The Princess and the Pediatrician - Annie O'Neil (HMED #1189 - Aug 2021)

Series: Island Clinic (Book 3)

One Caribbean night together
 
One pregnant princess!
 
When Dr. Lia Trelleburg -- aka Princess Amelia of Karolinska -- meets hot pediatrician Oliver Bainbridge at a fundraiser, she decides to break the habit of a carefully controlled lifetime and indulge in a breathtaking night of passion. Only, Lia falls pregnant, and Oliver stuns her by agreeing with palace protocol -- yes, they must marry! Despite the odds, could they really find the happiness they desire together…as a family?
 
Terrific book. Lia isn't just a talented neurosurgeon at the Island Clinic; she is also Princess Amelia of Karolinska, a small Scandinavian country. Growing up as a princess was a lonely endeavor. Sent to boarding school after her parents' divorce and hemmed in by the strictures and protocols of royal life, Lia's life was anything but a fairy-tale. Even her first choice of medical specialty (combat medicine) was denied her. Fortunately, her interest in neurosurgery proved acceptable, and as soon as possible, she moved as far from her homeland as she could. She loves her work at the Island Clinic, even if she has to dust off the tiara now and then to help with fundraising.
 
As the book opens, Lia and her tiara stand ready to make small talk with the wealthy donors who help support the Clinic and the island's hospital. She admits her loneliness to herself and decides to indulge in one night of passion. I loved her first meeting with Oliver, who is drop-dead handsome, sweet, and fun-loving. I loved how he brought out a light-hearted and flirty side of Lia that she didn't know she had. Their banter during the evening was fun, and I loved how Oliver snagged the first dance with her. The sparks between them flew, making their night together almost inevitable. They both agreed that it was a one-time thing, as neither wants a relationship.
 
Fate has something else in mind, and when Lia becomes pregnant, she knows her life is about to change. Palace protocol demands that they marry, but Lia doesn't want a forced marriage. Oliver stuns her when he agrees to the marriage. Oliver hasn't been able to forget his night with Lia, and when he finds out about the pregnancy, he is thrilled. Like Lia, his childhood consisted of boarding school and distant parents. Unlike her, Oliver loved boarding school because the other students felt more like his family than his own did. A betrayal in his past took the choice of fatherhood from him, and he's ready for this second chance.
 
I loved the development of the relationship between Lia and Oliver. Both want what is best for their baby - a normal childhood rather than one bound by rules and loneliness. They take the time to learn about each other, knowing that will make their future together easier. The more time that they spend together, the more that their friendship begins to grow and change. But both Lia and Oliver have baggage that holds them back from opening up fully and embracing their future. But when Oliver's past runs up against Lia's fears, it drives a wedge between them. Fortunately, thanks to their friend Grace, whose gentle guidance helps get them truly talking to each other, it doesn't last long. Once they finally open up about everything, they can face the future as a team.
 
 I loved how their support for each other enabled them to stand up for the lives they want to lead. Oliver's parents provided an unexpected twist, both in their attitudes and reactions to Oliver and Lia's plans. While Lia's reunion with her father wasn't quite so effusive, I enjoyed it. I liked his support for their wedding plans and laughed out loud at his comment about Lia's grandmother. The epilogue was fantastic. Not only did I love the wedding, Oliver's little patient Elodie was adorable, and I loved the twist about her future.
 
Each book of this series appears to feature a different aspect of the island of St. Victoria. This one included a heart-pounding crisis in the mangroves and a romantic night walk on the beach. I also loved the description of Oliver's unique home.

Innocent Hostage - Juno Rushdan (HI #1999 - May 2021)

Series: Hard Core Justice Thriller (Book 4)

They'll do anything to save their son's life…
 
Even work together.
 
Their marriage is nearly over. But then Deputy US Marshal Allison Chen-Boyd and FBI hostage negotiator Henry Boyd learn their eight-year-old son has been kidnapped. They'll work together -- temporarily, of course -- to capture the dangerous cartel hell-bent on vengeance. But as danger mounts and bombs lurk around every corner, they'll have to learn to trust each other again to save their embattled family.
 
Good book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me hooked to the last page. As part of the joint task force working to stop a drug cartel, both Allison and Henry appeared in earlier books in the series. Even then, the tension between them is evident, and here we have their story. As this book opens, Allie and Henry have been separated for six months and are in the middle of a contentious divorce. When their eight-year-old son is kidnapped, they must put aside their differences and work together to get him back.
 
Allison is a deputy US Marshal who played a big part in separating the cartel leader from his daughter, and he vowed revenge. He demands the impossible, and Allie and Henry must find a way to save Ben. The suspense and action took place over just a few days, keeping the intensity high throughout. Not only did we get the good guys' point of view, but the villains also received enough page time to maintain the tension as the reader sees their plans. As Allie and Henry run into obstacles thrown up by their own side (especially Allie's - I really do not like her boss!), they realize their best bet is to depend on each other. Some of the chances they took risked everything but paid off in the end. Henry's coworkers seemed much more reasonable and provided critical help in finding Ben. Their methods fascinated me, and I loved seeing the process. The final confrontation with the kidnappers was a nail-biter, with an unexpected twist in the resolution. I liked the lead-in to the next book.
 
I enjoyed seeing Allie and Henry find their way past the issues that drove them apart. Miscommunications, misunderstandings, and misconceptions created conflict that they could have resolved if they'd swallowed their pride and talked to each other. Henry's inability to express his emotions about a tragic event in their past led to Allie thinking he didn't care. Add in a coworker of Henry's that ran up against Allie's insecurities, and you have a recipe for misery. Henry doesn't want a divorce. He loves his wife and son and will do whatever is necessary to make them happy. Allie still loves Henry, but her trust took a hit. As they put aside their differences to save Ben, they also began to talk about what went wrong. I liked that both of them admitted fault rather than one taking all of the blame. As they let go of their past hurts, the love they shared had a chance to resurface. Some great scenes showed them at their professional best, made possible by their rekindled trust. The ending was terrific as they found a compromise that worked for both of them.
 
The secondary characters were well done also. The cartel leader continues to show his ruthless side and makes it easy to root for his downfall. The kidnappers were more than cookie-cutter villains and had well-developed characters. I especially ached for Lourdes, torn between her love for her brother and her horror of his actions. I liked how she cared for Ben. She earned major points for her actions at the end. Her brother, Javier, was a scary guy from the get-go, with only his love for his sister giving him any humanity. I still don't like Allie's boss, who I find obnoxiously self-centered, more concerned with his advancement than being an effective leader. I liked Henry's boss and coworkers and seeing them go all-out to help one of their own. My favorite was Ben. He was a quick thinker for a kid and showed it early on. Thanks to his memory and observation skills, he also played a big part in the lead-in to the next book. 

Before Summer Ends - Susan Mallery (HSE #2833 - May 2021)

A long, hot summer with her secret crush…
What could possibly go wrong?
 
Nissa Lang knows Desmond Stilling is out of her league. He's a CEO, she's a teacher. He's gorgeous, she's…not. So when her house-sitting gig falls through and Desmond offers her a place to stay for the summer, she vows not to reveal how she's felt about him since their first -- and only -- kiss.
 
Desmond should've known better than to bring temptation into his house. He decided long ago that his best friend's sister was too sweet, too good, for him. She deserves a guy who can give his heart. For her sake, he's stayed away. But as her laughter breathes life into his lonely mansion, he's not sure how long he'll be able to resist.
 
Terrific friends to lovers story. Nissa is a teacher who takes temporary jobs during the summer to earn money for her dream trip to Italy. This summer, she accepts a house-sitting job, then sublets her condo for the summer for extra income. When the house-sitting job falls through, she has no place to stay. Since Nissa can't stay with her brother, he suggests staying with his best friend Desmond in his huge house. Nissa is reluctant because she's had a crush on Desmond since he stepped in to take her to prom when she was seventeen. Desmond remains a friend to their entire family, so she has buried her feelings for years.
 
Desmond became friends with Nissa's brother Shane when they attended the same boarding school. Desmond was tutored at home until he was sent away to school, so though he was book smart, his social skills were nonexistent. He was raised by parents whose marriage was more business merger than marriage and actively discouraged expressing emotions. Shane immediately befriended Desmond and absorbed him into his family, showing Desmond what a loving family looked like. Shane's family treated him as one of their own, and there is nothing Desmond wouldn't do for them. Inviting Nissa to stay with him is a no-brainer, but it also makes his life more difficult. He's never forgotten their goodnight kiss, but she deserves better than him.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Nissa and Desmond develop. Their friendship is strong already, thanks to knowing each other for so long. I loved how easily they talked and laughed and teased. But underneath the comfortable friendship, the sparks of attraction simmer and grow. Nissa believes that if Desmond had been interested in her all those years ago, he would have done something about it. So she keeps her unrequited feelings buried. Besides the fact that, at the time, Desmond felt he was too old for her, Nissa's brother made it clear it was hands-off his little sister. Having Nissa there now stirs up feelings Desmond doesn't know what to do with.
 
There are many sweet scenes of the two together, and it's easy to see that they get closer. I ached for Desmond as he shared his family life with Nissa and his conviction that, like his parents, he has no heart. He truly believes that he is incapable of love. No matter what she said, Nissa could not convince him otherwise. And yet, his obvious care for Nissa's friend Marisol and her daughters on their boat trip showed that there was more to him than he knew.
 
Desmond and Nissa's relationship undergoes a considerable change when she slips and confesses her attraction to him. I loved seeing how Nissa's frustrated rant led Desmond to prove that he was just as attracted, and things snowballed from there. The connection between them burned hot until interrupted by an emergency call from Marisol. I loved the effect that seeing Nissa drop everything for her friend had on Desmond. Though he's always been someone who supported charities and good causes, always ready with his checkbook, this is the first time Desmond experiences helping first-hand. He warmed my heart with how he brought Marisol's daughters to his house for Nissa to take care of them. He's so good with them, yet he can't see that it's because of his big heart. Even better, he involved himself even more deeply in their lives, planning a massive surprise for Marisol.
 
But when Nissa can no longer hide her feelings and tells Desmond of her love, Desmond panics and sends her away. His conviction that he has no heart and is incapable of love is too firm for Nissa to overcome. I ached for Nissa as she tried to deal with her broken heart. I also hurt for Desmond, who couldn't understand why he was so miserable. An unexpected call from his mother spurred Desmond's "aha" moment and a call to Nissa's father. I loved that conversation and the one in person a few hours later. Because Nissa's dad was almost a father to Desmond, too, he gave some fantastic advice. I especially loved the bit about groveling. Desmond's big moment was terrific. I liked the ring's description and would love to see a picture of the author's inspiration for it. 

The Bait - Carol Ericson (HI #2002 - June 2021)

Series: Kyra and Jake Investigation (Book 3)

They're after a vicious serial killer.
And this time it's personal.
 
Decades after The Player's infamous murder spree, a third copycat killer terrorizes LA. Detective Jake McAllister and victim advocate Kyra Chase launch a risky dark web investigation -- complicating their relationship and exposing their troubled pasts. But when the copycat kidnaps Jake's daughter, Kyra defies her partner to lay her life on the line. Just one chilling question remains: Is The Player back?
 
The tension continues to mount in this, the third book of the series. No sooner had Jake, Kyra, and the rest of the task force put a stop to Copycat 2.0 than another killer stepped up to take his place. In the previous book, The Decoy, the task force found a dark web connection between the first two copycats. Further investigation leads them to believe that Copycat Three is also linked and that all of them dance to the tune of a master manipulator. The question is, who pulls the strings? Jake and Kyra both suspect that the original Player is behind it all.
 
This case becomes very personal to Jake. Copycat Three takes to leaving taunting messages for Jake with the bodies of his victims. For Kyra, her determination never wavers. Convinced the original Player is behind it all, catching the man responsible for her mother's murder is at the top of Kyra's wishlist. Watching Jake, Kyra, and the rest of the task force dig through what few clues there were kept me glued to the pages. The swizzle stick clue proved to be vital, and I loved seeing how it played out. The intensity shot through the roof when the killer kidnapped Jake's daughter Fiona. I ached for Jake and his fear for her as he desperately searched for any clue to the killer's whereabouts. But it was Kyra, playing a hunch and putting herself at risk, that became the deciding factor. That confrontation was a nail-biter. But the question remains, is The Player back? I have my suspicions about who it is, and I can't wait to read the next book and see if I'm right. This book ends with an unexpected twist, leaving me wondering if foul play was involved.
 
I also enjoyed seeing the progression of Jake and Kyra's relationship. Professionally, their respect for each other continues to grow. Jake overcame his distrust of Kyra as a victim's advocate and fully included her in the task force's activities. Kyra finds it much easier to trust Jake now, though she still tends to rush into danger without telling him what she's up to. In this book, it nearly gets her killed. Personally, their relationship is moving forward, slowly but steadily. That progression becomes complicated when Jake's fourteen-year-old daughter shows up unexpectedly. Though Fiona may have her dad fooled, Kyra has the girl's number from the get-go. I enjoyed watching Kyra help Jake through the rough patches. I also liked how Jake still managed to find alone time with Kyra. Jake won my heart even more with his support of Kyra when her past became public knowledge. Just knowing he stood behind her gave Kyra the strength to deal with the fallout. After surviving the confrontation with Copycat Three, both Jake and Kyra are ready to admit their feelings for each other and see where it goes.

Sandpiper Cove - Irene Hannon (Revell - Apr 2017)

Series: Hope Harbor (Book 3)

Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.
              
Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine.
 
Terrific book. This was my first trip to Hope Harbor, but it won't be my last. Hope Harbor is a small town on the Oregon coast filled with people who care about each other (and perhaps a few bad apples). It's an excellent place for people who are looking for somewhere to start over. One of those people is Adam Stone, an ex-con who turned his life around while in prison. He has a job with a construction company, a hobby making furniture, and a companion in a stray dog he rescued. He lives in a cabin in the woods, has a few friends, and keeps mostly to himself.
 
Another person who changed her life is Lexie Graham. After several years working for diplomatic security and tragically losing her husband, Lexie and her son moved back to her hometown. They live with her mom, and Lexie became Hope Harbor's police chief. She and her small force are currently dealing with a rash of petty theft and vandalism, which adds to her already busy life.
 
I liked the first meeting between Lexie and Adam. The vandals hit Adam's house twice, but he hasn't bothered to report it. The damage wasn't too bad, and as an ex-con, he tends to avoid interacting with law enforcement. When Lexie hears about it, she visits Adam, hoping to find clues to the vandals' identities. Adam is wary but cooperative, and Lexie realizes that she may be guilty of judging him without knowing him. Neither expected the sparks they felt nor did they want them. When Lexie comes to Adam's aid after his dog, Clyde, is injured by one of the vandals, their connection deepens. It's no surprise that Lexie thinks of Adam when she needs help turning a young teen away from the wrong path.
 
I liked Adam a lot. From a lousy childhood to a youth filled with wrong choices, he had a lot to overcome. Thanks to the help he received, Adam became a kind, compassionate man with a big heart, always ready to help where he's needed. He also has some serious self-worth issues, thanks to his past and his record. Adam tends to believe that people look down on him because of it, so he keeps to himself. He's hesitant to get involved in Lexie's project, but if he can keep a kid from going through what he did, he has to try. I liked his connection with young Brian, and his ability to empathize with the boy went a long way toward helping him.
 
I liked Lexie, too. She's a terrific mother, has a great relationship with her mom, and loves her hometown. I liked her relationships with the various townspeople who like and respect her right back. I liked how Lexie thought outside the box when it came to helping Brian and that she also thought it would help Adam.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Lexie and Adam. Though the sparks are there, both intend to ignore them. Adam can't see anything happening between an ex-con and a police chief, and Lexie isn't interested in risking her heart again. They do agree that they can be friends and partners in helping Brian. But it isn't too long before those sparks begin to intensify, and each of them starts to wonder, "what if..." I loved the scene at their friends' wedding and seeing Lexie and Adam think about possibilities. I especially liked seeing them share their pasts and the support and understanding that followed. But just as the future starts to look bright for them, Adam's past creates problems. A disgruntled parent and troublesome teen threaten to cause problems for Lexie because of her relationship with Adam, and he steels himself to walk away. I loved how Lexie and the people of Hope Harbor showed Adam what he meant to them. The epilogue was terrific and contained an unexpected twist.
 
I loved the secondary characters. One of my favorites was Adam's dog, Clyde. Animals are wonderful judges of nature, and Clyde's devotion to Adam is a terrific indicator of what a good man Adam is. I loved how Clyde bonded with Lexie's son Matt. The two of them were sweet together. I liked the author's portrayal of Matt as a typical four-almost-five-year-old. He wasn't too good, and he wasn't a brat. As a character, Matt showed Adam that he could be a good father even though he had no role model in his own father. I ached for Brian, the reluctant vandal. He and his mother finally escaped his father's abuse, but Brian had to leave everything he knew behind in doing so. It left him vulnerable to being used, even though he knew he was doing wrong. Working with Adam gave Brian the chance to break free, and I loved the changes. So many others, such as the preacher and the priest, Luis, BJ, and Charley, had profound effects on Adam. 

The Exile - Diana Gabaldon (Random House - Sept 2010)

Series: Outlander

After too long an absence, Jamie Fraser is coming home to Scotland -- but not without great trepidation. Though his beloved godfather, Murtagh, promised Jamie's late parents he'd watch over their brash son, making good on that vow will be no easy task. There's already a fat bounty on the young exile's head, courtesy of Captain Black Jack Randall, the sadistic British officer who's crossed paths -- and swords -- with Jamie in the past. And in the court of the mighty MacKenzie clan, Jamie is a pawn in the power struggle between his uncles: aging chieftain Colum, who demands his nephew's loyalty -- or his life -- and Dougal, war chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, who'd sooner see Jamie put to the sword than anointed Colum's heir.
 
And then there is Claire Randall -- mysterious, beautiful, and strong-willed, who appears in Jamie's life to stir his compassion . . . and arouse his desire.
 
But even as Jamie's heart draws him to Claire, Murtagh is certain she's been sent by the Old Ones, and Captain Randall accuses her of being a spy. Claire clearly has something to hide, though Jamie can't believe she could pose him any danger. Still, he knows she is torn between two choices -- a life with him, and whatever it is that draws her thoughts so often elsewhere.
 
I'm a huge Outlander fan, so I couldn't resist this graphic novel. The Exile covers the first third of Outlander, mainly told from Murtagh and Jamie's viewpoints. The first part covers the time when Jamie first returns from France, briefly mentioned in Outlander. Jamie comes across as a bit headstrong though not reckless and is kept on track by his godfather, Murtagh. Murtagh witnesses Claire's arrival through the stones, making him suspicious of her and why she is there. Unlike the original, there is an additional character in Kenneth, another time-traveler and cohort of Geillis. I never quite understood his purpose. The events that occur during their time at Castle Leoch and on the rent collecting journey were well done. The wedding scene was also good.
 
Having read Outlander several times, I never had a problem following the story in this book. The graphic novel format is more condensed, without the signature descriptive prose of the original. I didn't care much for many of the illustrations. The men all looked enough alike that it was sometimes challenging to figure out who was speaking. Claire's portrayal isn't so good either. I thought she looked harsh. I also agree with other reviewers that her proportions were highly exaggerated.
 
Overall, I enjoyed the graphic novel. I think it helps that I'm familiar with the story. I'm not sure that it would be a good introduction to the Outlander world.

To Kiss a Frog - Elle James (Love Spell - Mar 2005)

WANTED: Single woman, very near-sighted, who doesn't care about height (3") or skin flaws (green and bumpy), who can see past minor details (like not being entirely human) to find and love the man beneath the warts.
 
Craig Thibodeaux is cursed. Frog by day and man by night, he has until the next full moon to free himself--by finding someone to love him. Elaine Smith seems perfect. She is beautiful and smart, and even passionate about frogs. But while she came to Bayou Miste at just the right time, the sexy scientist needs a bodyguard--not a boyfriend. And truth be told, he was a bit more frog than Prince Charming even before he tangled with that Voodoo Queen. Elaine deserves more. She deserves to be the queen of someone's pad: a wife. But with a single kiss, Craig might start to believe in fairy-tale endings.
 
Fun modern take on the fairy-tale "The Frog Prince." Craig is a high-powered New Orleans attorney on a working vacation in Bayou Miste. He spends part of his time helping out at his Uncle Joe's marina and bait shop, part of it recruiting a new client for the family law firm, and the rest indulging in his playboy ways. That is until he messes with the wrong girl and her voodoo queen granny puts a curse on him. Now Craig is a little green frog by day and a man by night, with just two weeks to find a woman who can love him and break the spell.
 
Elaine is a New Orleans scientist who receives an anonymous sample of contaminated bayou water from Bayou Miste. Ready for a break from the lab and her cheating ex-fiancé, she and her trusty microscope head for the bayou to figure out what is causing the contamination. She needs to gather specimens but is terrified of water, which is where Craig comes in. Uncle Joe asks Craig to take Elaine to get what she needs.
 
I loved the development of the relationship between Craig and Elaine. Their first meeting was hilarious, as Craig had just transformed back to a man from a frog - and frogs don't wear clothes. To say that Elaine got an eye-full would be putting it mildly and roused unfamiliar feelings in her. Just being around Craig short-circuits her brain and turns the ordinarily cool and articulate scientist tongue-tied and clumsy. While Craig may be an insensitive jerk to women at times, he's never deliberately cruel, and when he sees Elaine's genuine fear of the water, he comes through like a champ. I loved his care and understanding as he helped her into the boat and on their journey to the site of the dead fish. Craig's reactions to Elaine surprised him since she isn't his usual type. Craig earned extra points from me when he decided against making her fall in love with him because he didn't want her to get hurt.
 
The sparks that flew between Craig and Elaine were undeniable. Though determined to do the right thing and leave her alone, Craig found it impossible not to give in to those sparks. The more time they spend together, the more she gets under his skin. Elaine is well aware of his reputation and knows she should stay away from him, but she can't help being drawn to him. With Craig's help, Elaine overcomes her fears and blossoms under his attentions. When Elaine's insecurities make her question her actions, two new friends step up to help her fight for her man. I loved the makeover section and the effect it had on Craig. I loved seeing the commitment-phobic Craig experience changes in his outlook but still worry about hurting Elaine. In the end, danger opens their eyes to their true feelings, and love's true kiss comes through to break the spell.
 
The mystery of the contaminated bayou water was well done. Elaine's determination to uncover the truth put her and Craig in unexpected danger when one of their trips ran into opposition. If not for Craig's knowledge of the bayou waterways, Elaine's research might have come to an unfortunate end. Craig feared for Elaine's safety when her house was ransacked and her research stolen. I thought I had it all figured out when Elaine found out the only business likely responsible. But an unexpected twist put her in mortal danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was glued to the pages until it was all over.
 
I had a lot of fun watching Craig's antics as both man and frog. I laughed at his encounter with the voodoo queen and his skepticism about the curse - until he woke up as a frog. His descriptions of the world from a frog's-eye view were vivid, and I felt like I was right there with him. I liked his determination to watch over Elaine, even as a frog, and how he got Dawg to help him. Who would have expected a dog to have a pet bullfrog, right? Craig also tended to get caught in awkward places when it was time to transform from frog to man, leaving him "exposed." When in man-form, Craig had to deal with too-helpful friends, old girlfriends showing up at awkward times, and nosy neighbors seeing far too much.
 
The secondary characters were almost as great as Elaine and Craig. Craig's Uncle Joe had far too much fun giving him a hard time about being a frog, but he also was there when Craig needed him. Nosy neighbor Mozelle had a big heart, and I loved seeing her take Elaine under her wing. When Mozelle and the hairdresser, Josie, set out to help Elaine, she didn't know what hit her. Craig's friends Mo and Larry had me a little confused at first since they helped the voodoo queen and tried to help Craig break the curse. 

I've been a fan of Elle James's romantic suspense books for a long time, so when I stumbled across this very different offering, I couldn't wait to read it. I was not disappointed!