Mint Juleps and Justice - Nancy Naigle (Montlake - Feb 2014)

Series: Adams Grove (Book 5)

Welcome to Adams Grove…where wrongs are righted with just desserts.

Luck abandoned Brooke Justice during her nasty divorce. Desperate to escape her malicious ex-husband, she relocated to the small town of Adams Grove, Virginia. When someone breaks into her new house, she suspects her ex bears the blame for the crime. With no evidence and little help from the police, she asks a private investigator to take her case -- a private investigator whose sexy broad shoulders and stunning blue eyes make her question her decision to swear off relationships forever.

Mike Hartman fled Adams Grove when a devastating loss left his heart in pieces. After years overseas in the military, he’s finally returned home, determined to start anew as a private investigator. Then Brooke walks into his office, awakening something he hasn’t felt in years. Can they both move on…into each other’s arms? Or will the pain of the past -- and the dangerous threat lurking in the present -- destroy their new beginning?

Good book. Brooke has moved to Adams Grove to get away from her soon-to-be-ex-husband. He cheated on her but now claims to want her back. She has noticed some odd things going on at her house which make her think that he has found out where she is and has found a way into her house. When she comes home one day after work to find things moved around and her little dog trapped in her hot tub, she has had enough. Her complaints to the police have gone nowhere, so she hires a private investigator.

Mike is left Adams Grove to join the Marines after his wife was murdered. Eight years later he has returned and set up shop as a private investigator. He enjoys the variety of the work and not being stuck behind a desk all day. Brooke's case is the kind he can sink his teeth into.

I liked the development of the relationship between Mike and Brooke. Both have been hurt and neither is looking for a relationship. Mike is still grieving for his wife and feeling guilty about her death, thinking that if he had been home, he could have stopped it. Brooke has sworn off men, as she now doubts her judgment when it comes to picking one. But neither can deny the sparks that they experience whenever they are together.

I liked Mike. He is strong, protective, and quite the romantic. I liked seeing how quickly he came to understand Brooke and all her little quirks. He is surprised by the way that she brings some light back into his life after the darkness of his grief over his wife's murder. He accepts his growing attraction to her pretty quickly and makes no secret of his interest. He isn't perfect though and makes at least one boneheaded mistake that puts his budding relationship in jeopardy. However, he realized his mistake quickly, and I loved seeing what he did to try to fix it. I liked his persistence and determination to win Brooke in the end.

I liked Brooke also, though she did frustrate me on occasion. She is strong and independent, but also a bit stubborn. She is also a big believer in good luck charms and lucky signs. I liked the way that she took charge of her life, moving away from the toxic relationship with Keith. She is afraid of him and what he might do, but she also refuses to let him influence her new life. She can't deny her attraction to Mike, but she is also wary of trusting it. Having made one big mistake, she isn't in any hurry to risk her heart again. She slowly opens her heart to him, but she also seems to keep one foot out the door, never quite believing that what they have is real. I understood her hurt when Mike pulled back, but I also felt that she could have been a little more understanding. Once she accepted her feelings, I liked her support of Mike and felt her frustration when he tried to end things "for her safety." I liked the ending and seeing just how much they were meant for each other.

The suspense of the story was two-pronged. First was the stalking by Brooke's ex. Keith was definitely creepy and I fully understood why Brooke wanted to get away from him. His actions escalated quickly after Mike got involved. The final confrontation with him was intense and I could feel Brooke's fear. I loved Mike's rescue. The second part involved Mike's past. This one was even more intense because you could feel the malevolence with every scene involving this guy. I ached for Mike when he found out about this guy's presence in town and felt his fear for Brooke's safety. The final showdown kept me on the edge of my seat until it was resolved.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Mike's friend/former brother-in-law, Rick, was a nice guy. I liked the way that he had stayed friends with Mike and worried about him. I liked the way that he became friends with Brooke so quickly. He also turned out to be a stand-up guy in his relationship with Brooke's best friend, Jenny. Jenny was terrific. She is the complete opposite of Brooke, being a woman who does things on impulse and always seems to see the best in people. I loved how she was always there for Brooke and had no trouble pointing out when Brooke was being pigheaded. I also loved the two dogs in the story - Mike's puppy Hunter, that he is training as a support dog, and Brooke's dog, Stitches. Both animals show the softer, caring sides of Mike and Brooke.

Devil May Care - Melanie George (Zebra - Feb 2001)

Series: Sinclair Brothers (Book 1)

Every woman of quality knows that Damien Sinclair, Earl of Blackstone, is a notorious rogue. Every woman knows that he's called the Devil. Only one woman is about to discover that the...

DEVIL MAY CARE

Lady Eden Spencer has been educated in a convent--and she has every intention of taking her vows. But opposition from her uncle and even the Mother Superior convinces Eden that she cannot dedicate her life to goodness when she has no idea what it is like to be...well, bad. Eden knows only one man can teach her the ways of the wicked--Damien Sinclair. Tall, dark, and quite sinfully handsome, Damien agrees to introduce her to London's every vice--but Eden never suspects that she will introduce this disreputable rake to something even more tempting...love.

Good book. Lady Eden is just shy of eighteen years old and experiencing her first Season. She has spent the last six years, since the deaths of her parents, being raised in a convent. She intends to take her vows and become a nun. However, her guardian and uncle is adamantly opposed to the idea and has insisted that she look for a husband. Even the Mother Superior has told Eden that she needs some life experience to know what she really wants. So Eden and her cousin Reggie have decided to ask Damien Sinclair to show her the other side of life.

Damien has quite the reputation as a rogue and a rake. He has recently inherited the title and a nearly bankrupt estate, swimming in the debts his father left behind. He has been gambling with a purpose, to gain the funds to clear those debts. He also has a shipping company that is his hope for a better future. He is intrigued by Eden the first time he meets her and agrees to her request, though he has some less than honorable intentions of his own.

I enjoyed the development of Damien and Eden's relationship. Eden is sweet and innocent but also has a stubborn streak. I liked the first meeting between her and Damien, as she puts forth her plan and he does his best to prove Society correct in their characterization of him. Though Damien knows he should refuse, his fascination with her leads him to agree. The two events he took her to were real eye-openers for Eden as to what people could be like, but she never really lost her ability to see the good in people. I especially liked the way that she saw past Damien's reputation and the façade he showed the world to the honorable and somewhat vulnerable man that he kept hidden. I ached for him with each confrontation with his mother and the memories he had of his father. It was easy to see the effect they had on his ability to believe in love. The more time he spends with Eden, the more she brings out the softer side of him. I loved the protectiveness that comes out as less savory characters make their presence known. It comes as quite a shock to Damien when he realizes that he has fallen in love with Eden, and must decide what to do about it. Eden has some demons of her own that drive her, namely the reason that has motivated her to become a nun. I ached for her when that came out and loved that Damien was the one who was able to reach her and relieve her misery. There are outside forces that do their best to keep Damien and Eden apart, but in the end love wins all. I loved Damien's big moment at the end, as he risked it all to gain the prize.

The secondary characters were well done. There were brief appearances by Damien's two brothers, who have stories of their own that I am looking forward to reading. Each of them also seems to have something driving their own reputations. Eden's uncle appears to want what is best for Eden but seems to be oblivious to the way he is played by those who have their own agendas. I liked seeing Eden go from being a little too eager to please him at the beginning to being able to stand up for herself at the end. Damien's mother was weak and selfish, as well as manipulative, and I did not like her at all. Lord Myddleton was flat out creepy. I hated his smarmy attitude when he talked to Eden. His vicious attempts to ruin Damien had me worried for a while as I wondered just how things were going to turn out for Damien. But, by far, my favorite of the secondary characters was Eden's cousin Reggie. He reminded me of Sir Percy in The Scarlet Pimpernel, with his over-the-top dandyism. I'd love to know just what it was that caused him to want to irritate his father so much. I loved how much he cared for Eden and his way of playing fairy godmother for her. He had an amazing way with words. His banter with Damien was hysterical at times, and absolutely on point at others as he worked to bring Damien and Eden together. I also loved his encounters with Myddleton and the scene in the park had me laughing out loud.

The Texas Ranger's Family - Rebecca Winters (HWR #1593 - May 2016)

Series: Lone Star Lawmen (Book 3)

TEXAS COURAGE

Texas Ranger Kit Saunders is not about to let any harm come to Natalie Harris on his watch. The widow of a dangerous career criminal, Natalie needs protection 24/7. But going undercover in the home of the courageous single mother arouses feelings that could jeopardize Kit's mission.

It was a shock to discover her husband was one of the FBI's most wanted felons. Now Natalie is perilously close to falling for the lawman investigating his murder. But with Kit safeguarding her and her little girl, she knows she can stand up to every threat…even falling in love with her very own Texas Ranger!

Good book and sweet romance. Kit has been assigned to investigate the murder of Natalie Harris's husband. He quickly realizes that she is innocent and that she and her daughter are in danger. The best way to protect them is to go undercover and be with them 24/7. He doesn't expect to find himself falling under the spell of both lovely ladies.

Natalie was stunned to discover that her husband was a hardened felon. When she returns home from his funeral to find her house ransacked, the Texas Ranger who comes to investigate immediately makes her feel safe. All too soon Natalie wishes that Kit could stay there forever.

I really enjoyed the development of Kit and Natalie's relationship. Besides being an excellent Ranger, as we've seen in other books (The Texas Ranger's Bride, The Texas Ranger's Nanny, and Her Texas Ranger Hero), he is also a kind and considerate man. I loved the gentle way he filled her in on her late husband's history and let her know that nothing would happen to her on his watch. As they worked together to piece together what happened, Kit and Natalie grew closer and the attraction between them built. He fights feelings of guilt as he believes that those feelings may jeopardize his focus on his mission. I ached for him, too, because he had lost one woman who couldn't handle his job and he feared falling for another who might feel the same way. Natalie's feelings for Kit are just as strong. His strength and compassion give her the strength to deal with the threat against her. Seeing him with her daughter melts her heart even further. I loved seeing how her love for him gave her the courage to support him. The ending was especially sweet. I also liked the realism of Kit's recovery time and issues.

I liked the bit of suspense of the search for the killer of Natalie's husband. I liked Kit's determination to solve the case quickly. Having Natalie fully involved in the investigation provided some unexpected leads and helped the search progress. I liked the support Kit received from the other Rangers, especially at the end. 

Twins on the Doorstep - Marie Ferrarella (HWR #1681 - Oct 2017)

Series: Forever Texas (Book 17)

THIS MIRACLE'S A MYSTERY

When newborn twins mysteriously appear on Cole McCullough's doorstep, everyone at the Healing Ranch, including Cole, starts to think…could they be his? Why else would someone leave them there? Cole knows there must be another explanation. Unless…

The only woman that Cole's been that close to is Stacy Rowe -- the one he cared for deeply, and deeply regrets losing. But Stacy hasn't been in Forever in…forever. Eight months, to be exact. And while the math adds up, nothing else does! She would never abandon two little babies that way -- she's said as much. But she does seem awfully keen to help him care for them. And the closer their odd little family grows, the more Cole has to wonder…

Very good book. It opens with Cole feeling restless, that his life doesn't really have direction. He helps his brother, Connor, on the family ranch, and two or three days a week he also helps out at the Healing Ranch, a place for at-risk teens. It's not that he's unhappy, it's just that he not sure where he's headed. Then, on his way out of the bunkhouse, he nearly trips over a basket with two babies in it. There's no note and no indication of why they were left there. He is pretty sure they aren't his unless his old girlfriend had kept something from him. Stacy and Cole had been as close as could be, until she up and left town without a word eight months earlier.

Stacy has just returned to Forever, after accompanying her aunt on a months-long tour of Europe. When her aunt suddenly died, Stacy was left to bring her ashes back to Forever and settle Kate's estate. The last thing she wants is to see Cole again after the way he broke her heart. But when he needs help caring for the two babies, she can't say no.

I loved Cole. He's an all-around nice guy. He has a terrific sense of responsibility, as shown by the way he immediately steps up to take care of the twins. He has a fun sense of humor and is considerate of those around him. I loved the way that he bonded so quickly with the twins.

I loved Stacy, too, though it took me a chapter or two to really warm up to her. I ached for her loneliness after losing her only relative and how she wanted to leave Forever and her memories there as soon as she could. She is stubborn and feisty, but she also has a keen sense of responsibility and a kind heart. Though reluctant at first, she agrees to help Cole take care of the babies.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Stacy and Cole. Both of them were still hurting from the end of their relationship, which came about because of a lack of communication between them. Each blames the other for the breakup, making both of them reluctant to risk their hearts again. Cole also isn't entirely sure that the babies don't belong to Stacy. As they work together to take care of the twins, it quickly becomes apparent that their feelings for each other haven't died. It takes several weeks, but eventually they open up enough with each other to straighten out their past and realize that both of them made mistakes. I loved what brought them together at the end, just in time for the surprise revelation of the mother's identity.

The secondary characters were all terrific too. I loved Connor's easy acceptance of Stacy's return and her presence on the ranch. It was also sweet to see him help with the babies. Rita, the housekeeper, was a fun mix of soft and stern. I especially enjoyed the way she took care of Stacy and kept Cole and Connor in line. But my favorite Forever character is still Miss Joan. I love the way she seems to know what people need, even before they do. I loved her part in the epilogue.

A Baby for Christmas - Marie Ferrarella (HWR #1669 - Dec 2017)

Series: Forever Texas (Book 18)

He’s fighting for them

When Amy Donavan married the town playboy and left Forever, Texas, Connor McCullough wished her well -- no matter how much it hurt. He got past it, but never really over it. Now the one that got away is back and needs his help…in more ways than one!

Recently divorced and fleeing her abusive ex-husband, Amy needs a safe place to hide and someone she can trust. And she’s not alone. Her fussy six-month-old son needs sanctuary, too…and Connor is determined to protect them both. It’s not his family, but it’s the family -- and the woman -- he’s always wanted. So when Amy’s jealous ex tracks her down, hell-bent on reclaiming his “property,” Connor’s ready to fight this time…

Very good second chance story. Connor is the last of the unmarried McCulloughs. He has watched his brothers and sister find love and start their own families. He's happy for them, but sometimes the loneliness gets to him. It's one of those evenings until a knock on the door brings a blast from his past. On the other side is Amy, the girl that he loved and lost, desperately in need of his help.

Amy had left town five years earlier, eloping with the town playboy. But the marriage didn't turn out the way she hoped, leaving her vulnerable to Clay's abuse. With nowhere else to go, Amy heads for Forever and the man who had been her best friend, hoping to find sanctuary for herself and her son.

I loved Connor. He could have told Amy that she was on her own, but he is not that kind of guy. His protective instincts kick in as soon as he sees her at the door, looking exhausted and scared. He's also quite the baby whisperer, as he soothes little Jamie at the same time he looks after Amy.

I liked Amy, too. She owned up to her mistake of marrying Clay in the first place. I liked that she got out when she realized how toxic the relationship would be for the baby. She does have some self-esteem issues, thanks to her treatment by Clay.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Connor was honest with himself from the start. He was still in love with Amy and he was going to do his best to make sure that he didn't lose her a second time. I liked how sensitive he was to her nervousness about going into town, and that he eased her into it after she'd been at the ranch for a while. Amy realizes pretty quickly that she'd been an idiot not to see Connor as more than a friend before she'd taken up with Clay. Now her feelings for him are growing stronger, but she doesn't want to risk messing up their friendship by asking for more. At the same time, Connor tries to be patient because he doesn't want to take advantage of Amy while she's vulnerable.  I loved how the two of them, plus little Jamie, quickly felt like a real family. I was on edge as the book went on, waiting for Clay to show up and make trouble. I enjoyed the confrontation at the end, especially seeing Amy stand up to him with the support of a good part of the town. I loved the ending and seeing all the McCulloughs happy at last.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Connor's brothers and sisters were all there for him as he made Amy and Jamie part of his life. I especially enjoyed the teasing he got from his brothers as they watched him fall for both Amy and Jamie. I also loved the housekeeper, Rita. She was such a pushover for the baby while at the same time being a force to be reckoned with in keeping Connor in line. I liked the way she pushed him and Amy together. As always, Miss Joan was one of my favorites. I loved the way that she pulled Amy right back into being part of the town. 

A Texas Soldier's Christmas - Cathy Gillen Thacker (HWR #1665 - Nov 2017)

Series: Texas Legacies: The Lockharts (Book 5)

THEIR CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

Just the sight of United States Army Lieutenant Zane Lockhart makes nurse Nora Caldwell (and every other woman he meets) weak at the knees. But Nora has to keep a level head this time. As tempting as it is to fall into his finely sculpted arms -- again -- she's got her beautiful baby boy, Liam, to think of now. She can't settle for some temporary loving. She and her son need, and deserve, more.

Zane has always responded to the call of duty. But that dedication has meant saying goodbye to Nora far too often. He can't blame her for doubting that he's finally ready to put her -- and Liam -- first. Can the Christmas gift of a lifetime convince her?

Good book. Nora is a former Army nurse who has left the military to raise her adopted son in a more stable environment. She has also ended her on-again-off-again relationship with Zane Lockhart. She wants someone in her life who will be there for her and Liam. She's not especially happy to have Zane appear at her workplace, home for Christmas leave.

Zane has wanted his military career for most of his life. He loves what he does, but doesn't like the strain it has put on his relationship with Nora. He's finally ready to consider alternatives, but can he convince Nora that he's ready to settle down?

I really enjoyed the maturing of the relationship between Zane and Nora. They've known each other for years, going from friends in high school to a little more in college, then lovers as adults. I liked the realism of the challenges they faced while they were both in the military. There were the long separations, Nora's fears about Zane's safety, and possible issues regarding fraternization. The last time they had been together, Nora had ended her relationship with Zane. Now he's back and intent on becoming part of her life again. He says that he's leaving the army, but Nora has heard it before and is reluctant to get her hopes up. One of the things that brought Zane back to Laramie was the belief that Liam was his. I loved that Zane seemed truly disappointed that he wasn't Liam's father. It was really sweet to see the way that Zane and Liam took to each other.

The chemistry between Zane and Nora is just as strong as ever. Though Nora initially tries to resist, eventually she gives in, even knowing how much it will hurt when Zane leaves again. She's determined to take things day by day, but it isn't long before she wants more. But she's afraid to tell him, with her past experience of his fear of being boxed in. Zane's feelings for Nora are just as strong. He's making plans for the future, but not sharing them with Nora. He's broken promises in the past and doesn't want to risk another promise falling through. There were multiple times I wanted to shake them both and tell them to talk to each other. But their silences led to misunderstandings that nearly broke them up again. I was happy to see each of them finally face their fears, enabling them to open their hearts at last. I especially loved the lecture that Zane got from his sister. The epilogue was great.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters of the residents of Laramie Gardens. I loved the way that they all cared so much about Nora. Some of the advice they gave her was pretty funny, and some of it was exactly what she needed to hear. I also loved how Zane quickly became a part of the group. I especially loved his connection with Mr. Pierce. I liked the realism of the issues that Mr. Pierce was dealing with and the caring that Zane and Nora showed. I liked the inclusion of the residents in the epilogue too.

Jude's Law - Lori Foster (Zebra - Feb 2006/Oct 2016)

Series: Law Duology (Book 1)

When it comes to love, he plays to win

There's only so much frustration a guy can handle before he gets a little nutty. For Jude Jamison, his frustration has a name--May Price. She's everything the former Hollywood bad boy actor came to Stillbrook, Ohio, hoping to find: open, honest, lovable, and full of those luscious curves you don't find on stick-figure starlets--curves May doesn't seem to appreciate in herself. Every time Jude tries to get close to the skittish business woman, to take her in his arms, she thinks he's joking. Joking? Joking does not involve lots of cold-shower therapy.

Time for new tactics. If May can't respond to his sly compliments and sexy innuendos, he'll just have to spell it out for her. Jude Jamison is going to lay down the law for May Price. And after that, she'll have no delusions about just how much he wants her...

Good book. Jude is a former MMA fighter turned actor who has moved to the small town to get away from a Hollywood scandal. He is attracted to May, who is everything that his usual dates are not. He has done everything he can to show her he's interested, but she doesn't take his advances seriously, and it's driving him nuts.

May is the owner of an art gallery and Jude is her best customer. She does her best to ignore his sexy comments. She thinks there's no way he really interested in her plain and plump self and she isn't about to screw up a great business relationship by thinking otherwise.

I enjoyed the development of Jude and May's relationship once it got going. I was a little irritated at Jude at the beginning as all he seemed to be focused on was getting her into his bed. On the other hand, I loved the fact that he liked her body just as it was. May is a sweet woman with a low opinion of her own appeal. She is also cursed with a horrible family. Her parents are selfish, her mom is a drunk, her dad is a philanderer, and her brother Tim is a spoiled brat who blames everyone else for his problems. When Tim borrows money from a loan shark, he goes to May for help when he's told the way to pay it back is to kill Jude. Horrified, she goes to Jude to warn him and ask for his help. This puts May right where he wants her and he's quick to take advantage of it.

The heat between May and Jude is intense. I loved seeing Jude go from lusting after May to wanting more than just her in his bed. I loved his protectiveness when he finds out what is going on. His greatest need is to make sure that May is safe, even if that means protecting her useless brother, too. It was especially sweet to see the way that he tries to make May see just how great he thinks she is. On May's side, we finally see that she isn't so indifferent to him after all. As a matter of fact, she has been crushing on him for years. I loved the scenes where she blows him away with her knowledge of MMA. May also sees the man that Jude is, not just the fighter or actor, something that Jude isn't used to. May is also extremely protective of Jude, something that he finds somewhat insulting. I laughed out loud at some of their conversations as May tries to keep Jude from doing something she thinks is dangerous to him. I also loved her support of him regarding his past. The end is kind of cute as May thinks their time together is over and Jude doesn't want her to leave. He blurts out his ideas for the future in a jumbled mess, until he realizes that he's left out something important.

The suspense part of the story is pretty good. May's idiot brother Tim has gotten himself into a mess and thought it's May's job to get him out of it. The villain of the situation is revealed early along with the knowledge that Tim was set up to get to Jude. There's plenty of tension as Jude faces his need to finally put the past to rest while at the same time making sure that May is safe. The confrontation at the bridge is intense, and the one at the restaurant quite satisfying. There's a bit left hanging at the end that will hopefully be resolved in Murphy's Law.

The secondary characters were wonderful. Denny was my favorite. As a former fighter and trainer, he's so much more than Jude's employee. I loved his quick acceptance and liking for May, and loved how easily he could read her. I also enjoyed the way that he took charge of Tim, seeing that there was, perhaps, something redeemable in the man. I also enjoyed his protectiveness toward May's friend Ashley. Their interactions were pretty funny. I loved Ashley's quirkiness and independence. She may have pushed the independence a little too much at times, potentially putting herself in danger, but her intentions were always good. Her encounters with Quentin Murphy were great and I'm really looking forward to their book. Tim was a character that was easy to dislike. He was spoiled, selfish, and childish. I hated the way he talked to and about May. I loved seeing Denny take him in hand and had hope for him until he went and did something even more stupid. I think he finally started to see the light by the end, but only time will tell.