Dangerous Allies - Renee Ryan (LIH #64 - Sept 2010)

Series: WWII (Book 1)
 
In Nazi Germany, British agent Jack Anderson risks his life working undercover as an SS officer. And his latest mission -- to uncover intelligence about a secret Nazi weapon -- is his most perilous yet. Especially since he'll have to work with Katarina Kerensky. The famous actress is too dangerous to trust -- and too beautiful to ignore.
 
Desperate to save her mother from the Gestapo, Katia reluctantly agrees to work with the coolly handsome Jack. But can she trust a man whose sense of honor is tangled in a web of lies? In a race against time, Jack and Katia forge an alliance to take down the enemy...and learn whether love can survive in a world gone wrong.
 
This was a fascinating book that sucked me in from the first page and kept me hooked to the end. World War Two is a rare setting for a category romance, making this book doubly appealing. Here, we have an American man and a Russian woman teaming up to acquire vital intelligence for the British.
 
Katia is the daughter of a murdered Russian prince. She and her mother fled to Germany years ago, and Katia grew up to become a celebrated actress. She puts those skills to work as a spy for the British to defeat the Nazis and protect her mother. Their secret Jewish heritage would mean their deaths if it were discovered. The story opens as she is about to meet her latest contact. Jack is deep undercover as an SS officer working directly for Himmler. The things he has done because of it have taken a toll on him, and he is deeply cynical about human nature.
 
The initial meeting between Katia and Jack is difficult. Neither trusts the other, yet they must work together to secure the information they seek. Matters become complicated when Katia's mother shows up with her Nazi naval officer fiancé, and Jack's suspicions are further aroused. However, time is short, and Jack and Katia must find a way to work together to accomplish their mission. It isn't easy. Katia is confident in her abilities and adamant in her need to be hands-on during their mission. Jack is accustomed to working primarily alone. Their power struggle was intriguing, and I enjoyed watching them work out the details.
 
Of course, things rarely go to plan during something like this. The twists and turns of this story kept me glued to the pages as Jack and Katia dealt with one issue after another. The complications felt realistic, and I enjoyed seeing them work through them. As the deadline drew nearer, the escalating tension kept me reading long past my bedtime as I had to know how it turned out. The conclusion was a nail-biter that had me truly worried for Katia's safety.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Jack and Katia's relationship. Though initially distrustful and antagonistic, there were also sparks of attraction and fascination. As much as they irritated each other, there was also a great deal of respect for each other's abilities. That respect quickly turned to caring despite obstacles to doing anything about it. The manner of the resolution was unexpected but made sense under the circumstances. I liked the author's note at the end, which replaced an epilogue.
 
As this was a Love Inspired novel, Katia and Jack's faith was also a large part of the story. Each of them believed that they had been abandoned by their god. Katia blamed him for her father's death. Jack believed that the terrible things he'd done put him beyond redemption. Opening their hearts to each other also opened their hearts to a renewal of faith.

Matzah Ball Blues - Jennifer Wilck (HSE #3042 - Apr 2024)

Series: Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah (Book 2)
 
Why is this night different from all other nights?
 
For starters, Jared Leiman is home for the holidays. Because though he and Caroline Weiss were high school sweethearts, their postcollege lives took them in different directions. Jared became a big-time entertainment lawyer in LA, while Caroline became a fitness instructor and stayed in town to care for her sick mother. And though her mother passed away three years ago, Caroline is finally free to go where she chooses. Meanwhile Jared, who inherited custody of his baby niece after a tragic accident, is suddenly a family man.
 
So now Caroline wants to leave her hometown in the dust, whereas Jared might just set up roots there. Because there is one thing that Browerville, New Jersey, offers the two of them that no other place does…each other!
 
Good second-chance romance. Jared and Caroline were high school sweethearts who were reunited when Jared returned to their small New Jersey town. Jared broke up with Caroline, leaving her behind to deal with her terminally ill mother, and never contacted her again. In the ten years since then, he has become a successful entertainment lawyer and recently became his niece's guardian. Caroline stayed home, cared for her mom, and did her best.
 
The story opens as Caroline celebrates booking her dream vacation. After paying off her mother's medical bills and being free of responsibilities, Caroline can't wait. The last thing she expected was to run into Jared. It is a shock and brings back bitter memories of how he left her behind and basically abandoned her. While Jared feels guilty about how he treated her back then, he's ready to pick up where they left off.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of Caroline and Jared's relationship. I liked that he had the guts to apologize for his earlier behavior, but he seemed to think that was all that was needed for everything to be fine and dandy. Jared's life is in a state of flux. He is grieving the death of his brother, adjusting to being a dad to his two-year-old niece and trying to figure out why his job isn't as satisfying as it used to be. Spending time with his family, away from the pressure of his career, gives him a new perspective, but he isn't sure what to do about it. There are some sweet scenes with Jared and Becca as he grows into his new role.
 
Caroline is wary of spending time with Jared. She doesn’t want to risk falling for him again and being hurt when he returns to California. She has also waited so long to be free of responsibilities that she can't see a way to fit Jared and Becca into her life. However, neither can they stay away from each other. I liked the support Jared gave Caroline for the fundraiser.
 
I got a little frustrated with both Jared and Caroline. They are clearly in love, but neither seems interested in finding a way to be together. Jared is determined to make Caroline see that he has changed from the inconsiderate jerk he used to be, but he spends a lot of time thinking about himself and how things affect him. Caroline can only focus on how different their lives are and that she doesn't want to lose the independence she's earned. It takes parting again for each to see what is important and how they can be stronger together.
 
There is also a bit of mystery in the story. Caroline's long-awaited raise and promotion are on hold because of a budget shortfall. She becomes suspicious when the numbers don't seem to add up. I liked her determination to uncover the truth and enjoyed watching her efforts. 

 

The Earl's Cinderella Countess - Amanda McCabe (HH #1786 - Apr 2024)

Series: Matchmakers of Bath (Book 1)
 
The one match
She doesn't want to make…
 
The Earl of Fleetwood was Eleanor St. Aubin's first love, but being a mere vicar's daughter held her back from admitting her feelings. Now she's a successful matchmaker, and the prospect of finding Frederick the wealthy wife he needs to settle his inherited debts is a nightmare come true! But returning from war, Frederick's facing nightmares of his own. Eleanor feels compelled to help him, but could she ever be his Cinderella countess?  
 
Good friends-to-lovers/second chance story. Eleanor and Fred were best friends years earlier, and he was her secret crush. She was the vicar's daughter, and he was the earl's youngest son. Then Eleanor's mother died, and she had to leave school to care for her father. Fred joined the army and went off to fight Napoleon, and they lost touch.
 
After her father died, Eleanor and her sister Mary moved to Bath to join their friend, Lady Henrietta. Together, they established a matchmaking agency and have enjoyed some modest success. Imagine Eleanor's shock when she ran into Fred in Bath. As the new Earl of a financially strapped estate, Fred must marry a rich wife, and Eleanor promises to find him one. To do so, she must bury her feelings for him.
 
As the younger son, Fred joined the army to make his way in the world. He had dreams of returning someday and marrying Eleanor, but between the stupid things he did as a young man and the things he witnessed during the war, he no longer feels worthy of her. He returned to England after the deaths of his father and brother, only to discover that the estate was in dire straits. He needs an infusion of cash; the best solution is to marry.
 
I ached for Fred and Eleanor. It is immediately evident that they still have feelings for each other but are caught in an impossible situation. Fred needs money, but Eleanor doesn't have what he needs. The more time they spend together, the stronger their feelings grow. There were some sweet scenes of them as they rekindled their friendship, but their inability to find a way to be together was frustrating. I had hope when Fred found a way to raise some of what he needed, and I wanted to shake Eleanor over her determined self-sacrifice of her happiness. I felt like she didn't trust Fred to know his own mind and heart. I loved the surprise solution that enabled Fred to finally convince Eleanor that they could be together.
 
There was a secondary romance in the book between Fred's stepmother and a man from her past. Anthony was terrific, and I loved watching him fall deeper under Penelope's spell. However, another case of potential self-sacrifice nearly ended things before Pen accepted that she, too, deserved to be happy.
 
I enjoyed seeing the matchmaking business in Bath rather than London. It is always nice to see the world outside of the nobility and experience the lives of more ordinary people. Another character was introduced near the end that I suspect will play a part in the next book. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. 

 

Hunted Hotshot Hero - Lisa Childs (HRS #2273 - Apr 2024)

Series: Hotshot Heroes (Book 10)
 
A killer's after the man
…he used to be
 
Who's more dangerous: The saboteur targeting Rory VanDam's hotshot team or Brittney Townsend, the hot reporter asking too many questions? Maybe the secrets Rory has had to keep since he survived a plane crash are more dangerous than both of them. When a killer pursues the guarded firefighter and relentless journalist, it's Rory's past that could cost them their lives. And his reluctant attraction to the newswoman could make him expose the shocking truth.
 
Fast-paced suspense with nearly nonstop action that kept me glued to the pages well past my bedtime. I could not put it down until I had finished reading it. This book has two targets. Rory, as a member of the hotshot team experiencing attacks by a saboteur, and Brittney, a reporter determined to unearth the truth behind the plane crash that only Rory and Ethan (Hotshot Hero in Disguise) survived. The book opens with Rory in a coma because of an attack at the firehouse, followed by Brittney receiving threats to stop her investigation.
 
Brittney is like a dog with a bone in that she refuses to back down. Despite the threats, she heads back to Northern Lakes to try to talk to Rory and Evan again. She is shot at and wrecks, ending up in the hospital just as Rory is being released. Instead of avoiding her like he intended, Rory is talked into watching over her until her brother arrives. That includes keeping her from haring off to investigate her crash. Rory has good reason to avoid Brittney. He has secrets that could get him killed if they come out. He also can't deny the unexpected and unwelcome need to protect her.
 
I loved watching Rory and Brittney team up. Initially, there is some distrust between them. Brittney knows Rory is hiding something big and won't give up until she uncovers it. Rory believes that Brittney would sell her soul for a story without regard for its consequences. As they worked together to identify the attacker, Brittney and Rory became closer and protective of each other. The attacks escalated in frequency and intensity, leading Rory to take desperate measures to keep them safe. Rory's confession was not what I expected and added to my respect for him. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. I could feel Rory and Brittney's fear for each other's safety as they faced their unexpected foe. I loved the ending and seeing them admit their feelings for each other.
 
The book begins and ends with scenes involving the saboteur targeting the hotshot team. It is now clearly a fellow member, but we must determine which one. The pool of possibilities is shrinking, and I can't wait to discover who it is and why they are doing it.

The Red River Slayer - Katie Mettner (HI #2209 - Apr 2024)

Series: Secure One (Book 3)
 
Confronting their pasts
 …to stop an infamous killer
 
When a fourth woman is found dead in a river, security expert Mack Holbock takes on the search for a cunning serial killer. A disabled vet, Mack is consumed by guilt that's left him with no room or desire for love. But while investigating and facing danger with Charlotte -- a traumatized victim of sex trafficking -- he must protect her and win her trust…without falling for her.
 
Terrific book that kept me hooked from start to finish. In the earlier books, the operatives at Secure One successfully stopped a trafficker and her subordinate, rescuing women who had been held captive. In both books, some women's bodies were found floating in rivers. The killer was dubbed "The Red River Slayer" and has remained unidentified for several years. This is Mack and Charlotte's story. Both were supporting characters in the earlier books.
 
Mack served in the military with the other team members and was injured in a mission that went wrong. His memories haunt him, and he feels guilty that he couldn't stop what happened. Charlotte escaped the clutches of The Miss, but her experience left her traumatized and wary of trusting anyone. Mack has been protective of Charlotte since the day she arrived at Secure One. I loved seeing him support her and work at building her confidence.
 
As the book opens, Secure One provides security for a senator's daughter's birthday celebration. When the body of a murdered woman washes up on the riverbank, Charlotte recognizes the woman as another of The Miss's captives. The team believes she is another victim of the Slayer, and there is a connection between the murder and the cases they worked on. They suspect that it is just a matter of time before there is another victim.
 
This action and suspense-filled story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Mack and Charlotte take the lead in the investigation with the backup of the rest of the team. Charlotte's artistic skills come in handy as they plot the killings and try to make sense of them. They get help from the senator's daughter, who brings a different perspective. There is also an unexpected arrival from Charlotte's past, which provides a link that sends her and Mack on a desperate journey. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a surprise revelation.
 
I enjoyed the development of Mack and Charlotte's relationship. Mack is such a tough guy on the outside, but his kindness and sensitivity toward Charlotte show a softer side to him. I loved watching him build up her confidence and show her the respect she deserves. The more time Mack spends with her, the harder he falls, but he is convinced he doesn't deserve anyone's love. I loved watching the changes in Charlotte as she healed. She has confidence in herself and her abilities. She is also very empathetic and sees past Mack's tough-guy façade to the hurting man inside. The picture she drew of him was heartbreaking and blew him away with her perceptiveness. Despite her self-assurance, she believes her past makes her unworthy of anyone. It takes nearly losing each other to realize they are exactly what each other needs.
 
One of the things I love about this series is the author's matter-of-fact treatment of her characters' physical challenges. They aren't made a big deal of; they are simply part of who the characters are. 

Highland Fling with Her Boss - Karin Baine (HR #4898 - Apr 2024)

A SWEET TEMPTATION! 
 
Running her own chocolate shop in a Highland castle is a dream come true for Bonnie. Working with her reluctant new boss, Ewen, is not… The brooding tycoon is infuriating and disarmingly attractive in equal measure, but fragile Bonnie can't chance her heart again. A fling, however, could be just what they both need… It's only supposed to be fun -- and temporary! Except now Bonnie begins to wonder if Ewen is the second chance she never saw coming…
 
Good book about two people who must overcome painful pasts before they are willing to risk their hearts again. After escaping an abusive relationship, Bonnie applied to open a chocolate shop at a Scottish castle. She formed a friendship with the Duke of Arbay as they corresponded about their plans for the shop and looked forward to her arrival at the castle. Imagine her dismay upon arriving and discovering that the duke has died and his son isn't interested in their plans.
 
Ewen Harris was estranged from his father and hasn't returned in many years. The last thing he wants is to be saddled with a castle with so many bad memories. Unfortunately, the terms of the will state that he can't sell the property for a year. His initial response to Bonnie's arrival was to send her on her way.
 
I liked seeing Bonnie have the confidence to stand up to Ewen and his reluctance to honor his father's deal with her. That got her foot in the door and a chance to make her dream come true. She has no idea that he intends his "trial period" to be the beginning and the end. I liked her confidence and enthusiasm as she got the shop up and running. Meanwhile, Ewen flounders as he tries to keep the castle business going. He is overwhelmed trying to handle the commitments already made. He never expected Bonnie to step up and walk him through the steps he needed to take.
 
I liked seeing Bonnie and Ewen become friends as they worked together. Underneath their growing friendship are sparks of attraction neither want to admit to. Bonnie is still recovering from her previous relationship and is wary of trusting any man. Ewen also has a failed relationship in his past that has affected his willingness to trust. But the more time they spend together, the closer they become and the stronger their attraction. Can they give in to that attraction without risking their hearts, or will they want more?
 
Just when I thought they might realize they belonged together, Ewen allowed his fears to push him away from Bonnie. Then Bonnie misunderstands something she sees, and instead of confronting Ewen about it, runs away. I wanted to shake them or lock them in a room until they figured things out. I liked the ending and seeing how both overcame the obstacles that kept them from moving forward. The epilogue was sweet. 

One Dangerous Night - Cathy Maxwell (HarperCollins - Apr 2024)

Series: Gambler's Daughters (Book 2)
 
Elise Lanscarr is furious -- her very own sister has married the man Elise had marked for herself. Feeling betrayed, she flees London, determined to return to the one place where everything was once as it should be: her family home in Ireland. But when her stagecoach crashes in a storm, she finds herself cast adrift in the wilds with no one to help but a rough-looking, albeit handsome, stranger -- one who has obviously never been informed of the “proper” rules of society.
 
Christopher Fitzhugh-Cox, the missing Duke of Winderton, has fled all responsibility, preferring the persona of the devil-may-care rake “Kit.” He proudly lives hand-to-mouth, rubbing shoulders with commoners and thieves alike. But while he values his freedom, he's never been one to leave a lady in trouble -- even one as opinionated, albeit intriguing, as Elise.
 
But this night of booming thunder and flashing lightning is just the beginning of an unexpected, often dangerous, adventure. And two disillusioned souls who have been caught up in their own webs of expectations and disappointments are about to learn that life always holds surprises, and gifts. And all it asks in return is that they risk everything for Love . . .
 
Good continuation of the series. At the end of A Kiss in the Moonlight, Dara has married Michael Brogan, the man Elise set her heart on. At the beginning of this book, the entire family lives together. Elise is jealous, hurt, and angry and feels that Dara is gloating over her happiness. She wants out of that situation, so she sneaks off without telling anyone, determined to return to her home in Ireland.
 
Elise takes some money and sets out in a mail coach for Liverpool in a fit of self-righteousness. However, the driver is drunk, and there is a terrible storm, so many of the passengers opt to wait for the next coach, leaving only Elise and a disreputable-looking stranger. It isn't long before a nearby lightning strike causes a horrific crash, leaving her with the stranger named Kit. Their only option is to go to the next coaching inn and catch the next mail coach. She disdains "Mr. Ruffian" but expects him to help her.
 
"Mr. Ruffian," aka Kit, is actually Christopher Fitzhugh-Cox, Duke of Winderton, who is also running away from home. A spoiled brat himself, he left home when the woman he loved married his uncle. Following in the footsteps of Shakespeare's Prince Hal, he has been wandering around the country for several months, living the life of "the common man."
 
I enjoyed this road trip story and its effects on Elise and Kit. At the time of the wreck, each is focused on their own inconvenience, but when they realize they are the only survivors, they team up. That isn't to say they immediately became friends. On the contrary, they are still focused on their own problems rather than what the other wants. But after a series of misfortunes, some of their creation, they begin to look at things differently. Distance from the issues that sent them running opens their eyes to the error of their ways.
 
I liked watching the relationship between Elise and Kit develop. Their interactions were initially antagonistic, but they soon realized they were more alike than expected. Elise is stubbornly independent and makes foolish decisions when her temper is up. Kit had his moments of foolishness, but he is a gentleman at heart, and an unwilling protectiveness kicks in. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them. There are some fun scenes as they battle each other, then slowly turn to liking and respecting. Each is surprised to realize that their feelings have turned to love.
 
A couple of twists leading up to the conclusion bring home the changes Kit and Elise have experienced during their adventures. I ached for Kit's pain and loved Elise's confidence that she would see him again. The ending was terrific, and Kit's big moment was perfectly done.
 
My favorite secondary character was Tamsyn, the dog. I loved how she adopted Kit and Elise and how they loved her immediately. She's there when she is needed, whether for comfort or protection.
 
I liked the ending and the lead-in to the next book. I suspected from the first book that Gwendolyn and Mr. Steele would be a couple, so I can't wait for this one.

Snowbound Reunion in Japan - Nina Milne (HR #4879 - Dec 2023)

Series: Christmas Pact (Book 3)
 
A reunion in a winter wonderland!
 
Workaholic lawyer Thea never expected to literally collide with childhood friend, tech billionaire Zayne, on the slopes in Japan. Memories of their teenage kiss sizzle to the surface, yet so does the heartache of their goodbye. They clearly have unfinished and unforgotten chemistry! But, with their futures going in different directions, can a snowbound Christmas bring them back together -- for good this time?
 
Good conclusion to the series. When the three Kendall sisters' parents suddenly decided to go on a cruise rather than do the family's traditional Christmas, they were shocked and dismayed. But they rallied to support their parents' dream and challenged each other to do something different for the holiday. Each one spent two weeks in a surprise location picked by her other two sisters. Thea was sent to Japan.
 
Thea is an unrepentant workaholic, determined to become a partner in her law firm. She has put everything else aside—from social life to ideas of a family of her own. She is convinced that she doesn't have the temperament to handle a family. Even though she is half a world away from her office, she continues to devote time to work rather than the fun and relaxation her sisters intended. Even her venture onto a higher-level ski slope is motivated by the desire to impress a possible client.
 
Imagine Thea's surprise when she literally collides with her childhood friend, Zayne, on the ski slope. They were practically inseparable as children, with Thea spending a lot of time escaping her stressful home life by hanging out with his family. When they were teenagers and experimented with a kiss, their ease with each other changed, and things were never quite the same. They haven't seen each other since they went off to different colleges. Now, Thea is a successful lawyer, and Zayne made a name for himself with his tech-savvy businesses.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Those early sparks of attraction are still there, and the intensity freaks out Thea. The last thing she wants is anything distracting her from her goals. Zayne is also surprised by the resurgence of those sparks and wants to spend some time with Thea. Neither is looking for a relationship, but resuming their friendship is a possibility. But can they ignore the sparks?
 
I liked watching Thea and Zayne get to know each other again. Zayne looks at Thea and sees the beautiful woman she has become but doesn't understand her belief that she is too selfish to have a family. He thinks that all she needs is a better work-life balance to see that she can have it all. He offers to help her have the fun her sisters expect her to experience, as well as help her prepare for her upcoming client meeting. Thea is wary but can't resist spending time with him. Zayne is at a crossroads in his life. He sold his business for bunches of money and doesn't know what he wants to do next. He asks Thea to help him figure out his next steps so he can spend more time with her.
 
I liked seeing them get to know each other as adults. There are some terrific scenes of them opening up to each other about their fears and other issues that have haunted them. I ached for Zayne and the guilt he felt over his father's death. I liked how Thea helped him look at things from a different perspective. Thea has a few rough moments when Zayne calls her out on her tunnel vision about having a family. An unexpected blizzard throws a monkey wrench into Thea's work plans, and she doesn't react well, putting her new rapport with Zayne at risk. It takes some self-examination for each of them to realize love is the most important thing.
 
I enjoyed the glimpses of Japan and the Japanese culture the author included in this book. The descriptions were so vivid I felt as though I was there. 

 

The Duke's Enforcer - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Mar 2024)

Series: Duke's Guard (Book 8)
 
“Ye’re under me protection now, lass. ‘Tis yers, whether ye accept it or not.”
 
Darby Garahan’s latest assignment, to uncover the source behind the threat to kill the duke’s brother-in-law, is complicated when the angel of the streets asks for his help. He must rescue a young woman who has been lured to London with the promise of employment—only to end up at a boarding house rumored to be a front for a brothel.
 
Aimee Anderson answers an advert for a position at a milliner’s shop in London, taking charge of her life after a lord compromised her on the way to Gretna Green a few years earlier, leaving her stranded at an inn.
 
The handsome-as-sin Irishman who rescues Aimee reminds her that the past does not have to define the future if she has the courage to make a change.
 
Rescuing her is just the beginning. He must convince her that she is not damaged goods in order to gain her trust and win her heart and her hand in marriage.
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to challenge The Duke’s Enforcer. Nothing short of dying will deter him from his duty to protect the duke and his family!
 
This was a terrific, fast-paced story. Darby Garahan is the youngest of the four brothers assigned to the Duke's Guard and the last one unattached. His current assignment is investigating the latest threat to one of the duke's family members. That task is interrupted when he is asked to rescue a young woman who ended up in a front for a brothel after being tricked by a bogus offer of employment. All she had wanted was to make a new start after a devastating betrayal, only to find herself in worse circumstances.
 
Like his brothers and cousins, Darby has a tough exterior and a heart of gold. He is strong, kind, and honorable. His anger at what happens to these women is palpable, and you can see the effort it takes to control himself. I loved how gentle he was as he took Aimee to Michaela, how determined he was to protect her, and how understanding of her fears. He never expected to be blindsided by his intense need to care for her.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Darby and Aimee develop. Darby doesn't take long to realize that Aimee is the woman for him, but he also knows it will take patience to overcome her fears. I loved his determination to show her he could be trusted with her heart and body. Aimee is wary at first but quickly realizes that she trusts Darby. Her problem is that her past prevents her from believing he would want her. Darby's patience and love pay off, but only after more trouble comes their way.
 
The story is action-packed as Darby assists Coventry and King in stopping those responsible for Aimee's trouble. There are twists and turns and some unexpected connections that keep Darby and the others on their toes. I always enjoy watching members of the Duke's Guard in action, and there are some terrific scenes of them doing what they do best. However, Darby doesn't come out unscathed, and I laughed out loud at seeing his efforts to avoid the treatment he needed. Seeing Aimee stand up to his attempts and keep him in line was especially fun. She puts her anger at what happened to her to good use in the final confrontation, showing that she is an excellent addition to the women of the Duke's Guard.
 
I liked seeing more of Emmett O'Malley in this book and found his interactions with Michaela intriguing. I suspect we will see more of this pair in the future. 

Hook, Lyon and Sinker - Jude Knight (Dragonblade - Mar 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 53)
 
When Laurel jilts her fiancé will it bring her scandal? Or everything she has ever wanted?
 
When Lady Laureline Barker asks Mrs. Dove Lyons to find her a husband, she does not expect one of her choices to be the man she admired years ago, when she was still a schoolgirl—the man who rescued her from drowning. He is also a war hero, famed for trading his own freedom and health for the safety of others.
 
Laurel is committed to a contest, with the winner taking her and her dowry. Can she back out? And will he still want her if she does?
 
Angelico Warrington doesn’t expect Laurel to remember him. Even if she does, why should she favor him over other suitors? She is the respected sister to an earl, with only one flaw on her reputation—she refused to marry a cad who had been putting off their wedding date for five years.
 
Angel is a musician in a gambling den, unable to walk without crutches, and with no place in the Society to which Laurel belongs.
 
This apparently ill-assorted couple are a perfect match, but history must repeat itself and secrets be revealed before they can win their happy ending.
 
Terrific book. I liked both Laurel and Angel. The story opens as Laurel overhears her fiancé of five years telling her brother he wants to postpone their wedding for the sixth time. He admits he doesn't want to marry her but needs her dowry. Furious, Laurel dumps him on the spot. She also discovers that if she isn't married by her twenty-fifth birthday (in three months), she will have no dowry at all. Rather than start the husband hunt all over, Laurel goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help making a suitable match. She collides with a man on the way to the office but doesn't recognize him at first.
 
Angelico Warrington first met Laurel eight years earlier when a ship they were on foundered off the coast of Portugal. Angel saved Laurel, her father, and many others. From there, he joined the army. Angel's backstory is heartbreaking, but he doesn't let it hold him down. He has never forgotten Laurel and recognizes her right away. When he learns of her reason for being there, he becomes one of the contestants for her hand.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Angel and Laurel. As they renew their acquaintance, Laurel realizes that Angel is the man she wants. He is brave and honorable and wants her for herself, not her dowry. The twists and turns of this story were entertaining and kept me turning the pages. I loved Laurel's independence and strength of will, as well as Angel's determination. Each had obstacles to overcome, but their feelings never wavered. The ending was fantastic, with intense suspense as Angel competed for the hand of the woman he loved.
 
The secondary characters were great. The rejected suitors were appropriately detestable and added obstacles to our couple's hope of a future together. There were appearances by other couples brought together by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, giving Laurel support in her quest. I liked Angel's newly discovered cousin, Bertram, and the unexpected part he plays in Angel's life. I loved Laurel's brother Benjamin. His support of Laurel was unexpected, and I enjoyed seeing him back her up. I look forward to his story and wish I didn't have to wait until October to read it!

The Accused - Jana DeLeon (HI #1441 - Aug 2013)

Series: Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance (Book 1)
 
After working as a cop in New Orleans, Carter Trahan is back in Mystere Parish, where his latest assignment seems like a joke: making sure Alaina LeBeau lives in her childhood home for two weeks to comply with her mother's will. But soon the sexy sheriff isn't laughing. Someone -- or something -- is stalking the beautiful defense lawyer, turning her once-grand mansion into a house of horrors.
 
But as he searches for the truth, Carter must face ghosts of his own past lurking in the bayou. Most troubling of all is his unprofessional attraction to the woman he's protecting, as Alaina's allure haunts him as no specter ever could….
 
Good book that kept me guessing to the end. Alaina is a lawyer who, along with her two sisters, has inherited a house in the tiny town of Calais, Louisiana. She and her sisters were separated and sent away by their stepfather after their mother died. The stepfather has recently died, and the terms of their mother's will state that each girl must live in the house for two weeks before they can inherit. Alaina had just been passed over for a promised promotion at work and decided to take those two weeks to reevaluate her future.
 
Carter is the sheriff of Calais and, as a favor to a family friend, agreed to supervise Alaina's adherence to the terms of the will. As a cop, the last thing he wants to do is babysit a big city defense lawyer. He's none too happy when his first glimpse of Alaina triggers an unwelcome attraction. But when strange things happen, he's determined to keep her safe.
 
The suspense of this story kept me hooked from start to finish. Strange sounds, evidence that someone has been in the house with her, topped off by a possible ghost, have Alaina and Carter on edge. Then, they learn that trouble may have followed her from Baton Rouge. This story had multiple twists, sometimes with more questions than answers, as they tried to identify the culprit. The building tension kept me glued to the pages with a surprising conclusion. Though the immediate mystery was solved, some unanswered questions remain for the following books in the series.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Alaina and Carter's relationship. Neither was looking for it, but the sparks between them were undeniable. Carter is a good guy who takes his job seriously. Despite the professional antipathy between cops and defense lawyers, he finds it easy to connect with Alaina. He is protective while still respecting her abilities and independence. Alaina is strong and independent, but she isn't stupid. I liked that she didn't take unnecessary risks. Carter and Alaina grew closer as they worked together to identify the threat, but initially, they weren't looking at a future together. But when the final confrontation was over, they realized they didn't want to be apart.
 
I'm curious now to read the other books and see how the series turns out.

Taking the Long Way Home - Christine Rimmer (HSE #3039 - Apr 2024)

Series: Bravo Family Ties: The Next Generation (Book 3)
 
Could one night with the rancher
Lead to a lifetime of love?
 
Piper Wallace's unexpected one-night fling with the sexy, much-younger rancher Jason Bravo is unforgettable -- and not just because of their mind-blowing chemistry! The widowed librarian is now pregnant with his child. Jason agrees to keep the relationship between himself and the woman he's secretly loved for years as strictly a co-parenting one. Still, when Piper locates her biological father through an online DNA site and plans a road trip to meet him, Jason insists on tagging along. Their connection burns hotter than ever. But can he convince Piper that unlike the unreliable men in her past, he's playing for keeps?
 
This was a terrific addition to the stories of the next generation of Bravos. After a rough day at the library, Piper looks forward to relaxing with some friends at the local bar. But when none of them are available, she takes the unusual step of going alone. She's a little uncomfortable in that situation and is ready to leave when she encounters Jason. She remembers him from when he came to the library in middle school and realizes he has grown into a handsome and sexy young man (emphasis on the young). I loved this scene. Piper feels slightly sorry for herself, and Jason's attention perks her right up. She's surprised at how easy it is to talk to him and shocked when she realizes he's flirting with her. She's even more stunned when she recognizes the sparks that are shooting between them. This leads them to a one-night fling that neither can forget.
 
Initially, these two seemed like such an unlikely couple, and not just because of the age difference. Jason wants a relationship like his parents and thinks he can have it with Piper. To him, age is just a number. On the other hand, Piper has no interest in a relationship with anyone. After two bad relationships, she is convinced she's happier on her own. Jason doesn't intend to give up on his mission to convince her otherwise.
 
The stakes go up when Piper discovers she's pregnant. She's not fazed by the prospect of being a single mother and is surprised by Jason's insistence on being involved. While Jason lobbies for a closer relationship, Piper works hard to shore up the walls around her heart. However, an unexpected road trip allows them to get to know each other better and Piper realizes they have something special. There are some sweet scenes as Jason's love and support begin to cause cracks in Piper's walls. However, Piper still has fears to overcome and panics as she realizes the depth of her feelings for Jason. I was glued to the pages as I stayed up far too late, waiting for Piper to let go of those fears. The ending was sweet and emotional; I hope to see more of them in future books.

The Perfect Witness - Katie Mettner (HI #2203 - Mar 2024)

Series: Secure One (Book 2)
 
She's the key to the whole case.
All he has to do is keep her alive to testify.
 
Protecting the key witness in a high-profile trial is security expert Cal Newfellow's top priority. But keeping Marlise alive becomes a test of courage and will when they're attacked and forced into hiding. Battered but not broken, Marlise also has a mission: to put a dangerous criminal behind bars forever. That means trusting a man battling his own demons. The man sworn to help her heal…and survive.
 
Terrific continuation of the Secure One series. This book picks up about eighteen months after Going Rogue in Red Rye County. The Madame and her husband are about to go on trial, and Marlise and Mina are the key witnesses. Because the Madame's second in command, the Miss, is still on the loose, Cal and Roman take extreme measures to keep the women safe. The story begins with a rush as they are attacked on the way to their court appearance. The intensity is off the charts as Cal and Marlise race to escape their determined pursuers.
 
With the trial on a two-week pause because of the attack, Marlise, Cal, and the others are determined to find the Miss and capture her. Marlise and Mina will never be safe unless they do. I was glued to the pages as the team from Secure One threw everything they had into their search. I could feel their frustration at the lack of usable information and their hope when Marlise confessed to having some evidence - if only she could retrieve it. That hope gets a boost with the arrival of another one of the women from Red Rye and the information she brings with her. The tension ramped up as they closed in on the Miss's identity and location, and desperation led to a risky plan. The final confrontation kept me glued to the pages as Marlise and Mina faced their worst nightmare. The ending was terrific, with an unexpected twist in the epilogue.
 
I loved watching the development of Cal and Marlise's relationship. Cal was protective of Marlise from the moment they rescued her, and that hasn't changed since then. He isn't just protective, though; he also encourages and supports her as she heals. Cal has feelings for her but refuses to acknowledge them. A past trauma has caused him to wall off his feelings, and he refuses to risk loving again. I loved seeing the changes in Marlise. In the time she has been at Secure One, she has become more confident. She's worked with Cal on self-protection and found a place cooking for the group. There are still hints of vulnerability, but being close to Cal gives her confidence. She loves him but is convinced that her past makes her wrong for him. I loved watching her stand up to his overprotectiveness and insist on being an active participant in capturing the Miss. The danger of the final confrontation finally breaks through the barriers keeping them apart. I loved Cal's big moment at the end. 

 

The Countess's Forgotten Marriage - Annie Burrowes (HH #1779 - Mar 2024)

Her memory has returned
And she's the Countess of Epping!
 
Mary has arrived home, after months away, following a traumatic encounter with a highwayman that wiped her memory. Back in her grand house, her aloof -- but distractingly handsome -- husband, Anthony, is wary, suspecting her of the worst! But how can she explain that she'd become brave and wily to survive? She'll need those skills if she's to win back her earl's trust, and if they're to resume as man and wife once more…
 
Good book. Anthony was a widower when he met Mary at a house party. She was the paid companion of an unpleasant old woman. They married quickly, but though she worshipped him, Mary never felt as though she belonged in his world. Meanwhile, thanks to the disaster of his previous marriage, Anthony kept himself back, reluctant to trust his feelings.
 
When Mary disappeared, Anthony believed the worst - that she had run away with another man - and wrote her off. In truth, Mary and the groom with her had been attacked by highwaymen. In the melee, Mary was injured and lost her memory. The story of what happened to her was heartbreaking, and her loss of memory was understandable. Three months later, after being taken in and cared for by a troupe of actors, Mary found herself back at her home with her memory returning. Anthony is shocked by her return and suspicious of her story. He is torn between throwing her out and taking her back.
 
I liked Mary very much. Because of her memory loss, her time away allowed her to develop skills and strength she'd never had before. No longer is she the meek, quiet, and biddable mouse she had been. She stands up to Anthony's suspicions and unwelcoming attitude. I ached for her and the hurt she felt when she discovered that he hadn't bothered to search for her when she disappeared. I enjoyed seeing her channel her "Perdita" identity as the countess.
 
I had a tough time liking Anthony. Though he began well by marrying Mary, who stirred unexpected feelings in him, his "I know best" treatment of her was too controlling. It was countered by him neglecting to help her fit in and oblivious to how others treated her. But I lost all respect for him when he didn't bother to look for her after she disappeared. Even after he had proof, his constant questioning of her story irritated me and hurt Mary. He redeemed himself somewhat at the end, and I liked seeing him finally admit his mistakes, but it will take work for him not to backslide. 

 

Killer in the Storm - Rachel Lee (HI #2181 - Dec 2023)

Series: Conard County (Book 73)
 
She's usually the protector
Will she accept his protection?
 
A whiteout blizzard leaves Deputy Artie Jackson no choice but to take Boyd Connor into her home. Maybe getting this stoic combat veteran to talk about his demons will distract her from her own. Their halting trust in each other takes on a new urgency when Artie starts getting threats against her life. As they search for her stalkers, will they find their way to each other?
 
Good book that kept my interest more for the characters than the suspense. Artie is a sheriff's deputy who, as the book opens, has just handled a brutal domestic violence call that has left her questioning her actions. On the way home, she spots a man walking along the road. With a significant blizzard bearing down on the county, she knows she can't leave him to the elements.
 
Boyd is former military, walking across the country to deal with his demons. Not only does he have PTSD, he is having problems with his ex-wife's refusal to allow him to see his daughter. He's not exactly enthusiastic about going with Artie but gives in to avoid trouble. With the motel full, Boyd accepts her offer to sleep on her sofa.
 
Artie is highly independent. It is just her and her dad, who is suffering from the beginnings of Alzheimer's. I know she was trying to deal with the trauma of her DV call, but I thought she was rude to Boyd. That independence continues, even when she begins receiving threatening phone calls. First, she blows them off as pranks, but when they escalate, she doesn't report them to the sheriff, believing she can handle them on her own.
 
Boyd has his own issues, but that doesn't keep him from being polite to her dad or behaving as a model guest. He senses Artie's turmoil and will listen if she wants to talk. The phone calls aroused his protective instincts, and he became invested in her safety.
 
I liked seeing their relationship develop. Artie begins to relax a little in Boyd's company and loses a little of her hard edges. I liked seeing them get to know each other and become comfortable with sharing their problems. Artie helped Boyd focus on his issues with his ex-wife and find a way to solve his problem. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them and weren't sure what would come of them. I liked how it turned out and look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
 
The suspense was good but could have been more intense. Artie receives threatening phone calls, and the reader sees their source. The two men behind them are not the sharpest tools in the shed, and their thought processes are not very logical. They have a friend who unsuccessfully attempts to talk sense into them. I could feel Artie and Boyd's tension about the calls and their worry about how the threats could impact others. I liked Boyd's protectiveness and determination in providing backup for Artie. The resolution was well done and amusing.

The Lyon's Paw - Jenna Jaxon (Dragonblade - Feb 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 54)
 
He's not the type of man to forgive -- but he'll never forget her.
 
Geoffrey, Lord Longford is between a rock and a hard place. His estates are about to be sold to keep the earldom afloat so without a huge infusion of cash, his life is about to change for the worse. When his best friend suggests Geoffrey marry an heiress, he's despondent but resigned. Despite his reservations, he seeks out Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon's Den to find a suitable young lady with a suitable fortune.
 
Diana Edgerton sacrificed years of her life taking care of her uncle until he died, but that sacrifice is about to be rewarded handsomely. His will leaves Diana the sole heir to a vast fortune, but with one horrifying stipulation -- she must be married in order to inherit it. Unfortunately, terrible rumors about Diana and her uncle have made her all but unmarriageable. In desperation, Diana's aunt suggests she visit The Lyon's Den and consult Mrs. Dove-Lyon to arrange a match to save her inheritance.
 
With two clients seemingly made for each other, a happy ending is all but assured.
 
Except Geoffrey and Diana have an unfortunate history -- one that makes their union almost an impossibility. With so much hanging in the balance, can the two of them overcome the fact they despise one another long enough to secure the possibility of a future together?
 
Good book. Diana spent years taking care of her uncle while her cousins ignored him. When he died, she became the sole heir to his estate - provided she was married. She has one week to acquire a husband willing to meet her conditions. That is a difficult task when her cousins have spread scurrilous rumors about her, so she visits Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help.
 
Geoffrey discovers that his estates are nearly bankrupt and will have to be sold to raise the money needed to pay the debts. His best friend suggests that he ask Mrs. Dove-Lyon to assist him in finding a bride with a suitable fortune.
 
When Mrs. Dove-Lyon brings Geoffrey and Diana together, they are horrified. An unfortunate incident a few months earlier made them enemies, and neither is interested in marrying the other. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and they eventually negotiate a truce that allows each of them to get what they need. Will they follow through with their intention to part ways as soon as possible, or can they find a way to put the past behind them for a future together?
 
I liked watching the relationship between Geoffrey and Diana develop. Before the mishap that drove them apart, they were quite taken with each other, but neither reacted well to what happened. Once they were married and spending time together, those feelings began to overcome their antipathy. I enjoyed the scenes where they stopped sniping at each other. When Diana is injured in a fall, Geoffrey's protectiveness is aroused, and she begins to see more of the man she admired when they first met. I liked seeing them realize they belonged together. The epilogue is excellent.
 
There is a bit of suspense regarding a man who has set his eyes on gaining Geoffrey's sister, Joanna, as his wife. Initially, I agreed with Geoffrey's determination to keep them apart, as Mr. Dandridge appears very unsuitable. But by the end of the book, I began to suspect that there is more to Mr. Dandridge than Geoffrey knows. I also thought that Geoffrey's comments were unnecessarily harsh. This thread was left hanging, leading me to believe that we will see more of him in a later book.

Going Rogue in Red Rye County - Katie Mettner (HI #2132 - Feb 2023)

Series: Secure One (Book 1)
 
She's on a mission
And dangerously off the grid…
 
After an undercover mission gone wrong, agent Mina August is on the run from the FBI and The Madame, a ruthless brothel owner. Her mantra: trust no one. But alone and permanently disabled, the cunning beauty must trust her ex-partner Roman Jacobs to take her side in a deadly cat-and-mouse game. Can she fight her true feelings for Roman to stay professional…and alive?
 
Terrific combination of suspense, action, and romance. Mina and Roman are long-time partner FBI agents assigned to go undercover to bring down The Madame, owner of a string of brothels. When the mission goes terribly wrong, Mina ends up on the run, alone and disabled, trusting no one.
 
I was hooked from the first page, as Mina, who has been on the run for a year, bugs out of her latest hideout, certain that she's been found. I could feel her pain, not just from her damaged foot but also from the belief that Roman had betrayed her. She has no idea that Roman has been searching for her for a year, intent on keeping her safe and proving that he wasn't the one who betrayed her. However, he blames himself for what happened to her.
 
This book kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Mina's escape doesn't quite go as planned, from Roman finding her to them being attacked by two of Madame's men. They were determined to do everything possible to identify and capture the Madame. Following their investigation's twists and turns kept me past my bedtime because I didn't want to put the book down. Mina's intensity was incredible, and Roman was there to support her every step of the way. They end up at Secure One with Roman's brother, Cal, giving them the resources and safety they desperately need. The intensity ramped up as they began to close in on their quarry. Then Roman's greatest fear - Mina disappeared. I was on the edge of my seat as he raced to find her before it was too late. The final confrontation had a twist I didn't see coming. The resolution was excellent, with just enough loose threads to plant the seed for the next book.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Roman and Mina. They've been partners for years, each fighting the feelings growing between them. I loved Roman's attempts to take care of her and provide comfort when she needed it. The nightmare scenes were heartbreaking but brought Mina and Roman closer together. It was fun to see Cal give Roman a hard time about not telling Mina how he felt. But it isn't until they nearly lose each other that they dare to confess their feelings. I loved the epilogue, and Roman's nervousness was sweet.

One Month to Tame the Surgeon - Carol Marinelli (HMED #1375 - Mar 2024)

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY…
 
Nurse Pippa Westford is shocked when charismatic surgeon -- and her secret teenage crush -- Luke Harris starts working at her hospital. The distraction he unknowingly provided back then helped Pippa survive the tragic loss of her sister, except now he doesn't even recognize her. Yet their chemistry ignites instantly, and is completely inescapable! But Luke is only in London for a month, unless Pippa can tame the man who's barricaded his emotions for so long…
 
Good book about two people whose pasts have caused them to put up walls around their hearts. The book opens with a prologue in which Pippa seeks peace from her family circumstances in the school library. Her older sister is dying of cystic fibrosis, and her parents spend all of their time and emotional energy on Julia, all but ignoring Pippa. She felt overlooked, unloved, and like an outsider, causing her to erect walls and depend only on herself. When she was sixteen, she had a brief respite from those feelings during a one-hour conversation with Luke Harris, the school's head boy. Handsome, charming, and the subject of many crushes, Luke listened to Pippa and shared some of his own trials, making a lasting impression on her.
 
Fourteen years later, Pippa works as a pediatric nurse and is stunned to find that Luke is the new temporary trauma surgeon. He is the subject of a lot of gossip surrounding his time at another London hospital where he is believed to have had an affair with a married nurse. Luke is drawn to Pippa from the moment he meets her. She seems familiar, but he can't figure out why. I ached for Pippa and how it made her feel overlooked again.
 
Luke has a reputation for having frequent, short-term affairs. Because of his father's infidelities, Luke doesn't believe that love lasts. At the same time, Pippa has never had a successful, long-term relationship. Unable to deny their attraction, Luke and Pippa agree to a month-long fling. Neither expects the closeness that grows between them as their walls slowly begin to crumble. I liked how Luke started understanding what makes Pippa tick and is there for her during tough times. He is also surprised to find himself telling her things he's never shared with anyone else. But can either of them let down their walls far enough to believe they have a chance together? Luke's big moment at the end was terrific.
 
One of the medical cases that Luke and Pippa are involved with goes a long way to helping Luke and Pippa see their lives from a different perspective. I ached for this family and what they went through. I also loved the example they set, especially for Pippa. She has a brief confrontation with her mother, but we never see anything come of it. I'm still pretty disgusted with Luke's father, too.