Operation Alpha - Justine Davis (HRS #1937 - Mar 2017)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 8)

After a series of his ex-girlfriends die mysteriously, tracker and tech expert Liam Burnett vows to steer clear of romantic entanglements. But when he's assigned to work with Ria Connelly, unwanted feelings ambush Liam. And though he warns Ria that he's not looking for anything serious, the outwardly cheery bachelor can't help but fall for the beautiful teacher

With Cutter, the uncannily brilliant dog, the two collaborate to help a troubled student. Their discoveries of scandalous secrets provoke extreme danger. Only when a killer threatens Ria does Liam finally rethink his reluctance to care he must protect her at all costs. Could she be the one who breaks the girlfriend "jinx"?

This was another terrific Cutter's Code book. It opens with a blast from the past, as the young lady who was the inspiration for the start of the Foxworth Foundation, returns to ask for help for a friend. Emily is now sixteen, and she's worried about a classmate who recently lost his mother. Emily brought along one of her teachers, who is somewhat skeptical as this is not the type of thing Foxworth is known for. I loved Emily's background story and Quinn's heartfelt statement about what they do. Liam was also in on the meeting, as he had been with Cutter when the women arrived. I loved how Cutter made friends with Emily and Ria then turned around and gave his people "The Look."

I've always liked Liam, who is the upbeat, charming tracker and techie. He also has a unique history with Foxworth, as he was recruited after hacking into Foxworth's systems. Liam had been on a bad path until Quinn pulled him off it. He's been a valued member of the team ever since. He has also been known for laughing as his coworkers fell to Cutter's matchmaking schemes, but also steering clear of any relationships himself. Here we learn that he has had three romances in his past, and each one has ended with the death of the lady in question. Liam blames himself for each one, and won't allow himself to risk another's life.

I liked the development of the relationship between Liam and Ria. Their meeting was amusing as they are both immediately attracted. Ria's been burned in the past, but her attraction to Liam hit her hard. She has a great deal of trouble reining in her imagination whenever she looks at him. The effect on Liam is even stronger. I loved seeing him totally unable to concentrate, losing his place in conversations, and with his imagination running wild. Since they have to work together to get to the bottom of Dylan's problem, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know each other. I ached for Liam who fought his feelings all the way, certain that he is jinxed when it comes to love. I loved seeing Ria get past his walls and get him to open up to her about his past. I loved his shock when, instead of being disgusted with him, Ria shows her understanding and then gives him another point of view. I felt his fear when, after giving in to what was growing between them, Ria ended up in danger. I loved how she trusted him and the effect it had on him. His big moment at the end was fantastic. I loved seeing his vulnerability, and his determination to give Ria the space he thought she needed after what happened. The hope that grew in Ria's heart as she listened to him was terrific, and I loved her response.

The suspense of the story was really good. I loved that the Foxworth team was totally onboard with finding out what was happening with Dylan. It was great to see Liam use the various types of martial arts as the hook to get closer to him. The class demonstration was terrific, and the scene with the bully was great. As Dylan became more comfortable around Liam, it was easy for Liam to see that whatever was happening, it was wearing hard on Dylan. The scene when Liam took Dylan to pick up his little brother was heart-wrenching, as was the confrontation when Dylan's father arrived at the gym during one of the lessons. That also set Liam's alarms going off and gave him a direction for his investigation. What he found out was not really a surprise. When he and Ria set plans in motion, it triggers an unexpected reaction. I was on the edge of my seat (and up way past my bedtime) as I followed the action. I liked the realism of Liam's panic before he got himself under control and did what he does best. The final confrontation was intense and terrifying, and I ached for little Kevin. I loved Ria's trust that Liam would be there and her efforts to help. Cutter, of course, was awesome.

The Laird - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Sept 2014)

Series: Captive Hearts (Book 3)

He left his bride to go to war...

After years of soldiering, Michael Brodie returns to his Highland estate to find that the bride he left behind has become a stranger. Brenna is self-sufficient, competent, confident-and furious about Michael's prolonged absence.

Now his most important battle will be for her heart

Brenna is also hurt, bewildered, and tired of fighting for the respect of those around her. Michael left her when she needed him most, and then stayed away even after the war ended. Nonetheless, the young man who abandoned her has come home a wiser, more patient and honorable husband. But if she trusts Michael with the truths she's been guarding, he'll have to choose between his wife and everything else he holds dear.

Good ending to the Captive Hearts series. Michael made his first appearances in The Captive and The Traitor, as part of the undercover team sent to France by Wellington. Just before he left for the war, nine years earlier, Michael had married Brenna. They had been betrothed since he was thirteen and she was eight. When the marriage took place, Michael was twenty and Brenna was sixteen. Though Brenna begged to go with him, Michael left her behind, telling her that she would be safer at home.

The book began as Michael returned home, appearing without notice. Brenna is shocked, angry, and worried. She has spent the years since his departure taking care of home and hearth with little communication with her husband. It hasn't been easy. Her husband's uncle actively works against her, and the people of the clan that she tries to care for look on her with contempt and suspicion. She is furious with Michael for abandoning her, and his staying away even after the war ended only aggravated her more. But, in spite of her anger with him, Brenna also remembers the days when he was her only friend, that she felt safe and protected with him. Michael is glad to be home, his duties to his country finally at an end. He hopes to find peace and healing in his land and the arms of his wife.

I loved that first meeting between Brenna and Michael. He gets quite a shock when he discovers that she isn't the plump, quiet, girl that he left behind. Instead, he finds a strong, capable woman who is justifiably angry at him. I loved that he admitted his mistakes and promised to do better. Brenna has had such a miserable time that she's ready to call it quits on the marriage. She makes good points that they don't know each other anymore. Michael is determined to make the marriage work, but he is also sensitive to Brenna's feelings. I loved his patience as he slowly worked his way past her walls and earned her trust. There are some very sweet scenes as he woos his wife, showing her the care and respect that she has craved for so long. Brenna is wary around Michael. She quickly realizes that she still cares for him, but she has secrets that could easily destroy his respect for her. I loved seeing the two of them together, as their shared history helped ease the way for them to get to know each other again. I especially enjoyed seeing Michael's belief in Brenna and determination to make things right for her. Brenna also helps Michael deal with the memories of the things he's had to do over the years. I loved the ending as both of them are able to put the past behind them and move on to a future together.

Underneath the happiness of Michael's return, there is also the undercurrent that something isn't quite right. The antagonism between Brenna and Angus is clear, and Michael wants to know why. I liked his quiet watchfulness as he gathered the facts before he made his move. It made me happy to see his righteous anger over how she had been treated by his people. Michael wasn't quite done yet, and he continued his investigation. He did not expect what he found, and his shock and horror were indescribable. The confrontation was intense, though I was not surprised by either accusation. I had disliked Angus from the start because of his attitude toward Brenna, and my suspicions of him continued to grow throughout the book. There were times when he made my skin crawl, and I wanted to yell at Brenna to expose him. There was a slight redemption at the end, but overall I think he got a better ending than he deserved.

I loved seeing St. Clair and Milly (The Traitor) when they arrived to visit the Brodies though their timing was certainly awkward. The friendship between the two men is clear, as is the respect. I loved seeing St. Clair give Michael relationship advice. I also enjoyed the growing friendship between Milly and Brenna and loved Milly's part in revealing some of Brenna's troubles to Michael. It was terrific to see the changes in St. Clair since Milly came into his life.

There were other secondary characters to round out the story. Brenna's MacLogan cousins were somewhat integral to what was going on. They were there because of Brenna's marriage to Michael but were not universally accepted. Angus used them as a stick to keep Brenna in line but also had to be wary because of what they knew. I was angry at them for their part in the event that turned the clan against Brenna, but I also liked Hugh's support of Michael as he worked to get at the truth. Maeve was an interesting addition to the story. I ached for her and the betrayal she felt as her sister sent her away from the only home she had ever known to a brother she had never met. It was no wonder that she was as prickly as she was. She was also lonely, which made her a prime target for Angus. I liked Brenna's understanding of how Maeve felt, and her desperate need to protect Maeve. It would have been a lot easier if she had told Michael why she was so adamant in her rules. I would love to see a book with Maeve as the heroine.

Naughty but Nice - Donna Kaufmann (Kensington - Nov 2018)

Series: Hamilton (Book 3)

Businessman Griffin's never believed in luck...until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there's a catch: There's no way he'll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. His new "lucky charm" could destroy all his dreams...or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible...

Good story about a man who is all business until he meets a woman who teaches him how to enjoy life a little. Griffin is an Irishman who has come to the US to build a resort that is set to change the character of the small town where it will be located. Not everyone is pleased with his plans, especially bakery owner Melody.

There's more to Griffin than first apparent. He has concentrated on business and shut off his emotions because of the things he went through growing up. He never felt like he fit in and was bullied and abused by various family members. It was recently revealed that his father was adopted and Griffin has come to Hamilton to get to know his "real" family and learn about his inheritance.

Melody grew up in Hamilton, then left to become a lawyer in Washington DC. She came home to support her best friend who was dying of cancer, found she liked being a baker, and took over the bakery when her friend died. She has done her research on what happens to towns after Griffin's company "helps" them, and she doesn't like what she sees.

Griffin and Melody strike sparks off each other from the beginning. There is a definite attraction between them. I loved their first meeting, as Griffin was in search of coffee. She made her displeasure with him and his plans quite obvious there and again at the town council meeting. I liked the way that Griffin went to her shop that evening to talk to her about it and ended up staying to help. Griffin was amazed by the desire he felt to tell her things about his past, things he doesn't share with anyone. Within a short time the two of them find themselves giving in to their attraction. It was interesting to see the two of them get closer, obviously falling for each other, while agreeing to disagree on the plans for the town. Melody believes that their relationship will last only until Griffin moves on to his next project and wonders how she'll handle it when he's gone. Meanwhile, Griffin comes to realize that what he feels for Melody is much deeper than he had ever expected. I loved seeing his big moment at the end, and how his feelings for Melody had changed his views of his family. While the story never had the big conflict that I expected from the opening scenes, it ended up being a pretty sweet romance.

Operation Soldier Next Door - Justine Davis (HRS #1920 - Nov 2016)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 7)

Instead of a peaceful homecoming, wounded warrior Tate McLaughlin faces an explosion, near-electrocution and Cutter, an incredibly smart dog. Worse, the sexy veteran needs Lacy -- the pretty girl next door -- to leave him alone! He's been hurt too many times to risk his heart again.

To Lacy Steele, it's apparent that the attacks on her neighbor were no accident. Someone is after him, but his damaged memory offers no clue who! But as they investigate, Lacy finds an intimacy with Tate neither of them have ever known. And it's that bond -- and secrets from his deployment -- that threaten his life and heart.

Fantastic book co-starring one of my favorite doggy characters. It started with a bang - or should I say boom - and kept me hooked from beginning to end. Tate has just arrived in town, fresh out of four months in the hospital recovering from injuries received from an IED. He hopes for some peace of mind, moving into the house that his beloved grandfather left to him. Instead, during his first night in the house, he was awakened by an explosion that could have killed him and brought the unexpected into his life.

I loved the vivid pictures and impressions of those first few hours. I could see Tate standing there in his skivvies, staring in stunned disbelief while suffering from the effects of the explosion. The sudden appearance of his neighbor, who tries to talk to him, but he can't hear her. I could feel Lacy's concern for the man she's heard so much about. Being familiar with Cutter from previous books, I was not at all surprised to see his subtle maneuvering of Tate, nor was I surprised that he sensed that Tate was in trouble.

I loved both Tate and Lacy. Lacy is strong, independent, and has a huge heart. She was good friends with Tate's grandfather and had heard countless stories about Tate, so she was predisposed to like him when she met him. I loved her understanding of Tate's prickliness and that she rarely took it personally. I especially liked that she didn't give up on him. Tate was quite a grump at the beginning. It was hard to see his rudeness to everyone around him until the reasons became clear. He's a good man underneath but dealing with so much loss as affected his outlook. He could see what he was doing; he just had a hard time doing anything about it. I ached for him and his early reactions around Cutter because he missed his working dog from overseas so much it hurt.

I loved the development of Tate and Lacy's relationship, especially that it happened over a reasonable length of time, rather than just a few days. Both of them had bad relationships in their pasts, making them wary of getting involved with anyone else. I loved the way each of them noticed and reacted to the other, and their mental chastising of Martin for not warning them of the attractiveness of the other. Tate has a pretty rough time adjusting to being back around "normal" people. I loved how Lacy had such a good sense of just how far she could push Tate to get him to cooperate/participate. It was great to see how it was their mutual love for Tate's grandfather that helped ease their way. I adored Cutter's matchmaking actions as he guided them along the path he intended them to follow, even if they were oblivious (though Lacy caught on faster than Tate did). This exchange was fantastic:

“Lacy, Tate, meet Tyler Hewitt, our resident tech genius,” Quinn said.

"Tyler, Lacy Steele and Tate McLaughlin.”

"Hi,” the young man said. “You’re Cutter’s latest, huh?”

"Tate is,” Lacy corrected him.

Tyler grinned, shifted his gaze to Hayley.

"They don’t know yet, huh?”

"Don’t even,” she warned him. “Way too early.” “Yeah, yeah,” he said, but he was still grinning. Obviously an inside joke, Lacy thought.

The more time that they spent together, the deeper their connection grew. There were times that Tate tried to fight it, but it was a losing battle. I loved seeing Tate's tenseness dissipate, and how he started picturing Lacy in his future.  There was also a feeling of protectiveness on both sides. It was Lacy who got the Foxworths involved because she was worried about Tate's safety. As the danger increased, Tate's concern for Lacy grew, especially after the ferry incident. The ending was fantastic, as Lacy's love knocked down the last of the walls around his heart. I loved his gift for Lacy and how it showed the depth of his love and how well he understood her. Lacy had her own surprise for Tate that had me sniffling right along with the characters.

The suspense of the story was outstanding and kept me just as hooked as the romance did. The beginning was intense, with the explosion and suspicion that it was intentional, followed by the attempted electrocution. I liked the way that the Foxworth's made themselves available to help, but didn't push (they left that up to Cutter and Lacy). Once their help was requested, I loved seeing them all in action. The methodical way they worked through possibilities was awesome, and I loved seeing Tyler and Sloan and hearing about others from previous books. The intensity really took off with the ferry incident, and my heart was in my throat until Tate was able to get Lacy to safety. The final confrontation was a page-turner, between the explosion and the chase. I loved Cutter's fiercesomeness as he reacted, and Tate's determination. I loved finding out the who and the why and the irony of the truth. I laughed out loud at Lacy's revelation of her part in the capture.

I love Cutter. He is a unique and vivid character. It has been fun, throughout the series, to see the way that he influences and helps everyone around him. I adored his persistence when it came to Tate, and the way he would continue to show up, eventually breaking through Tate's barriers. It was so much fun to see him nudge Tate and Lacy together at every opportunity. People who know him and have seen him in action are not surprised, and it's always amusing to see others become believers. I also love how he knows when someone is in trouble and brings them together with those who can help.

Fit For a Sheikh - Kristi Gold (SD #1576 - Apr 2004)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: The Stolen Baby (Book 6)

HOT PURSUIT

Tracker Darin Shakir worked alone. The mysterious Cattleman's Club member had been burned in the past and he wasn't about to see innocents hurt on this mission. But plans had gone awry -- he'd wound up injured, and in bartender Fiona Powers's capable hands. The feisty redhead was more than a match for this brooding sheikh and insisted on helping Darin. But his temporary, sexy new partner was a very tempting distraction Darin didn't want, even as he yearned to show Fiona the fiery attraction blazing inside.

Good book. Though this is the last in the six-book Stolen Baby subset of the Texas Cattleman's Club series, it can be read as a standalone. There was enough backstory given that I didn't feel lost, though I'm sure it would have been even better had I read the previous books before this one. I still want to read the others. The premise of the series is that a doctor is running a black market baby ring, and various members of the TCC get involved in stopping it. In this book, the doctor is on the run, and TCC member Darin Shakir has stepped up to find him and bring him to justice.

Darin is well known for his ability to track anyone under any circumstances, and equally well known for working alone. He isn't happy about being told that he has to work with an FBI agent and plans to do his best to avoid it. Thanks to a case of mistaken identity, he believes that bartender Fiona Powers is that agent. When his first encounter with the bad guy goes wrong, Darin is injured and ends up in her hands.

I loved the scene in the bar when Fiona and Darin first meet. There are sparks between them, but Darin tries to focus on his mission and believes that she is his FBI contact. When he's injured saving her, Fiona takes him back to her apartment and insists on caring for him. I loved the contest of wills between them, and Fiona's method of ensuring his cooperation. Both Fiona and Darin are stubborn when they believe they are right, and this trend continues throughout the book.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Fiona and Darin. Darin has been a loner since the deaths of his fiancée and unborn child in circumstances he blames himself for. He makes it clear that he doesn't do relationships and that anything that happens between them is short-term only. This makes it all that more unsettling for him when he can't stop thinking about her and experiences something closely resembling possessiveness and jealousy at several times during their search for the bad guy. Fiona has plans for her future, and they don't include a relationship. Over the next few days, as they worked together, I loved seeing Fiona's feisty attitude knock down the walls that Darin had put up around his heart. Fiona had believed that she could get through her time with Darin without losing her heart. The heat between them was intense, though there were several times when luck was against them doing anything about it. When they finally succeeded, the connection surprised them both. I ached for them both when it was time for Darin to leave. She knew how she felt, and that the pain of losing him would linger for a long time. It took Darin a bit longer to realize his feelings. I loved the scene at the airport when she shocked him with her goodbye words and his stunned reaction. It still took some good advice from his friends to get him moving in the right direction. I did like his big moment, and both the love and respect he showed for her. The epilogue was good too, bringing all the couples from the series together.

The mystery of the story was well done. Tracking and capturing the elusive kidnapper was not as easy as Darin thought it would be. That first encounter when Darin was injured gave a good idea of the challenges ahead of him. Because of his past, I understood his wish to work alone, and how hard it was to accept Fiona's help. For the reader, there was also the occasional peek into the viewpoint of the bad guy, adding an extra layer of intensity to the growing tension. The final confrontation was terrific, with some unexpected twists. I loved Fiona's strength of will and her part in taking down the bad guy. I could feel Darin's fear for her and his determination to save her. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. My only unresolved question was if they were able to find all the missing babies.

Total Bravery - Piper J. Drake (Forever - Apr 2018)

Series: True Heroes (Book 4)

True heroes will do anything to protect the women they love...

As the newest recruit at Search and Protect, Raul has a lot to prove. Luckily, he's got the best friend and partner a man could ask for: a highly trained, fiercely loyal German Shepherd Dog named Taz. Together, Raul and Taz make an unbeatable team. But their first mission in Hawaii really puts them to the test when an international kidnapping ring sets its sights on the bravest woman Raul's ever met...

Mali knows her latest job has put one hell of a target on her back. And on this small island paradise, there's nowhere to hide. With a service dog like Taz, Mali feels safe. Sharing close quarters with a smoldering muscle-for-hire like Raul, she feels something else - an unexpected wave of desire. Raul feels it too. But when the kidnappers make their move, he's got to turn that slow-burning passion into hard-hitting action - and save the life of the woman he loves.

Good book that sucked me in right away. The first three books in the series took place in Pennsylvania, with the owners and trainers at Hope's Crossing Kennels. This book follows one of their working dogs and his handler, Taz and Raul Sa (from Absolute Trust), to Hawaii and their work with Search and Protect. On his first day on the job, alone on the premises, he received a call from the sister of one of his teammates - she's on the run from unknown men and needs help. Raul and Taz immediately set off to find her.

Mali is a researcher doing post-doctorate work and studying human trafficking. The team she is with has drawn the wrong kind of attention, and while she has evaded capture, the rest of the team has not. She's on edge until her sister's friend and teammate finds her and gets her to safety.

I loved the first meeting between Raul and Mali. The situation is tense because of the danger, but there is also no denying the punch of attraction that both of them feel. Mali is moved by Raul's care and concern and notices how cute he is. Raul is equally drawn to her, but she's his best friend's little sister. I laughed out loud at that moment in the hotel room when he asked "Is there something I can do to get out of this situation without Arin wanting to kill me?" and "I'm doomed. Dead." I loved Mali's reaction even more. I loved the way that Mali almost instantly connected with both Raul and Taz, and they with her. Taz is just as protective of Mali as Raul is, and he and Mali have some pretty sweet moments together.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Raul and Mali. Raul is smitten almost immediately. Even if it means standing up to his good buddy Arin, he wants to see where it will go. The problem is, he's got some pretty dark things in his past that also make him feel that he isn't good for her, so he mentally flip-flops a little bit. Mali's feelings have her totally confused. With everything that's going on, as much as she wants them to, she's not sure that she can trust them to last. I liked how their working together helped them get to know each other, and that the heat between them continued to build. I loved that Raul respected Mali's intelligence and capabilities. He didn't allow his protectiveness to stop him from listening to her opinions and suggestions or stop her from participating in the rescue operation. Though Mali is an eyewitness to the things that Raul is capable of when the situation calls for it, her feelings for him are not diminished by it. I liked that she could separate the professional Raul from the personal one. The ending was fantastic, as Raul gave Mali the space she needed to deal with everything that had happened. I liked how Mali was able to work through all her issues and see the truth. The fact that both of them had "go big" moments planned put them on equal footing for their future, with neither one having to give something up to be together.

The suspense of the story was really good and kept me hooked throughout the book. Mali and her research team were researching human trafficking on the Islands when they drew the interest of the wrong people. Mali was able to escape, thanks to remembered advice from her sister, which leaves her as the only team member free. Though badly shaken, she is determined to help her friends. Her return to the hotel, with Raul and Taz in tow, is tense and becomes more so with the messages she received. Mali's stubborn insistence on following those instructions almost put her in the TSTL category, but her willingness to follow Raul's lead made it better. The scene at the pineapple stand brought home how much danger was involved. Once they return to Search and Protect's headquarters and fill in the rest of the team, things really begin to pop. I loved the teamwork and seeing how each member's strengths were utilized. The rescue operation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat as I read my way through it. There were a couple of unexpected twists that increased the tension before it was all resolved.

The assorted relationships in the book were also fascinating. Raul and Taz's assimilation into the new team was an important component. His reflections on past issues with other teams emphasized how important this new job was to him. I liked seeing how his interactions with each of those members reinforced his feeling of belonging. I loved the nurturing spirit of Kalea and her obvious happiness in taking care of everyone. Zu's leadership and understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each member had the respect of them all. I loved his conversation with Raul at the end, and the impact it had on Raul. I felt like the most important relationship, other than that between Mali and Raul, was the one between Arin and Mali. They had grown up with Arin being Mali's protector, and now that they are grown Arin still sees Mali as that child. It takes a while for her to see Mali's strength and independence. That protectiveness also comes out when she sees the sparks between Mali and Raul. I loved that she warned Mali that she could be hurt, but also that she could hurt Raul. The friendship between Arin and Raul is a close one, and they obviously know each other well. There were some realistically awkward moments among the three of them as they worked out the new dynamics.

I loved the dogs, especially Taz. I was rooting for him in the previous book and was thrilled when he found a partner in Raul. I loved how well they had already bonded by the time this book started. One of the things I liked best about him is that his personality is so much like Raul's. It seemed that he fell for Mali as quickly as Raul did. I loved the scene in the bathroom when Raul first rescued Mali, and how Taz sensed her distress. The bit with the pineapple was absolutely adorable. Though Mali had never been an animal person, Taz drew her in just as quickly. I loved how he provided comfort in stressful times,  and was there for the good times, too. I loved his part in Raul's big moment. As always in these True Heroes books, I love learning about these working dogs and the people they are partnered with. It's always fascinating.

 

These Old Shades - Georgette Heyer (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Oct 2009)

Series: Alastair-Audley (Book 1)

Under the reign of Louis XV, corruption and intrigue have been allowed to blossom in France, and Justin Alastair, the notorious Duke of Avon and proud of his soubriquet 'Satanas', flourishes as well. Then, from a dark Parisian back alley, he plucks Leon, a redheaded urchin with strangely familiar looks, just in time for his long over-due schemes of revenge on the Comte de St. Vire. Among the splendours of Versailles and the dignified mansions of England, Justin begins to unfold his sinister plans -- until, that is, Leon becomes the ravishing beauty Leonie...

Unanswered questions.

Lovely, titian-haired Leonie, ward of the dashing Duke of Avon, had all Paris at her feet. Yet her true origins remained shrouded in mystery. And neither the glittering soirees nor the young aristocrats who so ardently courted her could still the question that plagued her young heart.

What was her mysterious parentage?

Just one man held the secret, the one she feared most in the world--the iron-willed Comte de Saint-Vire, deadly enemy of the Duke. He would give her the answer--for a price. But could she betray the man she secretly, helplessly loved? And could this proud young beauty hear to face the truth when it came?

This is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer books, and I was long overdue for a reread. Justin, Duke of Avon, and Leon/Leonie are two of the most enjoyable characters I have ever read. The duke is a notorious rake, arrogant, condescending, and seemingly obsessed with his appearance. His conversations are laced with insults and sarcasm. But he is also good to his friends and family, though he hides it well behind snarky comments at the same time. In the opening scene, he impetuously saves a young urchin from the clutches of the boy's older brother and decides to make him a page. It's clear that Justin has a plan, but keeps it a closely guarded secret.

Leon is young, innocent, but not naïve. He has seen a lot in his nineteen years and knows that he has gotten very lucky. His adoration of the duke is immediate and all-encompassing, and it seems that he will do anything that Justin asks of him. There is also a streak of rebelliousness, as shown by his tendency to question Justin's dictates when they don't suit him. He also has a volatile temper, which makes its appearance when anyone has the temerity to bad-mouth the duke.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of the book, as Leon settled into his role as a page. We get a hint that Justin is using him as some sort of revenge against his long-time enemy St. Vire, and small pieces of the plot are slowly revealed. It was fascinating to see Justin's cool and calculating actions as he put his plans in place. It was fun to see the changes in Leon - as he gets more comfortable, he seems to enjoy tweaking Justin's cool exterior. I liked seeing Justin's surprise, and then amusement at Leon's temerity. There were plenty of amusing moments involving Leon's opinions on what he sees. I especially enjoyed the trip to Versailles. But not everything is as it seems, and Leon is keeping a rather big secret - or so he thinks. I loved the confrontation between Justin and his friend Hugh, as the truth about Leon comes out between the two. I liked Hugh's protectiveness, even though it wasn't really needed.

The second part of the book, after Justin reveals to her that he's known all along that Leon is really Leonie, was even more fun to read. Leonie's disgust at Justin's plans to turn her back into a girl was hilarious, as was her attempt to bargain her cooperation for lessons in swordplay. I thoroughly enjoyed his sister Fanny's amazement at Justin's plans. She was, as Leonie said, rather "silly" but she had a kind and generous heart, and I loved the way she took to Leonie. I ached a little for Leonie as Justin left her in the country with her chaperone. She was a little bit lost and lonely without her " Monseigneur," at least until Justin's younger brother Rupert showed up. The two of them were quite the pair with their teasing and arguing. Leonie liked nothing better than getting a rise out of him, and she was very good at it.

Justin's actions have begun to bear fruit, and the unexpected appearance of St. Vire in England portends trouble. Even though I've read the book before, I was still on the edge of my seat when he kidnapped Leonie and made off with her. Rupert was hilarious in his role of white knight. I was a bit disappointed in Justin's first reaction to their disappearance, but he made up for it quite well when he discovered the truth. The complexity of Justin's machinations continued once they arrive back in Paris. Leonie clearly enjoys all the hoopla, and I loved her reactions to the various people she met. It's pretty obvious that she compares them all to her " Monseigneur " and most of them do not fare well in the comparison. As always, I was captivated by the sheer audacity of Justin's plans. I ached for Leonie when she heard the rumors and confronted St. Vire. Her love for Justin was quite clear and drove her to take the actions she did. I could feel Justin's pain and anger, and the bone-deep need to bring St. Vire to justice. The confrontation was masterfully done, and I loved how Justin had everyone spellbound as he carried it out. I also loved how all of their friends had important parts to play.

The scene between Leonie and Justin when he went after her was heart-wrenching and romantic. Throughout the book, Justin gradually changed from the cold, selfish man he used to be, to one who could show the love he felt. But though he admitted his feelings, he insists that he is too old and too steeped in scandal for her. I loved that Leonie still refused to hear a word against him - even from himself. These words said it best:

"Léonie, you will do well to consider. You are not the first woman in my life."

She smiled through her tears. "Monseigneur, I would so much rather be the last woman than the first,” she said.”

and

”His Grace looked deep into her eyes, and then went down on one knee, and raised her hand to his lips.

‘Little one,’ he said, very low, ‘since you will stoop to wed me, I pledge you my word that you shall not in the future have cause to regret it."

The secondary characters are great. There is Hugh Davenant, who plays the part of Justin's conscience. Justin's slightly flighty, but loving sister Fanny and her slightly stick-in-the-muddish husband, who come through when they are needed in France. Cousin Harriet, who played the part of instructor and chaperone, but in the end couldn't handle Leonie's unconventional personality. Justin's brother Rupert who is something of a comic foil, but also shows Justin's emotional growth thanks to Leonie. Lord and Lady Merivale, who have every reason to hate Justin, but again, are reconciled with him thanks to Leonie. Paris itself was another character, with the vividness of its world, from the streets to its glittering ballrooms to the colorful people who populated it.

There are a lot of people who find the age difference between Justin and Leonie (20 years) rather creepy, along with his seemingly patronizing attitude toward her. The age difference wasn't all that unusual for the time period, plus I felt that though Leonie was young in years, her soul was older thanks to the life she had lived. I also got the feeling that Justin's frequent use of "infant" and "my child" was his attempt to keep an emotional distance from her. It didn't work. I enjoyed seeing the reactions of each of their friends as they realized that Justin was in love with her.

Rugged Defender - B.J. Daniels (HI #1815 - Nov 2018)

Series: Whitehorse, Montana: The Clementine Sisters (Book 3)

Murder in Montana?

Cowboy Justin Calhoun is certain that Chloe Clementine is the one who got away. Now she’s back in Whitehorse, Montana, for the holidays -- and Justin’s ready to make his move. But Chloe has a secret Santa who’s been sending her not-so-nice presents, each more threatening than the last. Now they must find Chloe’s stalker Santa…before their fairy-tale Christmas turns into a nightmare.

Fantastic conclusion to the series, though the story doesn't match the blurb other than the names. Chloe is an investigative reporter was downsized from her job right before coming home for the holidays. She hasn't lost that need to investigate, and when she finds out that the man she'd had a crush on had been suspected of killing his brother, she couldn't resist looking into it. Justin had left town after Drew's death and his father's accusations against him. Five years later he got a call telling him that Chloe was in trouble, and even though he found out it wasn't true (the circumstances were pretty funny), he decided it was time to go home and confront his father.

I really liked both Justin and Chloe. She is stubborn and determined, and when she gets involved in a story, she's all in. She was also quite certain that there was no way that Justin would have hurt Drew, much less killed him. Justin's relationship with his father had never been a good one, but he's tired of running from his past. I liked seeing him confront his father, and also watch out for him.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Justin and Chloe. They had a little bit of a history, sharing one magical winter kiss that neither had forgotten. Nothing came of it because Chloe left for school and Justin left town because of Drew's death. Both of them returned to Whitehorse at about the same time. Chloe has just started her investigation and has already begun ruffling feathers when Justin witnesses her nearly being run down. He's not happy about her investigation but can tell that she won't back off. He insists on working with her so that he can protect her. Spending all that time together gives them the chance to get to know each other better, and the simmering attraction continues to grow. I loved Chloe's conviction that Justin is innocent and her determination to prove it. I liked Justin's admiration for Chloe and her abilities, and also his protectiveness when the danger intensified. There were also some really sweet scenes between them, and I loved how Chloe's sisters aided and abetted those moments. Justin had a pretty big romantic streak, and I loved his plans for their next kiss. The epilogue was a fantastic wrap-up to the series, with its main event not being a surprise at all.

The suspense and action of the story were fantastic. From the moment Chloe got involved the action was almost non-stop. I loved how her instincts had her suspecting murder in spite of the initial ruling of accidental death. The more that she and Justin looked into Drew's past and activities, the more people they found who might have had a reason to kill him. Chloe also has an ex-boyfriend who makes some seriously scary moves. There were quite a few twists and turns that really kept me guessing as to who the murderer was. I was on the edge of my seat during the final confrontation as I waited to see how it was going to turn out.

 

Rogue Gunslinger - B.J. Daniels (HI #1809 - Oct 2018)

Series: Whitehorse, Montana: The Clementine Sisters (Book 2)

A deadly homecoming in Whitehorse, Montana.

Bestselling author TJ Clementine thought she’d be safe with her sisters during the holidays. She was wrong. Dead wrong. Now her “biggest fan” has followed TJ to Whitehorse, Montana, with visions of murder in mind. The only person who can help TJ is ruggedly handsome loner Silas Walker -- if she can trust him. Because this mountain man knows just how to hunt deadly shadows…and win.

Very good book, and a "two-fer" when it came to the suspense. TJ is a bestselling author of suspense novels. For the last six months, she has received multiple letters from someone calling themselves her "true fan." They started innocuously but have become increasingly threatening, so she hopes to escape the stress by joining her sisters for the holidays in Whitehorse. Just as she's leaving for her flight, she feels something shove her off the curb into the path of an oncoming truck. She's only saved when she's grabbed by a passing man, who disappeared without saying anything. Did he save her, or had he pushed her first then changed his mind?

I could feel TJ's fear and paranoia from the beginning, and her relief at leaving New York was clear. That fear intensified when she spotted the same man in Whitehorse. Is this True Fan, and had he followed her from New York? To make matters worse, she receives another threatening letter that had been mailed from Whitehorse itself. When she sees him at the local drugstore, she panics, but when he shows up at her book signing the next day, she's left with questions.

Silas is a former cop who now works as a PI. He'd been following a man when he rescued TJ from her fall, not recognizing her as his favorite author until after he saw her go by in a cab. He suspected that she was headed home for the holidays and wondered if he'd run into her there.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between TJ and Silas. It started out pretty rough, with TJ afraid that he was True Fan. I loved their encounter at the book signing. TJ is wary and suspicious, sensing an edge and hint of danger in him. Silas was actually pretty sweet. For such a big, tough looking guy he was also sensitive to the way she seemed nervous around him. I loved how he told her how her books influenced him to come to Montana. TJ left the signing feeling very confused about him, a feeling that continued into the next day. I loved the part in the cabin when TJ was snowed in with Silas. Her initial fear was understandable, and I loved Silas's patience and sensitivity as he waited for her to get past it. I liked the protectiveness he felt toward her as she told him about the letters and his determination to help her find out who it was. TJ also sensed that there was something going on with Silas and had her own feelings of protectiveness for him. With everything that happened, their feelings got a boost in intensity thanks to the danger. The ending was sweet and romantic.

The suspense of the book had me riveted from the very beginning. The main thread was the threats that TJ received. The escalation of those threats was scary as TJ had no idea where the danger was coming from. Once Silas convinced her that he wasn't True Fan, they were able to put their heads together to figure it out. There was a surprise connection between Silas and their quarry, leading them to several suspects. Of the ones they talked to first, any of them were possibilities, though each was different. The final confrontation was intense, all the more so because TJ hadn't seen it coming. I loved how TJ kept her head, and how Silas believed his instincts when he thought she was in trouble. The resolution had me glued to the pages until it was all over.

There was a second bit of suspense going on at the same time. Silas was a former cop who was responsible for bringing down some dirty cops. He's spent some time looking over his shoulder, expecting retaliation. While helping TJ, Silas received word that those same dirty cops had put out a hit on him. The warning came just in time, giving Silas little chance to prepare to defend himself. The man who came after him was truly frightening in his intensity. I loved how TJ followed her instincts when she felt that Silas was in trouble. She also had help from a very unexpected source. That confrontation was heart-poundingly intense, keeping me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

I enjoyed seeing the three sisters spending more time together and mending their relationships. Their support of TJ was immediate when they found out what was going on. It was interesting to see the difference between Annabelle and Chloe's attitudes. Annabelle seemed to tend more to the trusting side, while Chloe was much more skeptical. I liked seeing more of Chloe and learning a little bit of her backstory. Her book is up next, and I can't wait to read it.

 

Hard Rustler - B.J. Daniels (HI #1803 - Sept 2018)

Series: Whitehorse, Montana: The Clementine Sisters (Book 1)

A cowboy must face his past

Before he loses his heart…again

Supermodel Annabelle “Annie” Clementine is back in Whitehorse, Montana. And there’s nothing cowboy Dawson Rogers wants more than to see his ex-lover’s backside…on the road out. He’ll even risk his heart again and help sell her late grandmother’s house so Annie can leave ASAP. Except along with the house, Annie inherited a mystery. And if they don’t solve it soon, someone’s willing to kill for the answer.

Good second chance romance with a very intriguing mystery to go along with it. Annie had grown up in Whitehorse, but couldn't wait for the day she could leave to follow her dreams. Unfortunately, that also meant leaving behind the man she loved, breaking both their hearts. Thirteen years later, she's back in Whitehorse, broke, with her high-powered modeling career in shambles. All she has left is her grandmother's house, which she's determined to sell as quickly as possible, and leave again. The last person she wants to see is Dawson.

Dawson is not at all happy to see Annie back in town. He has worked hard to convince himself that he's over her, but as soon as he sees her again, he knows he's in trouble. In order to protect himself, he offers to help Annie so that she can leave sooner, thereby hopefully saving himself some heartache.

Annie did not come across as a very nice person at the beginning. From her attitude about the cowboy who helped her to her opinion of the town, she seemed snobbish and stuck-up. Considering the state of her career and her finances, I wondered if she had brought it all on herself. I did feel sorry for her when she saw the condition of the house, as it was stuffed with all kinds of junk. I softened a little bit toward her when she ran into Dawson's mother and was actually pleasant to her, giving me hope that there was a better person hiding inside the snotty exterior.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Dawson and Annie. It's clear from the start that the attraction between them is just as strong as it was thirteen years ago. As much as he tells himself he wants her gone, Dawson can't stop himself from coming to her rescue over and over. These rescues hit Annie right in the pride, as she doesn't want Dawson to know just how far she's fallen. I got a little frustrated with her attitude when she would lash out at him. Dawson had the patience of a saint to put up with it. But eventually the antagonism faded and that simmering attraction started to heat up. Dawson can feel himself falling all over again, and knowing that she's planning to leave, that his heart will get broken again. Annie's feelings are also growing, but she can't see Dawson trusting her a second time. Even when they shared their feelings, they didn't take it to the point of actually talking about wishes or expectations, leaving each believing there was no chance. I loved the push that Dawson's mom gave him, telling him he needed to make a "grand gesture," though nobody expected the kind of gesture he ended up making. I loved the ending as Annie decided to go after what she wanted.

The suspense of the story was very good. As Annie started going through her grandmother's house, she discovered that her grandmother had been keeping some very interesting secrets. I loved seeing the layers as they were revealed, with each one being more amazing than the last. But Annie and Dawson weren't the only ones interested in unearthing Frannie's secrets. There was someone else who was equally determined, and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way. Getting the viewpoint of this player added an extra layer of intensity, especially as Dawson and Annie came closer to discovering the truth. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat, especially as it came with a couple of unexpected twists. The best part of all was finding the missing jewels and where they were hidden.

Eagle - Janie Crouch (Jane Crouch - Oct 2018)

Series: Linear Tactical (Book 2)

He's fighting for what's right...

She's fighting just to survive...

When former Special Forces soldier Finn Bollinger is asked to help with a deadly government mission, he's up for the task. His job teaching survival skills to civilians at Linear Tactical keeps him sharp, and he can still handle himself in the field.

But the Army damn well didn't teach Finn how to handle Charlotte Devereux. She's back and she's all sorts of bad news.

Charlotte can't change the past. Can't change the choices she made or the fact that they cost her everything. All she can do is endure the fallout. Even if that means putting her future in the hands of Finn, the man who has every right to want to destroy her.

And can in so many more ways than he thinks.

When the undercover mission goes impossibly wrong, they'll all have to depend on Charlotte's strength in order to survive. But everyone has a breaking point...

Fantastic second chance story with the added bonus of some gripping suspense. Charlie and Finn had been high school sweethearts, inseparable until Charlie suddenly decided to marry someone else. Devastated, Finn left town to join the military, later returning home to raise his son. He is one of the founding members of Linear Tactical and has made a good life for himself and his son. He hasn't seen Charlie since the day he begged her not to marry the other man.

Charlie's life is much different now than the one she had growing up. Far from being the town "princess," she works three jobs just to make ends meet. One of those jobs is helping children with learning disabilities, which is what brings her and Finn back together.

I liked both Charlie and Finn. Charlie is stubborn and independent. She accepts the consequences of the choices she made in the past but also has too much pride to let Finn see how desperate she is. She goes to great lengths to hide her circumstances from him. While her first two jobs are done to make the money she needs, the third job is her passion and what she lives for. Nothing makes her happier than working with kids who have learning disabilities and seeing them succeed. I liked the inner strength she displayed as she handled all the curveballs her life had delivered to her. She didn't whine or complain, she buckled down and did what she had to do.

Finn is tough, protective of those he cares about, and occasionally bitter about what had happened with Charlie. I loved the way he dropped everything when he found out about Ethan and threw himself into raising his son. The close relationship between the two was sweet, and I loved Finn's determination to do anything to help Ethan succeed.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Finn and Charlie. It started out pretty rough, with Finn's immediate and harsh rejection of Charlie as Ethan's tutor. I understood Finn's suspicion and wariness, as well as Charlie's unhappiness and acceptance. I loved Finn's eventual change of heart as he discovered that Charlie was, in fact, qualified to help Ethan. Underneath the antagonism is also the realization that the chemistry between them is just as strong as ever. Charlie also feels the attraction, and that attraction soon bursts into flame between them. Finn senses that there is something else going on with Charlie and his suspicions are aroused. Charlie is desperate to keep the truth of her circumstances from Finn until she is given no choice. I loved Finn's protectiveness and the way he cared for her. I was a little frustrated with how Charlie allowed her pride to hold her back from telling him everything that was happening in her life. When it became clear that there was more going on than just Charlie's financial problems, Finn's protectiveness went into overdrive. I ached for Finn and his fear for her, and his desperate hope that she would finally trust him. Finn's big moment at the end was fantastic as he found a way around all of her objections. The "epilogue" was great as it became Charlie's turn to go after what she wanted.

The suspense in the story was terrific. In Charlie's job as a bartender, she has found herself dealing with some very unsavory people. One night she stumbles into the middle of a dangerous situation and only quick thinking gets her out of it. However, it isn't long before danger stalks her, and people she knows start dying. Do the papers she found, with symbols like the ones she uses with Ethan, have anything to do with it? At the same time, Finn and the men of Linear Tactical have been approached by their former commanding officer to assist in stopping the sale of sensitive information. As they get closer to unmasking the villain behind it all, they discover an unexpected link between their case and what is happening to Charlie. It all comes to a head with a sting gone wrong and the bad guy getting away.  I was on the edge of my seat as an unexpected twist put Charlie at the center of the action and the bad guy went after Charlie for the information he knew she had. Charlie's strength of will was amazing through everything she endured. The tension and fear leapt off the pages as Finn and the others raced to the rescue. The resolution was perfect, capping off this book while leaving one thread dangling as a lead-in to the next book.

The secondary characters, as always, were also wonderful. We see a little more of Finn's partners, especially Aiden. I loved his commitment to the case they were working on and ached for the toll it took on him. I'm looking forward to getting to know him even better when his book comes along. It was great to see more of Zac and Annie, and Annie's assistance to Finn when Charlie collapsed. My favorite, by far, was Ethan. For a  kid who had as rough a start in life as he did, he is an amazingly sweet and kind little boy. My heart ached for him and his troubles. The changes in him after Charlie started working with him were fantastic, and I loved the connection that they shared. His relationship with his little friend Jess was sweet and showed how much he was like his daddy. I was astounded what he was able to do at the end and the critical part it played. I'd love to see a book about him when he's all grown up. I liked Jordan Reiss, who was mentioned in Zac's book in relation to the deaths of his wife and child. I liked Charlie's kindness to her, and the way the two women were able to help each other. I hope to see more of her in future books.

 

Never Too Late - RaeAnne Thayne (SIM #1364 - May 2005)

Series: The Searchers (Book 3)

For all their obvious differences, medical resident Kate Spencer and recently freed-though-wrongly-imprisoned Hunter Bradshaw had one big thing in common: both of them had holes in their past they were sure could never be fixed. So when Kate, nee Charlotte McKinnon, announced her plan to take a road trip to try to find clues to her real identity, ex-cop Hunter offered to go along for the ride. For protection, of course...

But there's where their trip took an unexpected turn. For Kate, who'd loved Hunter from afar for years, found no answers, only more questions. And Hunter, with Kate by his side, saw that even though yesterday might be murky, today was dawning clear and bright...

Fantastic conclusion to the series. At the end of the last book, Nothing to Lose, Wyatt and Gage McKinnon discovered that the best friend of Wyatt's fiancée, Taylor, was actually their missing baby sister. Kate had been kidnapped from their yard when she was three years old, and her family had never given up hope that they would find her. Also at the end of that book, Taylor and Wyatt had proved that her brother, Hunter, had been wrongly imprisoned for murders that he didn't commit. At the beginning of this book, both Kate and Hunter are struggling with the turns their lives have taken.

Kate has a tough time connecting with her new-found family. They have so much love bursting out for her that it's overwhelming. They've always felt she was out there somewhere, so that love has continued to exist and grow while they were apart. But for Kate, this is all new for her. Her early life with the woman who kidnapped her was full of things no child should ever experience. Then she was taken away and put into foster care, where she spent several unpleasant years before landing with a couple who knew how to help her. She doesn't know how to deal with the family or her place in it, and that makes her feel guilty. To top it all off, she's also has to deal with her long-standing crush on her best friend's brother.

Hunter has some issues of his own going on. After being accused and convicted of a crime he didn't commit, he spent three years on death row before new evidence proved his innocence. His time in prison changed him, causing him to build a wall around his feelings to protect himself. Thanks to his treatment at the hands of his fellow officers, he had lost his faith in the justice system and the law enforcement community. He's full of anger and bitterness. Since his release, he has had to learn how to handle his freedom and try to decide what to do with the rest of his life. Plus he has to deal with his attraction to Kate. Not only is she his little sister's best friend, but he believes that his time in prison makes it impossible.

I loved the development of Kate and Hunter's relationship. They had known each other for years but had kept their feelings to themselves. I loved the scene at Wyatt and Taylor's wedding, where both Hunter and Kate try to escape from the emotional overload and find themselves confiding in each other. Hunter's sensitivity to what Kate is going through leads him to offer his assistance in finding the woman who had kidnapped her, which at the same time will give him a reason to break out of his funk. He's not pleased when Kate insists on going with him, as he knows the strain it will put on his resistance. Kate second-guesses herself, too, because of her feelings for him, but her need to know outweighs her qualms. Their journey together was full of ups and downs. There were some really intense moments in the car when the sparks between them nearly set fire to the pages. There were other times when they were able to talk about the issues that haunted them, all of which drew them closer together. There were also times when one or the other would panic about their feelings and drawback or do something to push the other away. There were also several incidents along the way that added excitement and stress to an already eventful trip. Most of the time it involved Kate's big heart causing her to step into some situation, from delivering a baby to rescuing an old blind man from being robbed. Each time, Hunter is there to support her, even as he tries to protect himself. I really enjoyed the way that they were able to help each other work through the issues that were troubling them. I loved Hunter's big moment at the end. It was so sweet and romantic to see him tell Kate what he sees in her as she is in the middle of a huge meltdown and the effect it has on her belief in herself. The confession of his feelings was the icing on the cake. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up of the series.

The suspense of the story was minimal. The premise was Kate and Hunter's search for the woman who kidnapped her so that Kate could find out why she did it. There ended up not being much needed in the way of searching, thanks to help from Kate's new-found brother Gabe, the FBI agent. There was an unexpected twist in what they found out, which made Kate's quest more difficult. 

Nothing to Lose - RaeAnne Thayne (SIM #1321 - Oct 2004)

Series: The Searchers (Book 2)

Crime expert Wyatt McKinnon has built his career by turning high-profile cases into bestsellers. His most recent project -- investigating the murders that landed a detective on death row -- has reunited him with Taylor Bradshaw, the inmate's fiercely protective sister. Wyatt plans to help her exonerate her convicted sibling.

Wyatt insists his attraction to the captivating redhead won't distract him, but he does concede that the recent attempts on Ms. Bradshaw's life have caused unexpected emotional complications.

This was an emotional, fast-paced, and complex story, the second in the series "TheSearchers." More than twenty years earlier, Wyatt's younger sister had been kidnapped, the strain of the event tearing his family apart. Both Wyatt and his older brother, Gage (Nowhere to Hide), were torn up with guilt over the kidnapping, each blaming himself for not stopping it. Gage dealt with his guilt by becoming an FBI agent, working in the Crimes Against Children unit. Wyatt coped by writing books about crimes to understand the mindset of people who commit them. Neither man has stopped searching for their sister, always hopeful that she will be found. Wyatt's latest project is the story of a cop who has been convicted of murdering his pregnant girlfriend and her mother.

Taylor is the sister of the convicted murderer. She adores her big brother and knows that there is no way that Hunter is guilty. A few classes shy of graduating from medical school, she quit that and transferred to law school, determined to find a way to prove her brother innocent and set him free. She is horrified to find out that Wyatt has been interviewing Hunter because she knows that Wyatt's books are slanted toward the side of the victims. She has been looking for proof for two years to help with the appeal but has been constantly stonewalled and frustrated by the lack of help from Hunter's attorney, a long-time friend of the family. When her roommate suggests that she take her information to Wyatt in hopes that he will help her find the truth, Taylor is wary but willing to try anything.

Wyatt was intrigued by Taylor from the time he met her at Hunter's trial. He is skeptical of her claims of Hunter's innocence but wants his book to be accurate. As he and Taylor work together, Wyatt quickly realizes that there are more questions than answers in what they find out. There is also a strong attraction between them, something that neither of them is happy about at first. Taylor doesn't need or want the distraction. Wyatt is afraid that it will affect his ability to be impartial, but he also can't deny that he feels protective of her, especially once he finds out about the threats she has received. The longer they worked together on Hunter's case, the closer they got. That same closeness also had Wyatt running scared. He had spent years with walls built around his heart, letting no one inside as a way to protect himself from the pain of any more loss. But Taylor had gotten inside, and he didn't know quite how to deal with it. It took nearly losing her to make Wyatt realize the depth of his feelings for her. Taylor recognized her feelings sooner, but there were things going on that made her believe that Wyatt didn't return her feelings. I loved the ending when all the misunderstandings were cleared up. Wyatt's vulnerability as he confessed his feelings was heartwrenching.

The question of Hunter's innocence or guilt was very well done. I ached for Taylor, who had given up everything that was important to her to try to get justice for her brother. Her determination was amazing and had led her to some information that raised questions about his conviction. Wyatt was convinced of Hunter's guilt but impressed by Taylor's belief in her brother. I liked the way that he was open-minded enough to listen to what Taylor had to say. The search for the truth also put a target on Taylor's back, as threats warned her to back off, and her house was set on fire as a warning. As she and Wyatt delved deeper into what led up to the murders, multiple suspects were uncovered. Was it the fiancée's married lover? Or did it have something to do with her investigation into police corruption? Could it have something to do with the fiancée's mother? Or had Hunter pissed off one too many of his fellow cops? The final unraveling of the mystery had some unexpected twists to it. The final confrontation was intense and had me wondering just how Taylor was going to get out of it. I loved her determination and ingenuity as she fought for her life. The final revelations showed what a tangled web it had been.

Also running through the book was the continuing search for Wyatt and Gage's kidnapped little sister. We see how the kidnapping affected Wyatt, both as a child and as an adult. I ached for Wyatt and the guilt he still feels. A lead comes in an unexpected way, and Wyatt's excitement is palpable. That same excitement creates some problems, as he doesn't share what is happening with Taylor and she misconstrues what she sees. The ending was amazing with one mystery solved, but questions still remaining.  

 

Be with Me - Jules Bennett (Zebra - Nov 2018)

Series: Return to Haven (Book 2)

Three best friends are starting over in the cozy town of Haven, Georgia, where revamping the local airport brings dreams of love and family within reach...

Since moving to Haven to help out her closest friends, Melanie Ramsey has begun to reclaim her strength after a difficult divorce. Through Mel’s Motivational Blog, she’s inspiring other women too. Then a wild, one-night fling with Haven’s gorgeous deputy leaves her shaken, stirred -- and pregnant. But Melanie’s not giving up her newfound independence for another powerful man. Not even one as upstanding and intriguing as Tanner Roark...

What matters most to Tanner: defending the weak, seeking justice, and protecting his heart after a tragic loss. Random hookups have been working out just fine until he and Melanie collide. Despite her domineering ex’s best efforts to rattle her, she’s still kind and resilient. Not to mention witty, straight-talking, and sexy as hell. Chemistry is easy. Trust, not so much. But when you find the one who sends your heart soaring, what can you do except buckle up and hold on tight?

Good book. Melanie came to Haven with her two best friends, Olivia and Jade. She has been putting her life back together after escaping from an abusive marriage. She now has a successful motivational blog where she helps other women and is settling comfortably in Haven. Determined to avoid putting herself in that position ever again, Melanie has pretty much cut men out of her life.

Tanner is a police officer in Haven and very protective of the town and its people. Besides his work as a cop, he is also part of a group that helps rescue abused women. He likes women but avoids relationships having lost his fiancée and baby years earlier.

I loved the development of the relationship between Tanner and Melanie. It didn't start well, as Tanner gave Melanie a speeding ticket when she first came to town (Stay With Me), something she still hasn't forgiven him for. In the seven months since then, they have seen each other often and continue to bicker and argue. One night, while out with their friends, all those sparks take a different direction and they have a steamy, intense encounter. Six weeks later, Melanie discovers that she's pregnant. She knows she needs to tell him, but she's been so shaken by the feelings he stirred up that she has been avoiding him. Meanwhile, Tanner hasn't been able to forget that night either, something that has never happened to him before. To say that he is stunned by her news would be putting it mildly, but he immediately makes it clear that he will be involved in the baby's life.

I loved seeing Melanie and Tanner's determination to give their baby a good life. Tanner is quick to realize that he wants Melanie in his life permanently, but also smart enough to see that it's going to take some convincing. I loved his sensitivity to her past, knowing that it's going to take some time and effort to get her to trust him. Tanner also has to fight his own fears for her and the baby's safety. It was sweet to see all the little things that Tanner did to show Melanie that he was nothing like her ex. I especially loved the scene where he went to the doctor's appointment with her. Melanie was a harder nut to crack. She was certainly attracted to him, but trusting him is another matter entirely, especially with her ex making a nuisance of himself. I wanted to shake her a few times for not telling Tanner about Neville's actions. In spite of the progress she has made in regaining her strength of will, she did a couple of pretty stupid things at the end. I really liked Tanner's reaction and the steps he took to protect her. I liked their big moment at the end - it was fun, sweet, and romantic.