Make Me Stay - Jaci Burton (Jove - Dec 2015)

Series: Hope (Book 5)

Having left his hometown of Hope years ago, only one thing could persuade architect Reid McCormack to come home for a lengthy stay -- the challenge of renovating a historic building. But once the job is finished, he’ll be headed back to Boston, no matter how much he’s drawn to beautiful florist Samantha Reasor.

Samantha watches over her elderly grandmother and pours a piece of herself into every floral creation she designs. Her crush on Reid has been blooming for a while now, but she’s reluctant to act on it. A temporary fling isn’t what she’s looking for, even if Reid is smoking hot and super sexy. She wants a real, permanent, forever kind of love.

Two people with different goals couldn’t possibly work, and yet as their attraction grows into something deeper, maybe falling in love is the one thing Samantha and Reid can build a future on.

Good small town story with a sweet romance combined with a bit of heat. Reid McCormack made his return to Hope in the previous book (Love After All) to attend his brother's wedding. While there, he and his brothers bought one of the town's historic buildings, preventing it from being demolished. Now Reid is in charge of its renovation, keeping him in Hope for an extended time before he heads back to Boston and his life there.  He didn't count on getting involved with Sam.

Sam is the owner of the local florist shop, which she has taken over from her grandmother. She has a busy life, centered around her work and watching over Grammy Claire. She's fascinated by the plans for the mercantile and has had a quiet crush growing for Reid. Acting on it wasn't in her plans, but resisting the attraction proved to be impossible.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sam and Reid. They are both part of the same group of friends, so they have known each other for a while, but it's only recently that there has been more to it. Both of them have noted the attraction, but Reid is determined to return to Boston, and Sam wants more than just a fling from her next relationship. Though both try to ignore the sparks, but that doesn't work for long. The friendship that has grown between them turns into friends with benefits, and those benefits are pretty intense. More than passion, the time they spend together also deepens the bond between them. I loved seeing the two of them watching out for each other, understanding and supportive when lives get busy. It was sweet to see the number of times one or the other would show up with food just when the other needed a break. I also liked Reid's quiet presence when Sam was dealing with her grandmother's issues, supportive but not controlling.

As the weeks went on, their feelings deepened. Sam was the first to admit it to herself, but couldn't bring herself to say anything. Reid's plans to return to Boston have never been in doubt, and she won't guilt him into staying in Hope. I ached for her and her pain in letting him go but really wished that she had given him at least a hint of what she felt. Reid spent a much longer time denying his feelings. He spent more and more time reminding himself that he was going back to Boston, and each time it seemed to be a harder sell. I loved seeing his friends and family doing their best to convince him to come home to stay, and I wanted to shake Reid out of his stubborn determination. I liked the boot in the butt that his brothers provided. Fortunately, when Reid finally makes up his mind, he's very focused. I liked his big moment at the end, as he takes his courage in hand and goes for it.

Even more than Reid and Sam, whose romance I did enjoy, I loved the dog. I loved how he attached himself to Reid and would not be dissuaded. I liked Reid's acceptance of the dog's attention, even though he kept trying to deny their bond. His frequent response of "he's not my dog" soon became the dog's name. It was fun to see Reid talk to the dog and imagine the dog's answers. He was a wonderful sounding board for Reid's dilemmas, especially when it came to his relationship with Sam.

As always in series like this, I like being able to catch up with characters from previous books. Casual scenes like the gang meeting at Bash's bar give glimpses into their everyday lives, while events like the ranch barbeque are the opportunity to witness major life events. I loved the house scene with Bash and Chelsea and her closet dilemma. There's also a hint for a future book that looks like it could have some drama to it.

Finding Our Forever - Brenda Novak (SSE #2539 - Apr 2017)

Series: Silver Springs (Book 1)

The search for her birth mother brought Cora Kelly to the New Horizons Boys' Ranch. Getting a job there was easy enough, but confiding in the ranch's owner that she's really her daughter? That task is daunting. Especially with Elijah Turner watching her every move.

Elijah can't deny his deep attraction to Cora. But there's something about the ranch's newest employee that has him questioning her motives. If she's there to hurt his family, there'll be hell to pay. Yet, if the feelings the lovely teacher awakes in his guarded heart are any indication, Cora's appearance might be just what they were all waiting for.

Good book. Cora was adopted, and though she never doubted that she was loved, she always felt that something was missing. As an adult, she put time and effort into finding out who her birth mother was. Though not yet ready to reveal the truth, Cora took a job as an art teacher at the boys school that Aiyana founded and runs. That gives her the chance to get to know her mother. What she didn't count on was the irresistible Elijah.

Elijah is the oldest of Aiyana's adopted sons. He came to New Horizons after being rescued from a horrific home situation. He now helps Aiyana run New Horizons, and is the one who hired Cora as the art teacher. He was drawn to her from the moment they met.

I enjoyed the development of Cora and Elijah's relationship. Both tried to ignore the attraction at first. For Elijah, there is the employer/employee relationship, but more than that, he doesn't do relationships. He's had too many that have ended because he has his emotions closed off. For Cora, she's only planning to be there for a year, but her biggest obstacle is the secret she's keeping about her relationship to Aiyana. Keeping their distance doesn't last long, and they enter a "physical only" relationship. Yeah, we all know how those work out. Pretty soon, Eli and Cora spend as much time together as they can, and those "physical only" lines begin to blur. I really liked how sensitive they each were to the other's pain. Cora got past Eli's walls very quickly, mostly because she was sensitive enough not to push on those occasions when he would open up. It was fun to see Eli's disbelief at how all his beliefs about relationships fall by the wayside. Meanwhile, Cora falls just as hard for Eli but feels guilty that she hasn't told him about Aiyana's connection to her. I loved Eli's big moment, and his belief in and support of Cora.

A big part of the story is Cora's reason for being at New Horizons to start with. I loved Aiyana and what she does for the boys in her care. I liked how easily the two women became friends and ached for Cora and her doubts over the best course of action. Eli's support of Cora at the end was fantastic, as was the thoughtful way he went about helping Cora with her decision. I liked the confession scene, though it felt slightly anti-climactic after all the buildup. The epilogue was sweet.

I liked Eli's brothers and the close relationships among them all. I enjoyed seeing them jerk Eli's chain about his sudden change in attitude. It was sweet to see how they accepted her into their circle, along with their subtle teasing about the bar scene. I hope that there will be stories for them, too.

Seeing Stars - Jennifer Bernard (Kindle Worlds - June 2016)

Series: Jupiter Point (Book .5)
            Hope Falls Chronicles

When pop star Starly Minx freezes onstage during a show, she knows what her guilty conscience is telling her. She has to make things right with her nemesis, Hope Falls’ own Karina Black. And she has to do it without the paparazzi finding out. If only she didn’t have to leave behind the man she’s been secretly pining for—her sinfully hot bodyguard Hunter McGraw.

Hunter just turned in his resignation. He desperately needs to get some distance from the distracting, enchanting Starly and get on with his life. But if she’s going to Hope Falls, he’s going after her. Who else is going to keep her out of trouble? And with two feuding pop stars in the same tiny town, trouble is inevitable.

They can deal with the paparazzi. They can deal with the curious Hope Falls residents. But can they keep their feelings secret from each other? Is that even possible when every touch has them seeing stars?

Short, sweet, and sexy novella. Starly is a popular singing star who freezes during her latest show. She's been increasingly haunted by some of the things she has done during her career and takes this as a sign to do something about it. She walked off stage and disappeared, intent on doing what is needed without interference or publicity. Hunter is her bodyguard, who has just resigned his position to go back home for a new job.

I loved the opening of the story, with Starly giving herself a pep talk about what she has to do. Her frustration and self-doubt are a perfectly understandable state of mind, as is the distraction that gets her into trouble. That distraction is mainly thoughts of Hunter and the crush she has on him, her unhappiness at his leaving, and belief that he doesn't like her. Meanwhile, Hunter is in pursuit, determined to take this one last chance to keep her out of trouble. He's reached the end of his rope when it comes to denying his feelings for her, but he can't just abandon her.

I loved the development of Hunter and Starly's relationship. Over the past year, they had gotten to know each other fairly well without crossing any lines. Unfortunately, Starly tended toward the more selfish side at the beginning, hence her need to make amends to Hunter. I liked how she appreciated the fact that he treated her like a real person, rather than the attitudes of others around her. I loved how Hunter's protectiveness toward Starly went past normal bodyguard actions. I especially loved the part about the snacks.

Being together outside of their work environment allowed Hunter and Starly to act on the attraction between them. It was fast and furious, but also deeply emotional. I loved seeing them share the hidden parts of themselves. Starly still has some trust issues that rear their ugly heads, but Hunter deals with them in a truly spectacular way. The ending was great, and the epilogue a terrific lead-in to the new series.

I really liked Starly's determination to deal with her past and the tension between herself and Karina. The scene in the coffee shop was hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.  I loved that Starly didn't let that deter her from her mission. I would have liked a little more depth to the confession scene, especially getting some sort of viewpoint from Karina's perspective. The scene with the paparazzi was outstanding.

Secret Baby, Second Chance - Jane Godman (HRS #1978 - Jan 2018)

Series: Sons of Stillwater (Book 3)

A terrorized young mother and her secret child return home, where a killer awaits…

She's alive! Vincente Delaney has finally found his girlfriend, Beth Wade, who disappeared a year and a half ago, alive. But he's shocked to discover someone with her: their child, a little girl he never knew about! Once upon a time, lone wolf Vincente never expected forever with Beth, but now he must put everything on the line to protect her and their family.

Beth was forced to leave Vincente to protect everything she held dear. But now the threat to her loved ones' lives has reared its ugly head again. As danger approaches, she and Vincente must delve into her past to cast out the darkness jeopardizing their future.

Good second chance romance combined with a riveting mystery. A year and a half earlier, Vincente and Beth had had an intense on-again-off-again relationship. Then she disappeared without a word, leaving no trace of where she'd gone. Events from an earlier book made Vincente believe that she was dead (see Covert Kisses). He is stunned when police investigation reveals that she is alive. I enjoyed his cloak and dagger efforts to find her after being told that she is in hiding.

Beth had left Stillwater after receiving threats against her life and those of the people she cared for. It wasn't until after she was gone that she discovered she was pregnant, and at that point, she didn't dare contact Vincente. The stress she was under created some severe problems for her that she has just begun to overcome. Having Vincente show up at her door both thrilled and terrified her.

I liked the rekindling of Beth and Vincente's relationship. Previously it had been a very stormy one, but in the past eighteen months, both of them had changed. Vincente had been very much a lone wolf, holding himself at a distance from everyone. His experience with relationships was influenced by his volatile and selfish mother. But through the previous two books, he had become closer and more open with his brothers, showing him that love isn't all bad. Beth had also done a lot of growing up once she realized that she had another person to take care of. Her battle with depression had also made her stronger emotionally. When Vincente confronted Beth about her disappearance and hiding of his daughter, she didn't try to deny anything but faced up to what she had done and her reasons for it. I loved how Vincente immediately fell under little Lia's spell. I loved seeing the three of them become a family so quickly. The attraction between Beth and Vincente is just as strong as it had been before, but now there is an extra depth to it. It was great to see them learn more about each other outside of the physical connection. It didn't take long for Beth to see past Vincente's confident exterior to the vulnerabilities that he kept hidden from everyone else. I also liked how Vincente admired how Beth overcame her difficulties, and how he saw her strength of will as they dealt with the murderer. Though Beth realized her feelings first, I enjoyed Vincente's "aha" moment more. It took nearly losing her for Vincente to take that final step. I loved his big moment at the end. It was romantic and sweetly vulnerable. The epilogue was a good wrapup.

The suspense of the story was terrific. I ached for Beth and her memories of what had happened on that climb. I completely understood her fear when the threats began and how she wanted to protect Vincente. Once he got involved and they included Laurie in the process, things began to happen quickly. I was hooked from the start and completely invested in finding out who was behind it. There were multiple possibilities, and each attack seemed to point to someone else. I didn't suspect the true culprit until near the end, and the motive was completely off my radar. The final confrontation was intense, with several twists before it was all over.

Smooth-Talking Cowboy - Maisey Yates (HQN - Feb 2018)

Series: Gold Valley (Book 1)

Welcome to Gold Valley, Oregon, where a rough-and-tumble rancher and the girl next door are about to learn that opposites attract

Olivia Logan has a plan: win back her ex by making him see what he’s missing. But first she needs to find a man who’s willing to play along. With his laid-back cowboy charm and knack for getting under her skin, Luke Hollister is an unlikely hero -- but he wants her help convincing her father to sell him land, which means he needs her as much as she needs him.

Luke likes his life -- and his women -- uncomplicated. So why does good girl Olivia heat his blood like no one else? She’s always been off-limits, but the more time they spend as Gold Valley’s hottest new “couple,” the more real it’s starting to feel. Luke was supposed to help her win back another man…not keep her in his arms. But now that he has her there, he’s not sure he’ll ever let go.

Good book about two people who seem to be opposites, but turn out to be a lot more alike than they knew. Olivia Logan is Gold Valley's good girl. Unlike her twin sister, Olivia doesn't drink, do drugs, or sleep around. She is always in control of her feelings and has a plan for her life. Part of that plan is marrying  Bennett Dodge, whom she has known all her life, and dated for a year. But when Bennett didn't propose, Olivia broke up with him, hoping he'd then see what he was missing. She's dismayed to discover that it hasn't worked out that way, and decides that making him jealous is the next step. The only possible choice for that is Luke Hollister.

Luke is Gold Valley's Romeo. He is good-looking, charming, and known for his flirty ways. Luke came to Gold Valley at the age of sixteen, after his mother's death, looking for a different life. He has put his heart and soul into the Get Out of Dodge ranch, but with the ranch's current focus on being an upscale dude ranch, he figures the time is right for him to branch out on his own. The land that he wants belongs to Olivia's dad, and he wants her help convincing him to sell it to Luke.

The sparks between Olivia and Luke were obvious from the start. Olivia has known him for most of her life, and ever since she became an adult, he has succeeded in getting under her skin. I had some trouble warming up to her because she seemed to be such an uptight, judgmental, and manipulative woman. I especially didn't like the way that she looked down on Luke because of his beat-up truck and his rough hands. I also didn't like the ways that she had tried to force Bennett's hand.  Though he goes along with her plan for his own reasons, Luke is a pretty straightforward guy. He makes no secret of the fact that he doesn't do commitments, and he treats the ladies well while they are together. I did get the feeling that he rather enjoyed the idea of pulling on Bennett's chain a bit.

Neither Olivia nor Luke expected that their fake relationship would feel very real very quickly. Olivia was very inexperienced, with Bennett having been her only relationship, and that was pretty lukewarm. It was interesting to note that she complained about the way Luke's attitude made her "itch" when it wasn't really an itch at all, she just didn't see it for what it was. Luke seemed to get a lot of joy out of provoking Olivia whenever he could, just to get a rise out of her. Their banter and sniping were fun to watch. I really enjoyed the dart game, and Luke's attempts to distract her (reminded me of the shooting scene in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves). I liked seeing how Luke's attention made Olivia see the truth about her feelings for Bennett.

There were a couple of really terrific scenes where Luke and Olivia shared the painful parts of their pasts which had made them the people they were today. With Luke's help, Olivia finally started to realize that her sister's choices were her own and that Olivia didn't need to bury her true self in an attempt to make up for Vanessa's actions. I also liked that Luke was able to tell Olivia about his mother and what his life had been like, and why he doesn't do commitments. I really liked seeing how both Olivia and Luke changed as they grew closer. I ached for Olivia when she realized how much she loved Luke and told him so, only to have him pull back coldly and cruelly. I ached for Luke, too, because the thought of Olivia's love scared him so badly. An eye-opening lecture came from an unexpected source. I loved Luke's big moment at the end. He had a pretty amazing and heartfelt groveling session as he made things right with Olivia, topped off with a really romantic scene at his new ranch. The epilogue was sweet, too.

 

Avalanche of Trouble - Cindi Myers (HI #1799 - Aug 2018)

Series: Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery (Book 2)

A child witnesses a murder

And becomes a killer’s target…

Murder doesn’t belong in the peaceful town of Eagle Mountain, Colorado. Yet Deputy Gage Walker has a brutal double murder on his hands and a missing deaf child. Gage’s only hope to find the little girl is her aunt, Maya Renfro. But nothing has prepared Gage for the intense chemistry between them…or just what happens when love gets mixed with murder.

Terrific continuation of the series. When Gage and his partner had been called to check on a campsite, they didn't expect to find two people brutally murdered. The town was just starting to get over the murder of a young lawyer (Saved by the Sheriff). It wasn't until Gage contacted the female victim's sister that he found out the couple's five-year-old daughter had been with them and was now missing. Devastated by the news and terrified for her niece, Maya immediately drove to Eagle Mountain, determined to join the search for Casey. There she delivered the complicating information that Casey was deaf, making finding her that much more difficult.

The first meeting between Maya and Gage was a little tense. Maya has a city dweller's disdain for small-town life and lets her attitude show. Gage is a bit taken aback by the young woman with the blue hair and flamingo earrings. But Maya quickly recognizes Gage's determination and capability, and he sees past her prickliness to the worried aunt. And underneath it all is an unexpected spark of attraction.

 I liked both Gage and Maya. Gage is a good man who is devoted to keeping the people he cares about and his hometown safe. He has a good heart and would like to have a family of his own, but thanks to a woman who broke up with him because of his job, he believes it would be unfair to commit to someone. He's well known for his varied dating, but he wants more. Maya rubbed me a little wrong at the beginning because of her attitude about small towns, but that changed pretty quickly. I loved that she had a close relationship with her sister and that Casey was her niece first and deaf second. She is smart and determined and won't let anything or anyone get in the way of finding Casey.

I enjoyed the development of Maya and Gage's relationship. The attraction is there from the beginning, though both try to ignore it. Maya has no intention of sticking around once Casey is found, so getting involved with the local Romeo isn't in her plans. Gage knows she isn't staying, and figures that she wouldn't be interested in a small town cop anyway. But, Gage also can't deny that the protectiveness he feels toward Maya feels a lot more personal than anything he has felt before. I loved the way that he watched out for her, and could sense when she needed comfort and when she needed to feel like she was doing something. I also loved how Maya's feelings toward Gage changed as she got to know him. The scene with the photo album was great. I loved the ending as both of them realized that all they needed was the right person to overcome their fears.

The suspense of the story was just as much of a page-turner as the first book. First was the intensity of the search for Casey and the fears of what might have happened to her. Once she was found, knowing that she had seen the men who killed her parents had put a target on her back. It was fascinating to see the various methods used to help Casey recover and for her to help Gage and the others figure out who the murderers were. The intensity of the attacks on Casey increased, and the last one had me glued to the pages until it was all over. I wasn't terribly surprised at the identity of the killers, but there are still questions that need to be answered. There were a couple of things that I think might hint at what is happening, and I can't wait to see if I am right.

Amish Country Ambush - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #695 - Aug 2018)

 Series: Amish Country Justice (Book 4)

Hidden in Plain Sight

An Amish Country Justice story

After police dispatcher Elise St. Clair’s home is invaded by her murderous brother-in-law, her nephew is hidden in Amish Country by her cleaning lady. Now relying on police officer Ryan Parker is Elise’s only hope of reuniting with the child…and evading the killer. And Elise and Ryan quickly discover their temporary partnership has long-term potential -- if they can stay alive.

Terrific book that grabbed my attention from the first page and didn't let go until I'd finished it. Elise is a 911 dispatcher whose worst nightmare comes true. She's at work when a call comes in, describing a home invasion and attack - and it's her house. By the time she gets home, her babysitter is dead and her nephew and the cleaning lady have disappeared, and her brother-in-law is waiting for her. My heart was pounding as he attacked Elise, screaming about something she has and wanting his son. My relief was intense when he was chased off by the sound of approaching sirens. This was just the beginning of a roller coaster ride of action and emotion.

Ryan was the first officer on the scene. I liked his calm intensity as he took care of Elise and started the search for Mikey and Leah. That sense of calm was exactly what Elise needed later when he came to question her at the hospital. In spite of everything she'd been through, Elisa quickly came to trust Ryan and believe in his desire to help her.

I liked both Ryan and Elise. Ryan is a truly nice guy who is a cop because that's what he really wants to do. He isn't Supercop, with perfect instincts, but he is smart enough to know when he needs help. He has a deep love for his family, even though there is some tension with his father. Those tensions create occasional bouts of self-doubt, but those don't last long. Elise is an amazingly strong woman. She and her sister made it through a difficult childhood by supporting and watching out for each other. It was Elise who gave her sister the courage to get out of her abusive marriage. I ached for Elise's pain over her sister's murder, and loved the way that her nephew Mikey became her focus. Elise also has some self-worth issues thanks to a jerk of an ex-fiancé.

I loved the development of the relationship between Ryan and Elise. It began with Ryan's natural protectiveness, which quickly became personal. He was surprised at how she moved into his heart and mind. I loved how well he understood her and her need to stay involved in the search for Mikey. Elise was equally drawn to Ryan. For her, just being able to trust him was a huge deal. I loved seeing them open up to each other about their fears and vulnerabilities, and how sharing those things made them stronger. It was sweet to see Ryan start to think about a future with Elise and Mikey in it. I ached for Elise as she let her fears push Ryan away, believing that it was for his own good, and for Ryan as he tried to figure out what was wrong. A pep talk from an unexpected source gave him the courage to go after what he wanted. I loved seeing him confront Elise and her stunned reaction at what he told her. The epilogue was sweet and romantic with Ryan's big moment. I also loved his conversation with his father. 

The suspense of the story was outstanding and had me glued to the pages from start to finish. The fear for the safety of Leah and Mikey was palpable and always at the forefront of every step that Ryan and Elise took. There were also several twists and turns that kept them on their toes. The final confrontation was heart pounding as I wondered how it was all going to end. Now I can't wait for the next book!

I also enjoyed catching up a little bit with characters from previous books. I especially liked seeing Miles and Rebecca and the important part they played.

The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh - Stephanie Laurens (Mira - Apr 2018)

Series: Cavanaughs (Book 1)

An independent nobleman

Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted -- but only to family. To the rest of the world, he's aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. But Rand yearns for more in life, and when he travels to Buckinghamshire to review a recent investment, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his rigid self-control…

A determined lady

Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother insists on continuing their father's tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what's left of the estate. Then she discovers she must help persuade their latest investor that her father's follies are a risk worth taking...

Together -- the perfect team

Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he's staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success. But unflinching courage in the face of dismaying hurdles is a trait they share, and Rand and Felicia are forced to act together against ruthless foes to protect everything they hold dear.

Good beginning to a new series. Rand is the younger brother of Ryder Cavanaugh (The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh).  He has an excellent reputation in the financial world, but he is ready for more in his life. On his way to visit his brother, Rand stops to check on an investment just in time to find it has exploded, leaving him in doubt about its future. His only hope lies in the hands of the inventor's son and daughter.

Since her father's death a few months earlier, it has been up to Felicia to keep their household going. After years of seeing the effects of her father's single-minded efforts, and seeing her brother going down the same road, she doesn't know how she's going to manage. The arrival of Rand Cavanaugh does nothing to soothe her fears.

With a backdrop of the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, this book had a slightly different feel than earlier books by the author. I enjoyed the look at the progress of an invention from start to finish, and how the progress of Rand and Felicia's relationship mirrored it.

Rand's arrival at Throgmorton Hall coincided with the latest setback in William John's attempt to get the steam-powered automobile working in time for the upcoming exhibition. The circumstances were an unpleasant surprise for him, as he has both money and reputation invested in its success. I liked that he didn't lose his temper over the situation, but instead was determined to do what he must to help ensure its success. One of those things was to get Felicia's cooperation. Felicia was shocked to find out the details of Rand's investment in her father's work, and that her father and brother had lied to her about it. The only options are to help make it a success or lose everything.

I liked the development of the relationship between Rand and Felicia. Neither of them expected it to happen. Rand is somewhat cynical about women, seeing most as manipulative thanks to his mother's actions in Ryder's book. But there is something about Felicia that captures his attention from the start. Felicia had had her Season several years before but didn't "take" and doesn't think it likely that she will find anyone now. Rand is intriguing, but the brother of a marquess isn't likely to look her way. I liked the fact that it was neither love nor lust at first sight with Rand and Felicia. Instead, it was the growing realization that they were meant for each other. I liked that it was Rand who first accepted what was happening between them, and also realized that rushing things with Felicia would be counterproductive. It was sweet to see the way that he recognized Felicia's abilities before she did, and did everything he could to encourage her. I loved seeing Felicia grow closer to Rand as they worked together. It took a while for her to realize what her feelings for him were until the growing attraction caused her to take a closer look at them. I enjoyed the building of that attraction, from the unexpected heat of their first kisses to the full expression of their attraction. I especially liked that they had already accepted that they were destined to be together before they took that step. As deeply as they felt, they also believed that getting through the exhibition had to come first.  I loved the ending, as Rand and Felicia faced their future as true partners. For Rand "She offered him all he needed -- she anchored him and gave him the necessary insights to imbue his chosen life of investing with a wider, deeper purpose, transforming it into a more fulfilling, long-term endeavor. She was his future in every way." For Felicia that future "had come to her courtesy of the nobleman pacing by her side, the knight in shining armor who had swept into her life and slayed dragons left and right, then opened her eyes and shown her who she truly was. He'd released her true self to grow, then he'd taken her hand and encouraged her to be all she could be." The icing on the cake was a lovely epilogue, taking place at their wedding and showcasing their happiness for the next youngest Cavanaugh brother, and a nice lead-in for the next book in the series.

A big part of the story was, of course, the steam-powered horseless carriage itself. I loved the descriptions of the efforts to overcome the various obstacles and the teamwork of William John, Rand, and Felicia as they raced the clock to have it ready for the exhibition. Also present was the person who wanted to ensure that the machine failed, thus cementing his interests at the exhibition. It was interesting to see his agent's attempts and get the feeling that his heart wasn't really in it. There were some terrific twists and turns at the exhibition with some truly heart-pounding moments before it was all over.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little slow, but it always picked back up again. I am looking forward to the next book to see what Laurens has in store for Rand's brother Christopher.

Cowboy's Redemption - B.J. Daniels (HI #1779 - May 2018)

Series: Montana Cahills (Book 1)

He gave her his heart.

She gave him a daughter.

Eighteen months ago, Colt McCloud experienced an unforgettable night of passion. Now his onetime lover is at his door, pleading for help to save the daughter they conceived. Lola Dayton knows Colt is her only hope to infiltrate the kidnapper’s compound and save their baby. His military -- and father -- instincts kick in. And Colt secretly vows…if they survive, he’ll make this threesome a forever family.

An exciting book, loosely tied to the Cahill family in Gilt Edge, Montana. Colt is an army helicopter pilot home on leave to settle his father's estate. Not interested in following in his father's footsteps as a rancher, he plans to sell the ranch and return to his unit. Those plans take a back seat when a woman from his past shows up at his door.

Lola was in Montana to get her parents' remains from the cult they had joined. The cult leader refused to hand them over and insisted that Lola had been promised to him by her parents. One escape attempt sent her into Colt's arms before she was taken again. After she was recaptured, Lola discovered she was pregnant with Colt's baby, but she was too closely guarded to escape. After the baby's birth, she was able to make her escape only by leaving Grace behind. Determined to rescue her daughter, she went to Colt for help.

The story opened with a bang, as Lola flees through the woods to get away. It was easy to feel her fear and desperation during that flight. Colt's surprise at finding her at his door in the middle of the night was obvious, but nothing compared to the news that he was a father. I liked the fact that he believed her story and was determined to help her, taking her first to the doctor, then to Sheriff Flint Cahill.

I have to say that I was extremely disappointed in Flint. After hearing her story, and accompanying Colt and Lola to the cult compound, I thought he was far too easily swayed to the cult leader's point of view. With as much publicity as cults have gotten in recent years, any lawman worth his salt should have been far more skeptical. I was a bit disappointed in Colt also, as Jonas's words created some doubt in his mind, but that doubt was quickly erased, and his determination rekindled.

I was glued to the pages as I watched Colt and Lola plan and carry out their rescue of Grace. With frequent glimpses of Jonas's point of view, it was obvious to me that he wasn't going to give up easily, though Colt and Lola thought they were safe. The final confrontation was intense. I liked how Lola actively participated in saving herself and Grace. You definitely don't mess with Mama Bear and her little one!

I liked the development of the relationship between Colt and Lola. There was a deeper connection than just physical attraction between them in their first encounter, and neither had forgotten the other. I liked Lola's instinctive trust of Colt, and her happiness at the way Colt took to being a father. It doesn't take her long to fall for him, but her independence refuses to allow her to accept anything given out of obligation. There were a few times when I felt like she carried that independence a bit too far, but eventually she realized that accepting help didn't make her weak or dependent. I liked Lola's support of Colt as he battled his feelings over Julia's betrayal.

Colt is a little warier of his feelings for Lola, having been burned by his fiancée's betrayal, but he can't deny that he has them. There was a terrific scene between Colt and his ex, which helped him clarify his feelings for Lola. His big moment with Lola was sweet, and I loved the bit about the ring. I wasn't too surprised by his decision regarding his future plans, and loved his decision about some of the ranch lands.

The Chesapeake Bride - Mariah Stewart (Pocket - Sept 2017)

Series: Chesapeake Diaries (Book 11)

Architect Cassidy Logan has sworn off good-looking adventurers. Newly divorced, she’s focused on building ecologically friendly, historically accurate homes on the Chesapeake Bay for her father’s construction company. Traveling to Cannonball Island -- where there has been no new construction in nearly one hundred years -- Cass is sensitive to the heritage of the island, and has come up with plans so perfect she’s determined to buy a home for herself. Even the fact that Owen Parker -- a local who she dismisses as a lightweight and a player -- seems to be everywhere isn’t enough to deter her from building her dream house.

Owen Parker is and always has been sinfully handsome and wickedly clever, a magnet for mischief as well as girls. He’s a rolling stone, going and doing whatever appeals to him, from flying a mail plane in Alaska to working on a cattle ranch in Australia, a shrimp boat in Louisiana, and surfing and diving in Costa Rica. When an old friend offers him a job salvaging a sunken ship on the Chesapeake Bay, Owen gladly accepts. Something’s been telling him it was time to head home to Cannonball Island, and a job is as good an excuse as any. And he’s totally smitten by the pretty architect on the scene, but it seems he’s finally met a woman who’s immune to his charms. Sooner or later, Owen will have to face the reason why he always runs, because this time, leaving just might be harder than staying.

This was my first book by Mariah Stewart, but it will not be the last. Even though this is the 11th book in the series, I never felt lost, only intrigued. I will definitely add the other books to my "want to read" list. I loved the setting of the islands of the Chesapeake Bay in the early autumn, with the descriptions of the warm days and cool nights. The homes and businesses were ones I'd love to visit, from having tea with Grace at the Inn or ice cream at One or Two Scoops in St. Dennis, to visiting with Ruby at the general store on Cannonball Island.

I was immediately drawn into the lives of the two main characters, Cassidy and Owen. Cassidy is an architect with her father's construction company. She has designed a series of houses to be built on the island, ones that retain the style and history of the originals, to the point of using materials saved from the old houses in the new ones. I loved her enthusiasm, as every day seemed to give her new ideas on ways to bring the past and the future together. Something not in her plans is getting involved with Owen Parker, local playboy and rolling stone.

Owen is one of the island's more notorious residents. He is handsome, fun-loving, and hasn't run very fast when the girls chased him, though he doesn't stay caught for long. He's spent years going where his whims take him, from Alaska to Australia, but lately, he's felt nostalgic for home. When a friend offers him a job as a diver helping to excavate a sunken ship, he jumps at the chance. It doesn't take long for him to be drawn to Cass, but she doesn't want anything to do with him.

I loved the development of the relationship between Owen and Cass. Both of them have failed marriages in their pasts, making them wary of getting involved. Cass was married to a man who was never home, having decided that his military career was more important than their marriage. She's determined not to get involved with another rolling stone. Owen married the girl who was always there when he came back from one of his trips, thinking it was time for him to settle down, but friendship and habit weren't enough to sustain the marriage and keep him from wandering. Owen was attracted to Cass from the moment he met her, but she wouldn't give him the time of day, no matter how hard he tried. Fortune smiled on him, though, when the ship excavation disrupted her construction plans, giving him the chance to offer his assistance. I loved seeing Owen approach his goal of getting to know her from a different angle, and being very smart about it. Instead of making it personal, he offered to help her find another solution, and at the same time show her around the island. Cass is, of course, skeptical at first, but relaxes when he behaves himself.

I loved the way that Cass's enthusiasm for the island and everything about it made Owen look at her as more than just another conquest. It didn't take long for him to realize that he had gone past wanting her to needing her in his life. I loved seeing him find multiple little ways to help her learn about the island, from showing her the little cemeteries to taking her crabbing. Even when his attempts went wrong (the trip on the schooner), his sensitivity to her needs was amazing. It was fun to watch Cass realize that she was fighting a losing battle when it came to resisting Owen. In spite of frequently reminding herself that he was a player, she discovered that there was much more to him than she expected. But just when things looked especially promising for them, an unexpected twist turns Owen's life upside down. I ached for Owen, who didn't know how to handle it and feared becoming a man like his father. I also ached for Cass, who believed that her dreams were crumbling in front of her. It took some blunt talk from family members for each of them to overcome their fears and realize that they could handle anything if they did it together.

I loved the importance of family and community in the book. Owen's great-grandmother, Ruby, was my favorite of the secondary characters. She's one hundred years old, with the Southern grace and steel to go along with those years. She also has the "sight" but doesn't use it to interfere in people's lives, though she will occasionally make a comment to get someone thinking. Thanks to her age, Ruby also has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area, and the stories she told gave extra depth to the magic of the island. I loved how various people in the community embraced Cass and her ideas for ways to preserve and showcase the island's history. There were some terrific scenes of that support, from Grace's teas to a possible collaboration with Owen's sister. I can't wait to go back and read the earlier books.

When You Love a Scotsman - Hannah Howell (Zebra - Jan 2018)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen (Book 2)

New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell sweeps readers away with the passion-filled adventures of the MacEnroy brothers, seven daring Scotsmen who take on America in her most turbulent days -- and capture the hearts of the ladies each is destined to wed...

With danger closing in from all sides, Abigail Jenson works tirelessly to protect her small Missouri farm. She doesn’t require saving -- but a handsome officer appears on horseback just as ruthless marauders set her cabin ablaze. With nowhere else to turn, Abigail allows the soldier with the seductive Highlander’s gaze to escort her to shelter in a nearby town.

Matthew MacEnroy was reluctant to join his adopted nation’s conflict -- until an enemy attack wounded two of his brothers. Bravely doing battle has its price when a proud, independent beauty comes under his watch -- no military man can risk the powerful emotions their attraction has unleashed. But when Matthew himself is caught in the crossfire, Abigail leads their long journey home to MacEnroy valley ... and her caring touch sparks the promise of a bold future together.

Good book. Matthew is a Union officer out on patrol when they are attacked by Confederates. Racing to find a defensible position, they take shelter in a cabin on a small farm, occupied by a couple and their daughter. Abigail has been working to care for the farm since the last attack when her brother was taken, her father beaten, and her mother assaulted. She quickly realizes that these soldiers are her best defense, and joins them in defending the cabin.

The opening scene was a real attention grabber. The danger was obvious and intense, with a real possibility of injury or death. There is also a quick introduction to Abigail's background and the circumstances behind her situation. I loved the way that Abbie joined in the defense of the cabin, and Matthew's reaction. I ached for Abbie when the fight was over, and she had to face the loss of her home and her parents. I liked Matthew's protectiveness, as he insisted on taking her back to the town they were based in, to stay with other women in similar circumstances.

I liked both Abbie and Matthew. Abbie is strong and independent, and also kind and loving. I enjoyed watching her settle in at Beaton House and make friends with the other women. She also wasn't the kind to sit back and moan about her circumstances or ignore things that she thinks are wrong. I especially enjoyed the way that she took the children under her wing - Noah was adorable. I also liked how she quickly became the one that the other women looked to during a crisis.

Matthew was a great guy. He joined the army when two of his brothers were injured by Rebel marauders. He's done his duty, but he's tired of the war and the killing and ready for his time to be up. He's protective of his men and watches out for their interests.

I enjoyed the development of Matthew and Abbie's relationship. There were sparks between them from the beginning. Once they arrived in the town, they began meeting in a fairly traditional way, with Matthew calling on her at the house and taking her walking. I liked how they talked and got to know each other. The attraction between them was strong, and Matthew was pretty quick about making his move on her. I was a bit surprised by how quickly they became intimate, especially for that time. Abbie falls for Matthew, but isn't about to be the first one to say anything about her feelings. Matthew waffles back and forth. He definitely likes being with her, but he isn't sure what he feels. When he and another man are injured close to the end of their enlistments, the commander send them, along with Abbie, to Matthew's home. The journey has its challenges, and also gives Matthew more time to think about what he wants. I loved their arrival at his home, and how quickly Abbie was accepted. I was a bit frustrated with Matthew, as he made it clear that Abbie was with him, but he still couldn't make up his mind about their future. I liked seeing his brothers call him out on his attitude. I liked that Abbie was fully prepared to leave him behind and make her own way. I liked their big moment at the end, especially how Abbie made sure that she got what she needed to be happy. The epilogue was good, with a great look at their married life. There was an interesting twist at the end.

I enjoyed the secondary characters, too. My favorite was Noah, the four-year-old boy who immediately took a shine to Abbie. Some of the things he said were highly amusing and often made me ache for what he had been through. Mrs. Beaton was a woman who was very rigid at the beginning, but as time went on, she loosened up quite a bit. Julia, who was the one that Abbie became closest to. She was an interesting character, and I ached for everything she went through. I liked Matthew's friend and fellow soldier, James. There were some good scenes of him trying to give Matthew advice.

I really liked the setting of the Civil War, which doesn't happen often. It was good to see that the effects of war were not glossed over or romanticized. The frustration of the soldiers over the frequent skirmishes that didn't have any definitive result was clear and realistic.

Fast Burn - Lori Foster (HQN - Mar 2018)

Series: Body Armor (Book 4)

For the woman who’s his perfect match, he’s willing to break the rules…

The moment Brand Berry meets beautiful, driven Sahara Silver, the connection between them is electric. It’s also something he can’t pursue. Sahara wants him, sure -- to join Body Armor, where his MMA skills, size and cocky attitude make him perfect for her elite crew of bodyguards. For Sahara, the agency always comes first, and Brand needs more. Yet when she’s kidnapped by men searching for her missing brother, he doesn’t hesitate.

Somewhere along the way, flirting with Brand for the sake of business turned very personal. Despite his refusal to join Body Armor, it’s Brand who steps up when Sahara needs him most. Now there’s no more time for games, and no point denying the hunger they both feel. They’ll escape together or not at all. But if they survive, can Sahara finally surrender control to claim this blazing passion?

Good conclusion to this series. Though it can be read as a stand-alone, the experience is richer if the previous books are read first.  From the moment that Brand and Sahara met in the first book, there has been an undeniable connection that is more than just physical attraction.  However, both resist it.  Sahara wants Brand to join the team at Body Armor and she pulls out all the stops to make it happen, but Brand isn't having it.  He knows he couldn't work for her, as that would cause too many problems in the workplace, as the heat between them wouldn't be contained for long. Besides, she is bossy. Good in a boss, not so much in a relationship. So he keeps turning her down, and she keeps pushing for him to say yes. But things change the night she is kidnapped.

I liked both Sahara and Brand. Sahara is a strong, intelligent, sassy, and dedicated to the business. She inherited Body Armor when her brother disappeared and was presumed dead. She's certain he's still alive and is determined to make the business bigger and better while she tries to find out what happened to him. I loved her interactions with all the fighters. She's a little over the top at times, but it's obvious that she respects their abilities. She also appears supremely confident at all times, though occasionally there is the smallest hint of vulnerability, which she immediately hides with attitude. And though she would never admit it, she was also a bit lonely, at least until the fighters came into her life. I loved seeing the friendships that developed, not just with them, but also with their ladies. There were some really terrific scenes that took place outside of work, where Sahara discovers that she doesn't always have to be the strong one.

Brand is an MMA fighter at the top of his game. He is honest, protective, and honorable. He isn't going to put himself in a position where he will have to compromise his values, so he keeps his distance from Sahara and her wiles. There are times when he isn't sure if she just wants him for the agency, or if she is interested in him for himself. Brand also has some things going on in his personal life that are a bit of a distraction for him. He needs to make a decision about his fight career - is he going to keep fighting, or move on to something else? Fighting gives him the money he needs for his other problem - taking care of the woman who gave birth to him, then dumped him with her sister to raise. There's a bit of resentment and bitterness there that eats away at him.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Brand and Sahara. Throughout the series I have laughed at seeing Sahara work so hard and get nowhere with him, and at Brand's amusement as he resists all her ploys.  I liked his honesty as he made it plain to her that he wants her, but not as a boss. As much as he's determined to stay away from the agency, he wastes no time stepping up when Sahara gets kidnapped. I loved seeing him stand up to his friends and insist on being involved. I loved his controlled determination to get to her, and his care for her once he did. With the threat still out there, there was no way he was going to leave her unprotected. I liked the push and pull between them, as Brand insisted on having his way, and Sahara equally insistent that she could take care of herself. Being together 24/7 brings their attraction front and center and giving into it is just as incendiary as they expected. It is also much deeper than just physical. It was fun to see the two of them as they adjusted to both of them wanting to be in charge. Their time together also gave them time to really get to know each other. I liked how Brand appreciated Sahara's strengths, but he also saw past those to her vulnerabilities. I especially liked his attitude toward the things he learned about her brother. Sahara employed her usual tactics as a way to get past some of Brand's walls. Her methods of trying to make things easier for him with his mother were not exactly appreciated by Brand, and I wanted to smack him for not seeing what she tried to do. With both of them being such strong personalities, learning how to compromise was not an easy road, but it was a fun one to observe. I loved the ending as they both gave a little to get a lot.

The suspense of the story was really good. The mystery of her brother's disappearance was on Sahara's mind throughout the series. She was the only one who believed that he was still alive. When she is kidnapped, it is because the kidnappers believe that she knows something. The kidnapping and rescue scenes are very intense. I loved Sahara's attitude throughout, even though she puts herself at risk. There is also something very creepy about the boss of the kidnappers. His apparent obsession with Sahara adds an extra layer of intensity to the situation, as do the scenes from his point of view. The attempts on Sahara continue to escalate and she becomes more convinced that Scott is alive. The final confrontation was a real page-turner as I waited to see just how it was going to play out. There were some very interesting twists, turns, and revelations before it was all over. I loved the last scene at Body Armor.

Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy - HelenKay Dimon (Brava - July 2007)

Series: Men of Hawaii (Book 1)

Her mouth should be a dangerous weapon. So should his--but for different reasons. Thrown together by chance--and a pair of handcuffs--they're about to make Hawaii even steamier...

Never Let Me Go

Annie Parks came to Hawaii to gather information and settle a score, not spend time handcuffed to a sexy stranger's bed. Okay, so this particular stranger saved her from drowning after she was pitched overboard by some goons. And he's about six feet of hard, Hawaiian muscle and gorgeous cool that's making forgotten parts of her say, "A-lo-ha!" She needs to stay focused, but a side dish of Kane Travers is awfully tempting.

Kauai Police Chief Kane Travers is not a vacation kind of guy. So it figures that when Internal Affairs suspended him, he'd end up rescuing a sarcastic, dishonest, extremely hot redhead who is clearly hiding something. Amnesia? Yeah, right. Kane's got half a mind to give Miss Whoever She Is something she'll never forget. His cop senses tell him that the lady's in deep and needs his protection. But how can he get her to tell him anything when all he wants is to take her home and do everything?

Fun romantic suspense book.  Kane is the local police chief who is on a forced leave of absence thanks to a drug bust gone bad. He's not the kind of guy who enjoys time off and after a few days is bored out of his mind. Instead of being relaxing, a walk on the beach turns up a red-headed firecracker of a woman with a smart mouth and a lot of secrets.  His instincts can't decide if she's crook or victim, but his body tells him to keep her close.

Annie is a nature photographer who has come to Hawaii to find the man who scammed her mother and sent her over the edge mentally. She isn't going to give up just because someone tried to drown her.  Telling the hunky police chief who rescued her what she has planned doesn't seem to be the best idea, but she can't deny that she feels safe with him.

The sparks between Kane and Annie were evident from the beginning. I loved the rescue/shower scene, as Kane works to revive Annie, but can't help his very male reaction to her. Annie isn't too happy about her own reaction - she doesn't need the distraction, and his bossiness really gets on her nerves. I loved watching her use every trick she can think of to keep her secrets and see Kane call her on every one of them. Though Kane's friend Josh accuses him of thinking with something other than his brain, Kane quickly realizes that Annie is in a heap of trouble and his protective instincts kick in.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Kane and Annie. The push and pull between them is fun with sarcastic banter and attempts to resist the sparks that continue to flare between them. But underneath the snark, each of them also recognizes a similar pain. Kane has closed himself off emotionally after too many losses have battered his heart. He doesn't want to risk the pain again, but he's also a man to whom family means everything and he misses it. Annie blames herself for what happened to her mother, and that guilt is one of the driving forces behind her quest for revenge. Letting Kane in risks losing that drive.  I loved seeing Annie work her way past Kane's walls and see him start to feel again. I also loved how Annie became so protective of both Kane and Derek. The final scene was fantastic as both had to open up their hearts all the way to get what they most desired.

I enjoyed the suspense of the story also. There were two things going on. First was Kane's suspension while he was under investigation. He was suffering enough from what he'd had to do without having to put up with the vendetta from the Internal Affairs guy. On top of that was the frustration that the person running the drug ring hadn't yet been identified and caught. I liked that Kane's officers respected him so much, which led to some pretty interesting confrontations with the IA guy.

The second was Annie's search for the con man and trying to stay ahead of those who were trying to stop her. Once she finally let Kane in on the whole story, things seemed to move pretty quickly.  The final confrontation was very intense with some unexpected twists and turns before it was all over.  I ached for Annie and the demons she had to face and loved that Kane was with her all the way.

Absolute Trust - Piper J. Drake (Forever - Dec 2016)

Series: True Heroes (Book 3)

LOVE IS THE GREATEST RISK OF ALL

After multiple tours of duty, Brandon Forte returns to his hometown on a personal mission: to open a facility for military service dogs like Haydn, a German shepherd who's seen his share of combat and loss. It also brings him back to Sophie Kim, a beacon of light in his life . . . and the one woman he can't have. But Forte's success means he's made enemies in high places. Enemies who are now after Sophie . . .

When Forte enlisted and left without saying goodbye, Sophie did her best to move on. But with her first love back in town, looking sexier than ever, she's constantly reminded of what they could have had. Then after he risks himself for her, Sophie realizes she'll have to put her life in the hands of the man who broke her heart, knowing the danger -and the sparks between them- could consume them both.

Good second chance/friends to lovers story with some excellent suspense to go along with it.  Brandon and Sophie had known each other since they were in school, becoming more than friends when they were in high school. But after graduation, Brandon left for the military without a word to Sophie, not even a goodbye, breaking her heart. When he left the military, he came back to Hope's Crossing to open a training facility for military dogs. And right back to Sophie, who has been his anchor, even if she didn't know it.

When Brandon left, Sophie went on with her life. She went to school, got a good job, everything to live up to her parents' expectations. But she drew the line at settling down with one of the "nice boys" that her parents pushed at her. When Brandon came back to town, they slid right back into their old friends routine.

It is clear to everyone that there is still something there between Brandon and Sophie, but neither one can see it in the other. Brandon loves Sophie and always has, but has never felt good enough for her. This feeling was reinforced when he was a teenager by Sophie's parents' attitude toward him. The things that happened during the war only added to his need to keep his darker side away from her. Sophie has always loved Brandon, in spite of her parents' feelings about him. With Brandon back in town, she will try to content herself with friendship, but she really wants more.

I liked the development of the relationship between Brandon and Sophie. Because they've known each other for so long, there aren't many secrets, yet it is still a journey of discovery for them. Alone together in a place where Brandon hopes to keep her safe, both are forced to face their feelings about themselves and each other. No more hiding behind the façade of friendship. I loved seeing Brandon's protectiveness after the car bomb, and the depth of caring he showed as he took care of Sophie. I especially loved the scene with the cat café, as it showed how well he knows her. When they reached their cabin hideout, the heat between them really kicked in. Though Brandon tried to hold back, Sophie had had enough and went after what she wanted. I also liked the fact that she also took a hard look at her life and saw that she had just been going with the flow and took steps to change it. I really liked how one of the first things she did was demand answers from Brandon about why he had left her. I ached a bit for Brandon, as he admitted his insecurities to her, and how they had driven him to make the choices he had made. He still feels that he isn't good enough for her, but he's reached the point that he is going after what he wants anyway. I loved the ending, as both Brandon and Sophie admitted their mistakes and took that final leap of faith.

The suspense of the story was really good. The car bomb was a real attention getter, especially since the only thing that saved Sophie was the chance meeting with Brandon and Haydn. From there, the race was on to see if Brandon and the others could find out the who and why before it was too late. There were several possibilities, from someone trying to get to Brandon by using Sophie to some potential funny business going on at Sophie's workplace.  I enjoyed the buildup to the confrontation at the cabin and seeing the steps Brandon went through to keep Sophie safe. The confrontation was a nail-biter to the end. I especially liked seeing Sophie's active participation rather than just waiting for rescue. At the end of the confrontation, there were still some unanswered questions. I loved Brandon's effort to get answers to those questions. There were some unexpected connections that became clear, as well as an unusual hero who helped get those answers.

Two of my favorite characters were the dog, Haydn, and the cat, Tessa. I loved how Brandon and the crew at Hope's Crossing Kennels gave Haydn a new purpose after the loss of his leg and his handler during the war. From the moment he alerted on the explosives in Sophie's car, I could see his determination and his enthusiasm for what he was doing. I was not at all surprised by his participation in Sophie's rescue. I also loved how it was him and the dogs from the previous books who gave Brandon ideas and motivations for the future of the kennels. I also adored the kitten, Tessa. Her rough start in life tugged at Sophie's heartstrings, leading to her adoption. It was amusing to see her reactions to Haydn, and his to her. I was a bit surprised that Brandon and Sophie took her along to the cabin, considering what they expected to happen. Probably the funniest moment with her was her encounter with Raul Sa after the cabin incident.

Speaking of Raul Sa, I was very happy to discover that this is not the last book in the series. Raul's presence in this book, and his need for a working dog, is the lead-in to the next book. I liked what I saw of Raul and am looking forward to reading his book.

Cowboy SEAL Redemption - Nicole Helm (Soucebooks Casablanca - June 2018)

Series: Navy SEAL Cowboys (Book 2)

Three former Navy SEALs

Injured in the line of duty

Desperate for a new beginning...

Searching for a place to call their own.

Jack Armstrong's been slowly piecing his life back together after a career-ending injury bounced him from the SEALs. The only trouble is, his family's on their way to his new haven in Montana...and Jack refuses to let them know he's still hurting. Desperate, he makes a deal with local bad girl Rose Rogers: in exchange for some extra security, she'll play the perfect loving girlfriend.

Rose doesn't trust any man, much less some tough-as-nails former SEAL. But the more they settle into their ruse, the more things start to feel real, and the more Rose's true fear surfaces--that she'll never be good enough for love. But Jack isn't about to lose Rose. He's done running when things get tough, and he's determined to prove--once and for all--that even the most troubled hearts can find their way to redemption.

Good book. After having his life turned upside down by injury, Jack has joined his Teammates Alex and Gabe at Alex's ranch in Montana. There the men plan to create a place for other veterans to come to transition back to civilian life. Jack has been indulging himself in something of a pity party for one. Physically he is still recovering from his injuries. Mentally he is a bit lost, because if he isn't a SEAL, who is he really? He also still feels sorry for himself, as well as angry, over the fact that his fiancée slept with his brother, got pregnant, and married him while Jack was deployed. There is also the anguish and guilty feelings over the death of a friend in the same attack that injured Jack and his friends. As the icing on the cake, his family, including his cheating ex and brother, are coming to visit, and Jack doesn't want to deal with the pitying looks. This is where Rose comes in.

Rose is the owner and bartender of the local watering hole. She is tough as nails, puts up with nobody's attitude, and is haunted by her own demons. She is the second of five girls in her family, all of whom survived their childhoods with abusive parents. But Rose blames herself for some of the things that happened to her sisters, and as a result, considers herself to be unworthy of anyone's love.  Though she thinks of herself as selfish, her driving force seems to be to protect those around her. When she overhears Jack talking to his mom about their visit, she offers to help, by trading favors. She will pose as his girlfriend if he acts as a bouncer at the bar.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jack and Rose. While it starts as complete fiction, the sparks between them are obvious from the beginning. Jack realizes quickly that Rose is someone special, and also that she is going to resist any attempt to make it real. I loved his attempts to do so by making them "practice" for when his family arrives. Rose fights hard against Jack's appeal, constantly reminding herself that it's all fake, that he wouldn't like her if he really knew her, and that she's bound to ruin it anyway. Meanwhile, Jack shows an amazing amount of patience and sensitivity as he tries to get past Rose's walls.

One of the things I absolutely loved about Jack was that he loved Rose for exactly who she is. When she tries putting on a sweet façade, he calls her on it right away, making it clear that he wants to see the real Rose. Though Rose puts on a really good show of being only in this as a favor to Jack, she admits to herself that her feelings for him are growing. That scares her to death because all she can see is pain in the future for both of them. Because of those same feelings, Jack has become one of the people that Rose will protect any way she can. There is a terrific scene involving a confrontation between Jack and his brother, where Mike gets what's coming to him and it isn't from Jack! This scene was the catalyst for another great scene where Jack can open up to his family, and some old hurts are finally laid to rest.

While the need for a fake girlfriend has passed, Jack doesn't want to let go of what he has with Rose. I loved how he was there for her when an unexpected crisis arose. Her fears were real and deep-seated, and I loved seeing him be the support that she needed. However, those fears, on top of a confrontation with her parents, have Rose ready to run.  But her friends and her family have her back and step in to show her the truth. That scene was heartbreaking and heartwarming as so much of Rose's past is revealed. I loved the way that her sisters gave her a new perspective and the effect that had on her relationship with Jack. It's not all immediately unicorns and rainbows, as both realize that they still have things to overcome, but they do see that they are much stronger together than they are alone.

Having read this book, I want to go back and read Alex's story and have put Gabe's story on my want to read list also.