In the Bodyguard's Arms - Lisa Childs (HRS #1976 - Jan 2018)

Series: Bachelor Bodyguards (Book 7)

How close is too close for a bachelor bodyguard and his alluring client?

As a supermodel, Teddie Plummer is used to being wanted. But a stalker? That’s terrifying new territory, so Teddie hires a professional to guard her. The moment she and Payne Protection Agency bodyguard Jordan “Manny” Mannes collide, searing attraction introduces a different brand of danger.

Former Marine Manny knows his boundaries. He’ll put his life on the line for Teddie, but won’t risk his career on a client -- no matter how unbelievably sexy she is. The rules blur once Teddie ends up in his arms. He won’t hesitate to face hell itself to defend her, but will he be willing to let her walk away?

Good book with a nice blend of romance and building suspense. Teddie is a supermodel who has been plagued by a stalker. After an attack that took place at her mother's house, Teddie hired Payne Protection to guard her. The bodyguard assigned to her is Manny.

Manny is one of Cooper's Marine buddies who has come to work with him. He's a big man, a bit rough around the edges, and honorable to the bone. He also avoids relationships, believing that because of his family history he is not a good bet.

I enjoyed the way that Manny ended up with this assignment. Having watched previous bodyguards fall in love with the women they've been assigned to protect, he adamantly refuses to take the job protecting the model. Instead, he insists on taking the one for "Ted," not realizing that they are the same. He was not happy when he arrived at his destination and discovered the truth. What made it even more fun was that Manny had once had a poster of Teddie and a bit of a crush on her. From the moment they met, there was no doubt about the strength of the attraction between them. Both have good reasons to resist. Teddy has been betrayed in the past by people she has gotten close to and feared that it could happen again. For Manny, besides the fact that Teddy is a client, he also sees a huge difference between him as a bodyguard and her as a supermodel. But fate will not be denied. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and find that there were some things that they had in common. It was sweet to see how Manny's protectiveness became very personal very quickly. Teddie also became protective of Manny and worried about the stalker going after him. There were a couple of times when Manny got spooked by the strength of his feelings a pulled back, but that didn't last long. However, there was a huge problem at the end when something happened that made Teddie believe that Manny had betrayed her. I was angry at her for believing that when she should have known better. I ached for Manny and how her accusations hurt him and didn't blame him too much for lashing out. Their big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. I enjoyed the reactions of those around them.

The action and suspense started as soon as Manny arrived at Teddie's hideout. The stalker had found her and Manny's arrival thwarted the man's attack. The escalation of the man's actions throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see what would happen next. I liked the teamwork of the whole crew as they worked together to find out who the stalker was. There were times that I wanted to shake Teddie for her stubborn refusal to believe what Manny tried to tell her. She also made some stupid decisions that put herself and others in danger. The final confrontation was intense as the truth was uncovered and the team tried to get to Teddie in time.

I admit to being a little disappointed in the team's attempts to keep Teddie safe. There were too many times when the stalker actually succeeded in getting his hands on her. I did like how Teddie kept her wits and fought back, buying her the time for help to arrive. I was also a bit angry at Cooper's attitude near the end and his reluctance to believe that Manny was right. It was satisfying to see Manny proved right and the team's support. I liked that Cole had believed in Manny, even if he was skeptical about Teddie. I'm looking forward to reading Cole's story, especially with the hints that have been dropped about his past.

Nanny Bodyguard - Lisa Childs (HRS #1936 - Mar 2017)

Series: Bachelor Bodyguards (Book 5)

Payne Protection's latest hire has a secret agenda…but his heart keeps getting in the way!

Digital security specialist Nikki Payne is eager to prove herself. So when former Marine Lars Ecklund asks for her help in tracking down his sister, Nikki happily volunteers her services. But she doesn't anticipate falling for her role as nanny and bodyguard to a baby they're protecting…or uncovering a raging hunger for guarded Lars.

To find out what happened to his sibling, Lars must get into a fortified mansion at any cost and track down an elusive lawyer. But his fierce desire for Nikki is complicating everything. Putting the stunning spitfire in danger doesn't sit easily with him, yet he has no choice if he's to reclaim his sister -- or create a future with this new family.

I've really enjoyed this series and I have been waiting for Nikki to get her chance. As the youngest and only girl, she has been suffering from an overdose of brothers. Ever since her family started their security company, she has wanted nothing more than to take her place as one of the bodyguards. Unfortunately, all of her brothers are extremely protective and won't give her the opportunity. Her chance comes when the newest branch of the business is hired to provide bodyguard service for an infant.

Nikki isn't the least bit motherly, but she's desperate to make her mark, so she agrees to the nanny bodyguard position. Also assigned to the detail is one of the newest hires, Lars Eckland. He's one of her brother Cooper's Marine buddies, and just as macho and overbearing as her brothers. But she also senses that there is something else going on with him.

Lars had come to River City looking for his younger sister, who had gotten pregnant while he was deployed. He had sent her to Cooper for help, but she never showed up. He got one letter from her saying she was visiting an adoption lawyer, and that was it. Lars is desperate to find Emilia and uses his connection with Cooper as an entry to the lawyer's estate.

I've liked Nikki since the beginning of the series. She's small but fierce and determined to live life on her own terms. It has been enjoyable to see her stand up to her brothers and try to show them what she can do. However, she tends to overreact to their actions, which only makes them dig in their heels. She also avoids relationships because she doesn't believe that most men can be faithful.

I liked Lars also. He's a good and honorable man, but his fears about his sister have pushed him to the breaking point. I ached for him and his grief over her disappearance and his guilty feelings about failing to take care of her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nikki and Lars. They struck sparks from each other from the beginning. Nikki first sees him as just another chauvinistic lunkhead, but can't deny that she's attracted to him. Lars initially sees Nikki has the weak link in the chain of protection, which suits him fine, but quickly discovers his mistake. As they work together to protect the baby and find Lars' sister, the attraction between them grows. Both of them fight it. Nikki because she is afraid to allow herself to love, and Lars because Nikki is his friend Cooper's sister and that's going against the "bro-code." The battle is a losing one, and I enjoyed seeing them grow closer. I liked Nikki's support of Lars in his search for his sister, and how hard she worked to keep him from giving up hope. Lars has to reconcile his protectiveness toward Nikki, which gets him in trouble with her, and his growing respect for her abilities. He soon knows that he wants her in his life permanently, but has to find a way to convince her. I liked the ending and seeing them open their hearts to each other.

The suspense and action in the story were very good. We know Lars' problem from the start, and his reluctance to involve his friends. The issue becomes more complicated when the lawyer in question becomes Cooper's first client as he opens the new office. I liked that Cooper had reservations about the job, as it showed that his instincts were good. Lars' shock when he sees the baby is intense and increases his need to find the truth. I wanted to shake him for keeping everything to himself and was glad when it all came out. The intensity built as the team raced to find the truth, and the reader sees the desperate condition that Emilia is in. They also have to find a way to prevent the illegal adoption set up by the lawyer. The final confrontations were nail-biters and kept me glued to the page until they were over.

Family was a big part of this book; not just family by blood, but also that of shared experiences. The relationships of Cooper and his team were as deep as those he had with his brothers and sometimes deeper. Lars' wish to protect them from his actions was real and understandable, as was their determination to help him once they knew the problem. Lars' had a bone-deep feeling of responsibility toward Emilia because of their past. I ached for his grief when he thought she was dead, and his feelings of guilt because he thought he had failed her. I loved the quick connection he had with the baby. The most complicated was the relationship that Nikki had with her family. Her feelings of betrayal because of her father's actions affected her relationship with her mother and her half-brother. Then there was her frustration with her brothers and their overprotectiveness. While she had a point, there were also times that I thought that she was purposely pushing their buttons. It was interesting watching them try to deal with their need to protect and Nikki's need to be accepted for her abilities.

Navy SEAL Six Pack - Elle James (HI #1672 - Nov 2016)

Series: SEAL of My Own (Book 4)

For a SEAL undercover on a top conspiracy, attraction could be dangerous…

Raised on a ranch and trained as a Navy SEAL, Benjamin "Montana" Raines has a work ethic that's unshakable -- even in the midst of a beautiful and jaded CIA operative. A dangerous conspiracy threatens the United States, and Benjamin has a new case. And a new partner.

Kate McKenzie has been burned before. And now she is paired with someone she's supposed to trust against her deeper instincts. In the cutthroat world of millionaires and politicians in Washington, DC, Kate and Benjamin must go undercover to prevent an attack. But as the risks to their safety heighten, so does their undeniable attraction to one another…

Excellent conclusion to a series that began with four SEALs on vacation stumbling onto a human trafficking ring, followed by foiling an assassination and discovering a conspiracy of murders. Each book has solved its immediate problem, but the questions have continued to build about who is behind it and why. In this book, our sexy SEALs have joined with the men and women of the Stealth Operations Specialists to figure out the connections among a bunch of diverse murders. Montana has been paired with CIA operative Kate to infiltrate the upper reaches of Washington society while protecting a valuable asset.

I really liked Montana and Kate. Montana is an honest-to-God cowboy, raised on a ranch, with bone-deep cowboy values. He's a hard worker, honest, and a true gentleman in all circumstances. I loved the way he credited his mama for his manners, especially when it would help make his point. Kate is a kick-ass CIA agent who was recently burned when her partner and lover turned out to be a double agent. Because of it, she's wary of trusting Montana right away.

Both Montana and Kate have been picked for this mission because they are good at blending in with those around them. I loved watching the two of them bounce off each other as they work out their balance of power. Montana is naturally protective, but he is also aware of and impressed by Kate's skills. It was fun to watch him fall a little more under her spell with each new talent exposed. I especially enjoyed the scene with the motorcycle. As good as she is at her job, Kate's confidence in her judgment was shaken by what had happened with her partner. I liked the way that Montana's treatment of her restored that confidence. I loved how their feelings become crystal clear in the midst of danger. The ending was pretty sweet as they shared those feelings.

The action and suspense of the story were fantastic. I loved the teamwork of the group as they bent their minds to figure out the connections. When they deciphered the code from the end of the last book, the intensity amped up even further as they went to work to prevent any more murders. The scene at the gala, with Kate impersonating Mila, was a real nail-biter as I waited to see what was going to happen. The fear and confusion at the end of the evening, topped off by the chase, had the team scurrying to make sense of what had happened. As some of the information started to come together, a very scary picture began to emerge. The final confrontation had a couple of twists and turns before it came to a very James Bond-ish ending. 

Navy SEAL to Die For - Elle James (HI #1666 - Oct 2016)

Series: SEAL of My Own (Book 3)

A navy SEAL has her back…and a lot more!

When their plane crash-lands in an alligator-infested Mississippi bayou, Navy SEAL Quentin "Loverboy" Lovett is grateful to be alive. But gratitude quickly turns to rescue when the SEAL must dive into the murky waters to save Stealth Operations Specialist Becca Smith. Then the shooting starts. Clearly, someone wants her dead.

Investigating her father's murder has put Becca in the crosshairs of his killer. Now the loner agent has no choice but to trust Quentin to protect her. On their hunt for the mercenary, Becca and Quentin discover an unquenchable attraction they never expected to grow…or last. But first, they must survive.

Good book that picks up where Navy SEAL Captive left off. Duff, as well as the rest of the team, are headed back to the States from Mexico after their vacations were interrupted by unforeseen circumstances. With them is Becca, who had come to their assistance when their trouble intersected with her search for her father's murderer. They are close to the coast when their plane crashes into the swamp. It's clear it was no accident when they draw gunfire. It quickly becomes obvious that Becca's investigation has gotten too close, and someone wants her out of the picture.  

I really liked Becca and Quentin. Both are independent, intelligent, and have high-risk careers. Becca is focused on her mission and has no intention of letting herself be distracted by the sexy SEAL. Quentin has earned his nickname of "Loverboy," and starts out looking at Becca as a challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him flirt with Becca on the plane and get shut down constantly. He isn't one to give up easily and is determined to keep trying. All of that takes a back seat when he sees the danger that she is in. He volunteers to be her bodyguard when her boss insists she needs one.

I enjoyed the development of Quentin and Becca's relationship. The chemistry between them is strong, even though Becca had tried to deny it. As they worked together to follow the leads, I liked the interactions between them. Quentin is protective, but also recognizes Becca's abilities. Becca is also protective of him, and worries about having drawn him into her troubles. There were some steamy scenes between them, but also some very sweet ones. I liked Quentin's realization that he had found the woman that makes all others fade into the background.

The suspense of the story was great, with nearly non-stop action. Becca was determined to find out who was responsible for her father's death and she wasn't going to let anything stop her. It seemed as though every time she got close to getting some answers, someone would get to her target first. I felt as though I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, as they went from Mississippi to New York to Washington DC. I especially enjoyed the support and participation of the various folks from the SOS agency, including the link with Nicole Steele from Deadly Allure. I love it when characters from other books and series make appearances. The final confrontation was very intense, with a couple of twists and turns before the revealing of the culprit. But not all questions have been answered, and a surprise delivery at the end is a lead-in to the next book in the series.

Rocky Mountain Revenge - Cindi Myers (HI #1475 - Feb 2014)

Series: Rocky Mountain Ranger (Book 1)

The last place she expects to have a reunion is the Rocky Mountains. But this man from her past is hard to ignore in Cindi Myers's Rocky Mountain Revenge

Despite her new identity in the WitSec Program, Anne Gardener has been found by the one person who hurt her the most: FBI agent Jake Westmoreland. And when she testified against her own flesh and blood, her whole existence was turned upside down. Jake couldn't expect any more from her -- except that he did. He wanted the impossible…her help.

Jake doesn't have much time to restore Anne's faith in him. She is the only one who can help him locate her mob-boss father and put him away for good. He knows that his betrayal has hurt her deeply. Loving her was never part of the plan; yet losing her is a risk he won't take. He'll do anything to keep her safe -- even if it means walking into the lion's den….

Good second chance story. A year ago, Anne was Elizabeth Giardino, loved and spoiled daughter of mob boss Sam Giardino. She was used to getting anything she wanted. She fell hard for one of her father's men, Jake West, who made her see past the lifestyle to what was behind it. Then in one horrifying night, she saw Jake gunned down in a shootout between US Marshals and her father. Devastated, she cooperated with the feds, who then gave her a new life far different than her old one. Now she is Anne, first-grade teacher in a small Colorado town, but still watching over her shoulder - and with good reason. In spite of the efforts of the WitSec people, she came home from work one night to find a man waiting inside her house. Fortunately for her safety, it was Jake, who she thought was dead.

Jake had died that night - several times - but in the end, came out on top. After weeks in the hospital, and months in rehab, he finally discovered that Elizabeth had survived. By calling in many favors, he was able to track her down. First to make sure that she is safe, but also to enlist her help to find her fugitive father. He knows it won't be easy, but it is something he has to do if he is going to make sure she stays safe.

I liked the relationship between Jake and Anne. There isn't a lot of detail about their past, but I definitely got the feeling that they had become friends before they became lovers. I really liked the parts that showed that Jake had appreciated her warmth and intelligence far more than her family did. It was also clear that he felt guilty about the way he had deceived her about who he was. Anne wasn't in a very forgiving mood when he showed up, especially when she found out what he wanted from her, and she just wanted him gone. Fortunately, he didn't listen to her, as hired guns found her right after Jake did.

The action heated up fast as Jake and Anne worked together to avoid her pursuers. The spoiled socialite is nowhere to be found as Anne showed incredible courage and resourcefulness. I also loved Jake's determination to keep her safe, even at the risk of his own life. I ached for Anne as she had to face the fact that the father she still loved in spite of everything was trying to kill her. In spite of all that was going on, the feelings that Jake and Anne had shared before flared back to life and continued to grow. There were some pretty sweet moments between the two of them as they got to know each other again. I felt bad for Jake, who believed that there was no way that they could ever be together thanks to his past actions.

The final confrontation came after some interesting twists and turns. I was impressed by Anne's courage in walking willingly into the lion's den and facing her father in person. Knowing that Jake was nearby gave her some extra confidence. The showdown was intense, with a couple of big surprises. I enjoyed the aftermath and seeing Anne stand up to her WitSec handler, as she and Jake take charge of their own future.

Rocky Mountain Rescue - Cindi Myers (HI #1482 - Mar 2014)

Series: Rocky Mountain Ranger (Book 2)

The lines are blurred between duty and desire in ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESCUE by Cindi Myers

Federal marshal Patrick Thompson almost lost one woman in his care. He won't lose another. As an officer for the Witness Security Program, it's his job to protect Stacy Giardino, the former daughter-in-law of an infamous crime boss. At first, Stacy is reluctant to trust the brawny cop -- or to act on their intense mutual attraction. But when her toddler son is kidnapped, Patrick is the only person who can help her find him. As they work their way through the Rocky Mountains, trailed by killers, Patrick and Stacy grow closer, and the heat simmering between them ignites. But in an explosive showdown, Patrick will have only one chance to save the woman he can no longer live without.

Good book that started with a bang and kept me hooked all the way through. Stacy had been forced into marriage with a mobster by her father. With no way out, her son Carlo is all that keeps her going. When her husband and father-in-law are killed in a raid by federal agents, Stacy has high hopes that she will now be free to live the life she wants - until federal agents want to put her into protective custody.

I loved Stacy's independence. She refuses to put herself under the control of any man ever again. Even though she had been treated like arm candy by her husband, Stacy was very intelligent. I loved watching her mind work as she observed the people around her. She is also very protective of her son and will do anything to keep him safe.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship, fast though it was. When they first met, there was a great deal of mistrust between them. Because of who she was, she had been taught that law enforcement were the bad guys. Patrick isn't sure just how involved Stacy was in her husband's dealings, and was determined to keep an eye on her. I loved his reaction when he discovered that she had simply walked out of the police station and disappeared. No matter what, he was going to keep her safe, so he was nearby when little Carlo was kidnapped. I loved Stacy's fierceness when Patrick tried to get her to stay behind while he looked for Carlo, and Patrick's quick realization that it would be better to keep her with him. I liked seeing them work together to figure out who had taken Carlo. It didn't take long for the mistrust to turn to respect. I liked seeing Patrick develop an appreciation for Stacy's quick wits and steady nerves. I also liked his sensitivity and understanding of what her life had been like. Stacy was surprised by how quickly she felt safe when Patrick was near. The way he treated her went a long way toward making her feel better about herself. Neither of them expected the intensity of the attraction that flared between them. Patrick's tenderness and understanding were heartwarming and Stacy blossomed under his attention.

The suspense of the story was great. From the moment Carlo disappeared, the questions came fast and furious. Who was behind it? Why was Carlo taken? And who was now after Stacy and why? The attacks came one after another with increasing intensity. There were some great examples of Stacy's quick thinking along the way - I especially loved how she got away from the guys who grabbed her. The final showdown was intense, with multiple twists and turns before it was over. I was a little surprised by the uncle and grandmother at the end, but overall, I think it worked.

I really liked the epilogue. Even though Patrick and Stacy had fallen quickly, I liked that they were smart enough to take the time to really get to know each other. I liked seeing Stacy get to follow her dream for a change, with Patrick's full support.

Summer in Napa - Marina Adair (Montlake - May 2013)

Series: St. Helena Vineyard (Book 2)

When Alexis “Lexi” Moreau caught her husband, Jeff, sampling the sous-chef’s more intimate wares in their New York restaurant, she ran -- all the way back to her hometown of St. Helena, California. Six months later, Lexi has no husband and no restaurant. But she does have a three-step plan: First, convert her grandmother’s bakery into her dream bistro. Second, ignore Grandma’s matchmaking attempts. And third, avoid Marco DeLuca, her ex’s commitment-phobic, distractingly sexy best friend.

In school Lexi was off-limits for Marco. After all, she was his buddy’s girl. But she’s still as smart and as gorgeous -- and apparently as immune to his charms -- as she used to be. Yet the simple fake romance they agree upon to dodge Lexi’s grandmother’s matchmaking plans soon turns deliciously complicated. And the sultry summer might bring together all the right ingredients for Marco to win the only woman he’s ever wanted.

Good starting over/friends to lovers story. Lexie grew up in St. Helena and dreamed of turning her grandmother's bakery into a bistro. Instead, she followed her high school sweetheart to New York, where they opened their restaurant, Pairings. But somehow, all the things she wanted took second place to Jeff's plans, until the day she found him indulging in his own pairings with her sous-chef. Now she's back home, ready to follow her long-delayed dreams. Only it hasn't started out the way she planned.

If it weren't for bad luck, Lexi would have no luck at all. From her late night arrival and sneaking into the apartment over the bakery, to locking herself out on her way to get her suitcase from her car, she has a rough morning. Then she gets stuck in the window of the bakery as she tries to sneak in without being spotted by anyone out on the street, only to be discovered by Marco DeLuca, her ex-husband's best friend and currently the last person she wants to see.

Marc had been looking forward to Lexi's arrival, even though he shouldn't. He's been crushing on her since he was fourteen, but his buddy Jeff asked her out before he could. Now, the "bro-code" says you don't poach your friend's girl, even after they've broken up, but his heart isn't listening.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Marc and Lexi had been friends for a long time, except for the period since the divorce. Marc had been unable to figure out what to say to Lexie, and as a result said nothing, leaving her feeling hurt. Now that she's back in town, he has a chance to make it up to her. He begins by trying to be just the friend and supporter that she needs, but his attraction to her keeps growing. I loved his inner conversations as he reminds himself over and over that she's off limits, only to forget everything the minute he's with her. Lexi doesn't want to get involved with anyone right now; she just wants to concentrate on her plans. Unfortunately, her grandmother has a bazillion dates already lined up for her, plus she's trying to fight the crazy things she feels around Marc.

I loved their interactions. Lexi has seen Marc as a player all these years. He's well-known for the variety and short tenure of his women. She gives him a hard time about his current problem, even as she tries to help him. Marc may be a player, but with Lexie, he is completely different. I loved how closely he watched her and saw her struggles. Jeff's actions had done a number on her self-confidence, but Marc had an unexpected sensitivity and seemed to know just what to say or do to give her the boost she needed.  He also could think on his feet and came up with a brilliant idea - a faux romance to get her grandmother to lay off the matchmaking and protect him from his more aggressive pursuers. It wasn't long before the "faux" was dropped from the romance, as they began to drop their guards. Marc also has to deal with his reputation within his own family. Because of his actions after the deaths of their parents, his siblings still look at him as the family screw-up. However, he has worked hard to make his hotel a success, and Lexi recognizes that immediately. I loved the way that she gave him the same belief and support that he gave her.

There is also a lot going on around them. The town is getting ready for the Great Wine Showdown, a huge event. Marc has stuck his neck way out in using his recently renovated hotel as the site. There are many issues creating headaches for him. The longstanding feud between the DeLucas and the Baudouins threatens the wine-tasting itself. Marc's brothers are constantly on his case about one thing or another.  Marc's sister Abby is running newspaper ads about her "missing Dick" of a husband, the battle for the caterer has come down to Lexi versus the woman who wants Marc for her own, and Marc is keeping a huge secret from Lexi. I loved the small town politics and personalities that brought all of this to life. The grandmothers were a hoot with their mix of modern and traditional values. I loved the food showdown between Lexi and Natasha, as Lexi strives to regain her mojo when it comes to unique dishes.

The biggest obstacle is one that Lexie knows nothing about, except for the jerking around she's been getting from Jeff. He is a man I detested from the get-go. His treatment of Lexi during and after the divorce is scum-of-the-earth worthy, as he made it impossible for her to use the recipes she developed for Pairings in her new place. Jeff has also been lying like a rug to Marc to gain his cooperation for his expansion plans - plans that once again will stick it to Lexie. Unfortunately, Marc doesn't figure this out until he's in deep with Lexie, and then he doesn't know how to fix it. I ached for Lexie when she found out, as her feelings of betrayal nearly leveled her. I loved the support she got from her friend Abby, and how she picked herself up yet again and went on. I ached for Marc too, as he realized just how badly he had screwed up. Though he can have major problems with his brothers, when the chips are down, they are there to support him when he needs it. I loved Gabe's comment "you don't fuck with our family, our wine, or our women." Marc's "go big" moment at the end is amazing, and he comes through for Lexie in a big way.

This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Her other books are now on my "plan to read" list. I'm especially looking forward to reading Frankie and Nate's book.

Ultimate Courage - Piper J. Drake (Forever - Apr 2016)

Series: True Heroes (Book 2)

LOVE IS AN ACT OF BRAVERY

Retired Navy SEAL Alex Rojas is putting his life back together, one piece at a time. Being a single dad to his young daughter and working at Hope's Crossing Kennels to help rehab a former guard dog, he struggles every day to control his PTSD. But when Elisa Hall shows up, on the run and way too cautious, she unleashes his every protective instinct.

Elisa's past never stays in her rearview mirror for long, and she refuses to put anyone else in danger. But with Alex guarding her so fiercely yet looking at her so tenderly, she's never felt safer . . . or more terrified that the secrets she keeps could put countless people in grave peril. The only way for both to fully escape their demons will take the ultimate act of courage: letting go and learning to trust each other.

Terrific story with a good blend of suspense and romance. Elisa is on the run when she encounters Alex and his daughter, Serena (aka Boom). Desperate for a place to stop and earn some money before her past catches up with her again, Elisa is drawn by the feeling of safety she has when she's with Alex.

I really liked both Alex and Elisa. Alex is a single dad of a ten-year-old daughter. He is putting his life back together after leaving the SEALs, working with the dogs at the kennels and trying to keep his PTSD under control. He can be very intense, but there is also an unexpected core of kindness and sensitivity that comes out around Elisa. He also has some trust issues that have kept him from forming any new romantic relationships. Elisa is a woman who has lost the ability to trust her own judgment after falling in love with a man who wasn't what she thought he was. After losing her sense of self to his emotional and mental abuse, she finally found the courage to escape. But she doesn't seem to be able to run far or fast enough to escape his reach until she encounters Alex and Boom.

The opening scene was a real attention grabber for me. Elisa is in a hospital emergency room waiting to be seen when she overhears Alex getting irate with a staff member. I ached for her and the fear she felt listening to him. That fear turns to confusion and curiosity after she meets Boom and sees Alex's gentleness with his daughter, and has that same gentleness turned on her. I liked the courage it gave her to track down the kennel to return Boom's glove.  Her arrival at the kennel was perfect timing, as Alex desperately needed someone who could be their admin assistant, and Elisa needed a job. Right from the start, Alex had an incredible sensitivity to Elisa's fears and had the perfect balance of protectiveness and support.

I loved seeing their relationship develop. Elisa is wary and determined not to depend on anyone but herself. She was burned in the past by the people who should have supported her. I loved watching Alex approach Elisa with the same kind of gentleness he used with some of the dogs, and how she responded with growing trust. That trust helped her open up to Alex and the others about her trouble. I loved how Alex's support of Elisa gave her the confidence to insist on being part of whatever the men found out about her ex. It wasn't all about Elisa either. Alex has had his own issues, thanks to his memories of the war, problems that put him on edge and make it hard to be around other people. There is something about Elisa that helps to ground Alex in the present, and helps to calm him down. There is also an intense attraction that simmered under the surface as they got to know each other, and I enjoyed seeing them give in to it as their trust in each other grew. Unfortunately, Alex made a boneheaded move when something happened that triggered one of his deepest fears. It very nearly had tragic consequences before he realized the truth.

The suspense of the story was very good. The bad guy is known from the beginning, with the suspense being the anticipation of seeing him foiled. The intensity grows with each revelation or encounter, until the final confrontation. I loved the unquestioning support from the whole Hope's Crossing team as each of them uses their skills to keep Elisa safe. My heart was pounding as Elisa faced down her ex and her new-found confidence gave her the strength she needed. There was an interesting twist at the end that linked this book with the first one. I can't wait to read the next one and see if it is also linked.

I loved the secondary characters. Alex's partners are wonderful with their support of him both personally and professionally. I also enjoyed their teasing as Elisa I adored Greg and Gary and how they watched out for Elisa. But my two favorites were Boom and Souze. Boom was a terrific kid. I loved the relationship she had with Alex, from her negotiating abilities to her own way of watching out for him. I loved watching her bond with Elisa, and the science project scene was great. The dog Souze was fantastic. His immediate connection with Elisa was cool and I enjoyed seeing how protective he was of her. I ached for him a bit as his training with Alex didn't always go as well as Alex wanted. I also loved the relationship between Souze and Alex, especially when it came to Alex's PTSD. There was a heartwarming scene as Souze pulled Alex out of an episode that probably wouldn't have ended well. It was great to see Souze finally find his new place in the world.

Reunited with the Bull Rider - Christine Wenger (HWR #1687 - Apr 2018)

Series: Gold Buckle Cowboys (Book 6)

STEALING HER HEART -- AGAIN

When an injury sends bull rider Reed Beaumont home to Oklahoma to recover, he doesn’t expect to bump into his high school sweetheart, Callie Wainright. She’s been hired to help restore his family ranch, which has been badly mismanaged. And though their attraction still simmers she’s far too busy to spend time on romance!

Reed regrets breaking Callie’s heart by leaving years ago. And their rekindled relationship is the number one reason to remain in Beaumont. But he’s still determined to top the PBR standings, which means returning to the circuit asap. Can this cowboy realize his dream, and still lasso Callie forever?

Good second chance story. Reed and Callie had been high school sweethearts, but when Reed left for the rodeo circuit, Callie refused to go with him. Reed buried his heartbreak in bull riding, and ten years later he and his brothers are on top of the standings. When he comes home to recover from an injury, the last thing he expects to find is Callie ensconced in his father's study.

Callie had loved Reed also, but there was no way she could abandon her family to follow Reed from rodeo to rodeo. Instead, she stayed in Beaumont and took care of her mom and brothers, eventually building a successful personal assistant business. She's been hired by Reed's brother Luke to bring order out of the chaos of the ranch's records. She didn't expect to have to face Reed, too.

In spite of the rough beginning to the story, I really liked Reed. He's honorable, fun, and has a kind heart. His initial reaction to Callie's presence was pretty cold, but she took him by surprise. But it didn't take long for his old feelings to come rushing back. He's determined that they get to know each other again and see where things go. I liked Callie, too, although she could frustrate me. She's responsible, family oriented, and protective of those she cares for. In the ten years since Reed left, she has had a lot of things on her plate. She puts everyone else before herself, which has created a very serious Callie, who doesn't seem to have much fun.

I enjoyed the rekindling of their relationship. It was sweet to see the way that Reed was determined to bring some fun back into Callie's life. I had fun seeing him come up with different ways to distract Callie from her work. It wasn't all fun and games though. Reed also took the time to find out why Callie hadn't gone with him back then, and now has the maturity to understand. Callie has a harder time with Reed's return. Her feelings are still there, too, but she has been burned by other relationships that haven't worked out and didn't want to risk her heart again. Unfortunately for her, she has a hard time resisting Reed's advances. It was easy to see that she was falling for him again, but her fears make her push Reed away. I ached for Reed over the whole investing situation and wanted to shake Callie for being so stubborn. Advice from an unexpected source helped open her eyes and her heart. I loved her big moment at the end. The epilogue was great.

I liked the importance of family in the book. Reed and his two brothers came together to save their ranch and help their father. I loved their support of Big Dan during his rehab and after his release. It was heartwarming to see how Reed and Callie got Big Dan involved back in ranch life. Callie had a harder time. Her father had a gambling problem that caused frequent moves when she was growing up. Then he abandoned the family when her mother had cancer, leaving Callie to care for her mom and her two younger brothers. Callie has given up her own dreams to take care of them. Her father's return is an unwelcome surprise for her, and her attitude toward him is understandable if a bit harsh. I was happy to see some changes in their relationship. I also enjoyed the protectiveness of her younger brothers when they talked to Reed.

Lullaby for Two - Karen Rose Smith (SSE #1961 - Mar 2009)

Series: Baby Experts (Book 1)

BROUGHT TOGETHER BY BABY

Vince Rossi would do anything for the adorable orphaned baby left in his care. Problem was, the one doctor suitable to help him was Tessa McGuire--his ex-wife. He had spent years trying to forget the only woman he'd ever loved and the tragedy that had torn their lives apart. And as if things weren't complicated enough, Tessa was more alluring than Vince remembered. Watching her hold his infant son brought back memories of the passion they shared and the love they'd lost. Could one little baby heal their broken hearts and give them a second chance to become a family--this time, forever?

Good book about second chances. Twenty years ago, Vince and Tessa had been teenagers in love. She got pregnant and Vince insisted they get married, especially after her father disowned her. But life wasn't easy with Vince working two jobs to Tessa's one, just to make ends meet. When tragedy happened and Tessa lost the baby, their marriage fell apart too. Both moved on, but neither forgot the other.

Now Vince is back in Sagebrush, an overnight dad of an infant boy, the orphaned son of his police department partner. He is filling in for the police chief at the same time he is getting medical treatment for little Sean. Vince is stunned to discover that the pediatrician is Tessa, and is hit with the memories, good and bad, of their time together. Tessa is equally stunned to see Vince. After the loss of their baby and its consequences, she had gone on to become a doctor but had never forgotten the man who broke her heart.

I enjoyed the development of Vince and Tessa's relationship. They had a lot of past hurts to overcome before they could get to a future together. When Vince looks back to that time, all he can see is that Tessa left him to move back home with her father. He felt that she blamed him for what had happened and he accepted it and got out of her life. All Tessa remembers is that Vince left when she was at her lowest. Though she had listened to her father and gone home with him, she had hoped that Vince would come after her, and she was devastated when he didn't.

From the moment Vince and Tessa met again, it was obvious that their feelings for each other were still there. However, both were wary of taking a chance again. Caring for little Sean brought them together time after time, giving them the chance to get to know each other again. There were some incredibly sweet moments with the three of them together, helping to create a feeling of family. The sparks between them were also as strong as ever, and the heat between them continued to build. But both of them continued to hold part of themselves back. Tessa wasn't sure that Vince was going to stick around this time. Vince wasn't sure that Tessa could believe in him again. A surprise development brought their fears and insecurities to the surface, driving a wedge between them. I loved the eye-opening advice that Vince received from an unexpected source. The ending was sweet as Vince took a chance at winning it all, and Tessa found her dreams could come true after all. 

To Scotland with Love - Patience Griffin (Signet - June 2014)

Series: Kilts and Quilts (Book 1)

Welcome to the charming Scottish seaside town of Gandiegow -- where two people have returned home for different reasons, but to find the same thing....

Caitriona Macleod gave up her career as an investigative reporter for the role of perfect wife. But after her husband is found dead in his mistress’s bed, a devastated Cait leaves Chicago for the birthplace she hasn’t seen since she was a child. She’s hoping to heal and to reconnect with her gran. The last thing she expects to find in Gandiegow is the Sexiest Man Alive! She just may have stumbled on the ticket to reigniting her career -- if her heart doesn’t get in the way.

Graham Buchanan is a movie star with many secrets. A Gandiegow native, he frequently hides out in his hometown between films. He also has a son he’ll do anything to protect. But Cait Macleod is too damn appealing -- even if she is a journalist.

Quilting with her gran and the other women of the village brings Cait a peace she hasn’t known in years. But if she turns in the story about Graham, Gandiegow will never forgive her for betraying one of its own. Should she suffer the consequences to resurrect her career? Or listen to her battered and bruised heart and give love another chance?

Good story about going home. The story opens with Cait's return to the small Scottish village where she was born and spent her childhood. She had given up her career as a reporter in an attempt to be the perfect wife to her cheating and emotionally abusive husband. Now that he's dead (in embarrassing circumstances) she's hoping to escape the scandal and mend her relationship with her grandmother. She doesn't expect to find Hollywood megastar and fellow escapee Graham Buchanan.

Graham is a movie star who is extremely protective of his privacy. When he isn't filming, he comes home to Gandiegow to spend time with his son and little grandson. Duncan and Mattie are his world and he will do anything to protect them.

Cait comes across as pretty selfish at the beginning. Though she claims she wants to reconnect with her grandmother, she has no intention of actually staying with her. Instead, she has bought her own cottage to live in. Her life receives one more blow when she discovers that said cottage burned two days before her arrival. She looks at it as just another indication that her life sucks. Then when she stumbles across Graham, her first thought is to use her time in Gandiegow to acquire the information to write an exposé on him and jump start a return to her former career. She doesn't give a thought to the effect it would have on him, his family, or the village and its residents.

I liked Graham more, though he had his issues too. He is immediately suspicious of Cait and her intentions, which shows that he has good instincts. He obviously loves his son and grandson, though his relationship with Duncan is strained. Graham carries a great deal of guilt over the amount of time he spent away from Duncan due to his filming commitments and now seems to go a bit overboard in his attempts to make up for it. I loved his relationship with little Mattie who seems to be the lone bright spot in Graham's life.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Cait and Graham, and the changes that they experienced along the way. In spite of his suspicions about her, Graham is attracted to Cait from the beginning. Cait was also attracted to him, which conflicted with her plans to out him. Both of them fought hard to resist it, having been hurt in the past and wanting to protect their hearts. Both of them are stubborn, passionate people, and there are moments of extreme sweetness between them as well as times of intense heat.

The more time that she spent with Graham and the others, the harder it was for Cait to continue her plans for her tell-all. As a devastating crisis develops, I loved watching as the entire village pulls together to support those affected. Cait especially steps up to provide the emotional support that Graham needs, which only deepens their connection. But in spite of their growing feelings, both try to deny what everyone else can see - they are exactly what each other needs. It's not smooth sailing though, as Cait's plans come back to bite her and Graham has to decide whether he can trust her after all.

Family is an important theme throughout the story also. Cait came to Gandiegow because of the memories of her life there and because Deydie is the only family she has left. She feels guilty because she allowed her husband to keep her away and isn't sure of her reception. Deydie is a tough nut to crack. She isn't very nice to Cait, with her snide comments and bossy nature, but there are occasional glimpses of her softer side. I felt that through most of the book, Deydie was just as intent on protecting her heart as Cait was. I loved seeing them come together at the end with a heartwarming and emotional scene. Graham also has his family issues to deal with. I ached for both him and Duncan as they butted heads. There were many times when I wanted to shake Duncan and tell him to let the past go. I loved the way that Cait read him the riot act and pointed out that he hadn't had it so bad after all. I adored little Mattie. I ached for what he had been through and what was still to come. It was sweet to see how he took to Cait and the bond that grew between them. 

The Nanny's Double Trouble - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2617 - May 2018)

Series: Bravos of Valentine Bay (Book 1)
            Bravo Family Ties (Book 52)

Meet The Bravos of Valentine Bay…

And the single father of twin toddlers in desperate need of a nanny!

All his life Daniel Bravo has been the responsible one. So when he’s left widowed with adorable twins to raise, he knows he needs help, fast. Enter family friend Keely Ostergard -- a woman with love in her heart for his children, and a gigantic chip on her shoulder for him. She’s the last person he’d ever fall for -- the aversion is mutual. Until it isn’t…

Terrific start to the new Bravo series. Daniel is the oldest of the family, head of the family business, and the one who stepped up when their parents were killed. He was only eighteen but determined to keep the family together. He married his high school sweetheart and together they raised his siblings. There is only one left at home. He is also now the widowed single father of twin toddlers after his wife died giving birth. He's had a succession of nannies, with his mother-in-law filling in when necessary. He's in a quandary now, because Gretchen broke her foot and can't take care of them. He's surprised when his late wife's cousin offers to step in.

Keely loved her cousin Lillie and was there during the last months of Lillie's life. There are things that Lillie told her that have affected the way that Keely looks at Daniel. But she adores Jake and Frannie and will do anything for them, including putting up with Daniel.

I loved Keely. She has a really busy life, with her successful art gallery and her own textile art. She has good friends, and a good relationship with her aunt, who is like a second mother to her. She has a good, though unusual relationship with her rather bohemian, rock star mother. I loved the way that she was ready to put Jake and Frannie at the top of her priority list when it became obvious that Daniel needed help, even though she has issues with his relationship with her cousin.

I ended up loving Daniel, too, though there were times that I didn't like him very much. I loved the way he had put his own life on hold to raise his siblings after their parents' deaths. But that much responsibility turned him into something of a grouch and a hard ass, as shown by his attitude toward his youngest sister, Grace. He had also been looking forward to when all his siblings were grown and on their own, looking at that as him regaining his freedom. He and his wife hadn't planned on having children of their own, but Lillie changed her mind and tricked him into getting her pregnant. He loves his kids, that's obvious, but he still has moments of resenting the delay of his "freedom."

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Daniel and Keely. First, there was a cessation of hostilities between them as they got used to working together to care for the twins. This was accelerated when first one twin, then the other became ill and they had to deal with multiple crises because of it. I loved seeing them realize how much they had in common and begin to grow a real friendship. I especially liked seeing Daniel discover the quiet happiness of having someone to talk to about his day and anything else that crossed his mind. Both of them got quite a shock when they discovered that the friendship had moved into attraction. I loved their attitude that they were adults and entitled to behave as such. As they grew closer, Daniel especially did not want to tell the family that he and Keely were a couple - he wanted to enjoy what they had without commentary or interference. It was pretty clear that the feelings between them were deepening and both knew it, but they also had some reservations about how the family would handle it. There was another complication that cropped up and Keely was really worried about how that was going to go over.

I cried ugly tears during the last part of the book, which was full of family drama. From a confrontation with Gretchen to some learning points for Grace, that was hard enough. But Keely is devastated by Daniel's reaction to her news. I loved the support that she received from her mother, which played out in a very surprising way. I loved Daniel's big moment at the end. He had the perfect mix of groveling and explanation.

The secondary characters were great. First and foremost were the twins, who were absolutely adorable. I loved how different Daniel was around them - happier, more inclined to laugh, and with his love for them plain to see. His younger sister Grace showcased an entirely different side of him. She is twenty-one, yet Daniel still treats her like a child, and they have major blowups because of it. He does it because he knows just how easily things can go wrong and he wants to protect her, but learning how to let go is hard for him. I loved the two sisters, Gretchen and Ingrid. They are so different, and I loved seeing them push each other's buttons. Ingrid, who is Keely's mother, is a trip and a half. I loved her outspoken comments at Sunday dinner because she could see what was obvious between Daniel and Keely, even though they were in denial. I am looking forward to reading about the rest of the family. 

Cowboy SEAL Daddy - Laura Marie Altom (HWR #1686 - Apr 2018)

Series: Cowboy SEALs (Book 6)

THE ENGAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT

After his divorce, cowboy turned Navy SEAL Wayne Brustanovitch swore he’d never remarry. Now he needs a wife -- and fast -- in order to fulfill his ailing father’s final wishes. Wayne has a plan, but for it to work, he’ll need his pregnant friend Paisley to agree to…

A make-believe marriage! Paisley Carter knows her hunky neighbor’s idea is a bad one, even if it’s for a good reason. Then again, after her ex left her pregnant and alone, a no-risk relationship is the only kind Paisley wants. But as she and Wayne play pretend at his parents’ Arizona ranch, the line between the ruse and reality begins to blur. Can Wayne and Paisley resist falling for each other for real?

Good friends to lovers story. Wayne and Paisley have been friends and neighbors for three years, ever since Wayne and his teammate Logan moved in. She has especially appreciated his help since her ex-boyfriend left her pregnant and turned out to be married. But she's shocked when he comes to her with an off-the-wall request.

Wayne is still recovering from the trauma of his divorce and has sworn that he will never remarry. His ex cheated on him with a fellow team member, leaving him convinced that he isn't relationship material. However, a recent call from his father has Wayne reeling. His father says he is dying, and all he wants is to see Wayne married and maybe with a baby on the way before he dies. After a facetious comment by Logan about renting a wife, Wayne decides to ask Paisley if she will pretend to be married to him to ease his father's mind.

I completely understood what was driving Wayne to come up with such an idea, but it had disaster written on it from the beginning. Paisley has a bad feeling about it, but she likes Wayne's father and goes along with it for his sake. I wanted to shake Wayne a few times at the beginning because he seemed to treat it all like a big joke, not seeing how it could go really wrong. I thought Paisley had a more realistic view of the pitfalls that could occur. Still, they might have been able to pull it off if Wayne's friend Logan and Paisley's friend Monica hadn't decided to get married - at Wayne's family's ranch. Suddenly, Wayne's mom wants Wayne and Paisley to make it a double wedding and things start to spiral out of control.

I enjoyed the development of Wayne and Paisley's relationship, but I also spent a fair amount of time wanting to shake them both. From the moment they agreed on the deception, their relationship began to change. I had to laugh when they decided they had better kiss a couple of times to make sure that it would be believable when they arrived at the ranch. Neither one expected the flash-bang of attraction that flared up between them and it freaked them both out. It made things a bit awkward between them until they agreed to put it behind them and concentrate on the plan. Once they arrived at the ranch, the important thing became figuring out what was going on with Wayne's dad. It was sweet to see the way that Peter and Jules welcomed Paisley and were so happy about the wedding and the baby. This just added to the guilty feelings that Paisley had about lying to them. As Wayne and Paisley spent more time together, each of them started to wonder what it would be like if it were real. There were some really sweet scenes with the two of them, especially when Wayne just wanted to be close to her.

I liked Wayne and Paisley, but both of them had some serious issues to overcome. Wayne's ex had done a number on his confidence in his ability to love. Being with Paisley and thinking about her baby makes him happy, but he's afraid to trust that it will last. He uses charm and humor to keep things from getting too serious, but something inside him makes him long for something different. He is so convinced that he doesn't know how to love that he doesn't see that he is in love with her. Paisley frequently frustrated me, with her waffling back and forth about whether or not to go through with the wedding. First, she agrees, then she wants to tell the truth, then she's back to going along with it. Her feelings for Wayne are getting stronger, but she's afraid that she's taking advantage of him. She grew up with a mother who manipulated men into taking care of her, and Paisley is terrified of being like her mom. This often causes her to push Wayne away. I ached for them both at the wedding scene, as Wayne wants to make it real, but can't give Paisley the words she needs to hear, and Paisley's fears won't let her see what he can't say. It takes some time apart, and some serious looking at their fears before either is ready to face their future. I loved Paisley's big moment at the end as she went after what she wanted.

I loved the importance that family played in the story. The biggest part was Wayne's father, Peter, and his health issues. I ached for Wayne and the pain he felt at the thought of losing his father. I loved Peter, with his broken English, his big heart, and his love of John Wayne. I ached for him and his belief that he was dying. I loved the ride that he and Wayne went on, where Peter showed his medical papers to Wayne and got the surprise of his life. Paisley also had family issues to deal with. Throughout the book more and more of her relationship with her mother was revealed, as was the effect it had on Paisley's life. I liked seeing her finally face her mom and the impact it had on her mindset. The epilogue was fantastic, with a great view of their lives a year down the road. I especially loved the bit with "Duke."

The Texas Cowboy's Baby Rescue - Cathy Gillen Thacker (HWR #1685 - Apr 2018)

Series: Texas Legends: The McCabes (Book 1)

FAMILY BY FATE

Finding an abandoned baby and a puppy brings nurse Bridgett Monroe one step closer to her dream of adoption. But Cullen Reid McCabe, aka the gruffest, sexiest rancher in Laramie, Texas, stands in her way. He’s been named responsible for the child -- and he needs her help. Together they care for Robby, and grow closer every day.

Cullen knows what it’s like to grow up fatherless. So he’s determined to find Robby’s birth parents, even if it means Bridgett losing her chance to raise a child. Robby belongs with his real family. But could “family” mean the three of them -- Cullen, Bridgett, Robby and puppy Riot -- not just for now, but forever?

Good book about two people brought together by a baby and a puppy. Bridgett is a nurse who has big dreams of adopting a baby. When she discovers an abandoned baby, she believes it is destiny. But a note found with the baby gives him over to the care of Cullen McCabe. Social services approves Bridgett as a foster parent, but when she experiences a housing crisis Cullen offers to have her, the baby, and the puppy move into his ranch with him.

I liked both Cullen and Bridgett, though each had their frustrating moments. Cullen is honorable, gruff, and more sensitive than is obvious at first. He grew up not knowing who his father was until after his mother died. His childhood was rootless as his mother went from one job and one man to another, without any feeling of security. Even after being claimed by his father, Cullen tends to hold back on his emotions. I ached for him as he still felt like an outsider in his family, but also felt that he caused some of that himself. With his history of buying and selling ranches and moving on, it felt like he kept one foot out the door at all times. I liked that he takes his responsibility to the baby seriously and does everything he can to support Bridgett in her care of little Robby. But he wants to find Robby's birth parents before any decisions are made, which puts him a bit at odds with Bridgett.

Bridgett is caring, nurturing, and a bit stubborn. She has wanted a baby for a long time and has her plans made. She's found the perfect house, is on the foster-adopt list, and is now waiting for fate to deliver the perfect baby. Finding Robby is a dream come true, but with the question of his parentage up in the air, she could still lose out.

I enjoyed the development of Cullen and Bridgett's relationship. The first encounter at the hospital was a little rough, with Bridgett not exactly trusting that he's telling the truth about Robby not being his. I liked that he stepped up right away to be involved anyway and was there to help Bridgett when her landlord kicked her out of her apartment. I liked how there was an almost immediate feeling of family once Bridgett, Robby, and Riot arrived at the ranch. Both Cullen and Bridgett connected with little Robby right away. I especially enjoyed seeing the sweet moments between Cullen and the baby, as his walls began to crumble. Those moments added to Bridgett's growing feelings of family. When the sparks of attraction that flared between Cullen and Bridgett burst into flame, both were ready to see where it led. I was a bit frustrated with them both as their feelings grew more intense, but neither would talk about it. When their insecurities pushed them apart, it took straight talk from family members and some serious soul searching, before both Cullen and Bridgett could see where they'd gone wrong. I loved seeing them finally open their hearts fully to each other. The epilogue was terrific.

A big part of the story was the relationship between Cullen and his father and the McCabe family. There was obvious strain between Cullen and his dad, plus the way Cullen still felt like an outsider. I grew very frustrated with Cullen because the more I saw, the more I felt that he was doing it to himself. I especially liked Cullen's stepmother and the unconditional love she showed him. I wasn't sure how Bridgett's plan was going to turn out and held my breath as it played out. 

Married to Claim the Rancher's Heir - Lauri Robinson (HHSS #469 - Feb 2018)

To claim his heir…

…he must marry his enemy!

Gabe Callaway is outraged when feisty Janette Parker lands on his doorstep with her orphaned niece -- though he soon realizes little Ruby is heir to his ranch! If Janette wants money, he’ll pay her off to keep the little girl in her rightful place. But all Janette wants is Ruby… Will Gabe do whatever it takes to claim his heir -- even marry Janette?

Good book about two determined people, each of whom believes that they are the right person to raise their orphaned niece, Ruby. When Janette received word that her sister and brother-in-law had died, she rushed from Kansas City to Texas to get her three-year-old niece and take her home with her. Believing it's the right thing to do, she stopped at Gabe Callaway's ranch to introduce him to Ruby before continuing on her journey. The last thing she expected was for Gabe to insist that Ruby remains at the Triple C.

Janette is beautiful, stubborn, and fiercely independent. As the daughter of an army officer, she is determined that she will never be subject to the orders of a man again. She has an extremely successful dress shop in Kansas City, which she shared with her sister until she eloped with Max five years earlier. Janette stayed in touch with them and visited when Ruby was born. She is devastated by the loss of her sister and intends to raise Ruby to the best of her ability.

Gabe is handsome, equally stubborn, and has a deep sense of responsibility to his ranch and his people. Five years earlier he had decided it was time to marry and fixed his interest on a young lady he met on the train. After bringing her to visit the ranch, they were hit with a devastating blizzard. As Gabe took care of the ranch, that left his brother Max to entertain Anna, who quickly fell in love with each other. Gabe was hurt and angered by the way the couple left and hasn't seen or spoken to his brother since.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gabe and Janette. The two of them butted heads from the moment they met. Because Gabe isn't married, and doesn't intend to be, that makes Ruby heir to the Triple C, plus Max's will puts Gabe as Ruby's guardian. Gabe also believes that Janette will give up her claim to Ruby if her offers her enough money. Janette is, of course, infuriated by the assumption and makes it plain that Ruby will be leaving with her. I have to admit that Gabe was pretty obnoxious here and I didn't blame Janette for her attitude at all. As the subject of Max and Anna's wills came up, they realized that their only option was to take their issue to the law. It was fun to see both Gabe and Janette attempt to outwit each other as they make their plans. To their shock, it's the judge who manages to outwit them both.

Besides the sparks of antagonism that sparked between them, there was also an undercurrent of attraction that disturbed them both. After Max and Anna's departure, Gabe had sworn that he would not open himself up to that kind of caring again. Janette had allowed emotion to blind her to the nature of a man before, and she was determined not to do so again. But as they spend time together, they start to see each other differently. When Janette gets a telegram about a break-in at her shop, Gabe insists on going with her. I loved his support of her and how it affected Janette. The growing heat between them leads to a steamy encounter, and also some serious soul-searching on Gabe's part. Meanwhile, Janette feels deep guilt over the trouble she feels she has brought to Gabe, creating some difficult decisions for her.

There is a thread of suspense running through the story, dealing with a man in Janette's past. It turns out he wasn't what he claimed. Though Janette got rid of him once in a most satisfying way, there was more to the story. As the truth was revealed, Gabe's protectiveness takes over. Janette is surprised to find that she is okay with it for the most part. However, when the final confrontation comes, she takes a surprising part in the resolution. The danger also opens both her eyes and Gabe's to what they really want.

I loved the epilogue and the look at the Callaway family several years down the road.

The Debutante's Daring Proposal - Annie Burrows (HH #1332 - June 2017)

Series: Regency Bachelors (Book 2)

"I want you to marry me."

Miss Georgiana Wickford has a plan to avoid the marriage mart -- she'll propose a marriage of convenience! She hasn't spoken to the Earl of Ashenden since their childhood friendship was torn apart, but now Edmund is her only hope.

Edmund refuses to take any bride, especially the unsuitable country miss who abandoned him years ago. But when he sees beautiful Georgie at the mercy of society's rakes, it arouses his protective instincts. And soon the earl is tempted to claim the daring debutante for himself!

Good second chance/friends to lovers story. Georgie and Edmund had been good friends as children. Both of them had been labeled as "different" and as a result were also each other's only friend. Georgie was a tomboy, more interested in fishing, fencing, and outdoor pursuits than in the "girly" ones of fashion, needlework, and gossip. Edmund was fascinated by bugs and all things scientific. As the heir to an earl, Edmund's mother didn't want him associating with "common" children, so he was very isolated. When Edmund became ill, Georgie found ways to sneak in and see him, until it all came to a crashing end. Edmund was sent away to recover from his illness, and both he and Georgie promised to write. But as months went by with no letters, each believed that the other had abandoned their friendship.

Georgie has grown up and changed from the hoyden that she used to be. After Edmund's departure, her father remarried and her stepmother went to great pains to turn Georgie into a lady. Her methods were extreme and Georgie has buried the girl she used to be under a façade of propriety. Now that her father has died, she and her stepmother and stepsister have lost their home. Her stepmother is determined to marry the two girls off to titled husbands. Georgie has a fear of marriage due to something she witnessed and is desperate to avoid the marriage mart. She remembers that Edmund had promised to help her if she ever needed it, and comes up with a desperate plan.

Edmund is shocked when his first communication from Georgie in years results in an incredible proposal. She wants him to marry her and in return she will leave him to pursue his own interests with no interference from her. All she asks is that he doesn't consummate the marriage. Still angry over what he sees as her abandonment, he shoots her down most emphatically. But it isn't long before he feels guilty and decides to go to London and find a way to help her that doesn't involve him marrying her.

I enjoyed the development of Edmund and Georgie's relationship. It is still antagonistic at the beginning as each confronts the other about their past actions. But there are indications that their previous friendship isn't as dead as they thought it was. I liked the way that their former openness began to resurface as they spent more time together. It was great fun to see Edmund go from wanting to play matchmaker to realizing that he didn't want her to marry some other man. He is completely oblivious to the reason he is so reluctant to hand her over as he comes up with reason after reason that this man or that one is unsuitable. He also becomes very protective of her, which lands him in an awkward situation but also opens his eyes.

Meanwhile, Georgie is stuck doing what she doesn't want - entertaining gentlemen callers who aren't truly interested in her. I ached for her as she dealt with the constant criticisms from her stepmother while trying to find an acceptable solution to her predicament. I liked seeing her real personality begin to reemerge whenever she was with Edmund. I enjoyed seeing her call him out on some of his attitudes toward her, especially on those things she had no control over. It wasn't long before she was comparing each of her suitors to Edmund until she finally realized that it was Edmund she had wanted all along.

Both Edmund and Georgie also had to find a way to overcome their own insecurities. Though he puts on a good front, Edmund is affected by the way others see him. He frequently takes things Georgie says the wrong way as they play upon those insecurities. It was quite satisfying whenever Georgie would upend those feelings by being supportive of the real him. Georgie's insecurities have been thrust on her by her stepmother's attitudes and actions. Georgie is a tall girl with a curvy figure, nothing like the current fashion, and she can't see how any man would want her for who she is. I loved seeing her surprise whenever Edmund would compliment her. Her fears of the physical side of marriage also faded when she pictured Edmund in that role.

I enjoyed the ending as Edmund took drastic steps to gain the result that he wanted. It was fun to see the encouragement he received from his friends, who saw things much more clearly than he did. I loved that he was so willing to be whatever Georgie needed from him. The conclusion was sweet, romantic, and intense as both Edmund and Georgie were finally able to put all their fears to rest.

The secondary characters were also well done. Georgie's stepmother was vividly portrayed in her horrible attitude toward Georgie. There were many times I really wanted someone to let her have it. I was not terribly surprised by the revelation of how she came to marry Georgie's father. Edmund's mother, though she had few actual appearances in the book, had a much bigger role in their lives than either knew. Again, I wasn't surprised by what she did. I liked seeing Edmund finally stand up to her.