Rescuing the Lady of Sedgeworth - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Nov 2024)

Series: Ladies of the Keep (Book 3)
 
Norman beauty Lady Genvieve is on her way to her cousin’s new holding Merewood Keep to take charge of his young daughter…
 
Her escort is attacked. Struggling to break free from her captors she is brutally beaten, suffers a blow to the throat, and knocked unconscious.
 
Returning to Merewood Keep, MacInness, vassal to Garrick of Merewood, sees a midnight-haired angel being brutally attacked. He rushes to rescue her, but an enemy arrow shoots his warhorse out from beneath him. Nothing will stop him from saving her; he continues on foot. She is unconscious, but he encourages her to hang on until they reach safety.
 
MacInness has no desire to marry…
 
They arrive at Merewood Keep, unaware of the changes that have taken place while he was away. When she wakens, she cannot speak. Waiting for her to recover he discovers a woman he can love, instead of the one he can never have—his overlord’s wife.
 
Genvieve de Chauret is drawn to the handsome Highlander who risked his life to save hers, and falls in love with him. Someone wants her dead, and when MacInness marries Genvieve, his life is now in danger. When MacInness is attacked, rumors abound that it is his wife who wants him dead. When Genvieve’s life is threatened, they will have to look into their hearts, and that of their keep’s people to find the traitor threatening their newfound happiness.
 
Good second chance love story. Winslow McInniss is Garrick's vassal, and thanks to his service to the king, he was awarded the estate of Sedgeworth. He has been too busy to do anything with it, but now that he's returned from Scotland, he must do so. On his way back to Merewood, he stumbles across a young woman under attack. He rescues her, but she is badly injured. He takes her to Merewood to be cared for. There is something about her that arouses his protective instincts.
 
Genvieve is Augustin's cousin and is on the way to Merewood to help care for his daughter when she is attacked. She fights as best she can but is badly injured before a stranger appears and saves her. She wakes up surrounded by strangers and unable to speak because of an injury to her throat. She is wary of those around her but trusts McInniss.  I ached for Genvieve. Her fear of her unknown circumstance and frustration at being unable to communicate was palpable. (Though she can read and write, why didn't she just write notes to people?)
 
McInniss and Genvieve initially resist the attraction between them. McInniss loves a woman who is married to someone else and has given up on love because of it. Genvieve had loved and lost and had no desire to risk further pain. Nonetheless, McInniss is determined to discover who is behind the attack on Genvieve and doesn't recognize that the need stems from his growing feelings for her. Being forced into marriage isn't what either wants.
 
Suspense builds as McInniss delves deeper into the attack on Genvieve. Matters become complicated when he, too, is attacked. The truth he uncovers shocks and appalls him. The resolution was heartbreaking in what it exposed. I liked seeing Genvieve and McInniss finally let go of their pasts and embrace the future. The epilogue was well done.
 
Another thing I enjoyed about this series was the presence of McInniss's "Irish Contingent." These men are O'Malleys and the ancestors of those in the Duke's Guard series. I'd like to know more about them. 

 
 

The Party Line - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Nov 2024)

Returning home to Ditto, Texas, is bittersweet for Lila Matthews. Her dear and feisty aunt Gracie has passed away, leaving Lila her estate. That includes a centuries-old house, a field of the freshest strawberries in Atascosa County, more money than Lila can count, and a secret Aunt Gracie took to her grave. All the angels in heaven won't be able to pry it out of her.
 
For more than eighty years, generations of folks in Ditto have whispered and gossiped about what the secret could be. When Lila inherits Aunt Gracie's legacy, ears perk up and tongues start wagging. As Lila reacquaints herself with locals, finds warmth in family—extended and otherwise—and cozies up to a handsome new neighbor, she begins collecting clues to the past. They're revealing an Aunt Gracie nobody knew—and a life of rebellion, broken hearts, and selfless love that affected more people than anyone realized.
 
Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila's secret to keep?
 
This was a sweet story of family and love, with lots of warmth and humor. I love the author's small-town stories, which are full of quirky and relatable characters.
 
Lila returned home to tiny Ditto, Texas when her Aunt Gracie died and left Lila her estate. It is up to Lila to make the more than one-hundred-year-old house her own. Bittersweet memories of growing up there make sorting through Aunt Gracie's effects an emotional experience, most notably going through the sympathy cards. There are rumors that Gracie had some big secret, but no one has discovered what it is.
 
Aunt Gracie's best friend and neighbor, Jasper, is a fun addition to the story. He is a feisty old gentleman with plenty of stories about the good old days. I loved how they comforted Lila and gave her insight into her beloved Aunt Gracie. Jasper was family to Lila, and watching the two together was often amusing, as was her insistence on a trip to the hospital when he was sick. Jasper was equally protective of Lila, and I laughed out loud when he dealt with the unwelcome visitors.
 
A newcomer to town, Connor recently left the military and works for his grandfather, Emmett. Emmett leases Lila's strawberry fields and is set to turn his businesses over to Connor. He's laid back and charming and shows a decided interest in Lila. I enjoyed seeing his kindness and support when she needed it and the twinkle of humor ever-present in his eyes. There are some sweet scenes of them together. My favorite is the picnic by the river. You can see them falling for each other; there's no drama, just a steadily growing attachment.
 
The book is mainly about Lila's journey through her grief over Aunt Gracie's death. Listening to Jasper's stories and those told by others helps Lila see her aunt as the strong woman she was. Little things lead to unexpected revelations and a desire to change her life. The scene where Lila cleans out Gracie's closet was fantastic, with the memories it stirred up.
 
The epilogue was terrific. I loved seeing them ten years down the road and seeing what their lives were like. 

 
 

Thrown to the Lyon - Jude Knight (Dragonblade - Oct 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 66)
 
When Dorcas Anderson saves Mrs. Dove-Lyon from being crushed by a passing dray it sets up a chain a series of events she could not have imagined. The grateful lady insists on presenting to her rescuer a tinder box containing three tokens. Each can be exchanged for a favor from The Black Widow of Whitehall herself.
 
She needs the first sooner than she expected, when her dead husband's twin, brother to a powerful duke, has her and her four-year-old son arrested for theft.
 
When Mrs. Dove-Lyon asks him to help rescue a wrongfully arrested widow, Ben, the Earl of Somerford, is glad to aid Mrs. Anderson, whom he knew and respected when he was with the army in the Peninsula.
 
Dorcas uses the second token to enlist Mrs. Dove-Lyon in catching Ben's attention, little knowing that Ben is already wondering if Dorcas is just the wife he needs.
 
Ben is too slow to declare his interest. Dorcas's brothers-in-law threaten, and Mrs. Dove-Lyon may have the answer: Another marriage, this time to a man powerful enough to stand against a possibly malevolent duke.
 
The plan is set. A game of cards will decide the groom. Can Dorcas use the third token to change the odds? Anything can happen when a lady is thrown to a Lyon.
 
Terrific story about Dorcas Anderson, a twice-widowed mother of a young son. She eloped with her first husband and followed him to the war, where her husband was killed just before her son was born. His commanding officer, who was also her husband's twin brother, refused to give her the money to return to England, leaving her no choice but to marry another soldier for protection. After he was also killed, she made her way back to London, where she takes in embroidery to make ends meet.
 
One day, Dorcas saves Mrs. Dove-Lyon from an accident and is rewarded with three tokens, each worth a favor from Mrs. Dove-Lyon. The timing was propitious, as she was shortly thereafter accused of theft by her former brother-in-law. Dorcas uses her first token to request help, and Mrs. Dove-Lyon sends Ben, the Earl of Somerfield, to get her out of jail and bring her to the Lyon's Den for protection. There are some lovely scenes of Dorcas and her son at the Lyon's Den. I especially enjoyed seeing Mrs. Dove-Lyon's "wolves" and the third-floor ladies become part of Dorcas's cheering section.
 
Ben knew Dorcas from when he was with the army. He remembers her as kind and honorable. He is happy to help and, in spending time with her, is reminded how much he admires her. I enjoyed seeing them together as Ben steps in to help her get the justice she deserves. They begin to develop feelings for each other, but Dorcas believes that she is not of sufficient class to hope for marriage. An invitation to the Lyon's Den masque opens her eyes to possibilities for the future. I loved this part. The description of the gown Dorcas designed and its effect on the men who attended the ball was very emotional.
 
Dorcas and Mrs. Dove-Lyon agree that her best plan to protect herself and her son is to marry again to a man of sufficient rank to stand up to her former in-laws. This is where Mrs. Dove-Lyon excels. Ben recognizes the depth of his feelings for Dorcas, but it is almost too late. I enjoyed seeing Mrs. Dove-Lyon make Ben work to earn the hand of the lady he loves. The ending was intense, but we know love will triumph.
 
There is trouble for Dorcas throughout the book as her husband's twin brother continues to make trouble for her. Dorcas doesn't know why he shows such enmity toward her. Ben's determination to ensure her safety soon uncovers the truth. Ben's protectiveness goes a little too far at one point, angering Dorcas and possibly opening her up to more trouble. Fortunately, he learns from his mistakes. I liked the twist during the ceremony and the resolution of Dorcas's troubles. 

 

Her K-9 Protector - Kimberly van Meter - (HRS #2226 - Apr 2023)

Series: Big Sky Justice (Book 2)
 
A K-9 hero answers the call
For one special assignment…
 
When Kenna Griffin returns to Montana with her son, she believes she's outrun her past. Having escaped her abusive ex-husband, the single mom is eager to make a fresh start. But nothing feels safe except the protection offered by K-9 officer Lucas Merritt and his fearless police dog. Because danger has followed Kenna to Cottonwood. Against all her instincts, she lets Lucas into her life…though that just might kill them both.
 
Good book about two people with painful pasts who have come to Cottonwood to rebuild their lives. Kenna is a single mother who moved back to her hometown to get away from her dangerously obsessive ex. She blames herself and her poor judgment for her situation and is too ashamed to confess to her sisters what she experienced.
 
Lucas is the town's new K-9 officer. He is looking for a new start after his brother's tragic death. He blames himself for not seeing how far Brock had fallen before it was too late.
 
Both Kenna and Lucas have put relationships on the "no go" list while they get their lives together. However, neither anticipated the sparks of attraction that flared between them. They try to ignore their feelings and avoid each other, but Fate conspires to throw them together. I liked the trust that slowly built between them as they got to know each other. Matters become complicated when a past relationship comes back to haunt Lucas. A little distance helped him put some things in perspective but also stirred up some unresolved feelings.
 
The suspense portion of the story was well done. Kenna kept her past secret from her sisters (bad idea). She wants to believe that her ex either can't find her or isn't interested in doing so. But when a feeling of being watched combines with some odd happenings, Kenna wonders if she is being paranoid. It isn't hard to reach the correct conclusion and expect a confrontation. The twist in the resolution surprised me, but I loved how it happened. Unfortunately, Lucas's reaction to some of Kenna's revelations disappointed me, and I ached for Kenna. I liked the butt-kicking he got that set him straight. The ending shows promise for the future, and I look forward to seeing them in later books.
 
The best secondary characters were Lucas's K-9 partner, Noble, and Kenna's ten-year-old son, Ty. Noble was a terrific partner for Lucas, on and off duty. I enjoyed his reactions when Lucas talked to him about personal issues. Noble also served as a great ice-breaker when Lucas worked with young people like Ty. The story opens with Lucas dealing with Ty, who is committing vandalism. Ty isn't handling the move well, and along with the trauma he experienced before the move, he acts out in destructive ways. I liked seeing his changes as Lucas became a bigger part of his life. 

 
 
 

How Not to Propose to a Duke - Louise Allen (HH #1791 - May 2024)

Series: A Season of Celebration (Book 1)
 
Miss Danby's daring proposition for the duke
 
First, wealthy ironmaster's daughter Jessica Danby needs a titled husband. So, upon learning that Alexander, the Duke of Malvern, needs a rich wife, she makes a convenient proposal… Next, her impetuous marriage offer is swiftly rejected by Alex, who wants to marry for love! Now Jessica accepts his help in finding another suitor. But as they spend the Season by each other's side, she realizes that their unlikely friendship is becoming something more thrilling!
 
This was a good role-reversal story. Usually, the man picks a bride using practical reasoning, while the woman wants to marry for love. In this book, Jessica is a wealthy ironmaster's daughter. He hopes to gain a titled son-in-law and provides Jessica with a hefty dowry. Unfortunately, this attracts the wrong kind of suitor. Jessica looks around her and decides the honorable Alexander, Duke of Malvern, would suit her well. He has a good reputation, and he needs the money. The opening scene is intriguing, as she proposes to him.
 
Alex is surprised by Jessica's proposal, and though her reasoning is sound, he wants what his friends have - a marriage of love. He's kind but adamant in his refusal, and she leaves disappointed. However, they frequently cross paths in social settings and soon form an unusual friendship. Alex still hopes that that bolt of lightning will hit, but he discovers that he can't keep his mind off Jessica. There's a terrific scene where he comes to the rescue in an awkward situation.
 
Eventually, Alex realizes he can't wait any longer - he needs the cash influx to restore the castle and take care of his tenants. So he proposes to Jessica, believing they will get along well enough. Jessica is a little wary, worried that he will find his "soul mate" after they are married. Immediately after the wedding, they leave for his castle. Only after they arrived did she find out about the fires that devastated the village, and she believed that was why he proposed. It is a misunderstanding that dents their trust in each other.
 
I liked how Jessica rolled up her sleeves and got to work helping handle the crisis. This enabled her and Alex to get to know each other and deepen their friendship. That friendship grows into more, but Alex is still fixated on the lightning bolt and doesn't recognize that he's fallen in love. Jessica, too, has fallen for her husband but hesitates to say anything.
 
When a young woman from Alex's past shows up, Jessica fears her worst nightmare has come true. After the conversation she overheard, I ached for her and understood her need to get away. Alex doesn't know what sent her running and is hurt and confused by her actions. I loved the ending, where a combination of good advice and honest communication gives them the marriage both wanted and neither thought they could have. 

 

Dreaming of a Lyon - Sandra Sookoo (Dragonblade - Oct 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 65)
 
When a Lyon is restless, Mrs. Dove-Lyon is on notice…
 
In search of excitement… Though Captain Simon Henry Huxley lost an eye in the naval war with America in 1812, it hasn't slowed him down the past six years. Since his contemporaries are falling into parson's mousetrap with alarming regularity -- manipulated by Mrs. Dove-Lyon no doubt -- and with yearning to return to the sea thrumming through his veins, London is a bit dull. But after a spontaneous visit to the infamous Lyon's Den gaming hell one winter night, his life will change in every conceivable way.
 
Dreaming of freedom… Lady Hattie Anne Russell, youngest daughter to the Earl of Stonewycke, has been intimate with scandal since the day she turned sixteen. She dislikes rules, labels, or the ton's boring dictates for proper ladies, and through it all she's been bedeviled by dreams of an adventurous lion. Frustrated, her mother turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help in marrying Hattie off before further disgrace follows; no stake is too high, and any Lyon will do, but Hattie won't be tamed, and neither will she submit to marriage without a fight.
 
A matchmaker's interference may provide both… After a hasty marriage of convenience, the newly wedded pair is forced to make the best of their reality. As the calendar marches toward spring, the two accidentally find common ground by bonding over the silliest of things. Secrets and dreams are shared, and emotions prompt surprising heat between them, yet an unexpected complication has the power to destroy what they're building. It will take daring heroics and exceptional mettle to prove they are worthy of a love -- and a life -- for the ages.
 
…which goes to prove, once again, the owner of the Lyon's Den is never wrong.
 
Mrs. Dove-Lyon succeeds again at matching two unlikely subjects for a happy marriage. Hattie has been a scandal magnet since she turned sixteen. Society's rules frustrate her, so she ignores them. Now twenty-nine, her parents are fed up with her antics and hire Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a husband who will take her off their hands. Hattie doesn't want to be married, but she's given no choice.
 
Simon is a retired Navy captain who lost an eye in the war with the Americans a few years earlier. He's stayed busy since then, including spending time with his friends. However, many of them have fallen prey to Mrs. Dove-Lyon's manipulations and are now married (albeit happily). He's somewhat envious of their happiness, but not enough to step into that trap himself - until the night he wins a drinking wager at the Lyon's Den. The next thing he knows, Mrs. Dove-Lyon threatens to reveal his secret unless he marries the scandal-ridden Hattie immediately.
 
I liked the development of Hattie and Simon's relationship. Honest communication from the get-go smoothed the way as they decided to make the best of their situation. Hattie is stubborn and impulsive but not stupid, and she quickly sees the benefits of her marriage. Simon understands her and doesn't try to push or control her. I liked watching them get to know each other and discovering that they like what they have together. And that's before they give in to the sparks of attraction that grow stronger by the day.
 
But there are some obstacles between them and the future they want, obstacles caused by the trust that is difficult to bestow. Simon keeps his professional singing career to himself because he wants to be appreciated for who he is, not his celebrity. Hattie knows he's keeping something from her and is hurt by the lack of trust.
 
Meanwhile, it takes a while for Hattie to confide in Simon about her propensity for prophetic dreams. She has been dreaming about lions, and some of those dreams terrify her. Complicating matters is a rejected suitor who refuses to give up his pursuit of Hattie. The resolution of that matter was very well done.

Festive Fling with the Surgeon - Karin Baine (HMED #1423 - Nov 2024)

Series: Christmas North and South (Book 1)
 
WRAPPED UP…IN EACH OTHER!
 
Transplant surgeon Tamsin is determined nobody will suffer the post-op complications her sister faced. She certainly doesn't have capacity for romance. So, succumbing to passion on a visit to Edinburgh with handsome pediatrician Max is a one-night indulgence… Max has his own reasons for being anti-commitment, but when he and Tamsin are thrown back together again temporarily, their snow-melting attraction leads to a whirlwind fling. Only, their feelings are deepening along with their desire. This festive season, will they be brave and embrace the gift in front of them?
 
This was an emotional story about two people whose pasts cause them to believe that romance and love are not in their futures. Their journey from fling to forever was filled with attraction and anxiety.
 
Tamsin is a transplant surgeon who chose her career because of the effects of her own transplant on her and her sister, Emily. The backstory is heartbreaking and leaves Tamsin blaming herself for what happened to Emily. While romance is not welcome, the occasional one-night stand is okay. So, when sparks fly between her and pediatric surgeon Max during a working trip to Edinburgh, she gives in. But the deep connection she feels freaks her out, and Tamsin quickly distances herself.
 
Max has his own reasons for avoiding commitment, but there is something about Tamsin he's unable to forget. When aftercare for her transplant patient brings her back to Edinburgh, Max wants to pick up where they left off. Tamsin is wary but sets her doubts aside when they agree to a short-term, no-strings fling.
 
I enjoyed watching Max and Tamsin's relationship develop. It's evident from the start that their connection is more than just physical, but neither wants to admit it. They soon spend just as much time outside the bedroom, enjoying being together. The scenes of ordinary activities of being a couple raise red flags in Tamsin, but she doesn't want to lose what they have. She knows she's getting in deep when Max introduces her to the children at the orphanage where he grew up.
 
I liked watching Max open up and reconsider his no-commitment stance. But Tamsin is still mired in her guilty feelings, which drives a wedge between them when he wants more. I ached for both as harsh words were exchanged. Can Tamsin take Max's advice and mend the rift with her family before it's too late? I loved the ending and the intervention that brought Max and Tamsin to their big moment.
 
The medical theme of this book is transplants and what happens before and after. I loved how Tamsin's past made her so passionate about her work. The transplant patient at the center of the story was a terrific way to explain the process without feeling like a med school lecture.