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The 2025 reviews can be found at:

Susan's 2025 Reading Blog

The Trouble with the Daring Governess - Annie Burrows (HH #1834 - Jan 2025)

The marquess wanted a governess…
He got a whole lot of trouble!
 
Governess Rosalind is hired by Michael, the new Marquess of Caldicot, to guide his ward -- a just-launched debutante. But Rosalind takes her role a little too seriously when she accidentally knocks one of her charge's disreputable suitors off a balcony!
 
Former soldier Michael steps in to help captivating Rosalind -- though from the sounds of his groaning, the scoundrel is just fine, unfortunately! Yet she's wary of trusting any man -- least of all her employer. Anyway, why does he care so much…when she's hardly a suitable match for a marquess?
 
This was a fun book to read. When British army officer Michael became the new Marquess of Caldicot, he wasn't ready to give up soldiering. He hired a governess for his predecessor's daughter, Susannah, and returned to the war. Five years later, he returned to England to take up his duties, just in time for Susannah's debut. Unfortunately, being passed around to various female relations turned Susannah into a spoiled brat, prone to temper tantrums.
 
Rosalind has done her best to mitigate Susannah's willfulness, but it is an uphill battle. As the book opens, Susannah has a temper tantrum over Michael's refusal to consent to her marriage to Mr. Baxter, a very unsuitable suitor. It is a good introduction to the challenges Rosalind faces. Later that night, while Susannah is at an event, Rosalind discovers Mr. Baxter attempting to enter the house via the balcony in her room. I loved how she stopped him by throwing a book and knocking him off the balcony. Thinking she's killed him, Rosalind attempts to flee but is stopped by Michael, who handles the situation while convincing her to stay. They form a pact to team up to protect Susannah from fortune hunters like Mr. Baxter.
 
I enjoyed watching Rosalind and Michael's relationship develop. It starts as an employer/employee but quickly becomes a friendship with an unexpected undercurrent of attraction. They spend time together planning their strategy and watching over Susannah, giving them time to get to know each other. Their feelings for each other grow, but the class differences are an obstacle to them being together. It worries Rosalind more than Michael, who believes her lineage is fine, especially for a man who never expected to be a marquess. I liked both characters. Rosalind is practical and pragmatic, having been hurt in the past. Michael is a good man whose kindness brings Rosalind out of her shell.
 
The ending is exciting with an attempted kidnapping, confessions good and bad, and an amusing big moment for Michael and Rosalind. I feel that their future will be filled with laughter and love. Though she has some maturing yet to do, Susannah exhibited some character growth by the end. 

Tempest of Desire - Lorraine Heath (Avon - Dec 2024)

Series: Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James (Book 5)
 
After surviving a horrific railway accident, Viscount Langdon retreats to his private island to recover and conquer the nightmarish memories that continue to haunt him. The very last thing he wants -- or expects -- is for London's most infamous courtesan to wash up on his beach.
 
Marlowe is known for her bold flirtations, but her most daring exploits involve flying in her hot air balloon. When a storm blows her off course, she discovers herself alone with the isle's only inhabitant. The gorgeous, seductive lord tempts her beyond reason, but giving into temptation would lead to her ruination because the all-consuming liaison would demand complete surrender. And she has secrets to protect.
 
Langdon finds the captivating beauty near impossible to resist, but he can't risk her learning the true reason behind his isolation. However, a powerful tempest of desire is swirling wildly between them, urging them to give in to the perilous passion that could destroy them . . . or perhaps show them the way to love.
 
Good book with intriguing main characters. Viscount Langdon is holed up on an island in Cornwall, recovering from the effects of a railway crash. He has a hard time coping with the changes in himself and frequently doubts his sanity. The book opens as he stalks the cliffs of his island, more drunk than sober, railing against the fates that left him feeling that he no longer deserves to be his father's heir. But worse than that, the bone-deep loneliness is slowly destroying him. As he yells into the wind, "A woman! A woman! My kingdom for a woman!" the lightning reveals a woman washed up on the island's shore. It isn't until he gets her unconscious body to his home that he recognizes her.
 
Marlowe is an infamous courtesan in London. The story of how she came to be in that position is heartbreaking, but she has accepted the consequences of her choices and made the best of them. She is especially unusual in that her hobby is flying a hot air balloon, which is how she washed up on Langdon's island.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Langdon and Marlowe develop. They have encountered each other in London and noted sparks of attraction between them. But she is the mistress of another man, and he doesn't poach. The book's first half is spent with Langdon and Marlowe on the island while the storm rages. I loved watching them get to know each other - talking, flirting, doing day-to-day things, and discovering they like each other very much. But life doesn't stand still, and eventually they return to London.
 
Neither forgot their time together. Marlowe's time with her current protector is ending, and she must decide her next steps. She could move on to another man, but her heart wants Langdon and not as his mistress. However, she is well aware of their class differences and that her profession makes her unsuitable for him to marry. Langdon also knows the likely repercussions of proposing marriage. He doesn't want to create problems for his family but also wants the woman he loves.
 
There is plenty of angst on both sides as Marlowe and Langdon work through the obstacles keeping them apart. It isn't easy to overcome expectations and prejudices, and I enjoyed seeing Langdon's determination. His big moment at the end was fantastic. I loved the final chapter, and the epilogue was a terrific conclusion. 

Tracking Down the Lawman's Son - Delores Fossen (HI #2259 - Jan 2025)

Series: Saddle Ridge Justice (Book 3)
 
A lawman will cross every line
To bring his missing baby home
 
When Bree McCullough narrowly escapes an attack on her life, Deputy Luca Vanetti rushes to his ex-lover's side. But the worst is yet to come. When their two-month-old son is kidnapped, Luca and Bree must put their painful history aside and work together to bring Gabriel home. The truth could lie in Bree's own past and her investigation into her father's unsolved murder. As the violence escalates, Luca vows to protect Bree and their baby against an unseen threat…and a plot to silence them forever.
 
Good book with an intense start. Bree was run off the road on her way to interview someone about a murder case. She is in the emergency room when two deputies, her brother Slater and her on-again, off-again boyfriend Luca, arrive to question her about what happened. It appears someone is trying to kill her. Another moment of terror occurs when Bree and Luca's son Gabriel disappears.
 
Luca and Bree work together to locate Gabriel and discover that his disappearance may have a link to one of the murders she is investigating. The attacks escalate, with the intent becoming increasingly dangerous. Those they suspect have motive and opportunity, each attempting to throw suspicion on someone else. Added to the mixture is Nathan, a doctor, and another of Bree's ex-boyfriends. He doesn't take her rejection well and is creepily persistent in his pursuit. The twists in this story kept me glued to the pages until the nail-biter of an ending.
 
The rekindling of the relationship between Bree and Luca was low-key, with most of the attention paid to the mystery. Their chemistry has never diminished, but they could never seem to make their relationship stick. Working together made them realize how much they depend on each other and how right it feels to be together. I liked seeing them finally admit their feelings.

 
 

Twin Jeopardy - Cindi Myers (HI #2262 - Jan 2025)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Criminal History (Book 3)
 
Finding his twin could get him killed…
 
Fifteen years ago on a family camping trip, Vince Shepherd's twin vanished without a trace. Her body was never found. The cold case makes headlines again when local reporter Tammy Patterson interviews Vince…and a series of taunting notes makes them suspect his twin might be alive. Hope collides with passion as Vince and Tammy chase down leads while trying to resist their attraction. Every step brings them closer to the shocking truth…and someone who has waited a long time for vengeance.
 
Terrific story that kept me enthralled from start to finish. The suspense was intense, and the frequent flashbacks gave insight into the events that continue to affect the lives of those involved.
 
Vince is a relatively new member of the Search and Rescue team. The story opens with him as part of a team investigating a sighting of bones in the mountains. The site isn't far from where his family camped fifteen years earlier when his twin sister disappeared. Vince is on edge, wondering if the bones could belong to his sister, Valerie. He's still thinking about it that evening when reporter Tammy Patterson approaches him.
 
Tammy is a reporter for the local paper. She wants to do a series of articles about the SAR team celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. She plans to start with the story of the search for Valerie, which had a lasting impact on future searches.
 
I liked Tammy's sensitivity when interviewing Vince and his parents. She looked for accurate information rather than something to sensationalize the tragedy. She was easy for Vince to open up with. Having lost a sibling, her empathy was a big part of their connection.
 
Tammy's article was well received and stirred up some renewed interest in the case. But neither she nor Vince expected the odd things that began to happen. From strange notes accusing them of lying about the disappearance to vandalism and attacks claimed by a mysterious person who signs their work with a V, both wonder if it is a scammer or Valerie. And if it is Valerie, why are there negative actions? The attacks intensified until a nail-biter of a final confrontation that left everyone shocked.
 
There were sparks of attraction between Tammy and Vince from the moment they met, but their connection went beyond the physical. Because both had tragedies in their pasts, they found it easy to talk to each other. As they worked together to identify V, their feelings for each other grew stronger. I loved Vince's protectiveness as the threats intensified and Tammy's desire to be there for him during these weird occurrences. I loved the emotional ending and commitment to get through life together. 

Lyon's Lover - Maggie Sims (Dragonblade - Dec 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 69)
 
A wastrel lord and an ex-courtesan forced together must pay the price of their past sins.
 
She's planning for the future…
Having enjoyed a successful career as mistress to various members of the Ton, Isabella Rossi longs to walk away from her past. She wants a normal life with all it entails -- a husband, a home, and children. Isabella seeks out the Black Widow, owner of the Lyon's Den gaming hell who also runs a specialized matchmaking service.
 
He's living for the moment…
Heir to an earldom, Luke Lynwood is addicted to drinking, gambling, and avoiding his responsibilities. But when he gambles more than he can afford, the Black Widow offers him an alternative way to repay his massive debt.
 
Under Isabella's reluctant tutelage, Luke must come to terms with his lack of self-control and face his father, which might just take a Christmas miracle.
 
This was a good enemies to lovers story with a lot going on. There is addiction, family conflict, class differences, and an older woman/younger man as themes that kept me turning the pages.
 
Isabella (Belle) is a retired courtesan looking for a change. After a successful career and intelligent investing, she has more than enough to live comfortably. But Belle wants a husband, children, and a life away from her past. She asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to work her matchmaking magic for her. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is willing but has an unusual requirement. She knows Belle successfully helped a young woman beat an addiction and wants Belle to help a problem client overcome his vices.
 
Luke Lynwood is well down the road to ruin. He lost his mother at an early age and has a tense relationship with his father. Luke spends his days and nights drinking and gambling until the night he loses far too much at the Lyon's Den. Mrs. Dove-Lyon tells him he has a choice: get sober, or she writes to his father about his debts.
 
Though Belle is not happy with the mission, she is determined to carry it out to the best of her ability. Luke is very uncooperative at first, and he and Belle clash constantly. But after a few days, Luke begins to feel the results of her tough love approach. Neither one expects the sparks of attraction that flare up between them. Luke is an accomplished flirt who enjoys getting under Belle's skin. He also begins to appreciate her efforts on his behalf, and his confidence grows. I liked how Belle challenged him to take control of his life and future.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. From antagonists to friends to lovers, it wasn't an easy journey. Once Luke finished his "program" and was cleared by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, they were in for another shock. Mrs. Dove-Lyon reveals that her choice of husband for Belle is none other than Luke himself! Belle is horrified. She cares for Luke but fears that her reputation will cause him irreparable harm, and she resists any attempts to convince her otherwise. Luke takes to the idea quickly. But there is one other obstacle to a happy ending for them, and it shows up as a twist near the end.
 
The ending was terrific. I loved how Belle's past and future came together unexpectedly. It warmed my heart to see the support she received and the difference it made to her view of the future. 

 
 

A Father's Redemption - Sabrina York (HSE #3041 - Apr 2024)

Series: Tuttle Sisters of Coho Cove (Book 3)
 
It'll take the unlikeliest of people to rescue this single dad…
 
Ben Sherrod had been attracted to nurse Celeste Tuttle since they met, even though she's never hidden her contempt for his development company. But he's moved on from the awkward boy he was in high school. When Celeste is thrust back into his life, he's not sure how to handle things…especially the rush of old and new feelings he's suddenly confronted with. But Celeste is hesitant about commitment -- especially with Ben, a man still scarred by his failed marriage, his wife's death and his daughter's trauma following that tragic event. Soon, though, they're bonding over shared challenges, discovering just how much common ground they share. Maybe their next venture might be a step into a new future…together.
 
Good enemies-to-lovers/second chance story. Celeste has known Ben since they were in high school. She has been an activist all her life and blamed Ben for his father's real estate development. She has treated him like an enemy ever since. Ben never saw Celeste as an enemy. He had a big crush on her in high school but was first too shy, then too intimidated, to ask her out.
 
Celeste wasn't too happy when she found out she would work with Ben on the grant proposal for a new clinic. However, she quickly realized that attitude wouldn't be productive when they had a short deadline to meet. I liked her conscious decision to clear the air, though she didn't expect to discover that he was not the evil businessman she thought he was.
 
Ben never approved of how his father handled Coho Cove's development and made significant changes when he inherited the company. Unfortunately, the work required strained his marriage. He feels a lot of guilt over his failed marriage, the accident that killed his wife, and the effect it had on their daughter, Quinn.
 
I enjoyed watching Celeste and Ben's relationship develop. Once Celeste got past her dislike of him, she discovered that she and Ben had much in common. There were some terrific scenes of them spending time together and realizing how much they were alike. What neither expected was the attraction that flared between them. Their feelings for each other grow, but obstacles keep them from going all in. Celeste had been burned in an earlier relationship, and trusting again did not come easily. Ben has a pile of insecurities that make it difficult for him to believe he deserves to be happy.  It takes nearly losing her for Ben to let go of his fears and take a chance.
 
I loved Ben's daughter, Quinn. She hasn't spoken since the accident that killed her mother. Other than that, she is a happy, healthy little girl. Her relationship with her daddy is fantastic, and I loved watching Ben with her. Quinn and Celeste take to each other, and their scenes together are sweet. Some adorable parts with Quinn and her best friend, Celeste's nephew JJ, lead to an unexpected development later in the book. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was terrific.