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

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

 
 
 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Under Lock and Key - K.D. Richards (HI #2249 - Nov 2024)

Series: West Investigations (Book 11)
 
The man who broke her heart…
Must now be her protector.
 
Maggie Scott has worked hard to become an assistant curator at the Larimer Museum. But following the theft of a rare, priceless jewel and the murder of her fellow employee and friend, Maggie is suspected of complicity. Only investigator Kevin Lombard believes in her innocence. But thanks to their shared history, he's hardly objective. In fact, this may be the second chance he never thought possible. First, though, he must prove Maggie's innocence…and protect the woman he never forgot from whoever is out to get her.
 
Another terrific book in the West Investigations series with a gripping mystery, second-chance romance, and an interesting art museum setting. It starts with a bang when the famous Vipere ruby is stolen from the Larimer Museum.
 
Maggie is one of the curators at the museum and the force behind the special exhibit. The night of the donor's preview, Maggie is attacked, and the ruby is stolen. Later that night, she discovers that her best friend and fellow curator has been murdered. Complicating matters, the investigator for the security company is Kevin, the college sweetheart who left her without looking back.
 
Kevin recently started working for West Investigations. This is his first case with them, and he's determined to excel. The last person he expects to see is Maggie, the girl he's never forgotten.
 
The suspense of this story had me glued to the pages from start to finish. The search for the ruby is a rollercoaster ride of promising clues and dead ends, with a twist at the end that I never saw coming. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a terrific ending.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of Maggie and Kevin's relationship. Maggie still feels hurt and resentful over how Kevin walked away from her, while Kevin realized long ago that he'd made a terrible mistake. I liked how Maggie insisted on being part of the investigation, which meant spending more time with Kevin. It quickly became evident that the sparks between them were as strong as ever, but Maggie was wary of getting her heart broken again. I liked Kevin's protectiveness and his support of Maggie during the turmoil of the investigation. I liked seeing that they could talk about their past, mistakes, and hopes for the future, taking things slowly to ensure they get it right. 

 
 

When Christmas Comes - Christine Rimmer (HSE #3066 - Nov 2024)

Series: Bravo Family Ties: The Next Generation (Book 4)
 
Could a wild Wyoming summer bring healing for the holidays?
 
Divorced workaholic Maddox Hale is ready to be the dad his kids deserve. But when a visit to his injured father's ranch brings the jaded tycoon face-to-face with nurse Sarah Bravo, his plan goes awry. She's fresh from running a free clinic in the wilds of Bolivia -- too young, too independent and too beautiful by far. She's not interested in Maddox's alpha rules or attitude. In fact, their only commonality is their off-the-charts chemistry. Mixing business with pleasure is a terrible idea. Until Maddox and his two children worm their way into Sarah's heart…
 
Terrific book. Maddox Hale grew up on the ranch next to the Bravos but couldn't wait to leave Medicine Creek behind. He's now a successful businessman, thanks to his workaholic ways. For the same reason, he is divorced and hasn't been much of a dad to his two kids. He plans to right that wrong by spending the summer on the family ranch with his kids. Those plans alter when his father breaks his leg, and Maddox goes home early to care for him. First on the agenda is to hire a nurse to supervise Fergus while he heals.
 
Sarah Bravo is home recovering from an injury sustained while running a free clinic in Bolivia. She is saving money to get her Master's in nursing, and when she hears of the opening at the Hale ranch, she applies.
 
The story starts with a bang as Maddox and Fergus interview potential nurses. Feisty Fergus isn't thrilled with any of them until Sarah shows up. He knows Sarah well and likes her. Maddox is not as enthusiastic. She's too young, too pretty, and too much of a possible distraction. I laughed out loud at the conversation between Maddox and Fergus as they debated hiring her. Obviously, Fergus wins.
 
I enjoyed watching Maddox and Sarah's relationship develop. Their attraction is evident from the start, but there are obstacles. Nursing ethics prohibit Sarah from getting personally involved with a patient or a patient's family member. Maddox has no plans to marry again. However, discussions during late-night swims encourage a closeness neither expected, and the attraction becomes harder to resist.
 
Giving in to the attraction for the summer is one thing, but what happens when Sarah wants more? Maddox's past convinces him that he is unworthy of love, and nothing will convince him otherwise. I loved seeing Sarah stand up for herself and her needs. Maddox earned his misery when he walked away from what he had with Sarah. Some well-meaning interference from Fergus leads to an unexpected twist that motivates Maddox to take a chance. I loved the ending.
 
Fergus was my favorite secondary character. Nothing gets him down for long. The story behind his broken leg is hilarious, and I loved seeing him deal with the consequences. Maddox's kids were great. I liked the realism of RJ's issues with his father's neglect and Maddox's determination to redeem himself. 

Fa-la-la-la Faking It - Teri Wilson (HSE #3067 - Nov 2024)

Series: Comfort Paws (Book 2)
 
It's beginning to look a lot like kiss…er…Christmas!
 
Matchmaking services as a Christmas gift? No thank you! It's bad enough that, to save her grandmother's feelings, Adaline Bishop fibs and says she's seeing someone. It's worse when Jace Martin, her grade school crush turned nemesis, volunteers that he's the someone. Now Adaline will have to fake it until Jace's flannel-shirted, piney-scented goodness leaves town in a couple of weeks.
 
Jace would like to make up for his past transgressions and for his elderly uncle's meaner-than-the-grinch behavior during Adaline's therapy dog visits. In the spirit of peace and goodwill toward all, Jace will happily be her fake boyfriend. It's just that what began as a lie as big as Texas is starting to feel like the magic of a Christmas wish come true.
 
Sweet story. Adaline owns the local bakery and is an active member of Comfort Paws, an animal therapy group. As the book opens, she takes her dog, Fuzzy, to the local assisted living facility to visit the residents. Adaline meets Gus, who could give the Grinch a run for his money. On the way out of his room, she encounters Gus's great-nephew, Jace, her fifth-grade nemesis.
 
Jace lived with Gus for a year while his dad was undergoing cancer treatment. Then he went back home to his parents. He's never forgotten the time he spent with Gus. When he learns that Gus is ill, Jace packs up his life and returns to the small town. Gus is the only family Jace has left, and he's determined to spend Gus's remaining days with him.
 
Jace is happy to see Adaline again. He fondly remembers the bubbly, larger-than-life girl from school. He doesn't understand why she is so cold to him.  The strain continues when Jace unknowingly interferes with a planned Comfort Paws fundraiser.
 
I liked Jace and Adaline. Jace is a good guy. When he finds out about the fundraiser, he finds a way to help them. I liked how he cleared the air with Adaline about the past and opened the door to renew their friendship. Adaline loves helping her friends and tends to go all in on any project she takes on.  
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Jace and Adaline. Once they got past the initial antagonism, they quickly discovered that they liked each other. When Adaline's grandmother signs her up for a matchmaking service, Adaline panics and claims she has a boyfriend, even though she doesn't. Jace comes to the rescue and claims that it is him. As they spend time together, their feelings for each other grow, but neither is ready to risk rejection by saying so,
 
Things get complicated when Jace and Adaline discover a secret about Gus's past. This causes a rift between Jace and Gus, stirring up Jace's insecurities. Instead of staying and working it out, Jace runs. I hurt for him and the loneliness he feels. I also hurt for Adaline, who had other bad news. Jace's departure was a final blow that hurt more than she expected. I loved that she didn't let it stop her for long. I laughed as she read Gus the riot act and hoped it would have the necessary effect on him. The ending was terrific. I loved Jace's big moment and the surprise he had for her. The epilogue was sweet and emotional, with a happy outlook for Jace, Adaline, and Comfort Paws. 

 
 

Blame it on Vegas - Kira Sinclair (HD #2892 - Aug 2022)

Series: Bad Billionaires (Book 5)
 
Is falling for the enemy in the cards?
The stakes couldn't be higher.
 
For card shark turned tech tycoon Luca Kilpatrick, it's ironic to take a job catching the thief who's stealing from Annalise Mercado's casino. That's because he's never forgiven her family for accusing him of cheating. But he owes a friend this favor, and he'll deliver, even as the heat simmering between him and Annalise becomes highly inconvenient. It's tough to stay focused on helping his enemy's casino when he's enjoying nights in her bed! Will trusting each other be too much of a gamble?
 
A terrific book with the fascinating setting of a Las Vegas casino. Annalise's casino is losing money to a thief, and she has been unsuccessful in catching them. When she talks to her brother about the problem, he hires Luca, a technical wizard, to investigate. The difficulty is that Annalise and Luca have a history that made them enemies.
 
Eight years earlier, Luca was wrongly accused of cheating in that casino. He feels great resentment toward Annalise's father, who meted out his own form of punishment with Annalise as a witness. He finds it ironic that he is tasked with helping her find a real cheater.

 
Their first meeting is contentious. Annalise wants nothing to do with the man she believes is a cheater, no matter what he can supposedly do. Luca thinks that she is arrogant and spoiled. Neither trusts the other, and Luca enjoys pushing her buttons. Neither expected the intense attraction they felt. As they worked together to identify the thief, Luca and Annalise realized they had misjudged each other. Both are stubborn and still have clashes, even as their attraction strengthens and their feelings for each other grow. But a confrontation over dealing with the thief stirs up insecurities and drives a wedge between Luca and Annalise. It takes some straight talk from a friend to open Luca's eyes to what he might be missing. I loved seeing him face his fears in an emotional scene with Annalise.
 
I enjoyed the casino setting and getting a small taste of what goes on behind the scenes. 

A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands - Donna Ashcroft (Bookouture - Oct 2024)

Thirty-two-year-old Ella's life is busy enough running her evil stepmother's cleaning business, without adding Christmas into the mix. She doesn't have time to play Cinderella in her local festive pantomime, but she recently lost her father, who loved the show and helped out every year, so she finds herself being fitted for glass slippers anyway. Her life may be falling apart, but she won't let his memory down.
 
Then Ella meets brooding and handsome stranger, Alexander, who is playing Prince Charming, and her heart skips a beat. Might this knight-in-shining-armour inspire Mistletoe's best show yet? But Alexander quickly makes it clear that he doesn't want anything to do with her or their town's traditions. And as the night of the show draws near, it's one disaster after another, with the ugly stepbrothers falling suspiciously ill, and Alexander rolling his eyes at every chance he gets. Ella is exhausted and can't help but feel she's letting everyone – including her father – down.
 
But when an on-stage kiss gets a little too heated between Ella and Alexander, she's surprised when he offers his muscled shoulder to lean on. Under the spotlight, Alex's gentle encouragement of the child performers and his adorable pre-show nerves make Ella wonder if there may be more to her prince than she thought. As props go missing and scenery falls flat, can Ella and Alex bring the town together for one last showstopper? And as the curtain falls on the performance of her life, will Ella find her fairytale ending?
 
Fun Christmas book with a Cinderella theme. I liked the interweaving of the real-life Cinderella with the village play. The characters were realistic in their situations and their actions.
 
Ella is an artist whose art takes a back seat to the other things happening in her life. Her father died a year or so earlier, but not before asking Ella to look after the family business, her stepmother, and her stepbrothers. The company is Magic Mops, a cleaning service, but Ella is the only one doing much work. Lucinda is demanding and selfish, and her two stepbrothers constantly call out with excuses; everyone but Ella can see right through. She's exhausted from doing everyone else's work, and because of it, she misses many lessons with famous artist Henry.
 
Alex is also an artist who has come to Mistletoe to study with Henry. He works for his father in the family business and is on a short hiatus for the lessons. His dad still expects Alex to keep up with his work remotely.
 
Ella and Alex did not get off to a good start. A runaway dog and a car driving too fast for the conditions nearly led to disaster, and Alex's cold attitude left an unlikeable impression. Ella was doubly dismayed to find they would both be working with Henry. Henry has a unique way of drawing the best out of his pupils, though it takes some time for them to see results.
 
One of Henry's methods is to get Alex to broaden his experience. To do this, he ropes Alex into helping with the village Christmas production of Cinderella. It was funny and painful to see Alex floundering with things so far outside his experience.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Ella and Alex. It is rough initially, as Ella sees Alex as cold and unfeeling, and Alex thinks Ella is irresponsible. Their attitudes begin to change as they get to know each other. I liked seeing Ella encourage him to embrace the feelings he suppressed for so long. She also helps him develop confidence in his artistic ability. Working together on the play adds a layer of complications when a practice kiss as Cinderella and Prince Charming gets out of control.
 
Their complicated lives leave both wondering whether pursuing a relationship is possible. Alex will return to Edinburgh by Christmas, and Ella is stuck in Mistletoe running the family business. Trouble looms when two misunderstandings stir up Ella and Alex's insecurities. The first was dealt with easily, and I loved how Alex gave Ella the moral support she needed to tackle the problem. The second one involved Alex and his father and was especially painful to watch. Alex's reactions were intense, and he said some hurtful things to Ella. It takes serious self-examination for Alex to break free of the chains that kept him struggling for acceptance. I loved his "aha" moment and the joy he finally embraced. His big moment at the end was sweet, romantic, and fun.
 
The secondary characters were terrific and added lots of emotional growth and development opportunities. Ella's stepmother was a selfish and manipulative woman who thrived on making Ella's life miserable. Her stepbrothers were spoiled and selfish. Though I detested them in the beginning, by the end of the book, they showed great promise in turning into decent human beings. The artist, Henry, who instructed Elle and Alex, could be insensitive, but he made good points with his instructions. It was interesting to see how he struggled with his relationship with Ella's godmother. I loved Mae's relationship with Ella and her support and understanding as Ella faced the challenges in her life. My favorite was Hunter, the young boy who was a budding artist and so much like Alex. Their conversation in the café was sweet, and I loved how Alex helped him. 

The Airman's Homecoming - Sabrina York (HSE #3026 - Jan 2024)

Series: Tuttle Sisters of Coho Cove (Book 2)
 
Forever a wanderer?
 
From the moment Noah Crocker steps into Amy Tuttle Tolliver's bakery, the self-made baker's a confection he can't resist. The stunning entrepreneur needs help…and the pararescue medic is more than happy to share his hidden baking talent! When he realizes his unexpected link to the husband Amy lost in combat, the instant connection to her -- and her two adorable sons -- intensifies. Noah's always been searching for home. Could it be that he had to come all the way to tiny Coho Cove to find what he was looking for?
 
Terrific story. Amy is a war widow with two young boys. Her dream was to own her own bakery, which she has achieved. It doesn't matter that it consumes all her life outside of caring for her sons. However, she sometimes yearns for something more, even if she doesn't know what. That changes when a visitor arrives in town.
 
After an injury ended his career as an Air Force pararescue jumper, Noah isn't sure what to do with his life. He is doing a 50-state tour, looking for a place and a reason to put down roots. On his way to his last stop in Alaska, Noah stops in Coho Cove to visit his friend Jax (The Soldier's Refuge). He impulsively stops at the bakery, where he meets Amy. There is an instant connection.
 
I enjoyed watching Noah and Amy's relationship develop. The connection is there, but Amy is wary, not just for herself, but also worried her sons might get hurt if they get attached and Noah doesn't stick around. When Amy has a crisis at the bakery, Noah jumps in to help. This allows them to get to know each other. There are some great scenes of Noah and Amy together as their friendship grows and becomes more. There is a surprise connection between Noah and Amy's late husband that could have ended things before they got started, but honesty and compassion got them over that hurdle. I loved how sensitive each was to the other's difficult past. The ending was fantastic.
 
I loved the bakery scenes and seeing how happy Noah was when he was there. Not only was he with Amy, but it also brought back some of the few happy memories from his childhood. I also loved seeing Noah with Amy's sons. The scene at the fair was heartwarming, with Noah's joy at experiencing it with the boys.

 
 

A Naval Surgeon to Fight For - Carla Kelly (HH #1814 - Sept 2024)

Series: Channel Fleet (Book 4)
 
Return to her respectable life…
Or take a scandalous path to marriage?
 
As her snobbish aunt's companion, penniless vicar's daughter Jerusha Langley is sent to take a donation to the local naval hospital. There she meets dashing surgeon Jamie Wilson and embarks on a secret mission -- sneaking out to help him care for injured sailors!
 
With his life in peril fighting Napoleon, Jamie has never considered taking a wife, yet he's impressed by Jerusha's nursing ability -- and beauty inside and out. Jamie knows she's risking a scandal by helping him. Can he risk his heart and save her reputation with a marriage offer?
 
Terrific book. One of the things I like most about this author is her use of ordinary people instead of members of the nobility. It makes a refreshing change of pace. In this book, we have Jerusha, the penniless daughter of a vicar, and Jamie, a surgeon with the Royal Navy.
 
Jerusha's prospects are slim in her small hometown. Her mother sends her to Plymouth to be a companion to her aunt, where she looks at a dismal future catering to grouchy old women. Her aunt is selfish, snobbish, and mean-spirited. Things begin to change when chance takes her to a naval hospital nearby. She encounters Jamie, a navy surgeon she knew as a child, and discovers a calling to help the injured.
 
Jamie joined the Royal Navy as a surgeon's mate when he was thirteen. He eventually studied and passed the exams to become a surgeon. He spends most of his time either at the hospital in Devonport or onboard various ships. Because of the war with Napoleon, he is very busy. The last person he expects to see is the little girl from fifteen years earlier.
 
Jerusha quickly becomes involved with Jamie's work at the hospital. Her aunt would disapprove, so she sneaks out. Experience tells the reader that this will eventually cause a problem. I loved Jerusha's interactions with the patients she helped. Their stories are frequently heartbreaking, but some are filled with hope. I liked seeing how her confidence grew as she took on more responsibility.
 
I loved seeing the relationship between Jamie and Jerusha develop. It started in a fun manner, as Jamie referred to the day they met. There is a sweet part that refers back to that day, and Jamie won my heart right away with how he comforts her. I liked seeing them together. Their interactions are real and relatable, from the discussions of their work to the lighter moments of teasing. It is an unusual relationship in that they spend more time apart than together because of Jamie's long periods spent at sea. However, the often difficult and extreme circumstances of their time together bring them closer than a more traditional relationship is likely to do. The scene where Jerusha joined Jamie on the ship was especially intense. The ending was great, with a twist that would affect their future.
 
One of the many things I loved about this book was the detailed descriptions of the hospital and its patients. They weren't just nameless props for the story but portrayed as real human beings. Their lives and personalities were realistic, and their injuries and actions were believable. This book gave me a different perspective on the Napoleonic War's naval blockade, the effects on people, and the Battle of Trafalgar.
 
As a side note: The name Jerusha is unusual and memorable, and it took me a while to remember where I had heard it before. I finally recalled that Jerusha was the preacher's wife's name in James Michener's book Hawaii. 

 

Bargaining with the Lady of Merewood - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Oct 2024)

Series: Ladies of the Keep (Book 2)
 
Widowed Viking beauty Lady Eyreka learns that the king plans to gift Merewood Keep to one of his Norman warriors…
Merewood Keep is just beginning to earn revenues with Garrick as its overlord. When the king decides to gift the keep to one of his favored knights, Garrick's mother is devastated until she hears rumors that the Norman is widowed.
 
Lady Eyreka seeks an audience with the king without her sons' knowledge. She offers marriage, and the continued stewardship of the profitable keep if Garrick remains on as seneschal. She never intends to fall in love again.
 
Norman Warrior Augustin de Chauret cannot refuse the king…
De Chauret has no desire to marry or live in England. But cannot refuse his liege lord. They marry and Lady Eyreka retains her family's holding, but she must convince her sons and the keeps' people to accept de Chauret.
 
De Chauret knew he would battle to win his wife's loyalty and that of her keeps' people. He never expected to have to battle to convince his men or his young daughter to accept his wife.
 
Though the Saxons were defeated in the Uprisings, small militant groups remain, striking out at the new Norman lord by capturing his daughter and wife.
 
Norman and Saxon must work together to rescue them. De Chauret will move Heaven and earth to save his daughter and the woman he has fallen in love with.
 
This book picks up where the previous book (Liberating the Lady of Loughmoe) left off. The keep does well under Garrick and Dunstan's management, and life is somewhat more settled. Then word arrives that King William intends to give the keep to one of his warriors. Widowed Lady Eyreka fears for the safety of her family and her people, so when she learns that the Norman is a widower, she develops a plan. She sneaks away to see the king and offers marriage to the Norman in exchange for her family's cooperation in running the keep.
 
Augustin loved his late wife and had no desire to remarry or stay in England. However, no one says no to the king, and Augustin quickly finds himself married and on the way to Merewood. He is an honorable man though also a bit arrogant and does not realize how unprepared he is to take over Merewood.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Eyreka and Augustin develop. They get off to a rough start, as Augustin is accustomed to having his orders obeyed, and Eyreka is used to a full partnership with her late husband. Their clashes of will are fun to watch as each strives to come out on top. Unexpected attraction complicates their interactions.
 
Melding Saxon and Norman into a cohesive unit doesn't come easy. The antagonism, both overt and subtle, keeps everyone on edge. Eyreka and Augustin realize that their resistance to the sparks between them adds to the tension. I liked seeing them get to know and respect each other before giving in to their attraction. The bigger question is whether they can let go of the past and make a future together.
 
I loved watching the Normans and Saxons learn how to work together. The initial distrust between them is evident and understandable. There are stronger undercurrents with some of Augustin's men, and I ached for Eyreka, who found herself the target of some of those resentments. There are some terrific scenes of Augustin as he settles into life at Merewood and begins to make progress.
 
But there is trouble looming. When Eyreka and his daughter become the targets of revenge, Augustin must bring together both sides if he will save them. The confrontation was intense, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. I loved the depth of emotion displayed at the end and what it meant for their future.

The Stranger I Wed - Harper St. George (Penguin - Apr 2024)

Series: Doves of New York (Book 1)
 
New to wealth and to London high society, American heiress Cora Dove discovers that with the right man, marriage might not be such an inconvenience after all. . . .
 
Cora Dove and her sisters' questionable legitimacy has been the lifelong subject of New York's gossipmongers and a continual stain on their father's reputation. So when the girls each receive a generous, guilt-induced dowry from their dying grandmother, the sly Mr. Hathaway vows to release their funds only if Cora and her sisters can procure suitable husbands -- far from New York. For Cora, England is a fresh start. She has no delusions of love, but a husband who will respect her independence? That's an earl worth fighting for.
 
Enter: Leopold Brendon, Earl of Devonworth, a no-nonsense member of Parliament whose plan to pass a Public Health bill that would provide clean water to the working class requires the backing of a wealthy wife. He just never expected to crave Cora's touch or yearn to hear her thoughts on his campaign -- or to discover that his seemingly perfect bride protects so many secrets...
 
But secrets have a way of bubbling to the surface, and Devonworth has a few of his own. With their pasts laid bare and Cora's budding passion for women's rights taking a dangerous turn, they'll learn the true cost of losing their heart to a stranger -- and that love is worth any price.
 
Good book. I enjoyed the author's continued foray into the less-used period of the Gilded Age. This was when American heiresses came to England to find husbands - usually men long on pedigree and short on cash.
 
Cora and her sisters Eliza and Jenny are the illegitimate daughters of a wealthy New Yorker. Their mother was his mistress for many years while he promised to marry her. Then he caved to family pressure and married a society woman. As the story opens, Cora tries to get her father to comply with the terms of his mother's will that provided dowries for her and her sisters. He finally agreed, provided they find husbands far away from New York.
 
Fast forward to the Doves' arrival in England. Camille Thorne (The Duchess Takes a Husband), a family friend, takes the girls under her wing and promises to help them with their quest. She set up a house party and invited eligible men to attend. Camille gives the girls a preview by stopping by the local football pitch (soccer for the US), where some of the men are playing. Leopold Brendon, Earl of Devonworth, makes an impression on Cora when he collides with her. The attraction between them sparks immediately.
 
Cora must marry to claim her inheritance. A husband is the last thing she wants, but she has a plan. She will make a business arrangement with someone who needs her money with the understanding that it will be in name only, with the option to separate or divorce after two years. Cora wants the independence to pursue her interest in women's rights and other social issues.
 
Leo doesn't want to marry, but he is financially in a precarious position. His younger brother has large gambling debts, the family estate is crumbling, and Leo needs the funds to continue his work in the House of Lords. He's been burned once in love and has no intention of risking his heart again.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Cora and Leo. They are more socially conscious than many peers and willing to do something about it. I especially liked seeing them work together as Cora helped Leo polish his presentation on the Public Health bill. They grow closer and discover that they actually like each other. Their feelings for each other grow, but Leo is reluctant to admit his feelings even to himself. Giving in to their attraction only complicates matters.
 
Also a problem, neither Leo nor Cora has been entirely honest with each other about their backgrounds, and those secrets can potentially destroy what they are building. I loved the sharing of those secrets and the effect of those revelations on their feelings for each other. Some drama at the end brings everything to the surface, and they finally put the past behind them.
 
I enjoyed the segments dealing with women's rights and public health issues. I loved Cora's passion for her beliefs and cheered for her when she confronted Bolingrave at the dinner party. She wasn't afraid to stand up for her opinion. I loved it when Leo backed her up. I also liked it when Leo asked Cora for help with his speech. He didn't hesitate to incorporate her suggestions. It was sweet to see how moved he was by her interest. 

 
 
 

A Viking Heir to Bind Them - Michelle Styles (HH #1748 - Sept 2023)

An unexpected family
For the lone-wolf warrior
 
Nothing daunts Viking Tylir, until unassuming Melkorka Helmsdottar upends his life by revealing he has a secret heir! Mel has looked after little Katla since the girl's mother died, but now Tylir intends to claim his child. Yet this battle-hardened jarl has no idea how to be a father. Mel is the perfect person to help him. Only, spending time with the captivating Mel binds him closer to her than he ever thought possible…
 
I enjoyed the storyline of this book, though some of the execution was not as appealing. The story opens as Melkorka fulfills the deathbed promise to her friend by delivering the woman's daughter to her father, Tylir. Tylir, a former Viking berserker, has tired of war and death and now lives a quieter life. The last thing he expects is to find he is a father.
 
Tylir is a widower who has sworn off ever marrying again. He is wracked with guilt over the deaths of his parents and siblings, believing that he should have been there to protect them instead of off fighting elsewhere. He has also been unlucky in love, with his first love marrying another man, and the woman he eventually married being unfaithful and mercenary.
 
Mel is a widow whose marriage was very unhappy. Her husband was physically and emotionally abusive, and the brother with whom she lived was no better.  Mel's husband and son died of an illness, and she blames herself for not having the healing skills to save them. She is determined to take her inheritance and buy a farm where she can be independent once she delivers Katla to her father and sees her settled.
 
Their first meeting doesn't go well, thanks to a misunderstanding caused by someone else. Once Tylir realizes that Katla is his daughter, he is all in on accepting her and making her part of his life. I liked his determination to be a good father and his wish to keep Mel there to help Katla settle in. Mel didn't make a good first impression, but Tylir's opinion changed when he saw how protective she was of Katla.
 
I enjoyed the development of Mel and Tylir's relationship. The attraction between them is evident from the start, but neither wants to admit it. Each has their reasons, which we hear about over and over, but it doesn't stop their feelings from growing. However, there are outside forces working against them that could permanently end any chance they have of a future together. The resolution was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
Secondary characters played important roles. Katla was the most visible of those as the reason that Mel was there. She was a strange mixture of child (she is five years old) and preteen. Her matchmaking attempts were annoying and did more to push Mel and Tylir apart than bring them together. I liked her best when she acted her age. The maid Virin bugged me from the start with her attempts to stir up trouble. Tylir's friend Stargazer gave me creepy vibes from the get-go.

Danger in the Depths - Addison Fox (HRS #2240 - Aug 2023)

Series: New York Harbor Patrol (Book 1)
 
Some secrets should stay beneath the surface…
 
Working alongside Marlowe McCoy means that NYPD diver Wyatt Trumbull has to ignore his fierce attraction to the prickly safecracker. He faces a whole new set of challenges when she finally responds to his desire with her own -- and when clues in his latest case implicate her family. He wants to protect her, but will his own hidden scars make them both vulnerable?
 
Terrific book that hooked me from the start. I read it in one sitting. This is the first in a series about a little-known branch of the NYPD - the Harbor Patrol. These officers deal with everything from checking the bridges for bombs to diving for evidence recovery to water rescues. The underwater descriptions fascinated me and made me feel as though I was there.
 
Marlowe is a lock and vault technician, aka a safecracker. She has a stellar reputation and often works with the NYPD. Her path crosses with Wyatt's again when she works on a series of safes that are part of his murder investigation. I enjoyed the banter between them as Wyatt teased her with silly nicknames that got under her skin. However, underneath the irritation is an attraction that neither can deny, though both fight against it.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Both have events from their pasts that have influenced who they are, though they try to keep them in the past. That becomes more difficult when aspects of the current case bring those memories to the surface. As Wyatt and Marlow spent time together, they began to see past the façades they showed others and found they had many things in common. There are some rough patches because both are stubborn when they get an idea in their heads. Marlowe does some things that damage Wyatt's trust, causing tension between them. A dangerous situation opens their eyes to their feelings and the hope for a future together.
 
The suspense of this story kept me intrigued from start to finish. The fast-paced action and the twists kept me guessing for a long time. A few scenes from the bad guy's perspective contribute to the case's complexity, while an unexpected link to Marlowe's family adds another layer of tension and danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was glued to the pages until it was done.
 
I've already read the third book in the series and look forward to reading the second one. Though characters and workplaces connect the books, each story can be read as a standalone. 

 
 
 

Alaskan Blackout - Joanne Rock (HD #2967 - Sept 2023)

Series: Kingsland Ranch (Book 3)
 
His search leads him to the one woman he must resist at all costs -- until one storm-tossed night…
 
When Quinton Kingsley arrives in Alaska's rugged Aleutian Islands in search of his missing half-brother, he finds a brash, red-haired beauty instead. McKenna O'Brien maintains his brother's bar while he's off-grid. She has her reasons for keeping the truth from the wealthy cowboy CEO. Too many men have taken advantage of McKenna's trust.
 
Though McKenna's off-limits, Quint can't ignore their sizzling attraction. Giving into temptation the night a storm strands them together only makes Quint desire McKenna more. With the stakes high and a precious new complication, has Quint finally found the woman of his dreams? Or will he risk losing her forever?
 
Good book. Quinton is in Alaska to find his estranged half-brother but finds Clay's gorgeous red-haired stepsister instead. McKenna runs Clay's bar when he is away. She is very protective of him and refuses to tell Quint where he is. Quint and McKenna butt heads over their conflicting missions. Neither expected the intense attraction they felt for each other.
 
I liked Quint and McKenna. Quint is a good man who wants to ensure that Clay gets what he deserves from their father's estate. Though he grew up on the ranch, he left it behind as soon as he could, driven away by his tough, unyielding father and the memories of his mother's death. McKenna's childhood was tough until her father married Clay's mother, giving McKenna the stability she craved. Clay was there for her when her life fell apart, giving her a safe place to start over.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Quint and McKenna. Neither is happy about the intense attraction they feel for each other. Due to her previous relationship, McKenna has deep trust issues, and Quint feels guilty about desiring his brother's stepsister. While McKenna holds tight to her knowledge of Clay's whereabouts, she and Quint get to know each other. Quint is different than she expected, and he earns some of her trust when he offers to help her with the issue that brought her to Alaska.
 
Quint and McKenna can no longer resist the sparks when a storm strands them together. But guilt and insecurities pull them apart even when neither can forget the connection they felt. Time apart gives them perspective about their feelings, but there is still the issue of finding Clay to get past. There is some drama there, but I loved the ending and seeing how they resolved their conflict.

Saving Christmas in the Little Irish Village - Michelle Vernal (Bookouture - Oct 2024)

Series: Emerald Bay (Book 5)
 
Christmas trees decked with fairy lights twinkle in every window, carolers fill the streets, and charity worker Hannah is gearing up for the season of giving in the little Irish village. But it's not just the cold winter winds that are chilling her spirits this year…
 
When twenty-three-year-old Hannah Kelly finds out that the beautiful rolling hills around her hometown could be destroyed by a new building development, she rushes back to Emerald Bay to rally the community. But arriving home at The Shamrock Inn, there's another shock in store… the handsome and sparkling-eyed lead developer, Tom Flynn, has checked in as a guest. Is this Hannah's chance to save the village?
 
Hannah tries to convince Tom the beautiful area needs to be protected: even though he's as stubborn as the donkey in the local nativity play. But when sharing that this is also where her late grandfather first met and proposed to her grandmother, his gentle hug as she sobs makes her wonder if maybe they aren't so different…
 
As sparks start to fly, Hannah decides to invite Tom to experience the joys of a Kelly Christmas Day. When Tom's hand catches hers as they peel brussels sprouts together, Hannah's cheeks start to blush. But it turns to a flush of anger as he ducks out to take a call – about work starting in the spot she's fought so hard to save. And the voice on the phone is strangely familiar…
 
Can Hannah figure out who is behind Tom's project and stop the plans? Or will following her heart be the key to saving the little Irish village and Christmas for everyone?
 
Good addition to the Emerald Bay series. This is the story of Hannah, the middle daughter of the Kelly family. In previous books, Hannah stands out as the environmentally conscious activist member of the family. The book opens with Hannah's first foray into protesting for a cause at the age of eight, then moves on to the present day. Hannah works for the non-profit group Feed the World with Bees, where she also has a massive crush on her boss, Dylan. When Dylan shows her an article about a huge garden center planned for her hometown, Hannah rushes home to rally the community. She doesn't expect to find a guest staying in the house. Tom Flynn, an architectural project manager from Dublin, was sent to do the advanced work for the proposed development. Hannah takes an instant dislike to him because of it.
 
The initial meeting between Tom and Hannah was hilarious, leaving Hannah at a slight disadvantage. In addition, she is so focused on her mission that she comes across as very judgmental. I liked seeing Tom call her out on it. They are thrown together on several occasions, and Hannah discovers that there is more to Tom than she realizes. I liked Tom. He is charming and has a sense of humor even in difficult moments. Neither Tom nor Hannah expected the sparks that flared between them, complicating their interactions. A few bumps along the road to their happy ever after are mainly caused by Hannah's distrust. Fortunately, Hannah's journey includes some self-examination and rethinking of her priorities. I loved the scene of Tom and Hannah at the cottage as they finally cleared the air. The ending was sweet, and I loved seeing the whole family together.
 
I love the Kelly family, and this book is full of Kellyisms. The teasing among the sisters is hilarious, but they have each other's backs when support is needed. Kitty Kelly, the grandmother, shows a different side of herself when the proposed development intrudes on a special place in her history. I loved the history she revealed and how it brought her past to life for the sisters. There is also a bit of intrigue involving an American woman who appears to be stalking Hannah's mother, Nora. The resolution of that mystery was a shock to everyone.
 
The village residents add humor and depth to the story. I especially enjoyed Eileen and how she roped Hannah into helping with her latest project. The scenes with the teenagers were funny and moving.

 
 
 

Hero's Prize - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Sept 2024)

Series: Linear Tactical: Oak Creek (Book 3)
 
When a deadly accident leaves extreme sport superstar Colton Harrison questioning what his future holds, he decides to take a timeout in his hometown of Oak Creek.
 
He knows the mountains and wildness of Wyoming will help him heal.
 
But he has no idea how he’s known sweet Ella O’Conner all his life but is somehow only really seeing her for the first time now.
 
People in his world may say she doesn't measure up, but this woman—and all her sexy curves—is downright beautiful to Colton.
 
Ella is who he wants. Who he needs. Who he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
 
Although convincing her of that will be tricky. All she's ever wanted was a quiet existence, and life in the public eye can be brutal—no matter how much Colton vows to protect her.
 
Especially when a stalker is willing to do anything to keep Colton for themself.
 
I love these second-generation Linear Tactical books just as much as the originals. The characters are realistic, with believable fears and insecurities. Colton and Ella's story drew me in from the beginning and kept me hooked.
 
Ella is the daughter of Cade and Peyton O'Conner. She is content living out of the spotlight, running her bakery. She is as sweet as the pastries she bakes, calm, kind, empathetic, and supportive of her friends. She has also had a crush on Colton all of her life.
 
Colton is the son of Boy and Girl Riley Harrison (Phoenix). Like his father, Colton is an extreme sports enthusiast with a vast online fandom. He has a big stunt scheduled for the same weekend as a friend's wedding.
 
The book opens just before Theo and Eva's wedding (Hero Unbound). Ella prepares the food for the reception with the help of two friends who are bridesmaids. Right away, the reader gets a look at Ella's insecurities about her looks. She is curvy and sees herself as plain, which causes her to turn down the invitation to be a bridesmaid, too. She's happier in the background, out of the spotlight. We also see Colton as he prepares for his upcoming stunt while thinking that his activities don't give him the rush of satisfaction he used to experience.
 
We then move on to the reception after the wedding. While talking with Lincoln, his very literal, no-filter friend, the revelation that Ella has a crush on him stuns Colton. He and Ella have been friends since they were kids, and he has never allowed himself to think of her that way. Now that he knows, those latent stirrings are front and center, and he can't stop thinking about her in a whole new way. Ella doesn't know how to react when she realizes Colton is flirting with her. I loved watching him overcome her hesitation with his genuine admiration and obvious attraction to her. But after seizing the moment and giving in to her feelings for Colton, Ella's insecurities reignite when Colton mutters something as he falls asleep. I ached for Ella, but I also wanted to shake her for quickly writing off such an intense connection.
 
I felt terrible for Colton, who was shocked to discover Ella was gone when he woke up. He is hurt and confused but also has a stunt to perform and must concentrate on. His focus becomes critical when the stunt goes terribly wrong. I was on the edge of my seat during this part because, though I knew he would live, I had no idea what the long-term effects would be.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Colton and Ella develop. It has its bumps while both work through their issues. I loved Ella's empathy and support as she sensed the turmoil he suffered while dealing with the aftereffects he didn't want to admit to. At the same time, Colton must get past Ella's self-doubts to convince her of his feelings for her. There are lovely scenes of them together, from working together at her bakery to helping out at Bear's camp. There is a bump in their progress when an incident causes Colton to question Ella's motives. He deserved a kick in the pants for what he said and did, and I loved seeing it delivered.
 
Dealing with a stalker complicates Colton's life. From slightly creepy letters of adoration, it soon escalates into more threatening communications. I could feel Colton's determination to stop the stalker before it could escalate further. It felt like old times to see the Linear Tactical people of both generations come together to help. Figuring out the stalker's identity was convoluted enough to keep me guessing until the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter.
 
A secondary story dealt with the camp that Bear ran for siblings of kids with cancer. He intends to give the kids who frequently get overlooked because of their siblings' medical needs a chance to have something that is all theirs. My heart broke to see how they step back and don't make waves for their families. I loved watching them lean into the various aspects of the activities. I especially enjoyed seeing the effect it had on Ella and Colton. Colton found it particularly valuable as he contemplated the changes he wanted to make in his life.
 
The ending was fantastic. I loved watching Colton try to make it up to Ella for his idiocy. The ending scene was adorable.