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.
Susan's 2024 Reading Blog
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Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 13, 2024
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.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Snowbound with a Baby - Melissa Senate (HSE #3009 - Oct 2023)
Series: Dawson Family Ranch (Book 12)
Snowy with a chance of love
Detective Reed Dawson should be looking for the mother
who abandoned her infant in his office. But a freak snowstorm has him stranded
and left to care for the baby with social worker Aimee Gallagher. Reed can see
that Aimee is a caring person and a natural mother. But despite their
ice-melting attraction, Reed's painful past prevents him from getting involved.
So why does he keep imagining their future as a family?
Good book about two people with painful pasts who come
together to care for an abandoned baby. Detective Reed Dawson arrived at work
one morning to find a newborn baby on his desk and a note begging him to care
for her "for a few days." Because of that note, Reed intends to care
for baby Summer himself despite the efforts of social worker and foster mother
Aimee Gallagher. When Reed joins Aimee at her home to discuss the matter, a
freak snowstorm snows them in together.
I enjoyed watching Aimee and Reed's relationship develop
as they cared for little Summer. Reed's ease with the baby impresses Aimee, but
she also senses some turmoil. His past marriage made him wary of getting close
to anyone, but Summer and Aimee didn't take long to sneak past his walls. Reed
fights against his growing feelings for Aimee to the point where he makes a
boneheaded decision near the end and almost loses her. He gets some good advice
from his cousin, but the real eye-opening comes from a conversation with a new
acquaintance.
Aimee also has a painful past, one that sent her on the
journey to become a foster mother. I ached for her and the betrayal she
suffered. She, too, doubts the likelihood of a successful relationship, but she
doesn't let that stop her from her dream of becoming a mother. Her excitement
at caring for Summer was evident, as was her disappointment at Reed's refusal
to give up on her care. I ached for her as she fell hard for Reed and realized he
would not return her feelings. I liked how she stayed true to her needs despite
Reed's idea and held out for love.
The scenes of Aimee and Reed caring for Summer were sweet
and realistic. I loved how Reed's experience showed Aimee the difference
between the classroom and real life.
Part of the book covered Reed's search for Summer's
mother. Her note implied she knew him, and I could feel Reed's determination to
figure out who she was. I enjoyed seeing her story unfold. The resolution of
her dilemma was terrific.
Monday, December 9, 2024
Undercover Cowboy Protector - Kacy Cross (HRS #2274 - Apr 2024)
Series: Secrets of Hidden Creek Ranch (Book 1)
A hidden treasure may save her ranch…
Or cost her her life.
Ex-SEAL Ace Madden is working undercover as a cowboy to
protect Sophia Lang, a new ranch owner who's in more trouble than she realizes.
But his attraction to Sophia is complicating his mission. When Sophia's
confronted by an intruder searching for a treasure map, she enlists Ace's help
to find the treasure before her mysterious attacker does. As danger draws them
close, Ace must resist his hunger for Sophia. Can he find a way to protect her
from the people trying to steal the fortune on her land? And can he save
himself from falling in love while they solve the mystery?
Good mix of romance and suspense, with a bit of history
mixed in with it. Sophia is a former advertising executive who gladly gave up
her job when she inherited her grandfather's ranch. She plans to turn it into a
dude ranch.
Ace is a former SEAL who started a security firm and was hired
by an unknown person to protect Sophia, with the condition that he doesn't
reveal his identity. Ace is undercover as a ranch hand and has a tough time. He
is intensely attracted to Sophia, which distracts him from his mission.
The trouble begins when she confronts a masked intruder
searching for a treasure map. Fortunately, Ace is nearby and saves her. Sophia
immediately recruits him to help her find the treasure before the intruder
does. Their search draws some unwelcome attention, including shots fired and runaway
heavy equipment. Their search has ups and downs, and there is an intense
confrontation at the end. While the immediate question of who was behind the
attacks was solved, there are unresolved questions that I expect will be
addressed in the following books.
I enjoyed watching the development of Sophia and Ace's
relationship. Their attraction is immediate, though neither is looking for a
relationship. Ace resists for two reasons: first, he is there for the job, and
getting involved would not be professional. Second, because of past actions,
Ace believes he does not deserve a woman like her. Sophia has trouble trusting
men but finds it easy to trust Ace. Their attraction continues to grow, no
matter how they try to resist. I was a little frustrated by Ace's tendency to
back away every time he gave in to the sparks. There are fireworks when Sophia
learns the truth about Ace's presence, and it takes some self-examination from
each to overcome the insecurities holding them back. I'm looking forward to
seeing more of them in subsequent books.
The secondary characters also have essential roles in the
story. Sophia's sister, Charli, originally wanted no part of Sophia's plans for
the ranch. She shows up near the end, expressing more interest in
participating. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the sisters and seeing the
dynamics of their relationship. There is a good part near the end where Charli
makes a vital contribution to the plans for the ranch.
Also arriving near the end are Ace's two partners, Heath
and Paxton. They, too, start as undercover ranch hands, backing up Ace as he
tries to keep Sophia and Charli safe. I laughed at how they gave Ace a hard
time about his distractedness around Sophia. I suspect both men will play roles
in the following books with Sophia's sisters, Charli and Veronica.
Or cost her her life.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Reunited with Her Off-Limits Surgeon - Amy Ruttan (HMED #1354 - Nov 2023)
One stolen night -- and ten years later…
Deaf audiologist Maeve hasn't seen Finn since their
stolen night ten years ago. Now he's her hospital's temporary ENT surgeon --
and sparks are still flying! Finn's only returned long enough to learn sign
language for his dream job. Maeve's always craved adventure, but has people who
depend on her. Unable to leave and protective of her emotions, she knows a
relationship with Finn is off-limits! But denying their attraction has never
been easy…
Good second chance romance. When they were growing up,
Finn and Maeve had crushes on each other. But Maeve was Finn's best friend's
little sister and off-limits to him. Neither knew how the other felt until the
night before Finn left for college when they gave in to their feelings. But
Finn couldn't wait to get out of Kansas, and once he was gone, he didn't return.
Ten years later, Finn returns to Wichita to settle his
parents' estate and learn American Sign Language to improve his chances of
getting the California-based job he wants. While doing so, he fills in as the
local hospital's ENT surgeon. He often wondered what had happened to Maeve and
is stunned to find her working in the same hospital.
Maeve is mostly deaf and had an over-protective mother.
Her best memories are the times she tagged along with her brother, Rolf, and
Finn. She works as an audiologist at the hospital and teaches ASL. She lives
with Rolf and his deaf son, helping to care for them.
During their ten years apart, Maeve and Finn never forgot
each other and never entered into relationships with other people. Finn has
been too busy with his career. He also has no plans to marry and have a family.
After being raised by indifferent parents, he fears that he would be like them
and refuses to inflict that pain on children of his own. Maeve is comfortable
with her life as it is, caring for her brother and nephew. She was affected by
how other people treated her as a child and keeps her emotions tightly
controlled.
The sparks between Maeve and Finn are intense, but he has
no intention of staying in Kansas, and Maeve has no plans to leave. They
attempt to bury their feelings and limit themselves to being friends only. But
the time they spend together brings them closer, and emotions bubble to the
surface. I ached for Finn, who realized he was lonely and wanted Maeve to stay
in his life. But he fears rejection, so he says nothing about his feelings. I
ached for Maeve, who longs for a change but won't desert the people who need
her. I liked seeing them work through their issues and find the courage to be
honest with each other. I loved the advice both received and the difference it
made. The epilogue was terrific, and I liked how their future worked out.
Maeve's nephew, RJ, was a sweetheart and stole the scenes
he was in. I especially enjoyed seeing his effect on Finn. A crisis at the end
involved him, and I was glued to the pages to see how it worked out.
I enjoyed the medical theme of hearing loss, its causes
and treatments, and its challenges. The information was integral to the story,
not just an info dump.
Friday, December 6, 2024
A Lyon in Waiting - Abigail Bridges (Dragonblade - Dec 2024)
Series: Lyon's Den (Book 68)
They are both hiding the darkest of secrets. But will
saving one be the destruction of the other?
Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, owner of the renowned Lyon’s Den,
knows how to match unmarriageable women with the perfect mate. But even she may
not be able to help a woman too determined to walk her own path, failures and
all.
After Lady Mary Caudale faced ruin and humiliation
because of a mistake, she knew her chances of a debut season had vanished. Then
her brother, the Duke of Kirkstone, and his new wife Beth came up with a daring
plan to salvage Mary’s future. But as the family returns to London, they
discover that Mary’s “secret” is not so secret, with the news working its way
through the ton. So Mary and her brother turn to the owner of the Lyon’s Den,
Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon herself, to find Mary a husband before her reputation is
destroyed beyond repair.
Enter Lord Thaddeus Ephraim Bolton, second son, Earl of
Crookham, a man with an unfortunate gambling habit who owes Mrs. Dove-Lyon a
great deal of money. But Thad, in the way of such gentlemen, has a number of
dark secrets of his own. Secrets that will screech into the light if he agrees
to the Lyon’s demand that he marry this odd but lovely woman from the north.
But as Mary and Thad risk giving each other a chance,
Thad realizes this secretive beauty may just be the very person he has been
waiting a lifetime to find.
Very good book. Both main characters are likable and
realistic, with believable faults and insecurities. Once again, Mrs. Dove-Lyon
arranges an excellent match.
Two years earlier, Lady Mary made a mistake that had
lasting consequences. Her brother, Kit, Duke of Kirkstone, and his wife Beth helped
cover up the scandal, but when Mary went to London for her Season, rumors
followed. Society shuns her, making it impossible for her to find a husband. With
Kit and Beth about to leave for India, Kit and Mary appeal to Mrs. Dove-Lyon
for help finding her a husband.
Thad is the younger son of the Earl of Crookham. As the "spare,"
he was mostly ignored by his family. He and his father disagreed on his future
plans, and the woman he loved married someone else. With no direction, Thad
spends his time gambling badly and accumulates more and more debt. Some he owes
to a shady character, and some to the Lyon's Den. When Mrs. Dove-Lyon offers to
pay his debts if he marries Mary, Thad agrees. He is instantly attracted to her
but also wary of the secrets that forced her to take this route.
I liked Mary and Thad and enjoyed following the
development of their relationship. I liked how Thad insisted that they take two
weeks to "court," giving them a chance to know each other and him a
chance to uncover her secrets. One of the things I liked best about Mary is
that she stands up for herself despite her family's attempts to mold her into
their version of "ladylike." Thad appreciates her fire. I loved his
surprise at her vocabulary and how her obvious intelligence made her more
appealing to him. I liked his protectiveness, also. There were a couple of terrific
scenes in which he faced down a particularly vicious gossiper in her defense. He
won my heart with his reaction to her secret.
Thad has a few secrets/issues himself. One was surprising,
considering his age and the era in which he lives, but it doesn't seem to have
been a problem in the end. However, he is badly injured when one of his
mistakes catches up with him. I hurt for him because of his family's reaction
and loved how Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Mary, and her family stepped in and made him feel
as though he was part of a family.
I loved that Mary and Thad were open and honest with each
other about their pasts, feeling that a genuine relationship must be based on
trust. I liked the epilogue and seeing how they are doing a few months later. I
have great hopes that Thad has finally found something better than gambling to occupy
his time.
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