The Forever Christmas Tree - Sandra Hill (Avon - Sept 2018)

Series: Bell Sound (Book 1)

The Christmas bells are chiming across the Outer Banks town of Bell Cove, North Carolina, but there’s one local ‘grinch’ who’s not listening . . .

He’s got bad-boy looks and a Bah Humbug attitude, so when the local paper asks the villagers to vote on the “Biggest Local Grinch” as a fund-raising project, Ethan Rutledge isn’t surprised to hear he’s made the ballot. He might own the local Christmas Tree Farm, but the holiday hasn’t been welcome in his home since Wendy Patterson left him heart-broken twelve years ago.

But now Wendy’s back, fresh from a tour of duty as a female Navy SEAL. She’s bold, beautiful, and has five Navy buddies trailing after her -- as if she needs a bodyguard! And what’s all this about them wanting to start a treasure hunting company right here in Bell Cove’s failing bell factory? Then Wendy learns about how Ethan’s been nurturing the one thing he has to remember her by: a gorgeous Norway Spruce tree.

Can the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the town help rekindle the romance between two people who thought they’d left love behind years ago?

Good second chance story in a small town. Twelve years earlier, Wendy left town after her boyfriend cheated on her and got another girl pregnant. Broken hearted she left for college, where she was later recruited for the WEALS, the female SEALs program. She hasn't been back to Bell Cove since then, though her family has visited her. But after a rough mission, she was ready for a break. The one thing she didn't look forward to was the possibility of seeing Ethan again.

Ethan hasn't been the most cheerful person lately. Instead of following his dream of being a veterinarian, the choices he made in the past sent him in a different direction. He married the girl he got pregnant and is now the single father of an eleven-year-old girl with health problems. Instead of being a vet, he runs the family Christmas tree farm. Hearing that Wendy was coming back to town brought back the old memories and resentments, putting him in a Grinch-like funk.

The sparks flew between Ethan and Wendy from the moment they saw each other again, and they weren't all good ones. Ethan was downright rude, blaming Wendy for leaving, even though it was his actions that had caused the rift. Thank goodness Cassie was there because otherwise, I think Wendy would have pushed him off the boat - I sure would have. They have a couple more contentious encounters before they decide to meet privately to talk. I loved the way that meeting started - nothing like getting your feelings off your chest right at the start. By this point, both of them realized that what was between them twelve years earlier had not died after all, and both were pretty freaked out by the idea. Neither one wants to risk their heart again, plus there's the whole matter of working on opposite coasts. No matter what they do, they can't seem to stay away from each other, and the feelings between them continue to grow. There are quite a few internal debates where they remind themselves that it's a bad idea, but that doesn't stop them.

There were some pretty terrific scenes between them as each opened up about their lives since they've been apart. I also liked seeing Wendy with Cassie, and how well they get along. But both Wendy and Ethan were chained by their fears. Neither one was willing to risk rejection by being the first to confess their feelings, which put them on a course to being separated again. I ached for them both when duty called. It took a kind of "tough love" from Ethan's grandmother to make him see the light, but he came through with flying colors. I loved his big moment at the end.

I really liked Ethan's daughter Cassie. She is a sweet girl who has not had an easy life. Besides losing her mother at a young age, Cassie suffers from a debilitating disease. She has been through multiple surgeries, with more in her future, but she manages to keep an upbeat attitude. I liked how she connected with Wendy. There was a surprising twist in what she knew about her dad's relationship with Wendy, one that made me ache a bit for her and her mother.

There were several secondary stories going on also. First was what was happening with Wendy's SEAL teammates. They were all fighting the blues from their last mission and talked about their holiday plans. Included in those plans was the idea of checking out a treasure hunting business that was up for sale (see the Jinx series). That morphed into most of them deciding to join Wendy in Bell Sound. I loved the arrival of the SEALs, perfectly timed to give Ethan a taste of the green-eyed monster. The SEALs tentative plans got a boost when they ran into an issue that the town had. I loved seeing more of these guys, as they are some of my favorites from previous series. I can't wait to see them get stories of their own.

Bell Sound got its name from the bell-making factory that has called the town its home for a long time. But the business is in danger of closing down due to dwindling orders for their specialized bells. The town doesn't want to lose the factory or the history behind it. When the owner, the last of the family, came to town to investigate his options, the townspeople were determined to show him its importance. There were some interesting interactions between Gabe and Laura, the newspaper editor, over the fate of the business and other properties. I liked seeing the creativity that came up with an excellent solution. The Grinch contest was a hilarious method of raising needed funds for the city as well as bringing an influx of tourists.

There were also some hilarious goings-on involving Wendy's aunt Mildred. She has been living in Wendy's house and caring for it. Mildred was somewhat lonely and always kind-hearted, and over the last several years has invited various senior citizens to live there with her. The current crop includes Raul, a somewhat younger Spanish man who is also a dancer. He and Mildred are quite an interesting pair. The others are a lively mix, and their interactions are always amusing. They go beyond amusing to hilarious when the SEALs arrive. I loved the bonding among the elders and the SEALs and the obvious respect they have for each other.

 

Snowbound with the Single Dad - Cara Colter (HR #4644 - Dec 2018)

What he wants for Christmas…

His billions can’t buy!

Widower billionaire Aidan Phillips is determined to give his daughter the traditional country Christmas she wants. But his vibrant hostess, Noelle McGregor, is showing him that money can’t buy happiness. As a snowstorm swirls outside, Aidan recognizes the pain in Noelle’s mesmerizing eyes, and finds himself opening up about his past. Might he have found the perfect present for his little girl after all: a mommy for Christmas?

Sweet and fun Christmas story with a little bit of heat to warm things up. Noelle was looking forward to spending Christmas with her grandfather. In the past year, they'd had to sell off most of their land and her grandmother had died, leaving it just Noelle and her grandfather. Noelle's fiancé had also broken up with her, along with cleaning out their joint savings account. Noelle worried about her grandfather and how he was coping with her grandmother gone. When she arrived at the ranch and discovered that there were no preparations made and that her grandfather had invited strangers to spend an "Old-Fashioned Country Christmas" at the ranch, she was afraid that he was losing his grip on reality. She was stunned when billionaire Aidan Phillips landed his helicopter in the field, ready for his daughter and her nanny, as well as himself, to celebrate Christmas.

I laughed pretty hard at Rufus's description of going on the "interstate" to advertise for people to come. He was so excited at what he had done, and Noelle was so horrified. I did understand her fears, but I ached a bit for Rufus because she was such a downer. Aidan's arrival was quite a shock for her, in several ways. First was the immediate attraction she felt for him, something that she didn't want. She was off men, thanks to her recent breakup. Then he made her mad with his cynical comments about her grandfather and finished things off with some rather obnoxious remarks about her. Aidan wasn't exactly Mr. Sunshine. He didn't want to be there, but he was desperate to give his daughter the Christmas she wanted. He wasn't too thrilled to find an attractive woman there, too used to women throwing themselves at him to believe that she doesn't have an agenda. He was stressed about finding the one Christmas present that Tess wanted. And then he found out that there was no cell service and no internet.

The sparks between Aidan and Noelle were strong from the very start. There was plenty of antagonism, which was aggravated by how hard they fought the attraction. I liked that they did their best to put the arguing aside to give Tess the holiday she wanted. Though Aidan seemed arrogant at first, it soon became clear that he adored Tess and was desperately trying to find his way as a single father. Being somewhat cut off from the outside world gave him the chance to spend time with Tess without distractions. I loved watching him loosen up and start to have fun with both Tess and Noelle. As their antagonism decreased, other feelings began to develop. There were some sweet scenes between Aidan and Noelle as the Christmas preparations went on. I really liked how he comforted her after her talk with her grandfather and seeing what her ex is doing now. There was an unexpected sweet side to him as he planned a surprise for her. The trip into the city brought their attraction closer to the surface, and it only increased when they became stranded on the way back to the ranch. But the connection that Aidan felt brought out his insecurities about his ability to have a successful relationship, and he pulled back hard. I ached for Aidan because he had fallen in love with Noelle, but was so afraid of hurting her and Tess that he didn't trust that they could have a future together. I hurt for Noelle, who loved Aidan deeply, but knew she couldn't be the one to fix him. I loved seeing how differently she handled this heartbreak and her decision to take control of her life. I loved the unusual way that Aidan and Noelle were reunited, and how her newfound strength helped Aidan face his fears. The ending was sweet and romantic as they took the time to make sure of their love. The epilogue was adorable.

Tempt Me in Vegas - Maureen Child (SD #2619 - Oct 2018)

This billionaire doesn’t play well with others…

Until he meets her!

Cooper Hayes won’t share his hotel empire, especially not with his business partner’s secret daughter -- even if Terri Ferguson is the most beautiful woman in Vegas. He’s obsessed with sinful fantasies -- and buying her out. But Terri refuses his offer…while she shares his bed. With enemies working against them, how far will Cooper go for a love that money can’t buy?

Good book with interesting characters and a sort of Cinderella storyline. Cooper got the shock of his life when he found out that he wouldn't inherit his business partner's half of their hotel empire. Instead, Jacob left it to the daughter he gave up for adoption. Cooper was furious and not about to let "some interloper crash the party." He was determined to find a way to convince her to let him buy her out. My initial impression of him was that he was a bit on the selfish side, focused on his own desires.

Terri was the adopted daughter of two schoolteachers and stunned when she learned of her inheritance. She had a normal life with her parents, went to college, and now works as a bank teller. She was nervous about the inheritance but also excited to see what the chance would bring her. I liked the way that she had some experience in the service industry and understood what was important.

The sparks of attraction flew between Cooper and Terri from the moment they met, though both tried to resist. Cooper looked at Terri as the enemy, someone who stood between him and his goals. He was a committed bachelor thanks to a previous relationship gone wrong, and her effect on him disturbed him.  Terri wasn't quite sure what to make of Cooper. Just being near him caused her to lose her train of thought. Terri was determined to learn the ropes quickly and was frustrated by the way Cooper ignored her. After two days her frustration reached its peak, just as Cooper finally showed up to talk to her. I loved her bluntness as she made her displeasure known. Their conversation in the rooftop garden was enlightening for both of them, and great fun to read. I loved that Terri had no trouble telling Cooper exactly what she thought of his attitude toward whether she belonged there. Cooper started to see that there was more to Terri than he had thought. Things were just getting interesting between them when Cooper's ex-girlfriend showed up.

I loved how Celeste's arrival gave Terri a little extra motivation in jumping into the StarFire pool. Terri had spent some time just observing what went on around her, and talking to various employees. She had an entirely different way of looking at things than Cooper did. I loved her first foray into being a part of the company and seeing her stand up to those who looked down on her. It was especially satisfying to see Cooper's reaction. But Cooper still hasn't let go of his goal, and I was a bit disgusted by his attitude. To make matters worse, there are others who have their own agendas who are also working against Terri. I had high hopes as Cooper and Terri spent more time together, and the attraction between them burst into flames. Cooper was freaked out by the strength of his feelings for her and rationalized them away. But those who want Terri gone were impatient and tricked Terri into taking an action that Cooper didn't want. This played directly into Cooper's distrust, and he said some pretty vicious things, breaking Terri's heart. I was quite impressed with her fortitude though, and absolutely loved when she called in the "cavalry."

I was so mad at Cooper for the things he said and did, and couldn't wait for him to realize what an idiot he had been. In the meantime, the blows kept falling for Terri. I loved that she had Jan there for support and to talk her off the ledge. I cheered for Terri's renewed resolve. Cooper's "aha" moment came with help from an unexpected source. His big moment at the end was good, though I thought he should have spent a bit more time groveling. However, he did finish it off quite nicely.

I loved seeing Terri really get into what she was doing at the hotel. She had excellent instincts, even though her self-confidence was a bit shaky at first. I adored the part with the honeymooners, and the board meeting about the London hotel was outstanding. It was oh-so-satisfying to see Cooper's surprise at all the things that she had made her own. I also loved her friend Jan and how she was there at the beginning to give Terri the kick she needed, as well as at the end to provide Terri some backup. I'll bet those two are going to be a kick-ass team. The one who surprised me the most was Celeste. I didn't like her at first, as her reasons for showing up were obvious. But I saw another side of her during the shopping trip that gave me hope. Though she backslid a bit at the end, she also made up for it. I'd like to see both Celeste and Jan get their own stories.

 

The Outlaw and the Runaway - Tatiana March (HHSS #475 - May 2018)

He didn’t want to be an outlaw…

Can this shy runaway redeem him?

When Celia’s father is implicated in a robbery, she can’t stay and suffer the wrath of the townsfolk. Her refuge is brooding Roy Hagan -- he’s tough enough to protect her. But life with an outlaw is no place for a sheltered young woman like her. Unless Roy can change -- and prove that beneath his steely exterior lurks a heart of gold…

Good book with likable characters. Celia was a young woman who was somewhat ostracized by the people of the town. She has a scar on her face, and the local bishop constantly talked about it being the devil's mark. Her father worked at the bank and was slowly dying of a tumor. He wanted nothing more than to see Celia settled before he died. He pushed her into participating in the town box social, but when her turn came no one bid on it until a stranger jumped in.

Roy Hagan was a member of an outlaw gang. He and two others spent time in town over several days, checking out the bank. Roy couldn't help noticing the beautiful woman who seemed so shy. Though under orders not to do anything to draw attention, Roy found himself bidding on Celia's box.

I liked that first encounter, as Roy rescued Celia from humiliation. It's clear from the beginning that, in spite of being an outlaw, Roy has a good heart. There was an immediate connection between them, an acknowledgment that both are outcasts. I liked the way that Roy's attitude about her scar gave her the confidence to open up to him. He also opened up a little about himself, though Celia was not surprised to have her suspicion about his outlaw status confirmed. She also suspected why he was there but didn't care.

Things got complicated when the robbery occurred. Roy was disguised so that no one would recognize him as the stranger in town. During the holdup, Roy prevented the gang leader from shooting and killing Celia's father but ended up wounded himself. He escaped and found a place to hole up and heal. Meanwhile, suspicion fell on Celia's father, and people believed that he was in on the robbery, creating more trouble for them both. Celia was left alone when her father was arrested and tried as an accomplice. I loved the scene when Roy went back to the town to check on her. Though he saw trouble ahead because of it, he offered Celia the opportunity to get away. I did not expect the way they did it, and I enjoyed Celia's satisfaction.

The journey to the outlaw camp gave Roy and Celia the chance to get to know each other. Roy was cynical and a bit bitter, having ended up as an outlaw by accident. He believed that he will die an outlaw, that there is no way out for him. But that didn't stop him from yearning for what could be if his life was different. Celia was drawn to Roy. She saw the good in him and was firmly convinced that there was a way that they could be together. I liked seeing the effect that Roy had on Celia, helping her break down the walls that had kept her emotions locked up. There were intense moments, such as the snake bite scene, and sweeter moments as the two grew closer and shared dreams of the future. I ached for both of them as each dreamed of a future together but faced the reality of having to part.

The intensity picked up with the arrival at the outlaw hideout. The death of the gang leader brought the man behind him to the camp. His absolute control of all aspects was made abundantly clear, and both Roy and Celia could feel the menace. Celia was stuck at the camp until arrangements were made for her departure. The time spent with Roy solidified her love for him and her determination to find a way for them to be together. I liked Roy's honesty with her about how difficult that life would be. There was trouble looming on the horizon, and things came to a head when Roy and Celia decided it was time for her to leave. The escape was intense with several twists and turns that kept me guessing about the outcome. I loved the strength and ingenuity the Celia displayed as she got them both to safety.

I loved the decision Roy and Celia made about their future together. It was satisfying to see their return to town and the changes that had occurred while they were gone. The specter of Roy's past was never far from their minds, though, as they worried if it would catch up to them. There was a twist at the end that changed their lives in a wonderful way. There was a thread left hanging regarding Roy's friend Dale, and I can't wait to read his story.

 

In the Sheriff's Protection - Lauri Robinson (HHSS #473 - Apr 2018)

Series: Oak Grove (Book 3) 

He will protect her

But can the sheriff resist his forbidden desire?

Oak Grove sheriff Tom Baniff might be hunting Clara Wilson’s criminal husband, but that doesn’t mean he won’t help protect Clara and her young son from the outlaw’s deadly threats. When he invites Clara to his hometown, Tom is determined to keep her safe. But with her so close, can he resist the allure of the only woman he’s ever wanted?

Good book. Clara and her son Billy lived on an isolated ranch in Wyoming, with their nearest neighbors ten miles away. Her husband was always gone, coming home only a few times a year. She was pretty sure that Hugh is an outlaw but purposely refrains from asking any questions of him, preferring not to have confirmation of her suspicions. Life was easier when he was gone, as his presence always brought stress and threats.

Sheriff Tom Braniff was hunting the outlaw, Hugh Wilson because the man robbed a train and shot a woman from Tom's town of Oak Grove. His search brought him to Hugh's ranch, where he arrived just in time to save Clara from a badly infected leg. He did not tell her who he was or why he was there, not knowing if she was a willing accomplice to Hugh's activities.

I loved Tom's protectiveness. From the moment he met Clara, Tom was compelled to help her. I loved how kind and gentle he was with her, and the respect with which he treated her. Tom was fighting a battle with himself over his need to find Hugh and his desire to stay and care for Clara and Billy. He's been a dedicated lawman for years and believed that a family is something he can't have because of it. But Clara and Billy tempted him to reconsider his position.

I loved Clara's strength of will. Though she believed that she was weak for not standing up to Hugh, she did what she had to do to ensure the survival of herself and her son. I liked the relationship she had with Billy. The love between them was clear. They took care of each other.

I liked the development of the relationship between Tom and Clara. Tom's kindness and respect was something that Clara had never experienced before, and while it made her feel good, it also added to the guilt she felt about Hugh's activities. What really spoke to her heart was the way that Tom treated Billy. He was the kind of man her son could look up to and watching them together made her realize how much was wrong with her life. Her feelings for Tom grew, but she knew there was no place for her in his life. She also feared what would happen if Hugh came home while Tom was still there. I loved seeing Tom with both Clara and Billy. The distance he normally kept between himself and others disappeared when he was with them. He realized that just being a lawman was no longer enough, but that what he does prevents him from having more. I ached for him and the way that he fought against his feelings for her. Both Tom and Clara craved the feeling of rightness they felt when they were together, but circumstances made it impossible.

The intensity increased when Hugh did indeed come home. Hugh was immediately confrontational, doing his best to draw Tom into a gun battle. I was amazed at how well Tom retained control over his temper, in spite of the things he saw. What happened next concluded with a twist I didn't expect and sent Tom back to Oak Grove hauling in Hugh to stand trial. Clara and Billy remained in Wyoming to pick up the pieces of their lives.

But Clara was left with a lot to think about, and a surprise discovery provided the incentive to take an unexpected step. Clara's courage was incredible as she faced her fears and did what she thought was right. I loved her arrival in Oak Grove and the reason for it. The magic of Oak Grove was out in full force. I loved Angus O'Leary's part in helping Clara do what needed to be done without compromising the end result. I ached for Clara's fears over how her presence would be received and loved how the people of Oak Grove embraced her. There were still some obstacles looming between Tom and Clara, some of which they created themselves. A crisis with Billy brought fears to the surface, and things were said that caused great hurt for both Tom and Clara. The ending was great as both got some help seeing the truth and vanquishing their fears.

 

A Daddy by Christmas - Teri Wilson (HSE #2663 - Dec 2018)

Series: Wilde Hearts (Book 4) 

A dog isn’t only man’s best friend…

It could bring Anders the love of his life.

Without a bride by his side, billionaire Anders Kent will lose his chance to be a father to his five-year-old niece. So when a gorgeous down-on-her-luck dancer is claiming the same puppy as him, she might be the answer to his problems! Chloe Wilde’s not looking for a marriage of convenience, even to someone as captivating as Anders. But sometimes Christmas gifts come in unusual packages…

Good story about two people brought together by their desire to help a little girl. Anders is a billionaire businessman who is fighting for custody of his orphaned niece. If he isn't married, he will lose her to the other set of relatives. He doesn't want to marry anyone, but he'll do it for his niece. The problem was finding someone willing to enter into a short-term marriage of convenience. During a clash with a woman at an animal shelter, he impulsively proposed marriage to her.

Chloe was a dancer with the Rockettes, but had a run of bad luck during a performance, causing them to demote her. She was relegated to passing out performance flyers on the street. Dance has been her life, and Chloe was feeling lost without it. She also lost her boyfriend over it because she was no longer useful to his plans. Her pride wouldn't let her confess her problems to her family. The only thing that made her feel better was the puppy she was in the process of adopting until even that was threatened.

The confrontation between Chloe and Anders at the shelter was intense. Both wanted that puppy - Chloe for herself, Anders for his niece. Underneath the antagonism of the argument the sparks of attraction flew. It was interesting to see that Chloe rattled Anders to the point where he looked at her as a possible solution to his problem, even though she was the opposite of everything he wanted. Chloe was a bit off-center herself, with her mind drifting to daydreams about him rather than concentrating on getting the dog. Anders's sudden proposal, backtracking, and abandonment of his claim showed just how confused he was.

Fate wasn't done with them yet and tossed them together yet again when Anders brought Lolly to her ballet class - the same one that Chloe has just taken over the teaching of. The sparks were still there, and I had fun seeing Chloe jerk his chain about the proposal. But she felt a little guilty when she learned the story behind Anders and Lolly being together and decided to do something about it. Meanwhile, Anders was still trying to solve his wife problem and getting nowhere. Desperate, he made a proposition to Chloe. Their plan was for a paper marriage that would end as soon as Anders had custody of Lolly. They didn't count on the paparazzi getting wind of the marriage, which forced them to make it look real.

The intense attraction between Chloe and Anders had both of them on edge. Though Chloe insisted on a platonic arrangement, the chemistry between them blew that away the first night. I loved the effect it had on Anders, who suddenly realized that maybe being married wouldn't be such a bad thing. But Chloe freaked out at the intensity of her feelings and pulled back hard. They both put on the show that it was a real marriage, though Chloe kept reminding herself and Anders that it would be over soon, trying to protect her heart (which was a losing battle). I loved how easily they melded as a family. It was great to see the workaholic Anders leave work earlier every day, just to spend time with Lolly and Chloe. I ached for both of them, as Chloe was afraid to believe, and Anders finally understood what his brother had tried to tell him. When it came time for Chloe to make a choice, she had to decide where her heart really belonged. I loved their big moment at the end, and the setting was perfect.

I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but they are now on my list of ones I want to read. The love and support that they all had for Chloe was fantastic. I loved how they all came together to make the wedding happen, and how they drew Lolly and Anders into the family. I ached for Chloe, who let her pride get in the way of asking for help. And I loved her mom, who was a lot smarter than Chloe gave her credit for, and played a big part in Chloe's happy ending.

Hot Winter Nights - Jill Shalvis (Avon - Sept 2018)

Series: Heartbreaker Bay (Book 6)

Who needs mistletoe?

Most people wouldn’t think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn’t most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she’s been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that -- but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once . . .

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don’t mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he’s shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly’s brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can’t believe he’s drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who’s the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he’s ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he’s been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.

Another fun addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series. Lucas was recovering from a gunshot wound that happened during a previous case. Forbidden from working, Lucas was going stir-crazy from boredom, which led him to make a stupid decision. He had just taken a pain pill when he was invited to join his friends and coworkers at the local pub. Even though he knew better, Lucas added alcohol on top of that pain pill. The next morning he woke up in bed with a woman and no idea how he got there, or what may have happened. To make matters worse, the woman in question is Molly, the company's office manager and his best friend's little sister.

I loved that morning after scene. I laughed out loud at Lucas's panic when he couldn't remember what happened, and his sheer terror when he realized it was Molly in his bed. He's been attracted to her from the beginning but a) she's a coworker, and b) she's Joe's little sister, and he likes all his body parts where they belong. While he was desperately trying to remember the events of the night before, Molly enjoyed having him at a disadvantage. She knew very well that nothing happened, other than she got him safely to his apartment, but she wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily. I loved seeing her jerk his chain about his "performance" and inability to remember. Molly had a huge crush on Lucas, and she figured that was as close as she would get to fulfilling her fantasies.

Life for Molly and Lucas was about to get more complicated. Molly liked working for Hunt Investigations, but she wanted more. Her dream was to become a full investigator, but her overprotective big brother and her boss kept putting her off. When Molly's elderly neighbor, who worked as an elf at a local Christmas village, came to her with a complaint about how "bad Santa" was cheating his "elves," and Archer refused to take the case, Molly decided to investigate on her own. Archer and Joe, who know Molly well enough to suspect that's what she'd do, then tag Lucas with keeping an eye on her. But, of course, she can't know that's what he's doing or she'd find a way to ditch him.

I loved the development of Lucas and Molly's relationship. Though there is no question about the attraction between them, both have carefully built up walls around their hearts. Though Lucas has a large family that he loves dearly, he has suffered some losses that cause him to keep some emotional distance between him and everyone else. Molly's past has left her with physical and emotional scars that make it hard for her to trust. It also made her strong, independent, and determined. I loved seeing the two of them together. They have known each other long enough that they were good at teasing, and their growing attraction bumped that teasing up to flirting. They were also surprisingly well tuned to each other, and I loved how they could see when the other was hurting. Both were private people and didn't share their pasts with others, but found it very easy to talk to one another. One of the things I loved about Lucas was that he was protective, but it also didn't take him long to see that Molly was much more capable than anyone gave her credit for. The effect that his confidence and support had on her was fantastic. Though both realized the depth of their feelings for each other, when the truth about Lucas's assistance came out, it gave Molly a reason to run. The scene in the hospital was heart-wrenching with Molly's feelings of betrayal, but also heartwarming with the way the others were there to support them both. I both laughed and ached for Lucas because he got such a hard time from the others, but he felt so terrible about what happened. I loved the ending and seeing them both admit their vulnerabilities, and that being together lays those fears to rest. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved that knock on the door!

The suspense portion of the story was good. The elderly "elves" were a riot. I loved their persistence and their belief that Molly would make everything right. Lucas's skepticism at the beginning was obvious, but once he realized that there really was something fishy going on, he was all in. I adored how Molly blew Lucas away with her abilities, including her kickass martial arts. Lucas completely won me over when he supported Molly rather than taking over the case. The resolution was more intense than I expected and Molly was amazing.

As always in a Jill Shalvis book, I loved the close relationships among the various characters. Lucas's family was great. There was clearly a lot of love flying around. I really enjoyed Lucas's mom's effective use of guilt on him and the way they all embraced Molly. Molly's family was so different, with just her, Joe, and their dad. The scenes with their dad were great, funny and emotional at the same time. The friendships and support among the friends were great. It's clear that the Hunt's team bonds go deeper than just their work, there are great friendships there too. The guys are very good at ragging on each other, but they come running when needed also. I liked the closeness of the ladies, too. That was especially apparent during the hospital scene at the end. I loved how they came down hard on Lucas, even getting the nurse involved. I laughed out loud at Lucas's big moment at the office, as he had all the guys to witness it, with one of them using video chat to include the women.

 

Unmasking the Maverick - Teresa Southwick (HSE #2647 - Oct 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 4)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 118)

Releasing his inner cowboy

Rust Creek Ramblings

Rugged ex-marine Brendan Tanner and his muscles recently took up residence at the Stockton ranch, presumably for a short-term stay. Could Fiona O’Reilly make him rethink his wandering ways? The sparks between those two could light up all of Rust Creek Falls, if only they weren’t so darned wary of falling in love. Bundle up, dear readers, and warm your hearts as Fiona and Brendan try to find their way home -- to each other!

Sweet story with just enough sparks to heat it up. Brendan is a former Marine who has come to Rust Creek Falls to make some decisions about his life. He had a career he loved with the Marines, but he went home to Texas to take care of his dying father. After his father's death, Brendan was at a crossroads - should he re-enlist in the Corps, and go back where he felt a part of something, or stay out and find something else to do? Offered a place at Sunshine Farm, Brendan has found a purpose providing repair services for the town, but is it enough to keep him there?

Fiona is the oldest of her sisters and the only one still not married. She thought she was well on the way to her own happy-ever-after until her boyfriend left town and got another woman pregnant. While her pride was more damaged than her heart, she was resigned to being the spinster aunt. Having grown up in Rust Creek Falls, most of the single men are more like brothers than potential mates.

I liked the development of the relationship between Fiona and Brendan. From the moment they met, there were sparks between them, but they were wary. Brendan was sure he was going back to the Marines as soon as he was back in shape, so getting involved with Fiona would not be fair to her. He's also cynical about the whole idea of love, having seen what happened to his father when Brendan's mother left them. Fiona doesn't want to risk her heart on another man who will leave. In spite of their reasons to avoid each other, neither Brendan nor Fiona can stay away. I liked seeing the two of them get to know each other, first developing a good friendship. It was sweet to see Brendan's reaction when she told him about her ex, and I loved Fiona's efforts to show Brendan that he wasn't responsible for his mother's leaving. I liked seeing them try to keep their growing relationship "under the radar" which was impossible in the small town. As they continued to grow closer, Fiona realized that she had fallen in love with Brendan, and hoped that he would decide to stay, but was afraid to tell him so. I ached for Brendan, who realized that his feelings for Fiona had grown, but panicked because he equated love with pain and loss. I loved how both received advice that helped them face their fears and go after what they wanted. The epilogue was terrific.

One of the things I liked best about the book was Luke Stockton's ideas for Sunshine Farm. It was terrific to see how he found Brendan's strengths and used them to draw him into life in Rust Creek Falls. I especially enjoyed all of Luke's little nudges meant to make Brendan see that he had a place there. I loved seeing the support that all the veterans showed each other, and was especially moved by Brendan's encounter with Vietnam vet JT Halstead. I look forward to seeing more from Luke and Brendan in the future.

 

Bring Me a Maverick for Christmas! - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2659 - Dec 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 6)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 120)

LASSOING SANTA!

Rust Creek Ramblings

With Christmas right around the corner, grumpy cowboy Bailey Stockton is getting grumpier by the minute, even though he’s wearing a Santa suit. We here at the Gazette think adorable veterinary technician Serena Langley could be the one to rescue Bailey from his holiday funk. Trouble is, they’ve each got more baggage than Kris Kringle lugs on his sleigh. So deck the halls, dear readers, and see if Santa can deliver a happy ending!

Terrific book. Bailey is one of the older Stockton brothers who left town right after their parents died in a drunk driving accident, with no intention of ever coming back. But after a dozen years, he decided it was time to try to reconnect. He showed up in Rust Creek Falls just in time for brother Dan's wedding (The Maverick's Return). He made it clear that he didn't intend to stay, but a year later he was still there. However, he is still cynical and grumpy, and truly lacking in Christmas spirit, to the point where his sister-in-law calls him "Grooge," a combination of Grinch and Scrooge. Bailey wasn't too happy when Annie shanghaied him into filling in as Santa when her husband came down with the flu. The only thing that saved him was the presence of "Mrs. Claus," vet tech Serena.

Serena was more than happy to help out her friend Annie. She likes all the hoopla surrounding Christmas, from the tree decorating to the Candlelight Walk to helping with the Presents for Patriots drive. She likes to stay busy because it keeps her mind off the less pleasant parts of her past.

I liked the first encounter between Serena and Bailey. They've met briefly before, but this was their first time spending any time together. I loved how Serena's knowledge of most of the kids made it easier for Bailey to pull off his Santa gig. There were also some serious sparks between the two of them, though both tried to resist. Bailey was married before, with the marriage not ending well, which left him believing that he was not cut out for relationships. He also still carried a lot of guilt over his parents' deaths, adding to his feelings of not deserving happiness. Serena's had a few unsuccessful relationships and was wary of risking her heart again. I liked seeing the two of them commit to friendship first. I loved how easy they found it to talk to each other, sharing things they hadn't discussed with anyone else. Neither one could stop thinking about the other, and they found many reasons to spend time together.

 I liked how Bailey and Serena's relationship progressed from friendship to more. The attraction that simmered between them came to a boil pretty quickly. Their connection was deeper than either was comfortable with at the beginning, but neither could find the willpower to pull back. I liked how well Bailey did at sensing when Serena had a hard day. He really won my heart the day he provided comfort and support when one of her animal patients died. There was a very caring man under that Groogey exterior. I also liked how Serena was tuned into Bailey. She gave him some excellent advice about dealing with his feelings about his marriage. I ached for her as she realized that she was falling for him and tried to keep her heart safe. In the meantime, Bailey fought hard against his growing feelings for Serena. There was a painful scene on Christmas Eve, as a secret came out and ran up against Bailey's issues of not having control of his life. I ached for him and his feelings of being manipulated, but I also wanted to shake him for the things that he said. I cried for Serena as she ran from her heartbreak. I loved Bailey's big moment as he admitted his insecurities and confessed his feelings.

I loved all the fun and confusion of Christmas Day at Sunshine Farm. The overflowing love was fantastic, and I loved catching up with earlier couples. There was a surprise for the Stockton family that I hope will be expanded on in the next Montana Mavericks series. I ached a bit for Serena and the loss she and her mom still feel during the holidays. I would love to see that get a happy resolution too.

 

Western Christmas Brides - Lauri Robinson, Lynna Banning, Carol Arens (HH #1347 - Oct 2017)

A Bride and Baby for Christmas by Lauri Robinson

Series: Oak Grove (Book 2.5)

Pregnant Hannah Olsen has made a list of Oak Grove’s eligible men. A list that Teddy White sees—and he’s not on it! Time for him to act so that both their Christmas wishes can come true.

I was happy to see Hannah Olsen get her happy ever after. She made her first appearance in Winning the Mail-Order Bride as the woman Brett's mother sent for him to marry. Her backstory is a sad one. She fell in love with a man, but their families were involved in a longstanding feud. She and Eric planned to marry, but he died before they could. When she turned up pregnant, her father kicked her out of the house. She was a childhood friend of Brett's, so his mother sent her to Oak Grove, but Brett was already in love with Fiona.

Hannah lives with Brett and Fiona and works creating illustrations for the local newspaper. She and Teddy, who owns the newspaper along with his sister, have become friends. Hannah wants to find a husband so that her baby has a father, and has made a list of the town's eligible bachelors. When Teddy accidentally ended up with the list, he was surprised to find that he wasn't on the list. Not that he wanted to be, but still...

I liked both Hannah and Teddy. Hannah is a strong woman, who has been through a lot. The youngest of seven sisters, she never knew love from her father. He was unhappy that she was a girl and never let her forget it. The only love she had growing up was from her grandparents. Hannah is determined to make sure that her baby knows it is loved. She was also affected by the hatred between her family and Eric's and swore that she would never put herself in that position again. Teddy was terrific. He is a nice man with a big heart. I loved how protective he was of Hannah.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hannah and Teddy. They started as friends, with no thought of a relationship between them. I loved how easy they found it to talk to each other. Teddy had fallen in love with another pregnant woman several years earlier and was badly hurt when she went back to her baby's father. He swore he would never let that happen again. He couldn't help being drawn to Hannah, though he worked hard to convince himself they were just friends. Finding Hannah's list made Teddy realize that he didn't like the idea of her marrying another man. Teddy was everything Hannah wanted in a man, but it was obvious to her that his sister hated her, so she refused to consider him as a possible husband. I loved the time that Teddy and Hannah spent together and seeing how right they were for each other. I ached for Teddy when he discovered why he wasn't on Hannah's list. I loved seeing him stand up to Abigail when he discovered what she had been doing. I really enjoyed how Hannah took control and made an effort to change Abigail's attitude by changing her own. Things were looking up for Hannah and Teddy until a misunderstanding made Hannah push him away. I loved Teddy's determination to win her back. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic.

Though Abigail really bugged me in the previous book and most of this story, I understood her motives here. She was protective of her big brother and didn't want to see him suffer again. Her abrasiveness and rudeness were irritating. She did redeem herself in the end, and I enjoyed seeing the changes in her. I would love to see her get her own story, and maybe find out why she had been so obnoxious. I'd like to see her find her own happy ending.

Miss Christina’s Christmas Wish by Lynna Banning

Series: Smoke River (Book 4.5)

Dedicated new teacher Christina Marnell feels her heart race as she watches Ivan Panovsky chop wood for the school. She had ruled marriage out, but Christmas is a time when miracles can happen…

Good story about two people who have their eyes set on goals and discover that there is more to life. Christina is fresh out of teacher's college and raring to go. She has wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl and it is finally happening. She plans to devote her life to educating children. Marriage is not in her plans. Meanwhile, Ivan has been working two jobs to earn money to bring his little sister to live with him. What happens when these two determined people discover that love happens when you least expect it.

I enjoyed this story. It was more than a romance; it also showed a realistic look at life. Christina is enthused about teaching but got quite a wake-up call on her first day. Injured as a child, she walks with a limp. That same limp made her the target of bullies in school, making her even shyer and more withdrawn around people. She had never dealt with boisterous youngsters before and was out of her element. I felt a little sorry for her, but also admired her dogged determination to make a difference in their lives.

Ivan is a hardworking man who wants to do right by his little sister. I was seriously impressed by the sacrifices he made in his efforts to bring her to him. He came across as a bit standoffish at the beginning until his reasons for avoiding social occasions were revealed. Once AnnaMarie arrived, the reader also gets to know his old world customs and the way they influence his thoughts and actions.

Christina and Ivan didn't have much interaction until about halfway through the story, once AnnaMarie arrived and was enrolled in school. Christina was overjoyed to have such a promising student in her school. I loved that Ivan was so proud of his sister, but he also made it clear that he expected AnnaMarie to follow tradition and marry young. I loved seeing these two people, who were so different, get to know each other. It was sweet to see Ivan show Christina that there was more to life than teaching. The scene at the barn dance was fantastic, as he introduced her to the joys of dancing. I also enjoyed AnnaMarie's birthday dinner and seeing Christina learn about some of Ivan's traditions. At the same time, I enjoyed how Christina's example helped Ivan to see that there was a whole new world of opportunities available for his sister.

The more time they spent together, the more their feelings grew. Unfortunately, Christina suffered from some pretty severe tunnel vision and refused to see that she could have more out of life. I ached for them both when they confessed their love, but couldn't find a way to be together. I loved Mrs. Ming's comment “For an intelligent woman, sometimes you do not act very smart.” There was a very fortuitous twist that enabled both Ivan and Christina to get their hearts' desires.

Christina's classroom was an interesting microcosm of their world. There were smart kids and ones who struggled. There were the popular ones, and the ones who were excluded because they were "different." I ached for Christina's frustration on how to reach them all.

 

A Kiss from the Cowboy by Carol Arens

Kitson James and Livy York both have secrets, but can their love overcome the lies they’ve told? A Christmas kiss might help…

When two wrongs do make a right. Livy has been raising her four-year-old brother since their parents died earlier in the year. She did the best she could, but there were parts of the ranch that began to suffer. When she found out that her wealthy cousin Edwina was coming to visit, Livy panicked. She remembered her visits to Edwina's family, and how she constantly felt inferior. Her letters to Edwina have been full of how well she was doing. Now she was afraid that Edwina would look at the ranch and try to take Sam away from her. Determined to prevent this from happening, Livy advertised for a ranch hand who could help her fix things up before the visit. Livy implied that the position would be permanent, even though she only intended it to last two weeks.

Kit James applied for the job and was hired. What he didn't tell Livy was that he had no experience as a ranch hand. He was an actor who has played the parts of cowboys and believed that he could learn what he needed to know from the book The Common Man's Guide to Ranching. He wanted a permanent job because he needed a real home where he could raise his little niece.

I enjoyed the initial meeting between Kit and Livy. Livy and Sam were stuck walking back to the ranch from town because of a stubborn horse when Kit and Emmie came across them. There were some sparks between Livy and Kit from the start, but Livy had been burned by a previous relationship and resisted the attraction. Kit, on the other hand, was ready to embrace it. It didn't take too long for the truth to come out, leaving both of them struggling with what to do. I liked Kit's protectiveness toward Livy, something that was more than just his way of finding a way to stay on. There were some sweet scenes between the two of them, but Livy fought hard against her growing feelings, especially once she found out that Kit was an actor. When Edwina showed up early for her visit, it created even more complications, especially once Kit claimed to be Livy's husband.

I loved how the town rallied around Livy and Kit, right down to seeing them married for real. Livy still did her best to put distance between them, but it got harder for her to resist him. Meanwhile, Kit was determined to show Livy that he cared. I wanted to shake Livy when she made a nearly impossible condition to their staying married and ached for Kit's fear that he wouldn't be able to make it happen. I loved the solution he came up with, and how he accomplished it. His big moment at the end was terrific.

There were some interesting twists when it came to Edwina. I was right there with Livy and her fears, up until Edwina arrived. It didn't take long for me to suspect that there was something more going on with her. I enjoyed seeing the changes she went through and loved how her relationship with Livy was affected. There was also a terrific little twist to her story at the end.

 

I'm Your Santa - Lori Foster, Karen Kelley, Dianne Castell (Brava - Oct 2007)

Christmas has never been hotter than in this sizzling new anthology featuring novellas from three top romance authors: Lori Foster, Karen Kelley, and Dianne Castell.

The Christmas Present by Lori Foster

Series: Brava Brothers (Book 3)

Beth Monroe wants revenge on her cheating fiancé, and Levi, the cheater's best friend, is happy to oblige. But holiday cheer takes on a whole new meaning as their one-hour tryst stretches on. . .and on...

Sweet, intense friends to lovers story. Brandon, Levi, and Beth have been friends for several years, at the same time Beth and Brandon have been engaged. That engagement came to a screeching halt when Beth discovered Brandon cheating on her. Furious, she ran to Levi, looking for a little revenge sex. It was just going to be one night, but the fire between them was so intense it lasted the whole weekend. Beth was so freaked out by what she felt and did that it sent her running home to her family, with Levi hot on her heels.

I loved Levi. I loved how he showed up and made it clear to everyone that he was determined to win her. He'd been in love with her from the beginning, but she was his best friend's girl. He couldn't help but notice everything about her, and that attention to detail came out in their friendship over the years. I loved watching as he talked his way past her walls and showed her how much he cared. The biggest obstacle was the fact that he hadn't actually said the words of why he wanted to marry her.

I loved Beth, too. Though her motive for sleeping with Levi wasn't the best, it did show that she trusted him. Her freak-out at the intensity of their connection was understandable, as she went from being engaged to Brandon to realizing that she may have been in love with Levi all along. It was a lot for her to process, and being near Levi made it impossible for her to think. I liked the scene in the hotel room where he promised to back off physically but used the time to remind her of how many good times they'd had together. Though Beth finally admitted her feelings to herself, she still wasn't sure why Levi kept saying he wanted to marry her. Without those three little words, she wasn't about to chance making another mistake.

There was a hilarious scene involving the ex-fiancé, who showed up stinking drunk to try to get her back. I thought both Levi and Beth were remarkably restrained in dealing with him, especially Levi. He did redeem himself quite nicely at the end, both in his words and actions, and being the catalyst that broke through that last barrier between Levi and Beth.

I also enjoyed the parts that Beth's family played. Though her brothers were protective, they also recognized that Levi loved her. I liked how they supported him. I also loved the conversation between Beth and the women in her family. They helped her break free of her embarrassment and see the truth of how she felt. There were also sweet scenes between each of the couples, which makes me want to read their stories, too.

 

It's a Wonderful Life by Karen Kelley

Series: Southern Heat (Book 3.5)

Hollywood hottie Jeremy Hunter is spending Christmas researching his upcoming role. But going incognito as a preacher in a tiny Texas town brings wicked temptation in the form of beautiful Bailey Tanner...

Fun story. Jeremy is an actor whose antics have gone just a little too far. He was in danger of losing his next role, one that he really wanted because it was different than anything else he'd done. However, the studio was doubtful that he could pull off the part of a preacher. So he went undercover as a traveling preacher, riding his Harley through Texas. When he stopped to eat in Two Creeks, he ended up hurting himself and had to stay in town, and had to maintain his preacher façade. Not easy to do when all he wanted was to get much closer to Bailey.

Bailey is a fourth-grade teacher who was drawn to Jeremy from the moment she set eyes on him. It was her flirtatious wink that caused him to fall and sprain his ankle. This left her feeling guilty, so she invited him to stay in her guesthouse until he was healed.

The development of their relationship was fast and fun. The sparks between them were hot from the start, but both fought them hard. Jeremy, because he's pretending to be a preacher, and what he wants to do doesn't fit the persona. Bailey, because she believes that he's a preacher and therefore above what she has in mind. I liked how Bailey showed Jeremy around town and got him involved in things like the local Christmas play. Though at first, Jeremy was more interested in seeing how well he could fool the town, it didn't take long for him to realize that he liked them. Added to his acceptance at Bailey's family dinner, he started to feel an unfamiliar emotion - guilt. When the sparks between Jeremy and Bailey turned combustible, Jeremy freaked out at the effect it had on him and ran. But try as he might, he couldn't forget Bailey or deny the effect she had on him. I ached for Bailey when she found out the truth and didn't blame her at all for some of the things she said. I had to laugh at how they were reunited. The ending was pretty sweet. I really liked Jeremy's appearance in front of the town. Seeing him bare his soul in front of everyone was emotional, and I liked his big moment with Bailey. The epilogue was great, and the tagline was the perfect cap.

I liked the secondary characters of Bailey's siblings and friends. I liked Wade's super-protectiveness and Bailey's reaction to it. The family dinner was fun, and I liked how the family members drew Jeremy in. Their effect on Jeremy was eye-opening for him, just seeing what a normal family was like. I also loved how they all rallied around Bailey when Jeremy left, and their willingness to go after him. Their part in bringing them back together was hilarious. I will have to go back and read their stories.

Home for Christmas by Dianne Castell

Series: O'Fallon (Book 4)

LuLu Cahill is having a terrible Christmas, until she heads home to O'Fallon's Landing, where jilted groom Sebastian Moore is going through with his pre-wedding holiday bash. All he needs is LuLu to fill in for the bride...

My least favorite of the three stories. Lulu went home for Christmas, broke, pregnant, and dumped by her fiancé. In a mood, she was hanging out in the town gazebo, mentally grumping about all the happy people she saw. There she encountered a man she called "Handsome" escaping his own problems. Sebastian was supposed to get married on Christmas Eve, but his wedding was canceled. But with family in town, the festivities were going on anyway. Thanks to an immediate and intense attraction between the two, they had a "quickie" encounter right there in the gazebo. They then went their separate ways, not expecting to see each other again.

The next morning, Lulu was working her shift at the diner when in comes Sebastian, shocking her into dropping a tray full of dishes. There went any hope of keeping their knowing each other a secret. Another encounter later in the day, with the sparks flying between them, set them up for matchmaking hijinks from Sebastian's family. Because of it, Sebastian and Lulu try their own matchmaking efforts to take the heat off them, all the time finding it impossible to keep their hands off each other.

As the story went on, the truth came out about the end of Sebastian's engagement, showing him as protective but clueless. That same clueless attitude kept him from admitting his growing feelings for Lulu. Meanwhile, Lulu was avoiding thoughts of a relationship with anyone, as she believes she has "bad man karma" because all the guys she's been with have left her. The whole craziness with the matchmaking setup was funny, but not really believable in the romance department. Lulu and Sebastian declaring their love after only about 36 hours was stretching things.

On the positive side, Sebastian liked Lulu just the way she was. She complained about being "fat," but Sebastian reminded her she was pregnant. I liked his attitude when her ex showed up, and he was there to back her up when she told her family about being pregnant. Lulu was just kind of fun. She tends to blurt out whatever is on her mind creating some amusing moments. I liked her determination to be independent, though it did create an obstacle between her and Sebastian.

I liked the families. I read the original O'Fallon books about ten years ago, so I don't remember much about them, but seeing them years down the road was nice. I liked their support of Lulu, and also that they liked Sebastian.

 

Second Chance Soldier - Linda O. Johnston (HRS #1986 - Mar 2018)

Series: K-9 Ranch Rescue (Book 1)

Sizzling days of danger…

Introducing the K-9 Ranch Rescue series

Devastated after her father’s murder, Amber Belott wants to keep his legacy alive by saving his K-9 ranch. Her first move? Hiring Evan Colluro, a former military K-9 trainer, who impresses -- and attracts -- her. If only she weren’t his boss…and his past didn’t trouble him. Evan joins Amber in investigating. But when chaos erupts, it threatens all that’s drawing them together.

Good book. After her father was murdered on their ranch, Amber returned home to help her mother keep their dog training facility going. Her father had had an excellent reputation for training all kinds of dogs, from pets to police K-9s. Because she doesn't have the training to do so, Amber knew that she needed to hire just the right trainer. She started to lose hope until Evan came for his interview. The demonstration of his methods quickly proved that he was exactly what she needed.

Evan really wanted this job. Since leaving the military, he'd been working mostly in the city, which was a strain for him. Thanks to his wartime injuries, he suffered from some PTSD, just enough to make him uncomfortable in crowds. The open spaces and slower lifestyle of the ranch were exactly what he and his dog, Bear, needed.

I enjoyed the first meeting between Amber and Evan. Amber was cautious, as all of her previous interviews had been unimpressive. She was also a little concerned that he avoided making eye contact. But all of her worries faded into the background as soon as he started working with the dogs. Evan was also wary. He knows his capabilities, but he also knows that he isn't very happy being bossed around. But as long as they are clear about expectations, Evan was certain that all would be well. What neither expected was the burst of attraction they felt. Neither was looking for a relationship, but as the days went on, they couldn't deny the attraction.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Amber and Evan. At first, they were determined to keep it professional, as Amber was the boss and Evan was the employee. Those lines began to blur the more time that they spent together. I loved their partnership as they worked with the dogs and how easily they meshed. The attraction between them continued to grow, as did their feelings for each other. I liked Evan's protectiveness, especially the way he tried to temper her confrontations with the police over her father's murder. I liked the fact that there was no drama between them, just the progression from attraction and passion to love.

The suspense of the story was good, though a little slow at the beginning. It was easy to see Amber's frustration at the apparent lack of progress in solving her father's murder. Evan's arrival amped up the tension a bit as he also got involved in the investigation, and stirred up the various suspects. By the middle of the book, the danger started to heat up, as Amber received some threatening texts. I liked Evan's increased protectiveness and Amber's concern over Evan's safety. The final confrontation was intense, with a very satisfying resolution.

My favorite parts of the book involved the dogs. I enjoyed how each one had its own personality, though Bear was my favorite. I liked learning about the history between him and Evan. The connection between them was fantastic and was deeper than just a working relationship. I especially like the way that Bear sensed when Evan was struggling. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing more of these dogs and characters.

Blame it on Christmas - Janice Maynard (SD #2633 - Dec 2018)

Series: Southern Secrets (Book 1)

All she wants for Christmas…

is to make him beg!

After he broke her heart, Mazie Tarleton is definitely immune to the charms of J.B. Vaughan. Now she has him right where she wants him and it’s payback time -- until a moment of white-hot desire takes them both by surprise! Suddenly, revenge is getting complicated. Maybe she can just say yes to a holiday fling…or is she already in way too deep?

This was a good friends to enemies to lovers story. Mazie has known JB for most of her life. He is her brother's best friend, and as a teen, she had a huge crush on him. When she was sixteen, she asked him to be her date for the spring formal. He turned her down, the rejection breaking her heart, and starting years of an unspoken feud. Mazie perfected the ability to avoid him, no easy feat as he was still her brother's best friend. Then her chance finally came to get back at him. JB is a developer and has plans to renovate the block where Mazie has her jewelry store. She was the lone holdout, preventing him from starting his project. She had every intention of selling to him; she just wanted to make him suffer for as long as possible.

I had to laugh when JB showed up at the store right after one of Mazie's conversations with the real estate agent. It had all the fun of "He's right behind me, isn't he?" The sparks definitely flew between them. I felt a bit sorry for him, as he really is a true Southern gentleman at heart. He has felt bad for years about the way he turned down Mazie's invitation. He'd been young and not yet skilled in graceful rejections. He was also attracted to her even then, but he knew she was too young for him. Plus there was the whole best-friend's-little-sister thing going on, and Jonathan's threats if he were to meddle with his sister. He wanted to apologize ever since, but he had never been able to. Now, perhaps, he'll have a chance to make things right. I loved how he challenged her to get her to see the property with him. Neither one expected to get locked up in the old bank vault there, or the passion that exploded between them. Only the untimely arrival of Mazie's brother prevented them from taking that passion all the way. One thing it did do was push them into seeing each other again.

JB and Mazie were in the midst of a date that sizzled with sparks when he got word that his mom had a heart attack. Desperate to give her a reason to fight, JB blurted out that he and Mazie were engaged, creating all kinds of complications. Mazie was caught between a rock and a hard place when Jane proved to be more intuitive that she expected, and Mazie was committed to playing the loving fiancée. It isn't long before the sparks burn out of control and JB and Mazie can't keep their hands off each other. The connection between them continued to grow. Mazie quickly realized that her heart was in jeopardy once again, but couldn't walk away. JB's feelings for her grow also, but he is extremely wary. He'd been badly burned by a former relationship and he was reluctant to trust another woman. Be that as it may, there were some really sweet scenes between them. I loved his whole idea of giving Mazie the kind of Christmas that she'd dreamed of.

I ached for them both as misunderstandings and the insecurities from their pasts combined to rip them apart. I especially wanted to shake JB for his needlessly harsh and cruel comments to Mazie. I felt that he deserved every minute of the misery he felt until the truth came out. I loved his big moment at the end as he exposed his vulnerabilities and bared his heart to Mazie. Though she could have made him grovel a little more, I loved seeing Mazie get her heart's desire.

I am intrigued by the glimpses of Mazie's brother Jonathan. I love his friendship with JB, his love for his sister, and the love and respect he has for his father. The epilogue that is obviously a lead-in to the next book has me worried about him, and I can't wait to read his story. I am also curious about their brother Hartley and what drove him away from his family.