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.