Twin Jeopardy - Cindi Myers (HI #2262 - Jan 2025)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Criminal History (Book 3)
 
Finding his twin could get him killed…
 
Fifteen years ago on a family camping trip, Vince Shepherd's twin vanished without a trace. Her body was never found. The cold case makes headlines again when local reporter Tammy Patterson interviews Vince…and a series of taunting notes makes them suspect his twin might be alive. Hope collides with passion as Vince and Tammy chase down leads while trying to resist their attraction. Every step brings them closer to the shocking truth…and someone who has waited a long time for vengeance.
 
Terrific story that kept me enthralled from start to finish. The suspense was intense, and the frequent flashbacks gave insight into the events that continue to affect the lives of those involved.
 
Vince is a relatively new member of the Search and Rescue team. The story opens with him as part of a team investigating a sighting of bones in the mountains. The site isn't far from where his family camped fifteen years earlier when his twin sister disappeared. Vince is on edge, wondering if the bones could belong to his sister, Valerie. He's still thinking about it that evening when reporter Tammy Patterson approaches him.
 
Tammy is a reporter for the local paper. She wants to do a series of articles about the SAR team celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. She plans to start with the story of the search for Valerie, which had a lasting impact on future searches.
 
I liked Tammy's sensitivity when interviewing Vince and his parents. She looked for accurate information rather than something to sensationalize the tragedy. She was easy for Vince to open up with. Having lost a sibling, her empathy was a big part of their connection.
 
Tammy's article was well received and stirred up some renewed interest in the case. But neither she nor Vince expected the odd things that began to happen. From strange notes accusing them of lying about the disappearance to vandalism and attacks claimed by a mysterious person who signs their work with a V, both wonder if it is a scammer or Valerie. And if it is Valerie, why are there negative actions? The attacks intensified until a nail-biter of a final confrontation that left everyone shocked.
 
There were sparks of attraction between Tammy and Vince from the moment they met, but their connection went beyond the physical. Because both had tragedies in their pasts, they found it easy to talk to each other. As they worked together to identify V, their feelings for each other grew stronger. I loved Vince's protectiveness as the threats intensified and Tammy's desire to be there for him during these weird occurrences. I loved the emotional ending and commitment to get through life together. 

Lyon's Lover - Maggie Sims (Dragonblade - Dec 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 69)
 
A wastrel lord and an ex-courtesan forced together must pay the price of their past sins.
 
She's planning for the future…
Having enjoyed a successful career as mistress to various members of the Ton, Isabella Rossi longs to walk away from her past. She wants a normal life with all it entails -- a husband, a home, and children. Isabella seeks out the Black Widow, owner of the Lyon's Den gaming hell who also runs a specialized matchmaking service.
 
He's living for the moment…
Heir to an earldom, Luke Lynwood is addicted to drinking, gambling, and avoiding his responsibilities. But when he gambles more than he can afford, the Black Widow offers him an alternative way to repay his massive debt.
 
Under Isabella's reluctant tutelage, Luke must come to terms with his lack of self-control and face his father, which might just take a Christmas miracle.
 
This was a good enemies to lovers story with a lot going on. There is addiction, family conflict, class differences, and an older woman/younger man as themes that kept me turning the pages.
 
Isabella (Belle) is a retired courtesan looking for a change. After a successful career and intelligent investing, she has more than enough to live comfortably. But Belle wants a husband, children, and a life away from her past. She asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to work her matchmaking magic for her. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is willing but has an unusual requirement. She knows Belle successfully helped a young woman beat an addiction and wants Belle to help a problem client overcome his vices.
 
Luke Lynwood is well down the road to ruin. He lost his mother at an early age and has a tense relationship with his father. Luke spends his days and nights drinking and gambling until the night he loses far too much at the Lyon's Den. Mrs. Dove-Lyon tells him he has a choice: get sober, or she writes to his father about his debts.
 
Though Belle is not happy with the mission, she is determined to carry it out to the best of her ability. Luke is very uncooperative at first, and he and Belle clash constantly. But after a few days, Luke begins to feel the results of her tough love approach. Neither one expects the sparks of attraction that flare up between them. Luke is an accomplished flirt who enjoys getting under Belle's skin. He also begins to appreciate her efforts on his behalf, and his confidence grows. I liked how Belle challenged him to take control of his life and future.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. From antagonists to friends to lovers, it wasn't an easy journey. Once Luke finished his "program" and was cleared by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, they were in for another shock. Mrs. Dove-Lyon reveals that her choice of husband for Belle is none other than Luke himself! Belle is horrified. She cares for Luke but fears that her reputation will cause him irreparable harm, and she resists any attempts to convince her otherwise. Luke takes to the idea quickly. But there is one other obstacle to a happy ending for them, and it shows up as a twist near the end.
 
The ending was terrific. I loved how Belle's past and future came together unexpectedly. It warmed my heart to see the support she received and the difference it made to her view of the future. 

 
 

A Father's Redemption - Sabrina York (HSE #3041 - Apr 2024)

Series: Tuttle Sisters of Coho Cove (Book 3)
 
It'll take the unlikeliest of people to rescue this single dad…
 
Ben Sherrod had been attracted to nurse Celeste Tuttle since they met, even though she's never hidden her contempt for his development company. But he's moved on from the awkward boy he was in high school. When Celeste is thrust back into his life, he's not sure how to handle things…especially the rush of old and new feelings he's suddenly confronted with. But Celeste is hesitant about commitment -- especially with Ben, a man still scarred by his failed marriage, his wife's death and his daughter's trauma following that tragic event. Soon, though, they're bonding over shared challenges, discovering just how much common ground they share. Maybe their next venture might be a step into a new future…together.
 
Good enemies-to-lovers/second chance story. Celeste has known Ben since they were in high school. She has been an activist all her life and blamed Ben for his father's real estate development. She has treated him like an enemy ever since. Ben never saw Celeste as an enemy. He had a big crush on her in high school but was first too shy, then too intimidated, to ask her out.
 
Celeste wasn't too happy when she found out she would work with Ben on the grant proposal for a new clinic. However, she quickly realized that attitude wouldn't be productive when they had a short deadline to meet. I liked her conscious decision to clear the air, though she didn't expect to discover that he was not the evil businessman she thought he was.
 
Ben never approved of how his father handled Coho Cove's development and made significant changes when he inherited the company. Unfortunately, the work required strained his marriage. He feels a lot of guilt over his failed marriage, the accident that killed his wife, and the effect it had on their daughter, Quinn.
 
I enjoyed watching Celeste and Ben's relationship develop. Once Celeste got past her dislike of him, she discovered that she and Ben had much in common. There were some terrific scenes of them spending time together and realizing how much they were alike. What neither expected was the attraction that flared between them. Their feelings for each other grow, but obstacles keep them from going all in. Celeste had been burned in an earlier relationship, and trusting again did not come easily. Ben has a pile of insecurities that make it difficult for him to believe he deserves to be happy.  It takes nearly losing her for Ben to let go of his fears and take a chance.
 
I loved Ben's daughter, Quinn. She hasn't spoken since the accident that killed her mother. Other than that, she is a happy, healthy little girl. Her relationship with her daddy is fantastic, and I loved watching Ben with her. Quinn and Celeste take to each other, and their scenes together are sweet. Some adorable parts with Quinn and her best friend, Celeste's nephew JJ, lead to an unexpected development later in the book. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was terrific. 

 

Snowbound with a Baby - Melissa Senate (HSE #3009 - Oct 2023)

Series: Dawson Family Ranch (Book 12)
 
Snowy with a chance of love
 
Detective Reed Dawson should be looking for the mother who abandoned her infant in his office. But a freak snowstorm has him stranded and left to care for the baby with social worker Aimee Gallagher. Reed can see that Aimee is a caring person and a natural mother. But despite their ice-melting attraction, Reed's painful past prevents him from getting involved. So why does he keep imagining their future as a family?
 
Good book about two people with painful pasts who come together to care for an abandoned baby. Detective Reed Dawson arrived at work one morning to find a newborn baby on his desk and a note begging him to care for her "for a few days." Because of that note, Reed intends to care for baby Summer himself despite the efforts of social worker and foster mother Aimee Gallagher. When Reed joins Aimee at her home to discuss the matter, a freak snowstorm snows them in together.
 
I enjoyed watching Aimee and Reed's relationship develop as they cared for little Summer. Reed's ease with the baby impresses Aimee, but she also senses some turmoil. His past marriage made him wary of getting close to anyone, but Summer and Aimee didn't take long to sneak past his walls. Reed fights against his growing feelings for Aimee to the point where he makes a boneheaded decision near the end and almost loses her. He gets some good advice from his cousin, but the real eye-opening comes from a conversation with a new acquaintance.
 
Aimee also has a painful past, one that sent her on the journey to become a foster mother. I ached for her and the betrayal she suffered. She, too, doubts the likelihood of a successful relationship, but she doesn't let that stop her from her dream of becoming a mother. Her excitement at caring for Summer was evident, as was her disappointment at Reed's refusal to give up on her care. I ached for her as she fell hard for Reed and realized he would not return her feelings. I liked how she stayed true to her needs despite Reed's idea and held out for love.
 
The scenes of Aimee and Reed caring for Summer were sweet and realistic. I loved how Reed's experience showed Aimee the difference between the classroom and real life.
 
Part of the book covered Reed's search for Summer's mother. Her note implied she knew him, and I could feel Reed's determination to figure out who she was. I enjoyed seeing her story unfold. The resolution of her dilemma was terrific.

 
 
 

Undercover Cowboy Protector - Kacy Cross (HRS #2274 - Apr 2024)

Series: Secrets of Hidden Creek Ranch (Book 1)
 
A hidden treasure may save her ranch…
Or cost her her life.
 
Ex-SEAL Ace Madden is working undercover as a cowboy to protect Sophia Lang, a new ranch owner who's in more trouble than she realizes. But his attraction to Sophia is complicating his mission. When Sophia's confronted by an intruder searching for a treasure map, she enlists Ace's help to find the treasure before her mysterious attacker does. As danger draws them close, Ace must resist his hunger for Sophia. Can he find a way to protect her from the people trying to steal the fortune on her land? And can he save himself from falling in love while they solve the mystery?
 
Good mix of romance and suspense, with a bit of history mixed in with it. Sophia is a former advertising executive who gladly gave up her job when she inherited her grandfather's ranch. She plans to turn it into a dude ranch.
 
Ace is a former SEAL who started a security firm and was hired by an unknown person to protect Sophia, with the condition that he doesn't reveal his identity. Ace is undercover as a ranch hand and has a tough time. He is intensely attracted to Sophia, which distracts him from his mission.
 
The trouble begins when she confronts a masked intruder searching for a treasure map. Fortunately, Ace is nearby and saves her. Sophia immediately recruits him to help her find the treasure before the intruder does. Their search draws some unwelcome attention, including shots fired and runaway heavy equipment. Their search has ups and downs, and there is an intense confrontation at the end. While the immediate question of who was behind the attacks was solved, there are unresolved questions that I expect will be addressed in the following books.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Sophia and Ace's relationship. Their attraction is immediate, though neither is looking for a relationship. Ace resists for two reasons: first, he is there for the job, and getting involved would not be professional. Second, because of past actions, Ace believes he does not deserve a woman like her. Sophia has trouble trusting men but finds it easy to trust Ace. Their attraction continues to grow, no matter how they try to resist. I was a little frustrated by Ace's tendency to back away every time he gave in to the sparks. There are fireworks when Sophia learns the truth about Ace's presence, and it takes some self-examination from each to overcome the insecurities holding them back. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in subsequent books.
 
The secondary characters also have essential roles in the story. Sophia's sister, Charli, originally wanted no part of Sophia's plans for the ranch. She shows up near the end, expressing more interest in participating. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the sisters and seeing the dynamics of their relationship. There is a good part near the end where Charli makes a vital contribution to the plans for the ranch.
 
Also arriving near the end are Ace's two partners, Heath and Paxton. They, too, start as undercover ranch hands, backing up Ace as he tries to keep Sophia and Charli safe. I laughed at how they gave Ace a hard time about his distractedness around Sophia. I suspect both men will play roles in the following books with Sophia's sisters, Charli and Veronica. 

Reunited with Her Off-Limits Surgeon - Amy Ruttan (HMED #1354 - Nov 2023)

One stolen night -- and ten years later…
 
Deaf audiologist Maeve hasn't seen Finn since their stolen night ten years ago. Now he's her hospital's temporary ENT surgeon -- and sparks are still flying! Finn's only returned long enough to learn sign language for his dream job. Maeve's always craved adventure, but has people who depend on her. Unable to leave and protective of her emotions, she knows a relationship with Finn is off-limits! But denying their attraction has never been easy…
 
Good second chance romance. When they were growing up, Finn and Maeve had crushes on each other. But Maeve was Finn's best friend's little sister and off-limits to him. Neither knew how the other felt until the night before Finn left for college when they gave in to their feelings. But Finn couldn't wait to get out of Kansas, and once he was gone, he didn't return.
 
Ten years later, Finn returns to Wichita to settle his parents' estate and learn American Sign Language to improve his chances of getting the California-based job he wants. While doing so, he fills in as the local hospital's ENT surgeon. He often wondered what had happened to Maeve and is stunned to find her working in the same hospital.
 
Maeve is mostly deaf and had an over-protective mother. Her best memories are the times she tagged along with her brother, Rolf, and Finn. She works as an audiologist at the hospital and teaches ASL. She lives with Rolf and his deaf son, helping to care for them.
 
During their ten years apart, Maeve and Finn never forgot each other and never entered into relationships with other people. Finn has been too busy with his career. He also has no plans to marry and have a family. After being raised by indifferent parents, he fears that he would be like them and refuses to inflict that pain on children of his own. Maeve is comfortable with her life as it is, caring for her brother and nephew. She was affected by how other people treated her as a child and keeps her emotions tightly controlled.
 
The sparks between Maeve and Finn are intense, but he has no intention of staying in Kansas, and Maeve has no plans to leave. They attempt to bury their feelings and limit themselves to being friends only. But the time they spend together brings them closer, and emotions bubble to the surface. I ached for Finn, who realized he was lonely and wanted Maeve to stay in his life. But he fears rejection, so he says nothing about his feelings. I ached for Maeve, who longs for a change but won't desert the people who need her. I liked seeing them work through their issues and find the courage to be honest with each other. I loved the advice both received and the difference it made. The epilogue was terrific, and I liked how their future worked out.
 
Maeve's nephew, RJ, was a sweetheart and stole the scenes he was in. I especially enjoyed seeing his effect on Finn. A crisis at the end involved him, and I was glued to the pages to see how it worked out.
 
I enjoyed the medical theme of hearing loss, its causes and treatments, and its challenges. The information was integral to the story, not just an info dump.

 
 

A Lyon in Waiting - Abigail Bridges (Dragonblade - Dec 2024)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 68)
 
They are both hiding the darkest of secrets. But will saving one be the destruction of the other?
 
Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, owner of the renowned Lyon’s Den, knows how to match unmarriageable women with the perfect mate. But even she may not be able to help a woman too determined to walk her own path, failures and all.
 
After Lady Mary Caudale faced ruin and humiliation because of a mistake, she knew her chances of a debut season had vanished. Then her brother, the Duke of Kirkstone, and his new wife Beth came up with a daring plan to salvage Mary’s future. But as the family returns to London, they discover that Mary’s “secret” is not so secret, with the news working its way through the ton. So Mary and her brother turn to the owner of the Lyon’s Den, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon herself, to find Mary a husband before her reputation is destroyed beyond repair.
 
Enter Lord Thaddeus Ephraim Bolton, second son, Earl of Crookham, a man with an unfortunate gambling habit who owes Mrs. Dove-Lyon a great deal of money. But Thad, in the way of such gentlemen, has a number of dark secrets of his own. Secrets that will screech into the light if he agrees to the Lyon’s demand that he marry this odd but lovely woman from the north.
 
But as Mary and Thad risk giving each other a chance, Thad realizes this secretive beauty may just be the very person he has been waiting a lifetime to find.
 
Very good book. Both main characters are likable and realistic, with believable faults and insecurities. Once again, Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranges an excellent match.
 
Two years earlier, Lady Mary made a mistake that had lasting consequences. Her brother, Kit, Duke of Kirkstone, and his wife Beth helped cover up the scandal, but when Mary went to London for her Season, rumors followed. Society shuns her, making it impossible for her to find a husband. With Kit and Beth about to leave for India, Kit and Mary appeal to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help finding her a husband.
 
Thad is the younger son of the Earl of Crookham. As the "spare," he was mostly ignored by his family. He and his father disagreed on his future plans, and the woman he loved married someone else. With no direction, Thad spends his time gambling badly and accumulates more and more debt. Some he owes to a shady character, and some to the Lyon's Den. When Mrs. Dove-Lyon offers to pay his debts if he marries Mary, Thad agrees. He is instantly attracted to her but also wary of the secrets that forced her to take this route.
 
I liked Mary and Thad and enjoyed following the development of their relationship. I liked how Thad insisted that they take two weeks to "court," giving them a chance to know each other and him a chance to uncover her secrets. One of the things I liked best about Mary is that she stands up for herself despite her family's attempts to mold her into their version of "ladylike." Thad appreciates her fire. I loved his surprise at her vocabulary and how her obvious intelligence made her more appealing to him. I liked his protectiveness, also. There were a couple of terrific scenes in which he faced down a particularly vicious gossiper in her defense. He won my heart with his reaction to her secret.
 
Thad has a few secrets/issues himself. One was surprising, considering his age and the era in which he lives, but it doesn't seem to have been a problem in the end. However, he is badly injured when one of his mistakes catches up with him. I hurt for him because of his family's reaction and loved how Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Mary, and her family stepped in and made him feel as though he was part of a family.
 
I loved that Mary and Thad were open and honest with each other about their pasts, feeling that a genuine relationship must be based on trust. I liked the epilogue and seeing how they are doing a few months later. I have great hopes that Thad has finally found something better than gambling to occupy his time. 

Fortune's Holiday Surprise - Jennifer Wilck (HQN - Dec 2024)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: Fortune's Secret Children (Book 5)
 
He'd lost the holiday spirit…
Until she brought light back into his life.
 
Rancher Arlo Fortune is devastated when he loses his best friend in a tragic accident. The only thing that heals him is opening his heart to his friend's adorable daughter, Aviva…and his friend's grieving sister-in-law, the brand-new guardian to the orphaned child. Carrie Kaplan has one mission: to lavish her niece with love in a Jewish home like her sister always wanted. Her stop in Chatelaine is only temporary. Right? But as she teaches Aviva about the miracle of Hanukkah, holiday magic might just beckon from Arlo's ranch around the bend…
 
Terrific book. I loved the multicultural aspect of the story with the inclusion of Carrie' Jewish heritage and customs. I know very little about Jewish traditions, and this was enlightening and enjoyable.
 
After the unexpected deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, Carrie became the guardian of her niece, Aviva. Coping with her grief at the same time, she tries to give Aviva as normal a holiday as possible, which is not easy. She longs to return to her life in Albuquerque but doesn't want to upend Aviva's life any more than necessary.
 
Arlo is grieving the loss of his best friend, Isaac. He wants to continue being part of Aviva's life and makes a point of spending time with her. He is also dealing with unresolved issues about his father, adding a bit of mystery to the story.
 
I enjoyed the development of Carrie and Arlo's relationship. They come together because of their grief and love for Aviva. Arlo insists on helping Carrie fix up the house while she deals with settling the family's affairs.  Their romance developed as they got to know each other. I loved seeing Arlo's interest in Carrie's traditions and enthusiastic participation as Carried prepared for the holiday. Carrie's support of Arlo as he deals with a mystery surrounding his father goes a long way toward restoring Arlo's holiday spirit. The question is whether Carrie's growing feelings for Arlo will be enough to keep her from returning to Albuquerque.
 
I liked seeing Carrie's introduction to small-town life. She's used to the anonymity of city life, and it takes her some time to adjust to the closeness of the people of Chatelaine. I loved how welcoming and inclusive they were, with a terrific scene at the town's holiday festival. I also loved the ending and seeing both families' celebrations. 

Regency Christmas Weddings - Christine Merrill, Liz Tyner, Elizabeth Beacon (HH #1829 - Dec 2024)

Overall, an enjoyable trio of holiday stories. I liked the first one the best.

In A Mistletoe Kiss for the Governess by Christine Merrill, Major Frederick Preston is stunned when his daughters' governess is not the stern matron he expects but a beguiling miss who challenges and tempts him!
 
After five years at war, Frederick looks forward to spending time with his daughters. He's shocked when he discovers the governess he hired (sight unseen) isn't the older woman he expected but a much younger one. He's uncomfortable with his immediate attraction to her, which causes him to behave rudely at first. I liked that Charlotte stood up for herself and her actions with the girls. However, Frederick and Charlotte had gotten to know each other reasonably well through the letters they exchanged over the years, which helped Frederick readjust his expectations. During that same period of letter writing, Charlotte developed feelings for Frederick that translated into romantic dreams. Frederick fights his feelings until he finally realizes that Charlotte has had his heart all along.
 
 
 
In The Earl's Yuletide Proposal by Liz Tyner, delivering the news that her cousin is calling off her engagement should be simple for Adriana. Until the earl proposes to her instead!
 
Adriana is the poor cousin who acts as her wealthier cousin Velma's companion. Velma is spoiled and manipulative. As the story opens, Velma hears a rumor that her fiancé isn't as wealthy as she thought, so she sends Adriana to end their engagement. Adriana is stunned when he proposes to her instead. However, she has strong opinions on marriage and love and turns him down. Lord Philbrook, once he has an idea in his head isn't going to let go of it easily, and persists. Adriana's relationships with the other servants at her cousin's make her reluctant to leave them. Meanwhile, Philbrook quickly realizes he had a lucky escape and won't give up on convincing Adriana to marry him. I liked the ending and the unexpected help he received.
 

 
In Lord Grange's Snowy Reunion by Elizabeth Beacon, years ago, Juno fell in love with Lord Nathaniel Grange, then war tore them apart. Will a snowbound night lead to a second chance?
 
Juno fell in love with the newly divorced Lord Nathaniel Grange five years earlier. Fearing that his scandal would reflect poorly on her, he went to war, hoping the gossip would fade while he was away. But as time passed, his insecurities convinced him he was unworthy of her, so he stayed away, expecting her to move on and marry someone else. Juno never forgot Nathaniel and has never married. When Juno makes an impulsive trip to visit family, a snowstorm strands her at Nathaniel's home. Forced together for several days, they have the opportunity to deal with their pasts and clear the air. Their feelings for each other are as strong as before, but it takes some effort for Nathaniel to let go of his fears.