread by healing thread, Nessa, Flynn, and April bond over the quilt and all it represents. As they discover the family they've been looking for in one another, they share more than memories. They share the hope of new beginnings.
 
Good story about family, love, and forgiveness. Nessa, Flynn, and April are cousins born just a few months apart. Though they spent two weeks together every summer at their grandmother Lucy's house as kids, they haven't seen each other in many years. Then an inheritance brings them all back to Blossom, Texas. Nanny Lucy left her home to the three cousins with some unusual conditions. The house can never be sold, to claim their inheritance, they must hand-stitch the quilt that she left for them, and her hope chest will go to the first cousin who marries. All three face decisions about the directions of their lives.
 
Nessa remembers Nanny Lucy's house and her time there as a place of refuge. Her father is a super-strict preacher, and her mother follows right along. Nessa saw their hypocrisy early in life and continues to rebel. She teaches kindergarten but isn't all that happy in her work. A series of failed relationships make her question her judgment. A summer at Nanny Lucy's provides a chance to consider a change.
 
Flynn, the only child of divorced parents, remembers summer fun with his cousins until the year he turned fifteen. His mother died in a car crash on the way to pick him up. Though he begged to stay with her, Nanny Lucy sent him to live with his father. Matthew is an unrepentant womanizer who had no interest in being a father to his son, leaving Flynn mostly on his own. Flynn grew up to follow in his father's footsteps but recently decided to change his ways. Spending the summer at Nanny Lucy's is his chance to start anew.
 
April is the daughter of Lucy's youngest child, Rachel. Rachel died four days after April's birth, leaving April to be raised by Nanny Lucy. April couldn't wait to get away after she graduated, but her life since then has been one disappointment after another. After her latest disastrous relationship, April is broke and homeless, leaving Nanny Lucy's her only option. There she hopes to find a new start.
 
Nessa, Flynn, and April settle into the house and work out schedules and responsibilities. There's a bit of snark and sarcasm in those first interactions until the memories of the good times they shared started to kick in. As they talk about those summer visits, each one discovers that their memories of Nanny Lucy don't necessarily match those of the others. As they look at those childhood memories through adult eyes, a clearer picture of their grandmother emerges. The things they learn about Lucy also help them understand their parents and themselves. I liked seeing them open up about their own lives and challenges and accept that they are works in progress. Each of the three cousins came to Blossom looking for a new start, and I enjoyed seeing how each of them found their way. Above all, they found the home and family each of them craved.
 
It wouldn't be a Carolyn Brown book without a little bit of romance. In this case, Nanny Lucy's net door neighbor, Jackson, was charged with keeping the hope chest until they met the will's conditions. Jackson left a successful law career five years earlier and went to work with his uncle making furniture. Having been at the same place as Flynn, April, and Nessa, Jackson is uniquely positioned to help all of them in their quests. I loved watching him become friends with all three cousins, but there was a little something extra in his interactions with Nessa. Smitten early on, Jackson knew what he wanted and had the patience to wait for it. Having been cheated on before, Nessa was in no hurry to start another relationship. I liked seeing their friendship grow into more and Nessa learn to trust Jackson. There was a minor hiccup in their growing relationship, but both acted like adults and talked it out. The epilogue caught up with everyone a year later.

Her Child to Protect - Delores Fossen (HI #1995 - May 2021)

Series: Mercy Ridge Lawmen (Book 1)

Nothing can stop her…from saving two lives.
 
When she arrives at a murder scene, Deputy Della Howell is not pleased to find her recent ex already on the job. She'll work the case with Sheriff Barrett Logan but will keep the secret she's certain Barrett isn't ready for -- she's pregnant with his child. But as the dueling cops investigate, familiar sparks reignite between them…just as they fall prey to a very tenacious killer.
 
Good start to the new series with a second chance romance. Barrett is the sheriff of Mercy Ridge, a small town in Texas. Della is a deputy in Culver Crossing, a neighboring small town. They had a "friends with benefits" arrangement that worked well for them for a long time. Two months earlier, Della ended the relationship as she is ready for marriage and family, and Barrett is adamant he will never marry or have kids of his own. Complicating matters, Della just discovered that she is pregnant with Barrett's baby.
 
In the opening scene, Barrett received an anonymous text reporting a dead body near the border of the two towns. Shortly after he arrives on the scene, Della arrives, having received an identical text. Neither is particularly happy to see the other, but they'll work the investigation together and try to keep their personal issues out of it. That may be easier said than done. They find one dead body with a knife in his chest at the scene and one injured woman covered in blood. In addition to being the lover to the dead man, the woman also is Barrett's estranged mother. Barrett may have long-standing issues with Alice, but he has difficulty believing her capable of murder.
 
Barrett and Della's investigation quickly uncovers multiple people with the means and motivation to kill the victim. Could it be a local rancher whose ethics and activities already spawned several investigations? Perhaps it is the "other woman" who refuses to give up the man she loves and loudly blames her rival for his affections?  Or maybe the private investigator who is badly in debt and has questionable ties to another suspect? To make things worse, someone seems determined to stop Barrett and Della from investigating - permanently. Multiple attempts on their lives added intensity and kept me glued to the pages. Twists and turns and tangled threads of leads kept me guessing until close to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the end. While the mystery of the killer was resolved, there are ongoing questions about another character that will likely continue through the series.
 
I enjoyed seeing the progress of the relationship between Barrett and Della. Caught on the horns of a dilemma, Della knows she needs to tell Barrett about the baby, but she doesn't know how he'll take it. Barrett's issues have roots deep in his past. Twenty years earlier, Alice walked out on her three sons and her husband. Barrett's father killed himself, with Barrett finding his body. Though his grandfather moved in to raise the boys, Barrett also felt responsible for them. Though they turned out well, Barrett believes he would be a terrible father. Della didn't want to end her relationship with Barrett, but she saw no other way to achieve the future she wanted. This pregnancy was not her preferred way of doing things, but there was no doubt she wanted this baby no matter how Barrett reacted.
 
Barrett's reaction impressed me. There were no angry words or accusations, just a little bit of stunned surprise. I liked his acceptance and growing pleasure in his impending fatherhood, with the scene at Della's ultrasound being especially moving. Della's pregnancy brought out a very protective side to Barrett, who tried to balance his protectiveness with respect for her abilities as a cop. The requirements of the case make it difficult for them to address their issues, but it quickly becomes evident that the attraction between them is as strong as ever. While Della knew the depth of her feelings for Barrett, it took him a while to realize his. I loved the ending and seeing him all-in on his new future.
 
A big part of this book was also the relationship of Alice with her sons, especially Barrett. He understandably feels a great deal of anger and resentment over her actions even twenty years later. It amazed me that he could put those feelings aside and treat her objectively while investigating the murder. He also spent far more time in her company, and I sensed a slight softening in his attitude by the end of the book. It was easy to see that Alice regretted her past actions and did not expect forgiveness. Her efforts at the end demonstrated her love for Barrett and added to his changing feelings for her.