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. 

 
 
 

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. 

 
 
 

River Justice - B.J. Daniels (HQN - Aug 2024)

Series: Powder River (Book 3)
 
When you look for the truth, there's no telling what you'll find…
 
Brand Stafford has long felt he didn't quite fit in with his siblings. Now he has the DNA evidence to prove his real father is the Staffords' ranching rival, Holden McKenna. That secret does more than complicate his family -- it's also made him the prime suspect in a kidnapping. His unlikely ally in clearing his name is Birdie Malone, newly arrived in Powder Crossing in search of answers of her own.
 
Impetuous and stubborn, Birdie has a knack for pulling Brand out of his comfort zone. Suddenly this rule-following cowboy is determined to do what he knows is right, whether that's tracking down a kidnapper or finally giving away his heart. Even if he has to put everything on the line to do it…
 
Terrific book, as the saga of the Staffords and McKennas continues. Brand Stafford has always felt a little disconnected from his siblings and wondered why. When his sister Oakley does a DNA test, he does one and gets the shock of his life. His father is Holden McKenna, his family's nemesis. He's unsure how to deal with the information but drops a copy of the results in Holden's mailbox, which lands him in unexpected trouble. The following day, he catches a strange woman lurking around the ranch.
 
Birdie Malone came to Powder River looking for answers about her father's disappearance and death. She's convinced that Brand's mother, Charlotte, killed him to get rid of the second husband she regretted marrying. Birdie is determined to find proof of Charlotte's guilt.
 
Birdie and Brand's meeting was amusing and not what either of them expected. Seeing the usually quiet, attention-avoiding Brand lose his cool around Birdie was fun. There are sparks of attraction between them, but they try to ignore them. Birdie talks him into helping her investigate, but before they can get started, Brand is accused of kidnapping Holden's teenage ward, Holly Jo.
 
Meanwhile, we witness Holly Jo's kidnapping and the terror she faces as she's held for ransom. Holden is beside himself with worry, and others are determined to help find the girl. We learn that the kidnapper has a grudge against Holden and is bent on revenge. Holden must figure out who it is before it's too late.
 
A lot is going on in this book. The search for Holly Jo and trying to identify the kidnapper is the most critical. The sheriff is frustrated with Holden's uncooperative attitude and the shortage of leads. That frustration increases when Birdie and Brandon get involved, putting themselves in danger. Birdie is one determined woman, and her impulsive actions do not endear her to the sheriff. There are plenty of tense moments and twists as the search continues. The final confrontation with the kidnapper was terrifying and had me on the edge of my seat until it was resolved.
 
Throughout the story, Birdie searches for answers about her father's death. I liked her determination and her faith in her father. The progress of her investigation was intriguing, and the conclusion was much more convoluted than I expected.
 
I ached for Brand as he dealt with the results of his DNA test. He's unsure if he's happy to know the truth or wishes he'd never done it. Should he be angry at his parents, who were married to other people at the time? I also hurt for Holden, who was blindsided and shocked by the news. The backstory between Holden and Charlotte is heartbreaking, as is what started the feud and their lives since then. I'm interested to see what else plays out between them.
 
The relationship between Brand and Birdie happens fast. The sparks are there from the moment they meet. I enjoyed seeing Birdie's influence on Brand as he took chances and allowed himself to risk his heart. I laughed at Brand's disbelief that he goes along with her schemes. I look forward to seeing more of them in the future.
 
The book finishes with a scene between Bailey McKenna and the sheriff. Something has been happening with her, but Stuart can't get her to confide in him. I suspect that they will be the focus of the next book. 

Redeeming the Maverick - Christine Rimmer (HQN - Aug 2024)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Trail to Tenacity (Book 1)
 
The return of the prodigal rancher…
 
Hayes Parker swore he would never return to Tenacity, a town that had given him nothing but hard feelings and heartbreak. Now his father's illness has beckoned him home to the family ranch, bringing him face-to-face with…her. Chrissy Hastings, the one who got away. Hayes has changed a lot since he was a hotheaded teen. But he can't just pick up where they left off. First, he must prove he's a man she can count on…for keeps.
 
Terrific start to the new series. There is a new town and new characters, with cameos by some old friends. Hayes left town when he graduated from high school after butting heads with his father for years. Though he swore he'd never go back, he went when his mom called, needing help. He didn't expect to come face-to-face with his high school girlfriend minutes after arriving in town. Chrissy was just as shocked to see him. Each plans to keep their distance from the other, but Fate has other plans.
 
When Chrissy's condo gets flooded, she needs somewhere to stay while it is repaired. She could move back in with her parents, but Chrissy doesn't want to deal with her mom's controlling nature. She's surprised when Hayes offers her a place at the ranch. She's hesitant because of their history, but Hayes swears it's only as friends.
 
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of their relationship. They find it just as easy to talk now as back then, but that also brings back memories of their deep feelings for each other. Every time one of them starts feeling stirrings of attraction or closeness, they pull back, afraid of being hurt again. But those feelings become harder to resist the more time they spend together. When they finally give in to the attraction, each tries to convince themselves that it is just "friends with benefits" instead of acknowledging the truth.
 
I ached for both Hayes and Chrissy as they fought their feelings. I especially wanted to shake Hayes as he continued to deny the truth even after Chrissy dared to speak up. He earned every bit of the misery he felt after they parted. I loved the ending and seeing Hayes face the fears that kept him from accepting Chrissy's love. The epilogue was terrific, and I look forward to seeing more of them in later books. 

Danger in Big Sky Country - Kimberly van Meter (HRS #2213 - Jan 2023)

Series: Big Sky Justice (Book 1)
 
To catch a killer
…will she risk a life?
 
When a childhood friend and her family are killed on their Montana ranch, Detective Luna Griffin finds it especially gut-wrenching. To solve the case, she must work with the victim's brother, Benjamin, who'll do anything to get justice for his sister. But the by-the-book cop must bend the rules­ while not falling for the ex-Marine. Until one bullet -- and long-buried secrets -- threatens everything…
 
Terrific book that sucked me in from the first pages and kept me hooked to the end. It all started when police detective Luna did a wellness check at her childhood friend Charlotte's house, only to discover that Charlotte and her entire family had been brutally murdered. She is grief-stricken at the loss of her friend, feels guilty that they had drifted apart, and is determined to find the person guilty of the heinous crime. The last thing she needs is for Charlotte's brother, Ben, to interfere in her investigation.
 
Ben and Charlotte's childhoods were miserable, and he left town as soon as possible, rarely returning. He feels even more guilty now that there is nothing he can do to repair his relationship with his sister. All he wants is for the killer to be brought to justice, and he has no confidence that the local police are up to the job.
 
The first meeting between Ben and Luna was rough. Both are attempting to deal with their grief over Charlotte's death, and Ben's accusations of incompetence don't go over well. Luna realizes it is better to have Ben working with her than going off on his own. Neither expected or wanted the sparks of attraction that flared between them. I enjoyed how they connected over their shared grief and determination to catch the killer. They try to resist their growing feelings for each other. Luna feels guilty about being happy with her dead friend's brother. Additionally, Ben has no desire to live in Cottonwood again, and Luna's roots run deep there. There is a lot to overcome if they are going to find a way to be together.
 
The suspense of the story was great. I was glued to the pages from the discovery of the bodies to the end of the book. I felt Luna and Ben's frustration at the lack of clues. Those they did find were rife with contradictions that made it difficult to discern the truth. A twist at the end and an unexpected connection finally set Luna and Ben on the right track. A tragic confrontation and its aftermath answered some questions but left others hanging, likely to be addressed in subsequent books.
 
There is a secondary mystery happening that involves Luna and her sisters. Their biological parents died in an explosion that is now raising questions in the girls' minds. The book ended with them having no answers. I expect that this will continue to be a theme in this series.

A Maverick's Holiday Homecoming - Brenda Harlen (HSE #3019 - Dec 2023)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lassoing Love (Book 6)
 
The only gift he ever wanted
 
Charlotte Taylor famously fled Bronco twenty years ago, leaving her high school sweetheart at the altar. Now rancher Billy Abernathy is newly divorced, raising three kids -- and not ready to trust his heart to anyone, much less the woman who broke it. Never mind the memories swirling around them like a cozy Christmas sweater, or the bonds that still exist, making them realize that there's unfinished business between them…
 
Good second chance story. Charlotte and Billy were lifelong friends and high school sweethearts twenty years earlier. When she got pregnant, they were told they would marry, and the wedding was scheduled for two days after graduation. But when Charlotte lost the baby, no one would listen when she insisted she wasn't ready to get married. Finally, with the church packed and Billy waiting at the altar, she ran. She has returned to Bronco to meet her newborn niece and spend the holidays with her family. Meeting Billy again was never in her plan.
 
Billy was heartbroken when Charlotte left him at the altar, but a few years later, he moved on. Now, he is the newly divorced father of three teenagers with no plans to get involved in another relationship. He has accepted that he shares some of the blame for his marriage's failure, but that doesn't make it hurt any less.
 
Billy and Charlotte encountered each other on the high school career day. I liked how Charlotte made a point of apologizing for the past and that both agreed the past was past. They decide to rekindle their friendship, never expecting to discover that their love for each other has never died. I enjoyed the development of their relationship as they got to know each other as adults. But with Charlotte due to return to Florida after the new year, both are reluctant to allow themselves to have deeper feelings. But the heart wants what it wants and each must decide if the chance of a future together is worth the risk. There are some obstacles - their families' attitudes, his kids' feelings, and Charlotte's job - they need to overcome.  I loved the ending, and Billy's big moment in the barn was terrific.

The Maverick's Holiday Delivery - Christy Jeffries (HSE #3013 - Nov 2023)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lassoing Love (Book 5)
 
A Cradle for Christmas?
 
Happily single Dante Sanchez is not looking for love. When he meets seven-months-pregnant Eloise Taylor, he knows he should run, not walk, in the other direction. But the local teacher is dazzled by the fiercely independent Eloise -- maybe even enough to reconsider his dedication to bachelorhood? Between her wealthy family's disapproval and her own reluctance to commit, their relationship is a risky proposition. However, there's a baby on the way who just might need them both…
 
Terrific book. I loved Dante and Eloise, who feel real enough to be your child's teacher or a local businesswoman's association member. Eloise left Bronco shortly after she turned eighteen. The daughter of one of the Taylor patriarchs, she became frustrated with her father's attitude toward women and working, so she set off to live life the way she wanted. Now the owner of a successful marketing firm, the pregnant Eloise has returned to Bronco to raise her child. Her reappearance was dramatic, got tongues wagging, and illustrated the archaic attitudes of the older Taylors.
 
Dante is a third-grade teacher whom his students love. Handsome and charming, he is happily living a single life and isn't looking to settle down any time soon. But from the moment he spotted Eloise, he was irresistibly drawn to her.
 
I loved the first meeting between Eloise and Dante. While unexpectedly coming to her rescue, Dante was on the receiving end of a lengthy and revealing monologue as Eloise vented her frustration with her family. I loved his patience, understanding, and amusement as he listened to her vent. Neither expected the strength of the pull toward each other.
 
I enjoyed watching Dante and Eloise spend time together. Underneath their growing friendship is an attraction neither can deny. I loved watching Dante get more invested in Eloise and her upcoming baby. His surprise at his involvement was sweet, and seeing his anticipation was fun. Eloise, too, gets closer to Dante, but she has trust issues thanks to her previous relationship and resists the possibility of an actual relationship. She finds it difficult to believe that Dante's interest will last. I kept my fingers crossed that Dante could break through her fears. The ending was fantastic, and Dante's big moment was sweet.
 
I enjoyed the demonstration of the differences between the Taylor and Sanchez families. The Thanksgiving dinners were a vivid example and an eye-opening experience for Eloise. I like watching the Taylor patriarchs get pulled kicking and screaming into the 21st century.