A Colby Christmas Rescue - Debra Webb (HI #2254 - Dec 2024)

Series: Colby Agency: The Next Generation (Book 1)
 
Two special agents take on an impossible mission…
 
Special agent Jamie Colby is on a can't-fail mission. Kidnappers need her unique skills and have leveraged her family to get them. Her partner, Kendrick Poe, is a bonus for the abductors. But with ransom and reunion complicating the assignment, Jamie and Kendrick will have to break every professional rule to rescue loved ones caught in the cross fire. An unexpected dangerous attraction is the least of their troubles but could prove to be deadly if they're not careful.
 
I enjoy long-running series, and it is even better when the author keeps the series going with the children/grandchildren of the original characters. This is the first book in a new series involving the grandchildren of Victoria Colby-Camp, and it bodes well for the rest of the series.
 
Jamie Colby is an excellent agent in her own right. She's just finishing up a mission with her partner, Kenny Poe when she receives an urgent call from her grandmother. Jamie's brother Luke has been kidnapped to use as a hostage. The kidnappers need Jamie's skills, but she isn't happy with what she must do to fulfill the requirements. She and her partner, Kenny, have worked together for several years and are good friends.
 
There isn't much romance in this story. It is evident from the start that Kenny has feelings for Jamie but doesn't want to wreck their friendship by saying anything. He is protective of her but respects her abilities as an agent. It wasn't until the end that I got a good read on Jamie's feelings for him. This was a friends-to-more story, though I never saw much heat between them. I liked the ending and the easy shift into a couple.
 
The suspense was terrific. Matters quickly become complicated when the kidnapper's contact is a man Jamie has worked with before. It is difficult to tell whether he is working with them or against them, and there were times I wanted them to tie him up and leave him in a closet. Interference from a third party adds a layer of intensity when Jamie and a young girl are kidnapped themselves. Some tense moments ensued, but Jamie and Kenny could complete their mission. After all the build-up, I found it somewhat anti-climactic, but it kept my attention to the end.
 
I liked the twist at the end regarding Jamie's future. It will be interesting to follow her progress in later books. 

Covert Avenger - Rachel Lee (HI #2241 - Oct 2024)

Series: Conard County (Book 75)
 
His return has stirred up more trouble than he ever imagined…
 
CIA operative Devlin Paltier never thought returning to his small Wyoming hometown would be riskier than an undercover mission. But Devlin knows that revealing he's no ordinary cowboy could bring danger to everyone in his world. Including Deputy Elaine Paltier, his widowed sister-in-law and the off-limits woman he's never been able to forget. Before long, though, Devlin's dark secrets come back to haunt him…along with two killers hell-bent on revenge. Now protecting Elaine becomes the most crucial assignment of his career -- and the only way to secure a possible shared future.
 
Good book, though a little different than the usual Conard County book. This one was more of a suspense/mental intrigue than an action-packed one. Devlin is a CIA operative on leave after one of his informants was murdered. Someone revealed Niko's identity, and Devlin blamed himself. Devlin returns to his hometown while the powers-that-be try to find the responsible party. His family is shocked to discover that he plans to stay for as much as a month because he rarely stays more than a few days during those rare times he visits. His family doesn't know about his CIA identity; they believe he works for the State Department.
 
Devlin's sister-in-law, Elaine, is his brother's widow and the single mother of an autistic daughter, Cassie. She is also a deputy with the Conard County Sheriff's Office. Between her job and Cassie, her life is full. I ached for her and the pain she feels for Cassie and her heartache over her daughter's challenges.
 
Neither Devlin nor Elaine expected the attraction between them or the deeper connection they felt when spending time together. I loved watching them get to know each other. I especially liked Devlin's interest in Cassie and understanding of her challenges. Spending time together also shows them how lonely they are. They have some decisions to make and fears to face before they can hope for a future together. The ending was sweet and heartwarming.
 
Tension increases when Devlin gets the feeling of being watched. With his past, there was always a chance that someone would come after him. His protective instincts emerge, and he is determined to keep his family safe. I liked his and Elaine's teamwork as they combined forces to uncover the threat. We get a good look at the people sent to kill Devlin, their motivation, and their worries. I felt bad for them, their loss, and their confusion over the right thing to do. The confrontation with them did not go the way I expected. 

Family of Three Under the Tree - Traci Douglass (HMED #1432 - Dec 2024)

Series: Wyckford General Hospital (Book 4)
 
AN UNEXPECTED GIFT IN THEIR STOCKING
 
Radiologist Riley isn't interested in romance. After an accident left her in a wheelchair, she'll prove she doesn't need anyone's help -- especially neurosurgeon Sam's. But despite his being infuriatingly gorgeous, she can't knock her new research partner's commitment to their study. Single dad Sam's still fighting his grief and is hell-bent on curing the disease that stole his wife. Yet he can't stop thinking about Riley…or the way his little girl lights up around her. With their undeniable attraction growing, could a family of three top their Christmas lists?
 
Good book about two people whose pasts have made them resistant to romance. Riley is an independent woman who vehemently insists she doesn't need to depend on anyone else for help after an accident left her in a wheelchair. I found her a little abrasive at times when she rejected well-meaning offers of assistance, but I also understood her frustration at being treated as helpless by some. Riley has a job she loves as a radiologist and family and friends she loves. She doesn't understand her sudden fascination with her coworker, Sam.
 
Sam is a single father who moved to Wyckford after his wife's death, looking for a new start. He is still grieving for his wife and is determined to continue searching for a cure for the disease that killed her. He's closed off his emotions to anyone other than his daughter, Ivy, to protect his heart from more pain. He doesn't understand why Riley suddenly pops into his mind so often.
 
With Sam's daughter, Ivy, and Riley's niece, Adi, being best friends, Sam and Riley suddenly find themselves spending more time together. The sparks between them intensify, but they try to ignore them. Seeing them try to convince themselves they weren't falling for each other was funny and frustrating. Their feelings for each other grow, but Riley's pride and Sam's fears keep them from embracing those feelings. It takes a near tragedy for them to put the past behind them and look to a future together. 

 
 

Second-Chance Bodyguard - Patricia Sargeant (HRS #2306 - Dec 2024)

Series: Touré Security Group (Book 3)
 
He needs her help…
And he wants her love.
 
Hezekiah Touré cares about two things: looking after his younger brothers and managing the Touré Security Group. To protect his family, he agrees to go into hiding with Celeste Jarrett after a serial killer threat. As a private investigator, Celeste has information Zeke's family can use. As a woman he tried to love, she's always been hard to reach. Sharing a safe house might lead to sharing her bed, but can he convince her to trust him? Or will the wounds she suffered in the past drive them apart again?
 
Terrific conclusion to the Touré Security Group series. Zeke is the oldest of the three brothers who co-own the company. He takes his role as manager and protective older brother seriously - sometimes too seriously, according to his brothers. As the book opens, Zeke receives a death threat after attending a client's funeral. At the same time, Celeste meets with a client who wants her to investigate her husband's death. She doesn't believe her husband killed himself.
 
Celeste's investigation uncovers a possible link between her client's questions, Zeke's client's death, and the threat against Zeke. He and his brothers join forces with Celeste to uncover the truth. The twists and turns of this case kept me guessing to the end, while the intensifying attacks kept me turning the pages. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and an eye-opening experience for Zeke.
 
I enjoyed seeing Zeke and Celeste's relationship develop. Celeste's past left her with trust issues that made her unwilling to open up with people. Zeke wanted to get to know her better, but she only shared superficial things. Working together allows Zeke to try again. The push and pull between them was interesting, as Celeste's mission is to protect Zeke, which grates on him because he is usually the protector. They grow closer as Celeste's barriers drop, but Zeke makes a boneheaded move that stirs up Celeste's insecurities. I loved seeing Zeke's brothers straighten him out (turn around is fair play). Celeste also receives some advice that helps her see past her fears. The ending was sweet and emotional and bodes well for their future. 

Wyoming Undercover Escape - Juno Rushdan (HI #2255 - Dec 2024)

Series: Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor (Book 3)
 
He once promised to protect her
Now he'll face the devil to keep his vow.
 
Rip Lockwood, former Marine Special Forces and president of the Iron Warriors motorcycle club, swore to protect Deputy Ashley Russo years ago. When she targets her brother's killer -- the dangerous leader of a rival club -- he fulfills his promise. Their undercover ruse exposes a drug operation…and an unexpected attraction. And they'll risk everything to bring a murderous crime ring to justice.
 
Terrific book that drew me into the suspense quickly and kept me hooked until the end. Rip and Ashley are connected by a tragic event that happened years ago. Ashley blames Rip, and he accepts the guilt. Now a deputy, Ashley is determined to bring her brother's killer to justice. Rip left the Marine Corps to take over leadership of the local motorcycle club and finds out about Ashley's plans.
 
Rip and Ashley have been at odds ever since her brother's murder. However, Rip has never forgotten his vow to protect her and is determined to keep her safe. This entails attempting to rein in her plans (not happening) or going along with her. Sometimes, I wanted to shake her because of the risks she took. The scene at the bar had me on the edge of my seat as she walked into the lion's den. The consequences of that excursion led to a rollercoaster of action that kept me glued to the pages until the end. The twists kept me guessing what would happen next, all the way to the nail-biter of an ending.
 
I enjoyed seeing Ashley and Rip's relationship develop. Underneath the antagonism and guilt is a strong attraction neither wants to admit. They've managed in the past by avoiding each other. Now that they spend so much time together, those sparks are more difficult to ignore. Trust grows between them, and their feelings grow stronger, but there are obstacles, too. Rip believes a relationship between the president of a motorcycle club and a deputy would be detrimental to her career, plus the after-effects of their actions make it impossible for Rip to remain there. I loved the resolution and the neat little twist at the end.
 
My only complaint with the book is that Harlequin editors consistently neglect the proper capitalization of the word Marine when referring to a member of the United States Marine Corps. 

Cinderella's Billion-Dollar Invitation - Michele Renae (HR #4888 - Feb 2024)

Series: If the Fairy Tale Fits (Book 2)
 
A DATE UNTIL MIDNIGHT…
 
Scientist Ivy's dreams are derailed following her brother's devastating illness. Now, she's working as a barista to make ends meet. So, when billionaire Wolf -- Ivy's most charming customer -- invites her to be his fake date at a glamorous ball, stepping out of her ordinary life is impossible to resist…as is his kiss! But what happens when Wolf wants her to be his Cinderella for more than just one night?
 
Good book. Ivy is an entomologist who has taken a break from her career to help her brother deal with an unexpected illness. She works as a barista in a local coffee shop to make ends meet. One charming but quiet customer catches her eye.
 
Wolf is a workaholic billionaire who built his company from nothing. A difficult childhood taught him to guard his heart, with multiple unsuccessful relationships reinforcing the necessity. He envies his business partner, Skyr, who has found love and happiness. Skyr gives Wolf a day-by-day calendar with challenges to get Wolf out of his rut. He first laughs it off but then decides to try it.
 
Wolf is a regular at the coffee shop, and we learn early that Ivy is the draw. Wolf is too reticent (maybe shy?) to speak to her, so he gets his coffee and cake and enjoys being in her presence. He orders the same thing every time until this day when the calendar challenges him to "try a new to you food." I laughed because he was not a lemon fan but chose lemon cake anyway. I laughed at his reaction and loved seeing Ivy take him a piece of his usual chocolate chip cake. They chatted for a few minutes, which he had never done before. The next day, it happened again.
 
Within a few days, Wolf involves Ivy in his daily challenges. I loved their connection and their growing friendship. I loved how Ivy encouraged Wolf's pursuit of the challenges. It doesn't take long before each feels more than friendship, but both are wary of saying anything. Wolf's invitation to his company's ball allows Ivy to step out of her everyday life and experience Wolf's. The ball scene was terrific. I enjoyed seeing Wolf's employees' reactions to Ivy and loved the promise it showed for their future.
 
However, obstacles stand in their way. Wolf's past comes back to bite him when an action taken early in their friendship damages Ivy's trust. Her reaction stirs up his insecurities. Ivy pulls away out of guilt when her brother has a medical episode while she is off with Wolf. Both must let go of the past before opening their hearts to a future together. The ending was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue wrapped the book beautifully.
 
Ivy's brother Ivan played a critical role in the book. He is the reason Ivy is in New York. His illness adds an uncertainty to their lives that both must adjust to. Ivy is a little overprotective and tends to hover more than Ivan likes. I felt that Ivan handled his diagnosis better than Ivy did. I liked their close relationship and their support of each other.

Golden Lord - Mary Jo Putney (Kensington - Nov 2024)

Series: Dangerous Gifts (Book 2)
 
Allies of the heart and soul . . .
 
England, 1803. The oldest foster child of the Earl and Countess Tremayne, Caden Tremayne was one of several abandoned children rescued into the fold of the “Tribe of Tremayne,” each bearing a special gift. Now that he is grown, Cade's superior investigative abilities and talent for preventing violence -- or when necessary, executing it -- are urgently required by the Home Office. For after an all-too-brief peace, Britain and France are about to be at war again. But it isn't the dangerous mission that concerns Cade. It's his secret love for his sweet, bright, spirited accomplice . . .
 
Will their love be the victor?
 
Tamsyn Tremayne has always felt a deep connection to Cade, whose very presence warms her heart. Yet though they are not blood, their family relationship has led her to suppress her love for him. Still, their mental bond is undeniable -- and only grows stronger, along with their feelings, when Cade is captured by the French. Tam knows that Cade will not be easily broken, yet only their meeting of minds can truly save him -- and hopefully free them to be together at last. But first, she will have to navigate a treacherous maze of enemies and allies to find him, they will have to escape France -- and block a devastating plot against Britain . . .
 
Terrific second book in the Dangerous Gifts series. The Earl and Countess of Tremayne and their natural and foster children are blessed with certain "gifts." Those abilities make them valuable assets to the Home Office. On the eve of the resumption of the war, the oldest foster son, Cade, and the oldest daughter, Tamsyn, go to Paris to escort the Ambassador back to England. The mission is dangerous, but Cade is more concerned with keeping his unsiblinglike feelings for Tamsyn under wraps.
 
The action in this book was fast-paced and intense, keeping me glued to the pages. Cade and Tamsyn must ensure that the ambassador and his people get safely out of France before the French government can stop them. The trip to Calais from Paris is mostly uneventful, except for the feeling of being watched. Trouble rears in Calais when French troops try to prevent them from leaving. Unfortunately, Cade is captured, necessitating Tamsyn effecting a rescue. Unexpected developments make this an extremely complicated process, which, though successful, has unintended consequences. Their work for the Home Office continues when they uncover a plot that could devastate Britain's naval capabilities. The resolution of this plot was a nail-biter as they raced to prevent disaster.
 
I enjoyed the development of Cade and Tamsyn's relationship. They have shared a special connection since Cade arrived in the family. As he grew older, Cade realized the truth about his feelings for Tamsyn but buried them deep. For a long time, Tamsyn looked at her feelings for Cade as a more intense connection than she felt with the others, ignoring any hint that it could be more. However, the events of this mission bring those feelings to the surface, and they must face them. I ached for them as they tried to resolve their love with the possible consequences to their larger family. The resolution of their dilemma is well done and believable.
 
One of the most fascinating things about this book is the idea of the "gifts" and how their use. Each sibling has something unique that sets them apart. Their parents have worked hard to train them to use and appreciate those gifts properly. The ability to combine their powers intrigued me, as did the emergence of new skills when they did so. I loved how they always had each other's backs, even when far apart.

 

Snowbound Christmas with the Italian Doc - Annie O'Neil (HMED #1353 - Nov 2023)

A snowy Christmas…with her gorgeous boss!
 
Spending Christmas working in the Italian Alps following another(!) breakup, Dr. Natalie is focused on keeping herself busy -- with work only! What she hadn't factored in was sexy, charismatic and caring GP Gio. Gio really is the complete package, but Natalie's on her guard this time. Until an infant abandoned in a Nativity manger temporarily needs their care, giving them a reason to embrace the spirit of the season…together!
 
Natalie, a British-Italian emergency room doctor, has just experienced the ending of yet another romantic relationship. Her Italian grandfather invited her to spend Christmas with him and his friends in the Italian Alps. This gives her a chance to reevaluate her life. She's about to turn forty, and her dream of marriage and children hasn't come to pass, so she decides to concentrate on work. Natalie also has another challenge: she has ADHD,  which frequently complicates her relationships and work.
 
I felt bad for Natalie. She's always honest about her ADHD with the men she dates, but it doesn't take long before they start trying to change her behavior. She takes short-term jobs as a substitute doctor, believing that once her coworkers get to know her, they, too, will try to change her. It makes for a lonely life. She signed on to help at the family clinic in the village where she and her grandfather are staying.
 
Gio is the doctor at the clinic. He also owns the house where Natalie and her grandfather are staying and has his own rooms there. Natalie's grandfather and his friends were Gio's professors back in medical school, so he enjoys having them stay. He's taken with Natalie when he meets her but is wary of getting involved. His last relationship also ended badly.
 
I enjoyed watching Gio and Natalie's relationship develop. Natalie's ADHD gets worse when she's nervous, and her first encounter with Gio gets her seriously flustered. Gio quickly won my heart with his easy acceptance of Natalie's quirks and insistence that nothing was wrong with her. They make a great team at work, where Natalie's rapport with the patients shines. It doesn't take long for them to admit their attraction and give in to it.
 
They do well at communicating with each other, but each still holds back just a little, their pasts making them wary of risking everything. When an abandoned baby is found in the church nativity scene, Gio and Natalie step up to care for her. But the baby's presence stirs up insecurities in both. It takes some timely advice to break through the fears holding them back. The ending was sweet, and the epilogue was fantastic. I especially enjoyed seeing how Natalie found the perfect job for her. 

 

K-9 Defender - Julie Miller (HI #2245 - Sept 2024)

Series: Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book 2)
 
Can one woman's K-9
Convince her to trust a determined detective?
 
After a betrayal that almost took his life, Detective Joel Standage is deskbound. A new assignment is his chance to find out if he still has what it takes to be a cop. His mission? Get close to Mollie Crane, a woman who's as guarded -- and wounded -- as he is. Her service dog, Magnus, trusts Joel before she does. When it becomes clear that his interest in her crime boss ex-husband is putting her in danger, what started as a case becomes personal, and Joel will do whatever it takes to protect her…
 
Terrific book. I was hooked from the prologue and read this book in one sitting. As the book opens, we see the heartbreaking abuse Mollie's husband inflicts on her. There is a brief flash of hope that rescue is in sight, but that hope is soon dashed. Her husband's new driver looks like he wants to help, but Mollie won't endanger him by asking for assistance.
 
Fast forward two years. Mollie has escaped her abuser's clutches. She works as a waitress and tries to put the past behind her, but overcoming the fear she has lived with for so long isn't easy. She is helped along the way by her service dog, Magnus, a goofball dog with his own ideas about his job. Also present is her ex's driver from the prologue, who turned out to be an undercover detective. Joel is trying to get his life back on track after being badly injured in an undercover op that went terribly wrong.
 
I enjoyed watching Mollie and Joel's relationship develop. The connection is there, but both are wary of getting involved, thanks to the traumas of their past relationships. They settled first on friendship, pushed together by Magnus. However, Joel's protective instincts kick in when Mollie becomes a target, and Mollie finds it unexpectedly easy to trust Joel. I loved their support of each other, especially when Joel helped restore Mollie's confidence in herself. His growing feelings for Mollie show Joel he's ready to start living again.
 
The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Mollie has something her ex wants, and he will stop at nothing to get it. The escalating attacks kept Mollie and Joel on edge while working with Joel's boss to stop him. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved how it went down.
 
Marcus was my favorite secondary character. He is Mollie's support dog and a big, loveable goof most of the time, but that can change if the situation calls for it. He seems to have some issues paying attention to his duties. I laughed out loud when his trainer diagnosed his problem and thoroughly enjoyed Magnus's solution. 

 
 

The Lyon's Alliance - Ruth A. Casie (Dragonblade - Nov 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 67)
 
In a world where love is unpredictable, alliances are everything...
 
In the heart of Regency London, amidst the glittering ballrooms and shadowy alleyways, a mystery unfolds that threatens to unravel the very fabric of high society. The intertwined fates of two men navigate a web of secrets, desire, and betrayal -- all for the love of one woman.
 
Viscount Wolfton seeks to win Christina Heartfield's heart after making a wager with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, but soon finds that he is in danger of losing his own the more he spends time with her...
 
The society papers prove troublesome as they threaten to ruin all involved... including Christina's well-meaning friend Richard St. John, who strives to prove himself while protecting those he holds dear...
 
Christina Hartfield, beset by her family's recent financial woes, finds herself caught between both men: Viscount Wolfton, with his mercurial charm and mysterious past, and Richard St. John, steadfast and sincere. The stakes are high, with reputations, fortunes, and hearts on the line.
 
In a world where appearances can be deceiving, Christina must discern who she can truly trust, and the most profound alliances are often those least expected...
 
Good book whose twists and turns kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Lies, betrayals, and rumors made this love triangle more complex.
 
Viscount "Wolf" Wolfton is known for charming the ladies but moving on as soon as they start hinting at marriage. He's frustrated at the constant assault on his bachelorhood and asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to accompany him to several charity events as protection. She declines but proposes a bet: She will find him a companion who can resist his charm.
 
Christina's family is in financial difficulties due to an investment that is the victim of an embezzler. She helps Mrs. Dove-Lyon with planning a series of charity events, and when the widow offers to pay her to take her place during those events, Christina can't say no. Christina isn't the usual society miss. She has a mind of her own, an interest in astronomy, and a caring heart.
 
Richard St. John is Christina's brother-in-law's cousin. He has been drawn to Christina since he met her. He has a quiet, steadfast personality rather than Wolf's blatant charm.
 
Christina spends a great deal of time in Wolf's company, attending the charity events. She enjoys his company but also senses that he has secrets that prey on him. I had mixed feelings about Wolf. He has charm and potential but also exhibits ungentlemanly behavior that turned me off. Meanwhile, Richard is there to help when Christina needs him, and they bond over their interest in astronomy. I loved Richard's protectiveness, Christina's worry about him, and how it brought them closer together.
 
Trouble comes when Wolf gives in to jealousy and makes a stupid decision. Meanwhile, rumors swirl around Richard, casting aspersions on his honor. Mrs. Dove-Lyons leads the charge to clear Richard's name. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end. There was one surprise at the end I didn't see coming. I'd like to see it followed up on in a later book.

 
 

The Maui Effect - Sara Ackerman (Mira - Nov 2024)

They say opposites attract, but are they meant to last?
 
'Iwa Young's life is high in the Maui rainforest. As a field biologist, she's happiest in the company of trees and birds and waterfalls. When a developer arrives with plans for a so-called eco-resort in the middle of a forest full of endangered species, 'Iwa puts all her energy into the fight to protect it. But a chance encounter threatens to distract her. His name is Dane Parsons, a big-wave surfer from California. 'Iwa has a few unbreakable rules, and at the top of her list: never date a surfer.
 
Dane is part of an underground group of big-wave riders, and his connection to the ocean runs deep. When he meets 'Iwa, he can't get her out of his mind. But 'Iwa wants nothing to do with Dane until he offers to help protect her beloved forest and waterfall. Always on the hunt for the ultimate ride, Dane suddenly glimpses something even greater.
 
In this thunderous love story, we travel deep into the Maui rainforest and hop across the globe from Hawai'i to California to Portugal, chasing waves the size of nine-story buildings -- where the unthinkable is always just one breath away.
 
This was my first book by Sara Ackerman, but it won't be the last. She immediately drew me in with her opening description of Dane waiting for and riding the big wave at Peʻahi, one of the islands' most incredible surfing spots. I could feel Dane's excitement at the wave's strength and his respect for the ocean.  It gave an excellent first impression of his identity and what drives him.
 
'Iwa is a field biologist, born and raised on the island. Her job is to track and protect the flora and fauna of the island. That also includes going up against a developer of an "eco-resort," which is anything but that. Her love and passion for the land leaped off the page. Spending time in the forest also brings back memories of her time with her late mother.
 
Dane and 'Iwa meet when Dane and the other surfers come into 'Iwa's dad's restaurant. They are immediately drawn to each other, but 'Iwa has a rule of no surfers and no off-islanders, having been burned in previous relationships. Dane is persistent in wanting to get to know 'Iwa better and finds a way by appealing to her love of nature.
 
I enjoyed seeing the slow build of Dane and 'Iwa's relationship. 'Iwa is wary of getting involved with another surfer whose goal is always the next big wave. But there is more to Dane than just the thrill, and I loved seeing them connect through their love of nature. There were some terrific scenes of them showing each other what was unique about each of their lives. Dane's appreciation of 'Iwa's work and his support of her efforts to protect the land went a long way toward softening her initial wariness. I especially enjoyed the scene at the waterfall. As a surfer herself, 'Iwa has a deeper understanding of Dane's fascination, almost obsession, with searching out the biggest waves. I enjoyed watching her support him, from Maui to California to Portugal.
 
However, some obstacles must be overcome to have a chance at a future together. A surfing event that goes wrong strains their relationship by stirring up insecurities on both sides. Dane and 'Iwa need to deal with their pasts before moving forward. Both journeys were intensely emotional, and I loved the realistic way they were depicted. The ending was terrific, and I loved seeing how it all worked out.
 
The secondary characters were fantastic. Dane's surfing friends, Kama, Yeti, and Hope, played significant roles in the story, from surfing to giving advice Dane didn't always appreciate. 'Iwa's friend Winston was a big part of her life, from being her musical partner to another warrior in the fight against unwanted development. However, the most important secondary character is Mother Nature herself. The vivid descriptions of the oceans as Dane and the others surfed made me feel as though I was there. The depth of the author's love for Hawaii was evident in the descriptions of the forests and animals. Seeing a rare endangered bird made my heart beat faster, just as it did for 'Iwa.

The surfing scenes and the background were fascinating to read about. I looked up surfing big waves at Peʻahi and Navare on youtube and gained a deeper appreciation for Dane's abilities. 

Montana Heat - Josie Jade (Calamitte Jane Pub - Nov 2024)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 9)
 
Growing up with addict parents and extreme neglect, Jensen Chambers learned early to only depend on himself.
 
A family was something he’d never thought he’d have, but the people at the Resting Warrior Ranch have become exactly that. Yeah, Garnet Bend is about as small as towns come, but big cities never did him any favors anyway.
 
So when Kenzie Hurst—with her manicured nails and stilettos that obviously don’t belong in Montana—shows up with trouble on her high heels, Jensen isn’t going to just sit by.
 
This is family.
This is his town.
 
He’ll be dåmned if he’ll let outside danger destroy the peace they’ve worked so hard to build.
 
But when the mysterious beauty needs protection only Jensen can provide, he can’t turn her away. She may wear Prada, but her sweet smile and engaging laugh is drawing him in.
 
Making him want to keep her around permanently. High heels and all.
 
Someone wants Kenzie dead, but Jensen—and the Resting Warrior Ranch team—are about to show her that around here, they look out for their own.
 
This was another exciting visit to Garnet Bend, Montana, and the world of Resting Warrior Ranch. As usual, with this author's books, I was immediately drawn into the story and hooked to the finish.
 
Kenzie is a very successful commercial real estate agent in Denver who also gives seminars on how to grow a business. She is a city girl to the bone, but when she has a stalker whose threats escalate, the police send her to tiny Garnet Bend to lay low while they investigate. She arrives in town and immediately has car trouble. The sheriff sends her to Jensen, the town mechanic.
 
Jensen had a rough childhood, but meeting Lucas was a bright spot. They maintained their friendship through the years, and when Jensen came to a crossroads after his time as a security consultant, Lucas invited him to Garnet Bend. Jensen has a garage where he works on cars and is a talented wood carver.
 
When Jensen notices some suspicious trouble with Kenzie's car, he consults his friends at the Resting Warrior Ranch. They all agree that the sheriff needs to know about it (he knows about Kenzie's stalker problem). Jensen agrees that he should be her first line of defense since he is nearest Kenzie's location and unattached. Meanwhile, the other RWR men put their talents to use in helping uncover the identity of her stalker and provide extra protection.
 
The intensity grows when it becomes evident that Kenzie's stalker has found her. Threatening messages and physical attacks keep everyone on edge as they try to protect her. I was glued to the pages as the attacks escalated. The final confrontation had a twist I didn't see coming and kept me flipping pages as fast as I could read. The twist in the resolution was unexpected, and I can't wait for the next book.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Kenzie and Jensen develop. They are such different people it was hard to see how they could become a couple. Kenzie is a city girl who likes the hustle and bustle of the city, the culture, and being close to her friends. She is outgoing and friendly. She doesn't look forward to her time there, expecting extreme boredom. Meanwhile, Jensen is quiet, not very sociable, and downright grumpy until he's had sufficient coffee in the morning. He's also honorable, a good friend, and has a heart bigger than he lets on.
 
Kenzie and Jensen have one thing in common. Both have trust issues - Jensen because of his childhood and Kenzie because of a relationship that turned out badly. However, it doesn't take them long to form a connection. Jensen's protective instincts kick in when he discovers the danger Kenzie is in. I loved how he understood her need to occupy her time with something productive and invited her to set up his social media sites for his woodworking business. Neither could deny the attraction that was building between them. Could they give into it without being hurt when Kenzie returns to Denver? I loved the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
 
I loved seeing characters from the previous books. They aren't thrown in just to connect this book to the series; they play vital roles in the story. I loved how the men immediately jumped in to help. The women made Kenzie part of their group without blinking an eye. It was fun to see Kenzie included in the RWR Sunday dinner tradition and its effect on her and Jensen. 

 
 
 

A Firefighter's Hidden Truth - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2245 - Sept 2023)

Series: Sierra's Web (Book 11)
 
The woman he can't remember
…is about to become unforgettable
 
Who is he? Hotshot firefighter Luke Dennison has no memory…until a beautiful blonde reporter reluctantly identifies him. Unknown to Luke, Shelby is the mother of his son. Their brief affair ended badly. But now, Luke and Shelby are running from a killer while rekindling a rocky romance. As danger grows and Luke's memory gradually returns, will Shelby's secret add fuel to the fire?
 
Terrific book that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Luke is a hotshot firefighter who was found unconscious and injured near a fire, with no memory of who he was or how he got there until a woman came to the hospital to identify him.
 
Shelby had known Luke five years earlier when she had an interview with him. They had an irresistible attraction that they gave into until the morning she awoke, and he was gone. No goodbye, just a thank you note and an envelope of cash. Hurt and furious, she wrote him off until she discovered she was pregnant. When she confronted him, he called her a liar and slammed the door in her face. She has raised her son on her own.
 
But when Shelby left the hospital, she never planned to see him again. Unfortunately, on her way home, someone ran her off the road in such a way that she could have died. When the police investigated, they discovered her car had been tampered with.
 
Thus began a roller coaster ride of action and suspense mixed with the emotions of dealing with their past. Luke's memory begins to return, but some events remain MIA. An investigation into Luke's life reveals some financial irregularities and actions he can't believe he did. Luke and Shelby, along with the people of Sierra's Web, work to keep them safe and try to figure out what is going on. The action and suspense are intense as the bad guy stays on their tail no matter what precautions they take. I began to suspect part of the truth, but the twist at the end shocked me. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
The rekindling of the relationship between Luke and Shelby was full of obstacles. Shelby is understandably wary of trusting Luke but can't deny the sparks that still fly between them. Luke adamantly denies he would have treated her the way she claims. As they spend time together, Shelby sees the man she thought she knew but also knows what he did to her. I ached for Luke and his emotional turmoil when he learned about Carter. They have much to overcome, and it takes honest conversations to make it happen. The ending was terrific, and I loved the scene with Carter. 

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

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

 
 

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

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

 
 

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

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