Alaskan Sweethearts - Janet Tronstad (LI #878 - Oct 2014)

Series: North to Dry Creek (Book 1)

A Match Made in Alaska

Hunter Jacobson wants no part of his grandfather's matchmaking. The lone cowboy is certain that's what the old man is doing when he trades part of their Montana ranch for Scarlett Murphy's claim to an old Alaska gold mine. Or is he running one of his legendary scams on the sweet single mom? A trip to Dry Creek, Alaska, reveals the truth -- and brings Hunter and Scarlett face-to-face with a past family feud and a vulnerable present. But surprisingly it's the future that intrigues Hunter most…if he can get Scarlett to make him her groom.

Sweet romance with a slight bit of suspense to it. Scarlett is recently divorced from a husband who turned out to be a drug dealer and is ready for a new start. When she received a message from her grandfather's old mining partner offering part of his Montana ranch in exchange for her claim on an old gold mine, she couldn't wait to check it out. Hunter was dismayed when he finds out about his grandfather's offer. Colin is well known for his scams, and Hunter doesn't want to see her and her son hurt.

The first meeting between Hunter and Scarlett was less than cordial. Hunter does his best to convince Scarlett that she wants no part of the deal, while Scarlett believes that Hunter has an agenda of his own regarding the property. Both of them have major trust issues that are evident from the start. Scarlett has been let down or betrayed by most of the men in her life and is determined to rely only on herself. Hunter has spent so many years trying to clean up after his grandfather's schemes that he is certain that Colin has some kind of trickery in mind. He also discovers that Colin is trying his hand at matchmaking, and Hunter wants no part of it.

I liked both Scarlett and Hunter. Scarlett is independent and cautious. She is also a woman to whom family is important. She's a terrific mom and very protective of her son, especially when she believes he is threatened. I also liked her relationship with her grandmother. Hunter is a man who feels things very deeply. After losing his parents when he was a child, he became intent on watching out for others. He feels a lot of guilt over the death of his parents, and also that he hasn't been able to control his grandfather's schemes.

The development of the relationship between Hunter and Scarlett happened very quickly. Hunter admired Scarlett's determination to make a better life for her family. He also bonded with her son Joey. It was fun to see the two of them together, especially in comparison with the boy's father. Scarlett was a little slower because her trust issues ran very deep. She began to soften toward Hunter when she saw him with Joey. I especially loved the scene where he taught Joey how to fall. I loved Hunter's insistence on going back to Alaska with Scarlett to help her. His presence made a big difference in how she handled the things that happened while they were there and went a long way toward showing her that she could trust him. Their declarations of their feelings came quickly, but they also took the time afterward to get to know each other better. I liked the epilogue, especially the way it gave Hunter a new appreciation of his hometown and its residents.

I loved the trip to Alaska and the revelations about the history between Scarlett's family and Hunter's. This helped relieve Hunter's mind about Colin's intentions. There were some interesting conversations involving Scarlett's grandmother and Hunter's grandfather, showing that some trust problems were long-standing.

There was also trouble waiting for Scarlett when they returned. She had received a threat against Joey before she left, thanks to her ex-husband's criminal activities. Finding her house ransacked added to her stress. The confrontation with her ex was intense with its resolution precipitated by an unexpected source. 

From Courtesan to Convenient Wife - Marguerite Kaye (HH #1371 - Apr 2018)

Series: Matches Made in Scandal (Book 2)

Every woman wants to marry him

But what if he is already taken?

In this Matches Made in Scandal story, Jean-Luc Bauduin, Parisian society’s most eligible bachelor, is determined to take only a wife of his choosing. But until that day comes, he’ll ward off his admirers by hiring Lady Sophia Acton to wear his ring! The passion Jean-Luc shares with his convenient bride is enormously satisfying -- until he discovers Sophia’s utterly scandalous past!

Good book. Sophia has had to make difficult choices in her past, choices that have left her reputation in ruins. All she wants now is the chance to start a new life. She is offered that chance by a woman known as The Procurer, who helps women such as herself rebuild their lives. All she needs to do is travel to France and play the part of loving bride for a French wine merchant.

Jean-Luc is young, handsome, and very wealthy. He has recently been approached by a woman who claims that he is the missing heir to a dukedom and the man her parents betrothed her to when they were children. He needs a fake wife to protect him until he can investigate the claim.

There was a connection between Jean-Luc and Sophia from the moment they met, as well as a spark of attraction. I loved how easily they both slid into the role of a happily married couple. It wasn't long before each of them found themselves forgetting that the marriage wasn't real. But Sophia's past still haunts her. The things that she had to do still cause her deep shame, and she fears what Jean-Luc's reaction would be if he knew. Jean-Luc senses that there is something that isn't right with Sophia. He doesn't push for answers to his questions, sensing that it will take time for her to trust him.

I liked both Sophia and Jean-Luc. Sophia is a stronger woman than she thinks she is. She came through her ordeal with her pride intact, though not her ability to trust. My respect for her grew as each piece of her past was revealed. I also liked the way that she insisted on helping Jean-Luc unravel the mystery of his past. Jean-Luc is an amazing man. He grew his business from almost nothing to being one of the best in the country. He is kind, and honorable in his treatment of both Sophia and Juliette.

I loved the development of the relationship between Jean-Luc and Sophia. They spend the time together to convince the public of their marriage and quickly discover that they like each other. There are some marvelous scenes of them together, as Jean-Luc shows Sophia around his beloved Paris. I also loved Sophia's support of him as they delved into the mystery of his past. As the attraction between them heated up, Sophia had to deal with the memories that would come between them. I loved Jean-Luc's patience as he waited for her to be ready. I ached for Sophia when her past made an unexpected appearance. Her pain and shame as she confessed all to Jean-Luc were heartbreaking. I loved Jean-Luc's reaction and how it showed just how well he knew her and the depth of his love for her.

The mystery of Jean-Luc's background was very well done. It's obvious from the start how it is going to turn out, but the journey there was terrific. With the unusual setting of post-Revolution France, there were many twists and turns before the truth was uncovered. The epilogue was good and wrapped up some loose ends.

The Blue Sword - Robin McKinley (Greenwillow Books - 1982)

Series: Damar (Book 2)

When Harry Crewe's father dies, she leaves her Homeland to travel east, to Istan, the last outpost of the Homelander empire, where her elder brother is stationed. Harry is drawn to the bleak landscape of the northeast frontier, so unlike the green hills of her Homeland. The desert she stares across was once a part of the great kingdom of Damar, before the Homelanders came from over the seas. Harry wishes she might cross the sands and climb the dark mountains where no Homelander has ever set foot, where the last of the old Damarians, the Free Hillfolk, still live. She hears stories that the Free Hillfolk possess strange powers -- that they work magic -- that it is because of this that they remain free of the Homelander sway.

When the king of the Free Hillfolk comes to Istan to ask that the Homelanders and the Hillfolk set their enmity aside to fight a common foe, the Homelanders are reluctant to trust his word, and even more reluctant to believe his tales of the Northerners: that they are demonkind, not human.

Harry's destiny lies in the far mountains that she once wished to climb, and she will ride to the battle with the North in the Hill-king's army, bearing the Blue Sword, Gonturan, the chiefest treasure of the Hill-king's house and the subject of many legends of magic and mystery. 

I love this book.  I haven't read it for many years, but it called to me for a reread.  Harry has come to Damar after her father's death to be with her brother.   There is something about the land that draws her like nothing else ever has.  When Corlath, king of the Hillfolk, comes to Istan to warn of a threat to all of them there is something about him that speaks to her also.  After his warnings are ignored, Corlath leaves, but returns in the dark of night to steal Harry away, as his powers demand.  This begins a journey for Harry that opens up a whole new world and way of life to her.  

I absolutely love both Harry and Corlath.  Harry is miserably unhappy in the Homelander settlement.  She is used to being able to do things and her life is now very restricted.  She also doesn't feel like she really fits in anywhere.  She finds a couple people there that seem to feel the same way about Damar that she does, that see the beauty of that land.  When Corlath kidnaps her, she doesn't understand why.  She also feels like she doesn't fit in there, as she is mostly ignored at first.  When the magic of the Hillfolk finds her, Corlath starts to soften toward her and begins to understand why he was called to take her.  His elite guard, the Riders, begin to accept her when they see that she possesses the same magic the king does.  Then Corlath has one of the Riders begin to train her as a female warrior. Her journey through the fear of her kidnapping, the culture shock of her training, then her melding of her two worlds is an incredible story of growth.  It is not easy for her.  We see the difficulty of her training, the culmination of that training, and then the decisions she has to make along the way. 

Corlath is a man with an impossible job.  He has a very small kingdom that is being threatened by a less than human foe.  His attempts at getting some help fail, but his powers require him to steal away the Outlander girl without telling him why.  Their initial days together are rough because he doesn't want her there and she can tell.  But when her visions make it obvious that she will play an important role, Corlath takes steps to make sure she is ready.  I loved the way that Harry eventually takes to the training, though it is difficult at first.  We also see her discomfort with the way everyone seems to be counting on her, though she is determined to do her best.  She also has no trouble standing up to Corlath and trying to make him see what she tries to tell him.  She wrestles with her decision on what she has to do, but ultimately does what she feels is right. 

The characters in this book are so well done that they feel absolutely real to me.  I can feel their torment and their happiness and I can't help rooting for them, even when I know what will happen.  My favorite part in the entire book is Harry's reappearance at the Outlander fort.  I also love her training sessions and her return to Corlath at the end.  I highly recommend this book and its prequel The Hero and the Crown to everyone, but especially those looking for strong female role models for girls.

A Secret Consequence for the Viscount - Sophia James (HH #1356 - Dec 2017)

Series: Society of Wicked Gentlemen (Book 4)

An unexpected Christmas gift…

Like all of London society, Lady Eleanor believed Viscount Bromley dead. Now, after six years, he has returned a changed man. Brooding Nicholas Bartlett has no memory of their one night of incredible passion -- so how can she tell him he fathered a child?

As Nicholas starts to regain his lost memories, he realizes the true reason he feels so drawn to beautiful Eleanor and her young daughter. And with the danger from his past threatening to rear its head, it’s up to Nicholas to protect his newly discovered family!

Good conclusion to the series. Throughout the previous three books Nicholas has never been far from his friends' minds, none of them ready to believe that he is dead, even though he's been missing for six years. As the book opens, he is in America, where he ended up, with no memory of who he used to be. Instead, he has had to fight off several attempts on his life with no idea why he has been targeted. However, in the latest attack, his memory is partially restored and he knows he must return home.

I loved the reunion between Nicholas and his friends. They are overjoyed to have him back, and deeply disturbed over what he tells them about what happened. I loved the fact that there was no hesitation in their welcome. Nicholas is a little confused at first by the changes he sees in them but happy for them. I ached for him because he felt a little lost, a little overwhelmed, and a lot like he no longer fit. Thanks to everything he had been through, he was no longer the young, reckless, dissolute rake that he used to be, but before he can look to the future, he has to find out who is after him.

Eleanor is Jacob's sister and has been present, though usually in the background, of the previous books. She has a young daughter and lives quietly, avoiding Society as much as she can.  There is some mystery about the father of her child, though her brother claims a Scottish marriage. She is stunned by Nicholas's return, and heartbroken and angry when he barely acknowledges her. I ached for her distress and loved that she had the backbone to seek him out to find out why. What she learns diminishes her anger, but increases her caution. She decides she must know more before she will allow him near their daughter.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nicholas and Eleanor. She is determined to help him recover his memories so that, perhaps, they can have the life together that she dreamed of. I loved seeing Eleanor take Nicholas to the places where they had gone six years earlier, and seeing the events through her eyes. Though Nicholas occasionally gets a flash of memory, it's just spending time with Eleanor that soothes his soul. The more time he spends with her, the more he wants something deeper. I loved his first reaction to meeting Lucy, even before he knew the truth. There was a connection there that could not be denied. Once he knew the truth, his happiness was obvious.

But there are still obstacles to overcome. Just when it looks like Nicholas and Eleanor are ready to embrace their future, Nicholas's past rears its ugly head. The threats made against Eleanor and Lucy cause him to push them away and retreat into his previous persona. I ached for Eleanor and her heartbreak at being rejected once again by the man she loves. I loved the conversation she had with her sister-in-law Rose, who opened Eleanor's eyes to the way the men in their lives behave when their loved ones are threatened.

The final confrontation with the person behind the attacks on Nicholas brought the book and series to a thrilling end. I was not surprised at the identity of said attacker, but that did not diminish the intensity of the confrontation. I liked how Nicholas handled it, proving once again that his soul is not as black as he paints it. I loved the aftermath, as Eleanor has a captive audience to show him how much she cares.

The epilogue was terrific. It brought all four couples together and emphasized their bright futures. It will be interesting to see if there are books in store for the new proprietors of the club.

Close Contact - Lori Foster (HQN - Dec 2017)

Series: Body Armor (Book 3)

There’s no resisting a desire like this…

MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s casual arrangement with personal shopper Maxi Nevar would be many men’s fantasy. She seeks him out, they have mindblowing sex, she leaves. Rinse, repeat. Yet lately, Miles wants more. And when Maxi requests his services via the Body Armor security agency, he’s ready to finally break through her defenses -- and protect her day and night.

Receiving a large inheritance has brought chaos and uncertainty into Maxi’s life. Her ex has resurfaced, along with lots of former “friends,” and someone is making mysterious threats. Then there’s Miles, who doesn’t ask for anything…except her trust. Pleasure is easy. Now Maxi has to give her heart as well as her body…or risk losing a man who could be everything she needs.

Very good book. Miles was an MMA fighter at the top of his game when he gave it all up to become a bodyguard. He likes the variety of the work, his boss is great, and he enjoys working with his two friends, Leese (Under Pressure) and Justice (Hard Justice). The only downside is the woman he hasn't been able to forget or find again after their last encounter. That is, until the day she walked into Body Armor looking for his help.

Maxi's life is in an uproar. She recently lost both her mother and her grandmother. The need for distraction is what sent her to Rowdy's bar to start with, where she hooked up with Miles. It was supposed to be a "one and done" thing, but something about Miles kept drawing her back. When she inherited her grandmother's property, and the hassles that went with it, she didn't want to pull him into her troubles, so she pulled away. But when unexplainable things began happening, she knows that Miles is the only one she can trust to help her.

I was caught up in the story from the beginning, as Maxi woke up in a field with no idea how she got there. Her fear and determination were palpable, and I held my breath as she tried to get to safety. Her reunion with Miles was just as tension-filled. Miles was angry, hurt, and confused about the way that Maxi had left, and isn't quite sure how to take her story. He also can't deny that he still wants her. Maxi wants Miles just as much, but also believes that he doesn't need someone with her issues. I also thoroughly enjoyed the way that Sahara stirred the pot in getting both Miles and Maxi to do what she wanted.

I enjoyed the development of Maxi and Miles's relationship. Though initially suspicious of her story, Miles's protectiveness is unquestionable. I really liked how understanding he was of her fear of letting him out of her sight for the first few days. Though he really wanted to give in to the attraction that still burned between them, he also didn't want to take advantage of her while she was vulnerable. It was fun to see Maxi's frustration with his restraint and how she tried to demolish it. When they finally gave in, it was just as explosive as they remembered.

There were definitely communication problems between Miles and Maxi. Miles's feelings for Maxi continue to grow, but he doesn't tell her how he feels. He is unsure of her feelings and doesn't want to risk the rejection he felt when she disappeared without a word. However, he does try to show her how he feels, even though that tends to leave her confused. I liked that he was protective without being overbearing, and respected her enough to back off when possible. Maxi knows that her feelings for Miles have grown, but she doesn't tell him either. Instead, she worries that his actions are simply because of his job. She can't help being hopeful, but that is a roller coaster ride for her. I liked seeing her stand up to him when she needed to retain some of her hard-won independence. It was equally fun and frustrating to watch the two of them dance around each other, as the smallest things would give them hope or, just as likely, dash their dreams. It took surviving an attempt on their lives for them to cut through their fears and just say what they felt, with a little push from Sahara.

The suspense of the story was very well done. The trouble began after Maxi inherited her grandmother's property. Thanks to family issues, both Maxi's sister and brother have pressured her to sell the property and split the proceeds with them. There is motive on both their parts to get her to give up the property, putting them on the suspect list. There is also Maxi's ex-fiancé, who suddenly wants back in her life, and is forceful about pushing his agenda. The occasional segment from the viewpoint of the bad guy as he ramps up his attempts adds to the intensity of the danger. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over. There were enough twists and turns throughout the story that I wasn't sure who was behind it until right before it was revealed. Even then, there were some surprises.

The secondary characters added an extra layer of depth and fun to the book. Sahara has been my favorite through the series. She is quite the dynamo and has no trouble going after what she wants. I love her pursuit of the various fighters she wants for the agency. I think she was the one who said, "It’s like an assortment of delicious man candy, isn’t it? One at a time is shocking, but all together, they steal a girl’s breath away." Both Leese and Justice, and their ladies, also make appearances. I love the depth of friendship among the men and how there is never any hesitation when help is needed. I also loved the work party when, in addition to Leese and Justice, Cannon, Armie, Denver, and Stack (Ultimate Fighter series) also came to lend a hand.

 

Cowboy Kisses - Cindi Myers, RaeAnne Hadley, Diane J. Reed, Autumn Piper, D'Ann Linden, Ann Anders (Self published - Feb 2018)

Cowboy Homecoming by Cindi Myers

After years in the city Kate Randolph has come home to take care of her ailing father, only to find local cowboy Jace Carpenter in charge of her father’s ranch. Jace isn’t sure what to make of Kate, but he’s dealing with big changes in his own life since his family ranch was sold. Can a prodigal daughter and a restless cowboy turn the bad hand life has dealt them into a winning combination?

Good story about starting over. Kate's need to go home to take care of her father came at a good time. A recent breakup with her boyfriend also resulted in the loss of her business. Not certain what to do next, taking care of her dad gives Kate a chance to regroup and make some decisions. She's surprised to find Jace living on the ranch and running things, and not quite sure how she feels about it.

Jace had to do his own starting over. He leased Kate's dad's ranch after his parents sold theirs to a developer. All he wants to do is the ranching work that he loves and hopefully get a ranch of his own someday.

The first meeting between Jace and Kate was a little rough, as she didn't know about Jace's presence on the ranch. There was a bit of resentment in her actions, as Jace was comfortable with her dad and she felt guilty for being away. There was also a spark of attraction between them, which Kate tries to resist. She's still recovering from her breakup and not keen to put herself out there again. I liked the way they grew closer the longer that Kate stayed. However, each of them had issues that had to be overcome. Kate had to decide if she was going to go back to the city or stay on the ranch. Jace has to overcome his worry about what his future holds. When tragedy strikes, they have to decide if what they have is worth fighting for. I liked the way that they worked things out.

I liked both Kate and Jace. Kate hadn't hesitated to come back when her sister called. I liked how she was able to control her temper around Veronica's snippy attitude. It was satisfying to see her find something she liked to occupy her time and watch as it gave her the idea for a new start. I liked Jace's kindness to Kate's dad, and how he kept the older man involved in the ranch workings. I understood his fears about his future.

The secondary characters of Veronica and Chas added depth to the story and the relationship growing between Jace and Kate. I had a hard time liking Veronica at first. She seemed to be a bit on the selfish side when she was talking about the ranch. I also didn't like the way that she talked to Kate. However, she did redeem herself in the end. I didn't like Chas at all. He was a slick, used car salesman kind of guy, who always had an eye on what would benefit him.

Loving You From Afar by RaeAnne Hadley

Ariana thought her life was over when she lost her husband. But through a strange twist of events that brought a stranger into her and her children’s lives, she was starting to believe that maybe it was just the beginning.

Ariana and her daughters are still dealing with the grief of losing husband and father. In an effort to break out of the pattern, they went to the town New Year's party, where they met a man named Reese, a newcomer to the town. He was told about the party by a new friend.

I loved the way that Ariana and Reese connected right away. Though still grieving for her husband, she also realizes that she is lonely. She's a little hesitant at first, but Reese is easy to talk to. He also isn't fazed by her older daughter's hostile attitude. When Ariana is involved in a car accident on the way home and Dove is injured, Reese is there to provide whatever kind of support she needs. Though she has a momentary freakout over how quickly she begins to care for him, Ariana likes having him to lean on when she needs it. I loved Reese's way of finding little ways to make things easier on Ariana. He is also very understanding of her wariness.

Throughout the story, there are some interesting things that happen to move Ariana through her grief. Her conversations with her dead husband are a great comfort to her, especially the unexpected advice. When Dove comes out of her coma, she has had a change of attitude thanks to a heart-to-heart conversation. All becomes clear as the girls show Reese their photo albums later on.

My Forever Cowboy by Diane J. Reed

Just when you least expect it, love finds you forever.

Photographer Avery Smart refuses to believe in “forever cowboys” after her father died in a tragic rodeo accident, until professional bull rider Grant Hollow decides to shed new light into the darkroom of her heart.

Avery has a very cynical attitude when it comes to cowboys - she believes that forever is not in their vocabulary. It started with the death of her father in a rodeo accident and continued with men who only seem to want a good time and then move on. She also has to deal with her mother, who has never been quite right after her father's death. Pearl spends a lot of time talking to her husband's photograph as though the man were still alive.

Avery has a photography business and has just been hired to provide pictures of cowboys for a calendar. The only rodeo going on that weekend is in her hometown, so off she goes with her assistant. I loved Shae's unabashed fascination with the cowboys and her enthusiastic pursuit of anyone she thought would work for the calendar. Avery, on the other hand, takes a very different approach to acquiring a photo of a particular cowboy. The poker game was hilarious, as was the conversation afterward.

Grant is a professional bull rider who isn't too happy about being tricked, but he'll honor his word. He is also a kinder-hearted man than he first appears, as is shown when he encounters Avery's mom. I loved how he was so understanding with her, and also that he made a point of showing Avery that she didn't need to keep Pearl confined. I loved how he invited Pearl to the rodeo, and also to dinner at his grandmother's.

The dinner with his grandmother and Granny T was an eyeopening experience for Avery. The two old ladies definitely had a plan, and it was fun to see them carry it out. I loved the visit to the spring and what it did for Pearl. There was also a bit of magic in store for Grant and Avery.

Say Nothing by Autumn Piper

The best medicine doesn’t always come in pill form, but who knew it could be a scruffy, cranky cowboy?

After escaping from the psycho who held her prisoner for months, Brooke often suffers panic attacks when she tries to speak. When her cousin invites her to recuperate at his friends’ ranch in Colorado and help them care for their twin toddlers, she accepts. She’s got nothing holding her in Nebraska; her boyfriend went dark when she returned from captivity damaged.

For years since his engagement went belly-up, lead ranch-hand Rowdy has been non-relationship material. He feels a connection with Brooke, though, and she’s able to confide things in him she doesn’t trust her therapist with. He’s probably too old for her, and he’s sure once she recovers she’ll find someone better than him, but he’s content to take the time they have and help her until then.

When her successful ex rides back into the picture, Rowdy will have to decide: fight for Brooke, or give her the financially stable future she deserves.

Very good story. After being held captive for five months, Brooke has spent the last two months trying to recover. Between her panic attacks when she tries to speak and dealing with her family and friends, she desperately needs to get away. When her cousin Nate gets her a job as a nanny with his friends in Colorado, she can't get there fast enough.

Rowdy is one of the ranch hands, a quiet, gruff kind of guy. His last relationship was years ago, and he's in no hurry to risk his heart again. But there is something about Brooke that speaks to his soul, and he's ready to give her whatever she needs.

I loved the development of Brooke and Rowdy's relationship. From the moment they met there was a connection between them. I loved how Rowdy made his interest plain right from the start without being pushy or obnoxious about it. He was very sensitive to her difficulties and had the patience to let her take things at her own pace. I loved how Brooke was immediately comfortable with him. It was awesome that she was able to tell him things that she hadn't been able to tell anyone else. The more time that they spent together, the faster her healing progressed. His offer to support her when she had to go back for some testimony was just what she needed. But Rowdy has some self-worth issues, and the attitudes of her mom and brother played right into his fears. I ached for him but also wanted to shake him for being an idiot. I hurt for Brooke also, especially when she had to deal with her ex-boyfriend and then face what happened to her without Rowdy's support. She was a lot stronger than she thought. I loved her trip back to Colorado and the head of steam she was building up for when she got there. The ending was fantastic.

Peyton’s Kiss by Ann Anders

No one ever promised Stella Fairchild that life would be fair. If it was, then her best friend wouldn’t be dying. A little girl wouldn’t be losing her mother. And a lonely cowboy would be ready for love. Under the blue skies of Colorado, however, fate has its own ideas. And maybe, just maybe, silver linings could be found hiding in the storm.

Sad but heartwarming story. When Stella finds out that her best friend, Corinne, has cancer, she drops everything to help her. She doesn't expect to run into resistance from Corinne's big brother, Peyton.

The last thing Peyton wants to deal with is some city chick who will be more hindrance than help. He has enough on his plate taking care of the ranch and now worrying about his sister.

The first encounter between Peyton and Stella is pretty tough. First on the phone, where Peyton's impatience and attitude about her arrival are plain to hear. When they meet face-to-face, Peyton is first hit by an immediate attraction to her, but also takes one look and gives her a hard time about everything from her car to her clothes. Stella is bitten by the attraction, too. She also stands up to his criticism and reminds him that she's there for Corinne and Misty.

I liked that Peyton realized that he was being a jerk and got past it pretty quickly. It didn't take long before he realized that there was more to Stella than he had thought. I really liked the way that they connected so quickly over their desire to make things easier for Corinne. The riding scene was both beautiful and heartbreaking with its painful conclusion. I loved how sensitive to his pain Stella was. I ached for Peyton when they were at the hospital, but also wanted to shake him for what he did. The confrontation between him and Stella back at the ranch felt real, as both had to deal with what was happening. It was also no surprise what came out of it.

I loved the next morning at the hospital when they went to get Corinne. She was pretty funny in what she said to Stella. Stella's shock was hilarious, especially since I had suspected that all along. The epilogue was sweet.

Midnight Ride by D’Ann Lindun

Can they escape peril and fall in love?

When Brynn Lockwood and her five-year-old daughter Brooke decide to camp in the Colorado Mountains the last thing they expect is to be taken hostage by a gunman. After suffering a devastating shooting, Sawyer Bennet moves to Black Mountain, Colorado, to recover. As a Sheriff’s Posse member, he is called out to find a dangerous criminal, but loses his heart instead.

Good story with some very intense suspense. Brynn and her young daughter took an end of summer trail ride that ended up being more than they expected. I loved the close relationship between the two of them as shown by how much fun they had together. But their peaceful evening was interrupted by an unexpected visitor that gave them both the creeps. They were relieved when he moved on, but it left Brynn with a feeling of impending doom. Those feelings proved accurate the next day, when the man, an escaped murderer, took them hostage as "security."

I loved how both Brynn and Brooke maintained their cool under the circumstances. Brynn's biggest concern was protecting her daughter. She was able to take advantage of an unexpected opportunity to evade her captor, but they weren't safe yet.

Sawyer is a new member of the Sheriff's Posse and is among those called on to search the mountains for the escapee and warn anyone who was out there. Sawyer came to the area for a new start after losing his career as a veterinary surgeon thanks to a shooting. He's a little bitter about that and the fact that his girlfriend left him while he was still in the hospital. Being out on the mountain is soothing, even for such a reason.

When Sawyer came across Brynn's campsite, he had a gut feeling that something was wrong. I liked the way that he listened to his instincts, so was there when the horses came back without her and Brooke. I was on the edge of my seat until he found them.

There were definite sparks between Brynn and Sawyer from the moment they met, even in the midst of the trouble they were in. I really liked seeing the super-independent Brynn give in and allow herself to lean on Sawyer. I also loved how Brooke and Brynn quickly worked their way into the heart of the lonely Sawyer. I liked how they worked together to care for Brooke, and again when they made their nervewracking escape. I ached for Sawyer, who believed that he didn't have anything to offer, but tried anyway. Brynn had her moments of doubt also but stood up for herself when it counted. I loved Sawyer's big moment at the end, especially the way that he included Brooke.

An Innocent Maid for the Duke - Ann Lethbridge (HH #139 - Oct 2017)

Series: Society of Wicked Gentlemen (Book 2)

His lady in red…

Jacob, Duke of Westmoor, is feeling the weight of his recently inherited title when a stolen kiss with a beautiful woman in his gentlemen's club breathes life back into him. Until he discovers she's a maid!

Unable to let the beautiful innocent go, he arranges for Rose Nightingale to become his grandmother's companion. But living under the same roof, their attraction becomes impossible to resist!

Good book. Jake is one of the owners of the gentlemen's club. His life was recently upended when both his father and older brother died in an accident, leaving Jake as the duke. It is a position that he never expected to have and feels woefully unprepared for. He is also carrying a boatload of guilt, as he blames himself for their deaths. Haunted by his feelings, he finds the only place he gets any peace is at the club, until the day he steals a kiss from an unknown woman.

Rose was a foundling, raised in an orphanage and trained to work as a maid or housekeeper. She had been working at the club for a few months and earned a little extra money by repairing gowns for some of the working girls. On this particular day, she gave in to the urge to try on one of the dresses and masks, only to be accosted by a gentleman who steals a kiss.

There was no question about the sparks between Rose and Jake from the very beginning. But Rose has been very careful all her life not to give in to the passions that she believed got her mother into trouble (or else why would Rose have been given up by her mother). I liked the practical side to Rose and how she tried to resist Jake's advances. I was a bit disappointed in Jake at first, as a nobleman making advances to someone who worked for him. But I quickly came to realize that what Jake saw in Rose was someone who wanted him for himself, not his title. I also liked that he saw that she had potential to be more than a maid, and set her up as a companion for his grandmother. I ached a bit for Rose as she felt unprepared for the role because of her lack of education, but loved how she was such a quick learner.

The development of the relationship between Jake and Rose was full of obstacles. First and foremost was the difference in their stations. He's a duke and she's a maid. That just isn't done. There was also the promise that Jake had made to his dying father to give up his "wild ways" and do the right thing for the title. As they gave in to the passion between them, they also had to be careful not to be discovered. The more time they spent together, the more their attraction deepened into stronger feelings. But Jake still tried to deny those feelings, believing that he had to follow his father's dictates as the only way to alleviate his guilt. I shook my head at his plans for Rose as I really thought he knew her better. Rose's feelings for Jake had grown into love. Even though she knew that it was impossible, she had allowed herself to dream a little of what might be. I loved seeing her stand up to him. I thought his turnaround was a little fast, but in the end, he did the right thing and let love win the day.

I think my favorite character was Jake's grandmother. Her love for Jake was obvious, and she did her best to help him accept his future as the duke. I enjoyed her interactions with the people around her. She had a pretty discerning eye when it came to people, and I loved her comments on some of them. I got the feeling that she saw a lot more than Jake gave her credit for, and that she was doing her best to push him and Rose together.