Zane - Christie Ridgway (Christie Ridgway - Nov 2017)

Series: 7 Brides for 7 Soldiers (Book 3)

Ex-soldier Zane Tucker is perfectly happy with his single life and his adventure watersports business. A gambler by nature, he figures the odds of finding a woman for forever are a lot longer than finding a woman for right now. And as a man of action and not emotion, he believes a woman with lasting romance on the mind would want someone with less hard muscle and more soft sentiment. But then his dog hurtles toward the new county librarian, yanking Zane into her delicate, pretty presence. Will they both scare her away? And why does that worry him so?
 
Harper Grace has a bucket list of goals to tick off and is determined to live every moment to the fullest by overcoming her usual shyness. No one will call her too timid and too boring ever again. But then a giant of a man and his equally large dog charge into her life and she can't decide if she wants to take a step back…or step fully into Zane's strong arms. She's been brave enough to change her life, but does she have enough courage to risk her heart?
 
Good book. Zane came home to Eagle Ridge after his Army Ranger career ended in injury. Along with his brother, Adam, he started an adventure watersports business. He enjoys his bachelor life and sticks to women who don't expect commitment. That all comes to an end when his dog, Gambler, crashes into the new librarian, Harper, and knocks her over. Something tells him that his life will never be the same.
 
Harper moved to Eagle Ridge from San Francisco, determined to change her life. Naturally shy and introverted, she's been called boring once too often. She has a list of goals, and getting distracted by Zane wasn't in the plan.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zane and Harper grow. Though the chemistry between them runs hot, both have been burned in the past. As a young soldier, Zane fell for a Southern girl who allowed him to woo her, but when he got serious, she called him too big, too clumsy, and too rough around the edges for any woman. Thanks to her, he feels like the proverbial beast and destined to be alone. He often feels like a bull in a china shop, along with his neurotic dog, who really is. Risking his heart again is not in the cards. Zane also has lingering issues over his mother leaving the family after he outgrew his childhood asthma. Harper, too, has been hurt. Engaged to an attorney for two years, he suddenly broke their engagement when she reserved the church for their wedding. Not only did he claim she was too boring, but he cheated on her for six months with one-night-stands. She's not interested in another relationship.
 
Complicating matters, Zane's brother Adam and his sister Bailey have both recently found love interests. Though he won't admit it, Zane feels a little out-of-sorts. The townspeople say he's moping because he's still single and keep trying to set him up with various women. In a convoluted series of events, Zane claims that he and Harper are an item, forcing them to spend time together. I loved watching them get to know each other - the big, tough guy with a hidden soft spot and the petite librarian with an unexpected adventurous side. I loved seeing Zane's softer side come out as he showed Harper how wrong her ex was about her. I ached for him and his insecurities as his feelings for Harper grew, but he had trouble believing she would want him. I liked seeing Harper blossom under Zane's attention, discovering she's stronger and braver than she knew. There's a terrific scene when her ex shows up in Eagle Ridge expecting to pick up where he left off, and I loved seeing her disabuse him of that notion, aided and abetted by Zane. I loved their "aha" moments when each one realized the depth of their feelings. Zane's big moment was sweet and emotional, and I loved how it happened.
 
There was a secondary romance between Zane's father, Sam, owner of the local diner, and the diner's manager, Brenda. I especially enjoyed his reaction to her makeover.

Wagering on the Wallflower - Eva Shepherd (HH #1572 - Apr 2021)

Series: Young Victorian Ladies (Book 1)

A wallflower
 
And an elegant gentleman…
 
Gauche Hazel Springfeld is reconciled to being left on the shelf. At a society ball, she is improbably asked to dance by charismatic Mr. Lucas Darkwood. When she discovers it was all for a wager -- he'll win a prize if he can turn her into marriage material -- Hazel plans to get her own back! She'll frighten Lucas into thinking she really does expect that proposal -- from him!
 

I liked this book, and the My Fair Lady feel to it. Hazel is a young woman in her fifth Season, and her marital prospects are pretty dim despite her considerable dowry. It doesn't help that she doesn't dance well, and her conversation tends toward the intellectual rather than social. She accepts that she will likely still be alone at the end of the Season. So she is stunned when the notorious Lucas Darkwood asks her to dance.
 
Lucas is a businessman with the reputation of never failing at what he sets out to do. He focuses purely on his business and has no interest in ever getting married. His current project involves horse breeding, and he has his eye on a particular mare to add to his stable. Unfortunately, the owner of the mare refuses to sell, instead challenging Lucas to a bet. Lucas must make Hazel appealing to men before the end of the Season if he wants to win the horse. If he fails, Lucas must marry Hazel himself. Supremely confident in himself, Lucas accepts.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lucas and Hazel. The connection between them was immediate though neither wanted to admit it. Lucas believes his focus is entirely on winning his bet, while Hazel thinks Lucas wants something from her father. I liked that first dance together. Lucas realized there was more to Hazel than he expected and is unwillingly intrigued. Hazel's dancing woes disappear under Lucas's confidence-inspiring touch. Hazel enjoys his attentions but reminds herself to expect nothing to come from them, though that gets more difficult with each encounter. Just as she lets her guard down a little, Hazel learns the truth.
 
Hurt and angry, Hazel concocts a plan to get even. She goes all out to convince Lucas that she has fallen for him and expects a proposal any day. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. Lucas struggles with jealousy over the men he selected as perfect for Hazel and freaks out at the realization he cares for her, especially since he has a deep-seated belief that he is incapable of love. At the same time, Hazel has a hard time maintaining her anger as she gets to know Lucas better. When the sparks between them get out of control, Hazel confronts Lucas about the bet. I liked how she explained how it made her feel and called him out on his selfishness before walking out on him.
 
Both Lucas and Hazel suffer from the separation. Hazel thought she had finally found someone who accepted her for who she was and was devastated to discover otherwise. Besides losing his bet, Lucas faces Hazel's opinion and realizes that she is right. With some advice from his sister-in-law, Lucas begins a campaign to earn Hazel's forgiveness. I enjoyed his attempts and loved when he finally figured out the best way to reach her. I liked his big moment when he opened up and laid his heart on the line in an emotional plea. The ending was sweet, and I liked the epilogue.
 
My only complaint is that the beginning seemed to drag a little. I had a hard time staying involved until about halfway through the book. Once the house party kicked off I felt more invested in the outcome. 

Wedding Reunion with the Best Man - Donna Alward (HR #4759 - June 2021)

Series: Heirs to an Empire (Book 3)

A family wedding……
 
An unexpected reunion
 
Twelve years ago Arabella Pemberton and Burke Phillips were in a life-changing car accident. Though Burke escaped with surface wounds, successful businesswoman Bella still carries the physical and emotional scars of that night. When they're reunited at a wedding in Italy, old feelings reignite, and Bella realizes that Burke is the one person she can truly share herself with, the one person who can show her what she's been missing…
 
Good second chance story. Bella and Burke knew each other as teenagers until a tragic car accident set them on separate paths. Twelve years later, they meet again at her brother's wedding, and the unspoken teenage crushes turn to more adult feelings. But both Bella and Burke carry scars from that day long ago, scars that hold them back from living life.
 
Bella was badly scarred on her chest and arms by broken glass. Since then, she hides her scars under her clothes, afraid to let others see that she is less than perfect. That same fear prevents her from allowing anyone other than her family to get close to her. Even in the family business, she tends to stay in the background, allowing others to shine. Since the accident, she worked hard to avoid seeing Burke again because of guilty feelings about what happened. When her brother asks Burke to be his best man, Bella knows avoidance is no longer possible, though she tries.
 
Burke survived the accident with only a broken arm as a physical injury but a deep sense of guilt for not preventing it. Though he wasn't the driver, he blames himself for allowing his friend to get behind the wheel. His inability to help at the scene drove him to a career in medicine. Now his career is the center of his life, with no room for relationships. Seeing Bella again stirred up feelings he thought were long gone.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Bella and Burke. When he accidentally sees Bella's scars, Burke is heartbroken and blames himself for Bella's hiding. He makes it clear that it is the effect of the scars that bother him, not the scars themselves. Strangely enough, Bella realizes that she trusts him to be honest with her. When a medical crisis with her mother forces Bella to return to London, Burke is there every step of the way. I loved Burke's kindness and understanding and his efforts to ease Bella's worries. It is easy to see the growing connection between them. It was sweet to see Burke show Bella his favorite place in London, and I enjoyed seeing how she relaxed under his nonjudgmental attentions. At the same time, the sparks of attraction continued to grow until they could no longer resist them.
 
But the depth of that connection worried Burke. Bella crept past his walls, but he feels he doesn't deserve the chance for happiness that she represents. So he pushes her away with words about his unwillingness for commitments, the importance of his career, and the distance between their lives (him in London, Bella in Paris). Bella, who admitted to herself that she was falling for him, was left with a broken heart but a new determination to begin living her life. I loved seeing the new confidence in herself and the strength it gave her to come out of hiding. I loved seeing Burke's pride in her actions and his need to see her again. But when the story of the accident becomes public, Burke makes the boneheaded mistake of blaming Bella for it and walks away again. I wanted to shake him for being so selfish. I had to laugh when he realized what he'd done and went to his mom for advice. Instead of commiserating, she told him he was a coward and that "my love and support comes in the form of kicking your a**."
 
I loved the effect that advice had on Burke. After a long look at himself and his options, he finally went to see Bella. I laughed a little to see that he was intimidated by seeing where she worked and understanding her responsibilities. His nervousness when he finally saw her was sweet. I liked that he understood when she made him work for her forgiveness. I also liked that Bella admitted that the blame wasn't all his and that she also made her share of mistakes. But the vital part was embracing their love for each other and being willing to work to keep it strong. The epilogue was great and gave a hint of who is next in the family to fall. 

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...

Forever - Janie Crouch (Calamittie Jane Pub - June 2021)

Series: Linear Tactical (Book 14)

Some loves are meant to be from the very beginning.
 
Jess O'Conner and Ethan Bollinger have known each other almost their entire lives and have loved each other from the start. The people of Oak Creek have watched them grow up, and everyone has always known what they are...
 
Soulmates.
 
But sometimes, fate demands a different path, derailing even the most carefully mapped plans.
 
Visit the Linear Tactical world one last time with the story of Jess and Ethan all grown up as they finally get their forever.
 
...if they can live long enough to enjoy it.
 
What a fantastic ending to the Linear Tactical series! I have been hoping and waiting for this book ever since four-year-old Jess claimed seven-year-old Ethan as "my Ethan" in Eagle. Like his father, Finn, Ethan protects those he cares about, and Jess had his heart from the get-go. Little Jess is a certified genius who has little to no fear of the world. She can outthink many adults and talk circles around the others. She can be obstinate and impulsive, frequently getting her into hot water, leaving Ethan to get her out.
 
Nothing changed as Ethan and Jess grew older. They belonged to each other, and everyone knew it. When Jess was fourteen, she earned an offer to attend a prestigious school, something she really wanted to do. But when she started talking about giving it up rather than leave Ethan behind, he knew he had to do something. Advancing his plans by a few months, he attempted to sneak away to join the military, removing Jess's reason to stay. Ethan's conversation with his father made me laugh (GO NAVY!). Over the next few years, Ethan and Jess don't see each other often, but their feelings for each other never change.
 
Then the two drift a little bit apart. Doubts arise about feelings. Neither Jess nor Ethan has any question about their own feelings. Each knows that there will never be anyone else. Misunderstandings and time apart lead to fears that the other wants something else. Just as Ethan makes decisions about his future and leaves the military, he gets tapped for a critical mission. Jess and three of her colleagues have been kidnapped while on vacation. Complicating matters, secret government research stolen from their lab may be up for sale to some bad people, and Jess is the top suspect for the theft.
 
From here, the suspense and action, combined with Ethan and Jess's relationship, kept me glued to the pages. With alternating viewpoints between Ethan and Jess, there was always something going on. The men who have Jess and her friends mean business and Jess fears for their lives. She's not the type to give up, having been raised around the men and women of Linear Tactical, and her brain runs a mile a minute searching for options. When Ethan and his team arrive, the race is on to get them to safety. Twists and turns, betrayals and renewals, kept the action moving. In the rare quiet moments, Ethan and Jess get to talk and clear the air between them. But will they survive to carry out that future they've waited so long for? The final confrontation was a nail-biter. Jess's strength in the face of almost certain death was incredible but not surprising. I wasn't sure how they would get out of it, but the author came through with a rip-roaring finish. The epilogue was fantastic and brought their story full circle, back to where it all began.
 
One of the things I loved about this book was the flashbacks showing the development of the relationship between Jess and Ethan. From their first meeting to their wedding day, the description of "soulmates" was never in question. Some of them were funny and sweet (mangoes, anyone?), some were steamy (hello, Paris), and some were heartbreaking (Happy Birthday, Jess). Ethan's strength of will and determination to do the right thing didn't surprise me, nor did Jess's attempts to get her way.
 
I'm sad to see this series end, but I can't wait to dig into the Zodiac Tactical series and fully expect to see some of the LT folks again. And yes, Janie, I would LOVE to see a Linear Tactical: The Next Generation series someday.

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

Series: First Response in Florida (Book 1)

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

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

Series: Barefoot William (Book 3)

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