A Scandal at Stonecliffe - Candace Camp (HQN - Aug 2024)

Series: Stonecliffe (Book 3)
 
After the scandal of his broken engagement, Nathan Dunbridge accepted his fate as a bachelor -- so of course that's when the most ineligible woman of all turns up in disguise at a society event: Verity Cole, former spy and Stonecliffe's resident troublemaker… a woman Nathan finds equal parts alluring and irritating.
 
Living in London under an assumed name, Verity runs an investigation agency. So when a stranger shows up claiming to be the rightful Dunbridge heir, Nathan turns to Verity to help him uncover the truth. Verity agrees, always eager to unravel a mystery -- especially when it involves the handsome Nathan Dunbridge.
 
As Nathan's family secrets threaten everything he's known, he finds Verity is the only person he wants to confide in. But Verity has secrets too -- secrets that make it impossible to be with a proper gentleman like Nathan. And when an enemy from her past appears, will Nathan and Verity be able to hold on to their impossible love, or will they be torn apart?
 
Fun story. Nathan and Verity were secondary characters in the previous book, A Rogue at Stonecliffe. Nathan had the unenviable role of Annabeth's fiancé and lost out to that book's hero, Sloane. He spent several months traveling in Europe to get over his heartbreak. Nathan is a nice guy who gave up the woman he loved so she could marry the one she truly loved. Once he returns to London, he slowly gets accustomed to seeing Annabeth and Sloane. Life returns to normal until a man who claims to be his brother and the rightful heir confronts him. Nathan doesn't believe him but needs to be sure. He knows exactly who he needs to help him investigate.
 
Verity was previously Sloane's partner as they spied for the Crown during the war. After retiring, she set up a discreet private investigation firm that has become quite successful. She is content with her independence and living life on her own terms, even if she's a bit lonely at times. The secrets in Verity's past make her believe she has no chance of marriage.
 
Nathan and Verity knew each other in the previous book. They frequently butt heads, but under the antagonism are sparks of attraction. When Nathan encounters Verity at a Society function while she is working on a case, he unexpectedly finds himself helping her. I loved his internal conflict. He feels that what she is doing is dangerous and foolhardy, but he must also protect her. Matters between them become complicated when he asks for her help investigating the stranger's claim. Nathan won't sit back and let Verity investigate on her own, but he insists on being involved. I enjoyed watching them work together and how they balance her tendency to take chances with his resistance to taking risks. Their teamwork was very effective, and I loved seeing Nathan get into the spirit of the chase.
 
There is no shortage of action and dangerous situations to keep me invested in the mystery. Some things didn't make sense, leading to questions about who was really behind the claim. The twists and turns of this investigation kept me guessing to the end. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation as the intensity of the danger peaked. There was also a secondary mystery as Verity's past returned to haunt her. The resolution of that was not what I expected and brought unexpected happiness to Verity.
 
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Nathan and Verity as they went from antagonists to partners to friends to more. I liked seeing how Nathan's growing feelings for Verity took him by surprise, opening his eyes to the differences between his former feelings for Annabeth and his feelings for Verity. I liked his persistence in pursuing her once he realized the depth of his feelings. I ached for Verity because of her belief that there was no chance they could be together. I loved the emotional scene as he overcame her insecurities, opening up the opportunity for the future they wanted. The epilogue was terrific. 

Simon the Coldheart - Georgette Heyer (Fawcett - Jan 1962)

Series: Beauvallet (Book 1)
 
In the early 15th century, during the middle of the Hundred Years' War, England and France were fighting for sovereignty over France. It was a time of hand-to-hand combat, the invention of the longbow, and real knights in armor.
 
Simon was born in 1386, the illegitimate son of Geoffrey of Malvallet. After his mother's death in 1400, he and his half-brother, the legitimate son and heir of his father, became great friends of the Prince, fighting against France. Simon of Beauvallet is what he called himself. But as the tales of his chivalrous exploits spread throughout the realm -- even to the king's chambers -- the people who loved him would call him Simon the Lynx-Eyed... the Soft-Footed... even Simon the Lion. Indeed, Simon was all of these things. Valiant and strong, with a keen mind and fair visage, he had defied his ignoble birth to become a page, then a squire, and at last a lord of the land.
 
Friend of kings and princes, gentle and just with his people, and known for his silence Simon seemed to lack only one emotion -- the ability to love. In truth, not even the most lovely and charming ladies of his time could stir the sleeping passion within him. For this they called him Simon the Coldheart. Until he came upon Margaret, a French Lady. The Amazon. The Tigress. After the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, he was sent to besiege Belremy, where he met the heartless beauty whose courage and strength of will were more than a match for this knight in gilded armor. Margaret, who eventually surrendered to the English and became his bride. Although he had captured her kingdom, Simon would never capture her heart....
 
This is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer books, and I was long overdue for a reread. I love the blending of relatable characters and history. This reread of the book was especially enjoyable as I recently visited the Normandy region of France and recognized many of the place names - especially Bayeux.
 
Simon is the illegitimate son of Lord Malvallet. When he is fourteen, he wants more than a peasant's life and goes to his father's greatest rival, looking for a place in his household. The meeting between Simon and Fulk of Montlice is hilarious. Simon is cool and determined, while Fulk is a blustering bear of a man. Fulk sees something special in Simon, and within a few years, Simon goes from squire to knight to landowner. Simon is called coldhearted, but he is ruthlessly honest and absolutely unflappable in all circumstances. That coolheadedness brings him to the attention of King Henry and sets him on the path to success.
 
I loved following Simon's career and activities, from his training to battlefield experiences to his work taming his property. The story is rich with the details of his day-to-day life and the life-changing events. The one thing Simon lacks is any knowledge of love, for he has experienced none of it during his life. His two best friends are Alan of Montlice, his mentor's son, and Geoffrey Malvallet, his legitimate half-brother. I enjoyed the strong friendship among these three men who always had each other's backs in battle and life. Their interactions frequently show a different side of Simon than the warrior knight.
 
Simon's life takes an unexpected turn when he is ordered to take Belremy. Others have failed to best Margaret, Countess of Belremy, who holds the lands. But Simon has never failed to achieve his mission and isn't about to start now. Margot is equally determined to keep her lands. Their first encounter gave a good preview of what they could expect from each other. The sparks between them flew fast and furiously, but underneath the antagonism were sparks of another sort, though neither wanted to acknowledge the attraction. Margaret's stubborn refusal to give in causes her to do something that puts her and her friend Jeanne in grave danger, and it's up to Simon to save them. It was an eye-opening experience for both, and I loved its effect on them. The ending was terrific.
 
A secondary romance between Geoffrey and Jeanne is a delightful contrast to the fire between Simon and Margaret. It is through Geoffrey and Jeanne that we learn a little more about Simon and Margaret as they share stories about their friends. 

The Cottage on Pelican Bay - Brenda Jackson (HQN - Sept 2024)

Series: Catalina Cove (Book 7)
 
Sometimes one hot night simply isn't enough.
 
Two years ago, Zara Miller found herself heartbroken and stranded in a New Orleans hotel bar with a sexy stranger named "Saint." One thing led to another and to a night of unforgettable pleasure. Though contact info wasn't exchanged -- no strings attached -- Zara hasn't been able to stop thinking about him or that one scorching night ever since. Now she's returned to her hometown of Catalina Cove only to discover that her brother's new hire is Evans "Saint" Toussaint, the one-night man she can't forget.
 
Though Saint, like Zara, grew up in Catalina Cove, they'd never crossed paths. Now all of a sudden they can't seem to avoid each other. Despite an enduring attraction, Zara and Saint decide to keep their spicy secret in the past. Everybody knows everybody's business in Catalina Cove, and they don't need everybody knowing theirs -- especially since they've both been burned in the past.
 
But when their intense desire becomes impossible to ignore, they escape to Zara's secluded cottage on Pelican Bay, where they're free to explore whether their casual connection might actually be the lasting love they've both been missing.
 
From one night stand to forever. The story opens two years earlier than the main story. Zara is stranded in New Orleans while she waits for a storm to pass before traveling to Catalina Cove, nursing a broken heart and swearing off men. But the sparks between herself and a sexy stranger at the bar are too much to resist, and she and "Saint" spend a passionate night together.
 
Fast forward two years and Zara is back in Catalina Cove to visit her brother and some friends. She is stunned when she walks into a gathering of friends and sees the man she hasn't been able to forget. Saint is equally shocked to discover that Zara is his boss's younger sister. The chemistry between them is still off the charts, and they can't stay away from each other. Neither is interested in a relationship. Zara is not ready to risk her heart again, and Saint is still recovering from his own disappointing love life. They are content to hook up whenever Zara visits the Cove.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zara and Saint develop. It starts as purely physical and casual, as they agree that emotions will play no part in their encounters. But over several months, they find themselves enjoying time spent together outside of the bedroom. When Zara comes for a more extended stay in the Cove, she and Saint begin spending much more time together. It is easy to see that they develop feelings for each other but are wary of confessing them. Their avoidance of talking about the future frequently frustrated me. Matters became more complicated when Saint's ex showed up looking to rekindle their relationship. I liked those scenes between Zara and Mia and Saint and Mia. I liked the ending, seeing them face and share their fears and look to the future with open hearts.
 
There was also the beginning of a secondary romance between two of the older characters. I loved Levi's patient pursuit of Margie as she became accustomed to the idea of falling in love again after her husband's death. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books, as well as some of the other new arrivals in Catalina Cove. 

 
 

Pregnancy Surprise with the Greek Surgeon - Luana DaRosa (HMED #1414 - Sept 2024)

REUNITED…AND REVEALED AS HER BABY'S FATHER!
 
After Nikolas's intoxicating encounter with cardiologist Camila at a medical conference last month, bringing her to his cardiac institute in Athens is the best and worst decision the Greek surgeon could make. Professionally, her groundbreaking research could cure his patient. But as his colleague, she's now otherwise completely off-limits… The confirmed bachelor just never imagined that Cami would surprise him with the news that she's pregnant!
 
Good book. Niko and Cami met during a medical conference and were immediately attracted to one another. They spent one night together and went their separate ways. A few weeks later, Niko asks her to come to his cardiac institute to consult on a case. It is a difficult decision for Niko. He needs her help with his patient, but resisting his attraction to her is impossible, despite her now being a colleague. Matters become more complicated when she tells him she is pregnant with his child.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Their attraction is undeniable, but neither planned on anything more than that one night. With a baby on the way, they are permanently linked and must find a way to co-parent. However, both have major trust issues that keep them guarding their hearts. Niko's problems with his late father affect him personally and professionally. He has difficulty separating Cami's need for publicity for her work and his father's narcissistic craving for fame. Cami's father deserted them when she was a baby, leaving her mother bitter and passing her distrust of men onto Cami.
 
Niko and Cami give in to their attraction, but neither looks ahead to what will happen when her time in Greece ends. I wanted to shake them for avoiding such a critical discussion. Their feelings for each other grow past physical attraction, but their trust issues keep them from admitting those feelings. Misunderstandings brought on by their insecurities threaten to derail what could be a happy future. I liked seeing how straight talk from friends and family opened their eyes to their mistakes and finally allowed them to trust themselves and each other.
 
I enjoyed the medical aspects of the story. I always learn something new from these books, and this was no exception. The technical details were a bit more involved here than in others I've read, but they added to the intensity of the work Nico and Cami did together. 

Cinderella at the Duke's Ball - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1815 - Sept 2024)

An extraordinary dress
To change her ordinary life!
 
Cora has one Season to find a husband and save her family from poverty! So, when her modest dress order is accidentally replaced with an above-her-station gown, she grabs the opportunity to wear it. The Duke of Harlow's ball is ideal for meeting a perfectly nice gentleman. Until the duke himself asks her for the first dance! Their connection is undeniable, but she knows Declan must "marry well," and she doesn't reach the high echelons expected of his position. As the clock strikes midnight on their time together, will this Cinderella get her happy-ever-after…?
 
Enjoyable rags-to-riches story. Cora is the oldest of an impoverished vicar's five daughters. Her aunt takes her and her next sister, Elise, to London, giving them a Season to find husbands. Since her mother's death, Cora has become the family's caretaker, putting everyone else's needs before hers. So when a mix-up occurs over her dress order, Cora subdues her qualms and wears the beautiful dress to the Duke of Harlow's ball. She never expected to catch the eye of the Duke himself!
 
Declan is under pressure from his mother to marry. She carefully selected several young women for him to choose from, with the proper breeding to be suitable matches. But when he sees Cora, all thoughts of those women disappear. He bypassed them all to dance the first dance with Cora.
 
I enjoyed the development of Cora and Declan's relationship. Their connection is immediate and strong. But Cora doesn't talk about her family circumstances, knowing that her background is not what he needs. Matters become more complicated when he invites her to the house party his mother has arranged. Declan finds every opportunity to spend time with her, and it is obvious that he is falling hard for her. Cora's feelings match his, but she doesn't believe they have a chance to be together.
 
I liked Declan's determination to have the woman he loved. He does an excellent job of standing up to his mother. But when the truth comes out, he doesn't react well. As I expected, Cora's decision to wear the dresses came back to bite her, and she must face the consequences of her actions. Once Declan realizes his mistake, he must work to earn Cora's trust before convincing her that they belong together. The ending was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue was a chance to catch up with them a few years later. 

Falling for Her Forbidden Bodyguard - Hana Sheik (HR #4972 - Sept 2024)

RESISTING HER OFF-LIMITS PROTECTOR…
 
Independent and strong-willed Anisa is furious. Her estranged brother has hired a bodyguard to follow her all the way to Madagascar, supposedly to protect her from hidden enemies! But as their eyes lock, she can't deny it would be easy to fall for the gorgeous stranger. Clearly Nasser feels the same, yet he's grappling with guilt from a painful past. Anisa knows they mustn't give in to their forbidden attraction…only their connection is too powerful to ignore!
 
Good book in a beautiful setting. Anisa is a production assistant for a film company shooting a picture in Madagascar. She is stunned and angry when she arrives and discovers that her estranged brother has hired a bodyguard without her permission. But no matter how vocal her objections are, nothing dissuades him from sticking close. Anisa would find it much easier to ignore him if he wasn't so good-looking.
 
Nesser agreed to guard Anisa in exchange for her brother's help on a private matter, but nothing would keep him from carrying out his plans. Anisa's stubborn resistance is both frustrating and amusing. However, the job would be much easier if he wasn't so attracted to her.
 
The sparks flew between Anisa and Nasser from the moment they met. The first few days were rough as Anisa made her displeasure known and tried hard to ditch Nesser whenever possible. Her frustration was evident as he foiled her at every turn. I liked that Anisa realized she was being unreasonable and changed her attitude. I liked seeing her and Nasser get to know each other. As they did, the attraction between them grew. But guilt from a devastating event in his past keeps him from giving in to his feelings.
 
A twist involving Anisa's brother adds new tension to their relationship. Nesser's need for revenge drives a wedge between them. I ached for what he went through in the past, its effect on his life, and what it was doing to his relationship with Anisa. I liked the ending and seeing that Anisa's words and care brought him unexpected peace. The epilogue was good, but left me wondering about Anisa's brother. I'd like to see a story about him.
 
I enjoyed the parts about Anisa and her history. I ached for her and the pain she felt over her relationship with her brother, Ara. There was some stubbornness on both sides that added to the strain. Seeing them mend that relationship with honesty and love was a lovely secondary storyline.

Wyoming Ranch Justice - Juno Rushdan (HI #2239 - Sept 2024)

Series: Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor (Book 2)
 
In these parts
He's the law
 
The cowboy code is Matt Granger's trademark as a rancher and law enforcement officer, protective instincts inherent to a man like Matt. So when a serial killer targets students in his small Wyoming town, he's prepared to do what has to be done to deliver justice. What has him confounded, though, is undercover detective Hannah Delaney, a complex woman and excellent investigator he's known for years. Hannah's fearless, a force to be reckoned with and at odds with Matt. Despite professional differences and lingering attraction, they'll have to find a way to combine forces to catch a killer.
 
Wow. This was a fast-paced, spine-tingling hunt for a serial killer with a touch of romance. This book had such a grip on me that I read it in one sitting.
 
Hannah is a detective with the local police department. A serial killer who has plagued the university for more than a decade is active again. Hannah is undercover on the campus, posing as a student to draw the killer out. As the book opens, she witnesses the killer's attempt to abduct his latest victim and intervenes. The killer gets away, leaving Hannah frustrated and dealing with campus security chief Matt.
 
Matt is a former special ops soldier who went into law enforcement after leaving the military. He worked for the police department for a while but left for the university job after his partner was killed. He is determined to stop the killer and isn't happy with Hannah taking so many risks.
 
Matt and Hannah worked together in the first book of the series and butted heads over their differing methods. That antagonism continues here, as Matt considers Hannah reckless and far too ready to take unnecessary risks. However, the best way to stop the killer is to combine forces and so they agree to work together. It takes some serious effort to overcome their differences, but they make a terrific team once they do. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them. I liked seeing them get to know each other as they worked together and developed a mutual trust they didn't share with anyone else. Both have past experiences that have made them who they are, and opening up about those experiences brings them closer still. But before they can explore their growing feelings, they must catch the killer who has Hannah in his crosshairs.
 
The suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. It opens with a prologue from the killer's point of view, giving an immediate glimpse of what is to come. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end. Is it a faculty member? One of the law enforcement officers? Or someone unrelated to the university? The tension ramped up as it became apparent that the killer had chosen Hannah as his next victim. His actions are chilling as he finds ways to torment her as he closes in. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Hannah risked herself to save another. I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. 

 

Road Trip Rivalry - Mona Shroff (HSE #3058 - Sept 2024)

The road to romance begins with…one wrong turn.
 
Researcher Poorvi Gupta is desperate to reach her medical conference in Dublin on time to secure grant funding with her presentation. But when her flight is diverted due to bad weather, Poorvi agrees to share a rental car with a fellow passenger -- a man as hot as Madras curry…and just as vexing.
 
Ophthalmologist Kavan Shashane is traveling to Dublin to head off a researcher whose study puts his family's practice at risk. Until then, he's content to ride with the enigmatic woman he met on the plane. Soon, sparks are flying like Holi colors! Their attraction is real, but will they still have eyes for each other when they discover the truth?
 
Fun book with an interesting twist on the enemies-to-lovers theme, in that Poorvi and Kavan don't know they are enemies until near the end of the book.
 
Poorvi is a medical researcher on her way to present a paper at a conference in Dublin. She is under much pressure from her boss - the man who got a promotion instead of her because of unfounded rumors about her. She is determined to do well despite those trying to undermine her.
 
Kavan is an ophthalmologist whose family practice relies heavily on the procedure Poorvi's presentation refers to. His brother sent him to intercept the researcher and talk them into backing off. Kavan feels indebted to his brother, so he gives in to his request even though he disagrees.
 
Poorvi and Kavan first encounter each other before their flight to Dublin during a conflict over a power outlet. Sparks fly, and they aren't all sparks of anger, though neither wants to acknowledge the attraction. They put their differences aside - mostly - to help an older woman who doesn't speak English. When bad weather diverts their flight from Dublin to Cork, they are thrown together again to share a rental car. Complicating matters, they agree to help the older woman, whom they call "Ba" (grandmother), get to her family in Dublin.
 
Ba is a piece of work. She clearly sees the sparks between Poorvi and Kavan and sets about making sure they spend enough time together to see it themselves. I liked how she incorporated seeing the sights of Ireland by appealing to their sympathies over the loss of her husband. She is a feisty granny, and I laughed out loud at her blatant attempts to push them together. She has no trouble calling them out when she thinks they need a kick in the pants. I loved her part of bringing them together.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Poorvi and Kavan. Poorvi is very independent and doesn't accept help easily. Kavan is a nice guy whose attempts to be a gentleman Poorvi frequently rejects. Poorvi loosens up a little as they spend time together, and they discover that they enjoy their interactions. Their feelings for each other grow quickly, but they are hesitant to say anything, resulting in misunderstandings. When their identities are exposed, each feels betrayed. It takes a determined Ba to break through the hurt and bring them back together in a fun and heartwarming reunion. 

Stranded with the Island Doctor - Annie Claydon (HMED #1264 - Aug 2022)

A storm is raging…
…between them!
 
With her daughter now grown up and married, dedicated doctor Mel is finally taking some me time. Until a tropical storm interrupts her much-needed Maldives break. She doesn't hesitate to help. But working alongside the only other doctor on the island -- insufferable yet handsome widower Rafe -- isn't without its challenges. Especially when the tension between them turns into chemistry. Neither expected a second chance, but will that stop Mel from taking a leap of faith?
 
Good book with atypically older characters. I liked seeing older characters get their happy-ever-afters. Mel is a doctor who has dedicated her life to her daughter and work. Now that her daughter is grown up and married, Mel feels comfortable taking the long vacation that was a gift from that daughter and is looking forward to three weeks in the Maldives. The last thing she expected was a tropical storm to hit the island. She partners with another doctor to help the victims of the storm. Rafe is a widower with a grown son who is also a doctor. Rafe works out of a hospital on a nearby island and provides care to other islands.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Mel and Rafe. Their first encounter was a bit rough, with Rafe recruiting Mel to help with a pregnant resident. He was brusque and short on details, which rubbed Mel the wrong way. She didn't realize that his attitude covered up an instant attraction that disturbed him. Mel was equally disturbed by the distraction Rafe created in her. I liked seeing them work together and appreciated how they melded their differing action styles.
 
Like Mel, Rafe devoted his life to work and raising his son after his wife died. He felt he'd had his one true love and ignored any stirrings of feelings for other women. But the feelings Mel arouses in him are more potent than anything he's felt before, and they scare him. Meanwhile, Mel feels the same stirrings but reacts differently. She experiences high levels of anxiety when she feels out of control, and between the oncoming storm and her reaction to Rafe, she's on edge.
 
I enjoyed seeing them grow closer as they worked together. They made a terrific team and, at the same time, developed great respect for each other. The attraction between them continued to grow until they could no longer resist. Their connection continued to grow, as did their feelings for each other. But fears and insecurities came between them when they contemplated a future together. Each had to face and overcome their issues before they could have that future. The ending was a good example of communication and compromise. 

Last Mission - Lisa Childs (HRS #2292 - Sept 2024)

Series: Hotshot Heroes (Book 12)
 
Even the best-laid plans
can go up in flames…
 
Mack McRooney is retired from military special ops, but there's one final mission he has to take on -- catch the saboteur targeting his brother-in-law's firefighting team…even if that means becoming a firefighter himself. Partnering with state trooper Wynona Wells, however, was not part of the plan. Mack and Wynona are fighting their fiery attraction to one another and a deadly saboteur. And if they lose this fight, they might just also lose their lives…
 
Fantastic conclusion to the series. Throughout the series, the hotshot team has been plagued by a saboteur who has caused many dangerous "accidents." Though the field of suspects has diminished, team leader Braden Zimmer is frustrated by the inability to identify them. As a last resort, he asks his brother-in-law Mack to join the team and investigate.
 
Mack recently retired from a career in military special ops. While deciding what to do with the rest of his life, he trains as a hotshot and takes a place in the team. Mack is suspicious of everyone, including local state trooper Wynona. He feels she is hiding something. Wynona is equally distrustful of Mack. He isn't law enforcement and has no business interfering with her investigation.
 
With their mutual distrust, neither is happy about the sparks of attraction that affect them. They fight against them, but ultimately, their feelings are too strong to resist. However, each has baggage from their past, making it difficult to open their hearts. I enjoyed seeing them get past each other's walls and take a chance at love.
 
The suspense of the story was terrific. Mack has a target on his back from his first day as a hotshot. Only his quick reflexes saved him from being crushed by a falling tree. Wynona also finds herself in the crosshairs when someone shoots at her and Mack. There are scenes from the saboteur's point of view where we see his frustration at Mack and Wynona's ability to escape his attacks. There are also hints of his motivation. The attacks intensify as they begin to close in on his identity. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
The epilogue was an excellent wrap-up for the books and series. I liked catching up with the couples from earlier books. 

In Service to a Lyon - E.L. Johnson (Dragonblade - Aug 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 62)
 
A lowly servant who may be French nobility. A scarred English lieutenant who hates all French. Can these two find love in the Lyon's Den?
 
Marie Cadough is a French servant who's learned to hide who she is. Sent to England as a child to flee the French Revolution, she and her uncle escaped suspicion by working as servants in a London household. But when she is dismissed at the hands of an unreasonable mistress, her uncle finds them new positions in the household of Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitehall.
 
Lieutenant Samuel Gage is scarred by war. Having lost his closest friend to a duel and seen hearts broken by heartless Frenchwomen, he has developed an irrational dislike of all things French. But when he suffers painful memories from loud music at the Lyon's Den, a kind servant takes pity on him. He never expected her to be French.
 
Marie wants to do well at her new employer's, so when Mrs. Dove-Lyon asks her to pose as a lady and act as a French-speaking companion to a visiting Frenchwoman, Marie agrees. She never expected to fall for an Englishman in the process.
 
But not all is well. The other servants are jealous of Marie's rise to success, and Marie's new friends are keen to discover her origins. A mutual attraction begins to simmer between Samuel and Marie, but their different backgrounds and the stiff social hierarchy of Regency London pose formidable barriers to their blossoming love.
 
He is the third son of a baronet—she is a maidservant in a gambling den. Their worlds could not be more different. But as their desire increases, so does the danger, for scheming servants and Marie's old employers may ruin all their hopes and dreams for the future.
 
Will Marie and Samuel find love or remain worlds apart?
 
Good book. It opens with a prologue that tells of how Marie came to leave France for England as a small child, then moves on to the current day. She and her "uncle" work as servants for a London family. Unfortunately, the lady of the house is not nice and fires Marie. Her uncle finds them new positions working for Mrs. Dove-Lyon at the Lyon's Den.
 
Marie, who has a flair for cooking, gets off on the wrong foot with the other servants when she comments on the soup. Their jealousy increases when Mrs. Dove-Lyon asks Marie to pose as a lady to keep a French-speaking visitor company.
 
Marie also aids a soldier who suffers from a flashback while at the Lyon's Den. Samuel was badly injured during the war, and combined with other unhappy experiences, he dislikes anything French. He doesn't realize she is French and is drawn to her kindness. He returns to Lyon's Den, looking for her several times, not knowing she is a servant.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Marie and Samuel develop. He meets her again while she plays her companion role, and he continues to be fascinated by her. I loved seeing them together. Samuel is kind, honorable, and smitten with Marie. Marie is equally smitten with him but knows that anything between them is impossible because of their class differences. However, Samuel is persistent and hopes for the outcome he wants.
 
Life isn't easy for Marie. While she enjoys her time spent with Mrs. Martin, she is continually harassed by some of her fellow servants. Items go missing and Marie is blamed, putting her job in jeopardy. She enjoys Mrs. Martin's friendship but fears what might happen when she reveals her servant status. The ups and downs of the last third of the book kept me turning the pages to the end. I loved the twist at the end.
 
I enjoy the variety of characters in the Lyon's Den series. It is a welcome change to read about ordinary people whose lives are touched by Mrs. Dove-Lyon and not just the members of the nobility. 

 

Mile High Mystery - Cindi Myers (HI #2236 - Sept 2024)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Criminal History (Book 1)
 
His secret could get him killed…
Unless she can protect him.
 
Search and rescue volunteer Zach Gregory thought his sister had been killed years ago after testifying against notorious killers. But when she's found murdered, FBI agent Shelby Dryden reveals Camille was actually in the WITSEC program. Shelby is convinced Zach is hiding something that's made him a target. As threats against him escalate, Shelby must control her smoldering attraction to Zach while protecting his life.
 
Exciting start to the new series. The story is told with a mix of current action and flashbacks to flesh out the history of the unfolding events. I started reading and couldn't put it down until I finished.
 
Zach is a relative newcomer to Eagle Mountain. Four years earlier, his sister was murdered, and his grief caused him to lose focus for a while. Since arriving in town, he has had a steady job with the mining company and volunteers with the Search and Rescue group. As the book opens, he and the others are on a call to evacuate some campers caught in a flood. When they find the body of a dead woman, Zach is stunned to discover it is the sister he thought was dead.
 
Shelby is an FBI agent who was one of Camille's contacts. Camille was in WITSEC after she witnessed a murder, but it wasn't enough to convict the perps. Camille disappeared from her new life, and Shelby was looking for her. Shelby believes Camille was looking for Zach to warn him about something, but she doesn't know what.
 
The suspense of the story kept me glued to the pages. Zach doesn't believe he is in danger, while Shelby is sure he knows something that puts a target on his back. I liked the persistence she showed in getting him to open up. The twists of their investigation kept me wondering who was behind it. The final confrontation took me by surprise and wasn't what I expected.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Zach and Shelby. The sparks were there from the start, but Zach's grief and anger over Camille's death overrode them initially. The more time they spent together, the more they connected. I loved seeing them together and how Shelby helped Zach through his grief. There are some obstacles, including Shelby's job, but the biggest one comes at the end. That was a twist I didn't see coming. 

 
 
 

Liberating the Lady of Loughmoe - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Aug 2024)

Series: Ladies of the Keep (Book 1)
 
A marriage arranged for freedom…
Saxon beauty Lady Jillian and her mother lost everything when her father fell at Hastings beneath a Norman blade. Forced into a life of servitude, she accepts her life until her mother dies. Without the worry of protecting her mother, she looks for a way to change her circumstances and no longer live as a slave to the lady of the keep. When renowned warrior Garrick of Merewood's brother is imprisoned at the keep, Jillian hatches a bold plan to offer marriage in exchange for helping to free his brother. Marriage to him will set her free while his strength and prowess will help her reclaim her birthright—Loughmoe Keep. She never expects to fall in love.
 
A dowry not of gold, but honor…
Garrick needs no help freeing his brother, and he refuses the bold beauty's plan. But treachery abounds, and to save his brother's life, he must swallow his pride and seek Jillian's assistance. After they wed he learns that Loughmoe Keep is no longer hers. Rumors of her duplicity threaten to tear them apart, while sinister forces are at work threatening to destroy them. Jillian and Garrick's mother are captured, and a ransom is demanded.
 
Garrick of Merewood's people need the coin to survive another winter; he cannot pay the ransom. He must devise a plan to rout the baron responsible for the kidnapping and ransom. He needs to rescue them to free his mother and the woman he fell in love with, before the greedy baron steals Loughmoe and Merewood Keep.
 
Good beginning to the new series. The story drew me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Jillian and her mother lost their home when her father was killed at Hastings. They took refuge with a neighbor who treated them as servants instead of the ladies they were. After her mother's death, Jillian looks for a way to escape the servitude and abuse she experiences. That chance comes when the baron captures the younger brother of a local warrior. Gillian offers to help Garrick rescue his brother in exchange for marriage and possibly reclaiming her heritage.
 
Garrick inherited his family's keep but doesn't have the funds to care for it and his people. He believes he doesn't need help to rescue his brother, but circumstances prove him wrong. Garrick accepts Jillian's bargain. It isn't until after they are married that he discovers her family's keep has been given to another.
 
I liked Jillian and her strength of will. She doesn't give in to despair and works to improve her circumstances. She is clever, determined, and has a loving heart.
 
I had a harder time liking Garrick. He carries a lot of guilt over the death of his father and the condition of their property. He has tunnel vision when it comes to restoring his property and is so focused on it that he has become something of an arse. His honor compels him to carry through with his marriage to Jillian, but he doesn't react well to discovering she doesn't actually possess the Loughmoe property.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jillian and Garrick. The sparks between them are there from the beginning, though Garrick does his best to ignore them. He is torn when his attraction to her runs up against his distrust. I liked how Jillian used her skills in running the household to get past his walls and try to win his care. I became frustrated with his plans and wanted to shake him for his short-sightedness. It is only when he nearly loses her that he realizes his mistake. Garrick must regain her trust before he can have the future he wants with her.
 
There was a lot of action in this story. It took place a few years after Hastings, and there is still a lot of unrest in the country. The maneuvering over the balance of power in the neighborhood was intriguing and kept a feeling of uncertainty throughout the book. There is treachery afoot, and when Jillian and Garrick's mother are kidnapped, he must find a way to rescue them. This was a complicated endeavor, politically and physically, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until it was over. The resolution was well done and made sense.
 
I liked seeing the familiar O'Malley name and the glimpse of the ancestors of the Duke's Guard. I look forward to seeing more of them in the following books. 

 
 

Protecting the Amish Child - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #1127 - Sept 2024)

Series: Amish Country Justice (Book 19)
 
A killer in pursuit…
and a little boy's life is at stake.
 
When Francesca Brown discovers a dead body, bullets start flying her way. Soon FBI agent Tanner Hall arrives -- only to find an autistic Amish boy hiding nearby. As a witness to a crime, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to silence the little boy -- permanently. With assailants on their trail, can Fran and Tanner unravel a lethal conspiracy before the murderer strikes again?
 
Terrific addition to the Amish Country Justice series. The books are connected by common characters, themes, and locations, but each can be read as a standalone. As with the author's other books, this one grabbed my attention from the first page and kept me hooked until the end (when I should have been asleep!).
 
Francesca is a forensic artist and the widow of an FBI agent. One stormy night, she discovered a dead body in her yard. While reporting the body to the police, someone started shooting at her. Besides the arrival of the local police, Special Agent Tanner Hall is also on the scene. Tanner worked with her late husband, and she avoids him whenever possible. He brings up painful memories.
 
Tanner is on the case because of the identity of the dead man. Francesca's husband, Sean, had been a colleague and a friend, and Tanner believes Sean would want him to watch out for her. Tanner suspects that Sean's death wasn't an accident, and he needs to talk to her about it. But the current crisis has priority.
 
The dead man was connected to a case that Tanner and Sean worked on and had been in witness protection until he disappeared. Now he's turned up at Sean's house, raising questions about where he's been. Matters become complicated when they find a young Amish boy who is also autistic. What follows is a roller coaster of twists and turns, ups and downs, as they fight off attacks and search for Joey's family. Little clues unknowingly dropped by Joey lead them in an unexpected direction. A discovery at Fran's house provides another surprise and answers a few questions while raising more. The resolution was a nail-biter with a perpetrator I didn't see coming.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Francesca and Tanner. Each has some things from their pasts that make them wary of getting involved. But the more time they spend together, the more they get to know each other. I liked the respect they had for each other's work. Their attraction and feelings grew, but what would happen when the case was over and Tanner returned to his home base? I liked the soul-searching each did as they decided whether to pursue those feelings. I loved the ending and seeing them get the happy-ever-after they wanted. 

 
 
 

No Turning Back - Lindsay McKenna (HI #2217 - June 2024)

On the edge of war,
a country needs its protectors.
 
Captain Ram Kozak is steeled to defend his country against all those who would hurt it. His only weak point is Darina “Dare” Mazur, a US Army Special Forces combat medic. She has a confidence -- and loving touch -- that brings him to his knees. But with the fate of his team and his country at stake, is Dare's love a deadly distraction…or the only thing that can save him?
 
Terrific return to the author's roots as a military romance writer. It brought back fond memories of her Morgan's Mercenaries series. Instead of the wars against the drug trade or in Afghanistan, here the setting is Ukraine in the months before the Russian invasion. In addition to the romance, I enjoyed the more personalized view of people and places.
 
Dare is the adopted daughter of two Ukrainian nationals living in the US. She grew up visiting her parents' families in Ukraine and speaking the language. As an adult she became a combat medic and served a tour in Afghanistan. While there, she spent two years working with a Ukrainian special forces team led by Ram Kozak. She is in Ukraine teaching others how to be combat medics.
 
Ram is known for being cold and emotionless and bringing his team home without injuries. They are preparing for the upcoming invasion and have just returned from six months of special training in the US. He is stunned to discover that Dare is in Kyiv and is being reassigned to his unit.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Dare and Ram. Their deep respect for each other's abilities was undeniable. They fell in love during their time together in Afghanistan, but they never shared those feelings because of their situation. However, neither has forgotten them. Drawn together by circumstances, they get to know each other and become closer. I loved the little touches of seeing them cook together, visit their friends, and try to lead a normal life in the midst of planning for war. I loved how Dare saw beneath Ram's controlled surface to the haunted man underneath. Her care and compassion break through the wall around Ram's heart. My heart broke for him as he shared his past with Dare. I loved the effect that sharing had on him.
 
The increasing tension as the time for the invasion grew closer kept me glued to the pages. The stress of needing to keep their relationship secret, added to their fears of seeing each other in danger, made each day precious to them. Knowing what lies ahead of them creates worry for their future, but a twist at the end gives me hope for their happy ever after.
 
I liked getting to know Adam and Lera and their two little girls. I felt Ram and Dare's fears for their safety, which gave me extra insight into the dangers that lie ahead.

 

The Lyon's Golden Touch - Sara Adrien (Dragonblade - July 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 61)
 
A duke in hiding falls for his cousin's intended bride—will he reveal his secret for love?
 
In the heart of Regency England, where secrets lurk behind every opulent door, Lady Alexis Wentworth "Lexi" is about to uncover the most thrilling secret of all.
 
Dustin Fitzwater, Duke of Duncan, has concealed his true identity. Haunted by his father's scandal, he seeks solace and anonymity as a skilled dentist on Harley Street. But his meticulously constructed world unravels when he encounters the enchanting debutante.
 
Lexi must marry quickly to save her reputation from her sister's scandal. Mrs. Dove-Lyon has the perfect duke in mind, but there's a catch. Before Lexi can fulfill the condition, she is irresistibly drawn to a charismatic dentist. Entangled in emotions and intrigue, Lexi's heart aches with forbidden love. When she uncovers Dustin's true identity, the stakes are even higher. She hasn't just fallen for the wrong cousin; she's fallen for a man who could shatter her future and break her heart.
 
Mrs. Dove-Lyon's ultimate challenge: Can her skills unite the real Duke of Duncan and the imposter with their perfect matches?
 
Good book. I have enjoyed the author's other Lyon's Den books with their medical settings. It is a nice change from other Regency romance balls and house parties. This is the first time I have read one with a dentist as the hero, and I found it very interesting.
 
Dustin is a duke in hiding. Rather than take up his duties as duke, he lives under an assumed name and works as a dentist while trying to find the man who betrayed his father. He intends to leave for America and cede the dukedom to his cousin. I liked Dustin. Besides being too focused on revenge, he is kind, compassionate, and professional. I love that he cares for everyone, rich or poor. It bothered me that he was so willing to leave his heritage behind to pursue revenge.
 
Lexi is in a hurry to marry. Thanks to her sister's liaison with Prinny, Lexi is also tainted by scandal. This doesn't sit well with her obsession with being perfect. She asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a titled husband as quickly as possible. Mrs. Dove-Lyon, realizing that Lexi is suffering from a bad toothache, sends her to the dentist before she will arrange anything. I had a hard time liking Lexi. Her naiveté isn't unexpected, but she is self-centered, paranoid, and judgmental. She epitomized the worst stereotype of a romance reader with her obsession with one of the books she read.
 
When Lexi arrives at Dustin's office, she is terrified of what will happen. She's heard plenty of horror stories about pulled teeth, and none fit her self-perceived perfection. Instead of sitting and waiting for the dentist, she starts poking around the room and handling the instruments as though she has the right. She and Dustin are gobsmacked by the other's good looks, distracting them from the matter at hand for a little while. I liked Dustin's patience with Lexi's fears. Once she gets past her fear, Lexi's curiosity kicks in. I enjoyed Dustin's explanations and Lexi's interest.
 
Over the next few days, Dustin and Lexi grow closer. There's an amusing scene where Lexi and the nurse, Wendy, extoll the virtues of their favorite book characters while Dustin listens with amazement. I thought it was sweet how he read some of the book to see what was so special to Lexi.
 
Complicating matters, Mrs. Dove-Lyon has found a duke for Lexi. The dinner with him is awkward at best, as all Lexi can think about is Dustin. An unexpected twist throws a wrench into Dustin's plans, while his growing feelings for Lexi cause him to reevaluate his priorities. Lexi also discovers something about herself and what is important. It takes Mrs. Dove-Lyon to unravel the issues keeping Dustin and Lexi apart. The resolution didn't surprise me, but I look forward to reading the cousin's story.