Stranded with the Suspect - Cindi Myers (HI #1771 - Mar 2018)

Series: Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets (Book 6)
            Ranger Brigade (Book 10)

They’re both undercover…

And in way over their heads.

To arrest a powerful cult leader, Officer Simon Woolridge needs evidence former group member Andi Matheson doesn’t know she has. But the pregnant heiress is being targeted by two killers -- and hiding even more secrets. Now as she and Simon go on the run through a ferocious Colorado blizzard, her resourcefulness ignites a passion the cynical agent never saw coming…and a trap they have only one shot to survive.

Exciting conclusion to the series. Andi Matheson (aka Asteria) has been part of the series from the beginning, as the Prophet's lover and most ardent supporter. She is a former socialite who gave up everything to join "The Family." Her blindness to Metwater's character irritated me, especially in the previous book (Missing in Blue Mesa). But as her history was revealed, I began to understand what drove her to where she was and ache for all she had been through. Underneath the fanatical supporter was a loving, caring woman who was looking for a way to care for her baby and find a way to give them a better future.

Simon has also been part of the Ranger Brigade from the beginning. He has come across as a cold, by-the-book officer who looks down on the members of the Family. He is determined to bring down Metwater and believes that Andi has the evidence that will enable him to do so. I often suspected that Simon had a thing for Andi, in spite of his attitude, and as the story progressed, I saw an entirely different side of him. Hiding under the grouchy, uptight cop was a caring, protective man whose experiences have affected the way he looks at the world.

I enjoyed the development of Andi and Simon's relationship. The book began with their usual adversarial standoff, as Simon insisted that Andi knows more than she's letting on, and Andi adamant in her belief in Metwater's innocence. It was interesting to see him admit the effect she had on him and made him want to protect her. I also liked how Andi, seeing him out of his uniform and usual environment, suddenly realized his appeal. Forced together to avoid the threats against Andi's life, both Simon and Andi discover that there is more to each other than either had suspected. I loved seeing Simon begin to appreciate Andi's strength and determination, as she endured everything without complaining. I liked the way that Andi broke down Simon's walls and saw the good and caring man that he didn't believe existed. I loved seeing tough-guy Simon turn sweet and tender as they gave in to their need for each other. The ending was fantastic. I loved how Simon offered himself and his imperfections and Andi's awesome response.

The suspense of the story was incredible and kept me glued to the pages. Throughout the series, there has been the suspicion that there was more to The Prophet and his actions than was immediately obvious. In the previous book, his mask had slipped completely, revealing a dangerous man. In this book, Andi is caught in the middle between a desperate Metwater and the equally desperate Russian who wants to use her as bait. The intensity continued to build with each threat or attack. I never knew from which direction it would come, keeping me up late as it all played out. The final confrontations were intense with some surprising twists and turns as all was revealed.

Missing in Blue Mesa - Cindi Myers (HI #1765 - Feb 2018)

Series: Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets (Book 5)
            Ranger Brigade (Book 9)

A cult, a missing infant…

And a fearless lawman

To prove her sister’s murder, Michelle Munson infiltrates the cult led by “Prophet” Daniel Metwater. Having endured a tough life in foster care, she’s fiercely independent and distrustful of police. But when her baby disappears, she knows she’s come too close to learning Metwater’s secrets, and turns to Ranger Ethan Reynolds for justice. Facing down harrowing danger in Colorado’s wilderness, the resolute lawman fights to protect Michelle…and open her heart.

Very good book. The action and suspense began immediately. Michelle (aka Starfall) joined the "Family" as a way to find proof that Metwater and his brother murdered her sister. As the book opens, she has snuck into his motorhome, looking for that proof. Her determination leaps off the page, as does her fear when Metwater discovers her. As she escapes his violent attack on her, she literally falls into Ethan's arms.

Ethan and other members of the Ranger Brigade have arrived at the camp to question Metwater and his followers about a car-theft ring operating in the area. They are convinced that he knows something about it. That investigation takes a backseat for Ethan as he steps up to help Michelle.

Michelle is very wary. Her experiences with law enforcement have not been good and she doesn't trust them. She has built up a hard shell of independence and standoffishness. When her nine-month-old son goes missing, she turns to Ethan and the Rangers for help. She is stunned when he actually believes her claims in spite of Metwater's attempts to discredit her. I loved the strength that she developed over the years and her determination to take control of her life and give Hunter the life she didn't have.

Ethan is a great guy. He's protective and caring and lives to make things easier for those he cares about. There are some great scenes with his mom, as both learn to deal with life without his father. His protectiveness runs up against his mom's growing independence, and he's a bit clueless about how to handle it. I loved watching Michelle try to explain things to him.

There were sparks between Ethan and Michelle from the beginning. Though wary at the start, it doesn't take long for Michelle to realize that Ethan is one man that she can trust. I loved seeing her hard edges soften a little as she gives up a bit of her fierce independence and allows him to take care of her. She slowly discovers that relying on someone for help doesn't make you weak, but instead can make you stronger. For Ethan, Michelle quickly became more than just a case to him. I loved how he struggled a little to balance his protectiveness with her independence, but there was no doubt in him that she had found her way into his heart. The ending was sweet, with his confession and her response.

The suspense and action in the book were great. Over the course of the series, we have seen Metwater's mask start to slip. His attack on Michelle and his threats against her son were chilling. Of course, this makes him the prime suspect when Hunter disappears. The Rangers' efforts to find Hunter build in intensity as the leads they uncover point more closely to Metwater's involvement. From the rescue of Hunter to the confrontation with Metwater, I was on the edge of my seat as Ethan and Michelle battled for their lives. I can't wait for the next book and to see how it all turns out.

The Rancher's Baby - Maisey Yates (HD #2563 - Jan 2018)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: The Imposter (Book 1)
            Texas Cattleman's Club (Book 77)

She’s having her best friend’s baby…

When a torrid, possibly dangerous scandal comes to Royal, Texas, Selena Jacobs is nearly caught in the middle. Until her best friend Knox McCoy ensures her safety -- by moving in! Selena has loved Knox for years, but she’s never had the courage to tell him. Now the sparks she’s tried to smother burn out of control…and leave her pregnant. But with the pain in his past, will Knox finally take a chance on love…with her?

Excellent start to the new series, this book has mystery, loss, grief, and a second chance at love. The story opens with Selena and Knox at the funeral of their college friend Will. It's a hard time for both of them. Selena had been briefly married to Will, as he helped her gain control of her trust fund. But the marriage didn't end well, thanks to Selena's trust issues and interference from an outsider. Now she regrets that she never took the time to mend their former friendship. Knox hasn't been back to Royal since the funeral for his four-year-old daughter, who died from cancer, running from the memories of their life there. Knox and Selena are stunned when the supposedly dead Will walks into his funeral. Convinced that there is something sinister going on, Knox insists on moving in with Selena to protect her.

Selena and Knox have been best friends, along with Will, since they were in college. They were attracted to each other then, but two things caused them to keep their feelings to themselves. First, both were intent on doing their best in their studies, driven by circumstances to make the best use of their time there. Second, neither wants to risk ruining their friendship if they take it further and it doesn't work out. They each married other people, but their friendship remained strong, providing a sense of security for each of them. Then tragedy struck Knox and Selena becomes his port in the storm of his grief, followed by little contact for the next two years as Knox buried his feelings in work.

I loved the development of Knox and Selena's relationship. It's Knox's protectiveness toward Selena that has him insisting on staying with her, even though he knows it could be dangerous for his peace of mind. Buried as he is in his grief, he feels that he has nothing to offer her. Thanks to her abusive childhood, Selena has sworn off all romantic relationships. She will never be willing to give control over her life to someone else. But as they spent time together, some of their walls started to come down. I liked how each of them was able to share some of the pain of their pasts. I also enjoyed their banter, which was the type that happens between two people who have known each other a long time (loved the Star Trek reference). Underneath it all was the attraction that simmered, just waiting to boil over. And when it did, the result was intense. I loved that it was Selena who pushed them over the edge, insisting that they could indulge the attraction without risking their friendship.

But fate has something else in mind. Selena has slowly let go of her fears and believes that they could have a future together. An unexpected pregnancy solidifies her newfound belief in herself and her dreams. But Knox is still mired in his grief and his fears, which are only emphasized by the event that he and Selena attend. When faced with Selena's news, those fears burst forth and he lashes out in the cruelest of ways. I ached for Selena, but also cheered as she stood up for herself against his words. I wanted to shake Knox, especially as he ran back to Wyoming to hide. I had to laugh as he drunk-dialed his ex-wife and got an earful from her. I was happy to see him take her words to heart and ponder about the major groveling he would need to do for screwing up so badly. At the same time, Selena was getting some much-needed advice from her friend Scarlett. The ending had me in tears as Knox finally was able to open his heart. The epilogue was awesome too.

This book was also the beginning of the mystery that will run through the series. Will's death is a shock to everyone, but his return was even more so. His conversation with Selena at his welcome back party indicates that there is something very strange going on and that while he was gone someone has been living his life. Selena sees that Will has undergone some major changes since she saw him last. I have a suspicion already about who is behind the trouble. The only questions are how, why, and what will the journey to justice be like? I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see how it turns out.

The Promise He Made Her - Tara Taylor Quinn (HS #2041 - July 2016)

Series: Where Secrets are Safe (Book 9)

A man of his word

Dr. Bloom Freelander thought it was safe to breathe again when Detective Sam Larson put her abusive ex away for good. She's been moving on, running a private practice and providing psychiatry services to The Lemonade Stand women's shelter. But now that her ex is a free man, she's in danger once again.

Forced into protective custody, Bloom can't help but fall for her protector. But she has every reason to doubt the handsome detective's word. Sam broke his promise to her once. Who says he won't break it again -- along with her heart this time?

Good book with a very real feel to it. Bloom is a survivor of domestic abuse who has finally started to feel safe, two years after her husband went to prison. She has put her experience to work in her private practice and in helping the women at The Lemonade Stand women's shelter. Then she gets word that her ex has been freed on a technicality and her sense of safety evaporates.

Sam is the detective who helped bring Bloom's husband to justice. He is furious over the release and determined to find a way to put him back in prison. Sam also feels intensely guilty because he had promised Bloom she would be safe. He makes it his personal mission to protect her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Bloom and Sam. There is no doubt about the attraction between them right from the beginning, but both of them try to ignore it. Sam knows that getting involved with someone he's protecting is a bad idea. Besides the guilt he feels over the situation, he also has a bit of an inferiority thing going on. He can't help comparing his ordinary self to her successful life. At the same time, Bloom is just as attracted to him. Her brain tells her that it is simply the situation, but her heart isn't convinced. It was interesting to see the internal conversations each of them had with themselves as they attempted to bury their feelings. I liked seeing the heat build between them until they couldn't resist it any longer, even though they tried to tell themselves it was a one-time thing. I ached for them both as they tried to go their separate ways. I loved how Bloom finally took an honest look at her feelings and fears and took a chance. Meanwhile, Sam finally realized that a relationship is possible when you find the one that makes you want it.

I liked Sam. He's kind and honorable and sensitive. I loved seeing him get to understand Bloom and what made her tick as he learned more about her background. I loved the personal protectiveness that he developed as he wanted to give her the love and comfort she hadn't gotten growing up. His marriage had made him believe that he wasn't cut out for relationships; that work was going to be his life. It was great to see his outlook change, as he spent more time with Bloom. But it took his fear for her safety for him to finally realize that he needed her in his life.

I liked Bloom too. She was an incredibly strong woman to have survived what she did. I loved the way that she took her own experiences and used them to help others in the same situation. When Sam told her about her ex's release, I liked that she refused to cower and took an active part in her protection. I ached for her and the feelings of rejection she suffered because of her upbringing. Her head understood her parents' reasoning, but her heart hurt anyway. I wondered when her ability to bury her emotions was going to break and was so happy that Sam was there for her.

The suspense of dealing with Bloom's ex was good. Sam's fear for Bloom's safety was justified by several attacks on those around her. I loved watching Sam and others from the High-Risk Team as they did everything they could to keep her safe. I could feel Sam's frustration as so many of his leads led to dead ends. The final solution was full of twists and turns before reaching its conclusion.

I liked the secondary characters, so many of whom have appeared in earlier books. I especially liked Chantel. She was as determined as Sam to keep Bloom safe. I liked how she saw what was happening between Sam and Bloom and tried to help them along.

Winning the Rancher's Heart - Pamela Britton (HWR #1658 - Sept 2017)

Series: Cowboys in Uniform (Book 5)

A NEW BEGINNING

Naomi Jones is ready to shake things up. The widowed single mom and her kids need a big change, so she drives across the country to start her new life. But starting over doesn't mean getting involved with her handsome boss, Jaxton Stone. Though Naomi enjoys teasing a smile from the gruff rancher's lips, she's not sure her broken heart can ever love again.

As an ex-soldier, Jax lives by precise, regimented order…until Naomi arrives at the Dark Horse Ranch and complicates everything. Along with the chaos, the feisty redhead and her children bring fun back to Jax's life. She may be his total opposite, but Jax can't stay away from the woman who makes his ranch feel like home.

Good book. Naomi has packed up her kids and her dog and moved them from Georgia to California, looking for a new start to her life, and to get away from the memories of her husband that confront her wherever she goes. A friend recommended her for the job of housekeeper and event planner for Jaxton Stone. She's nervous but determined to make it work. She doesn't count on the attraction she feels for Jax from the moment they met.

Jaxton is a former special ops soldier who owns his own international security company. He has also built a state-of-the-art equine therapy ranch to help military members get back on their feet. He is something of a workaholic whose strengths lie in his attention to order and detail. From the moment she arrives, Naomi upends his well-ordered world.

I enjoyed the development of Jax and Naomi's relationship. It got off to a slightly rocky start when Naomi set off the alarm almost as soon as she arrived. Jax didn't seem very approachable at first, with his to-do list and then dumping a quick turnaround event on her. Things got a little tense when Naomi refused to follow Jax's orders regarding a stray dog. I loved the way that she stood up to him, and Jax's surprise that he let her get away with it. I felt that there was great hope for him the next day when the dog was back and Naomi insisted on catching him. The dog bath scene was hilarious and made Naomi realize that there was more to Jax than she had realized. I loved the way that Naomi would tease Jax, especially when he seemed to get too wrapped up in his work. At the same time, she appreciated his commitment to the people who worked for him.

It was interesting to see both of them fight their attraction. Naomi is still grieving for her husband, plus she doesn't think that she'd ever be ready to love another man. She does her best to keep Jax at a distance. Jax doesn't deny his attraction to Naomi, but he realizes that she might never be ready to move on. He is frustrated by his inability to keep her out of his mind and takes the drastic step of leaving on a business trip. He hopes distance will do the trick, but of course, it doesn't. I loved seeing how they were drawn back together as soon as he arrived for the big party. I loved how it was Naomi that put the moves on Jax, and how great they were together. I ached for Jax though, as the intensity freaked out Naomi and she pushed him away again. I was so impressed with his kindness and sensitivity toward her when her house sold, and what he did for her was sweet. I wanted to shake her when she let her fears get the better of her. I liked the support that Jax got from his friends and how he tried to follow their advice, even when it didn't work out the way he wanted it to. Naomi was miserable without him, which I thought served her right. I loved the advice she got from two totally unexpected sources, who pointed out that she was letting fear rob her of happiness. I loved her big moment at the end as she put her heart on the line. The epilogue was great.

I also liked Naomi's two kids, TJ and Samantha. Part of Naomi's reasoning for moving was to try to help them. TJ was bullied at school and she hoped that a fresh start would make things better. I loved his enthusiasm for the ranch, his curiosity, and his quick bond with Jax. Samantha was a little harder to like. At thirteen she had all of the teenage attitude that drove Naomi up the wall. It wasn't too hard, though, to see her fear that Naomi would forget about Sam's dad if she fell for Jax. There were times I wanted to smack her, but I also wanted to hug her. I loved both kids' parts in the epilogue and how it showed the changes in their lives.

I also loved the two dogs. Janus, who had been Naomi's husband's military working dog was awesome in his protectiveness toward the kids. He had a huge part in His Rodeo Sweetheart, and I loved seeing how far he has come. The stray dog, who Naomi named Tramp, was a trip. It was heartbreaking to see him at the beginning - dirty, starved, and nervous. I loved the way that Naomi stood up for him and kept him out of the shelter. I really enjoyed seeing how he wiggled his way into Jax's heart, showing the softer side that Jax kept hidden.

Her Texas Rodeo Cowboy - Trish Milburn (HWR #1657 - Sept 2017)

Series: Blue Falls Texas (Book 12)

RISKING HER HEART

Sloane Hartley is deeply rooted to her family's ranch in Blue Falls, Texas. So she isn't about to risk falling for a tempting tumbleweed like Jason Till. To Sloane, Jason is a handsome heartbreak waiting to happen. Like all rodeo cowboys. If she ever let herself love again, she certainly wouldn't pick someone like him!

Jason only has eyes for one prize -- the steer-wrestling championship. And he can't afford any distractions. Certainly not a blonde beauty with trust issues like Sloane. She represents everything a cowboy on the circuit can't have anyway -- home, family, a real relationship. Everything he thought he didn't need. But when he's with Sloane, Jason can't remember why winning at the rodeo seemed so important…

Good book. Jason is a steer-wrestler, determined to make it back to the National Finals. He plans to keep his eye on the prize and not let himself get distracted by a pretty face. But from the moment he saw her at the Blue Falls fairgrounds, Jason couldn't keep Sloane off his mind. Sloane has spent most of her life in Blue Falls and her roots are buried deep. Tempting though he is, Jason isn't the type to stick around.

I loved the development of Jason and Sloane's relationship. From the moment they met, they were drawn to each other. I loved Jason's determination to get to know Sloane better, even though he knows he may be asking for trouble. I liked him from the moment he started interacting with the kids at the rodeo. Maybe it's because he seems to have a little bit of kid still in himself, but he had no trouble talking to them. He further won my heart when he showed up at the ranch the next day to spend more time with them. He also opened up a soft spot in Sloane's heart because of the kindness he showed the kids.

Sloane showed a fair amount of resistance to Jason's overtures. She had been burned a couple of times by men who didn't stick around, so she is determined to protect her heart. She also doesn't want to deal with her mother's blatant matchmaking. Sloane experiences some pretty intense conflicts as her heart wants to say yes to spending time with Jason, but her mind continues to tell her it's a bad idea.

I liked their first "date" as it was a pretty laid back, simple dinner and walk. Jason does push a little when he kisses her but backs off when he realizes that she's about to run. I liked Jason's persistence as he worked to stay in touch with Sloane while he traveled from rodeo to rodeo. I liked the way that he slowly wore her down until he could get back to Texas. Their zoo date was really sweet and romantic. I liked the way that Sloane was comfortable enough with Jason that she told him about her childhood, though it also freaked her out that she did.

I did get a little frustrated with Sloane when she would blow hot and cold with Jason. Things would go along well, then something would scare her and she would pull back. I really wanted to shake her until she would see that he wasn't like the other men she'd been with. I did love Sloane's dedication to her camps for at-risk kids. It's easy to see how deeply she feels about the work she does. When Sloane gets news/a request that turns her life upside down, she doesn't hesitate to dive in. I loved the support that she got from both Jason and her family.

Jason wasn't perfect either. It takes him a while to realize that he has stayed on the rodeo circuit more because of expectations than any real drive. However, he is also not a quitter, and I liked seeing him continue to push himself to meet his goal. He's hurt and upset when Sloane pushes him away the last time, but he doesn't give up on her.

Both Sloane and Jason have to come to terms with their motivations before they can contemplate a life together. I liked the way that Jason's parents and sister helped him see where his heart really was. Sloane was a harder nut to crack, and it took some blunt talk from her sister and her mother for her to see that she was letting her past rule her future. I loved her big moment at the end as she took a chance and put her heart on the line.

I loved the kids that Sloane had at her ranch and the rodeo. Their stories broke my heart, and I loved how determined Sloane and her family were to give them a good time. I loved how each of them tugged at Jason's heart and how he responded to them. I loved the depth of Jason's support of Sloane's dream and the surprise he had for her at the end.

A Colorado Family - Patricia Thayer (HWR #1637 - Apr 2017)

Series: Rocky Mountain Twins (Book 4)

A NEW ARRIVAL ON THE RANCH

Champion bull rider Austin Brannigan has returned home to the family ranch to recover from his injury. Only his world is turned on its head when he finds out he has a three-month-old daughter who has no one in the world but him.

As a father, Austin is totally out of his depth. But his physical therapist, the beautiful and determined Erin Carlton, is stepping into the role of temporary mom very quickly. It may not be in her job description, and it may mean putting hopes of her own family on hold. What about Austin's dreams, which mean being out on the circuit? Will baby Lilly help Austin and Erin create a new dream of family?

Good book. Austin is a champion bull rider who was badly injured during his last ride. After three months he has been released to finish his recovery and rehab on the family ranch. He's determined to get back on the rodeo circuit as soon as possible, and his slow progress has made him grumpy and hard to live with. His brother and sister-in-law hire Erin to provide the physical therapy that he needs.

Erin is a widow who lost her husband eighteen months earlier. He had been a Marine who was injured on his last deployment. She gave up her job to stay home and provide the therapy he needed until his death. Since then, she has been determined to have the family that she hadn't had with Jared. She takes the job with Austin to earn money for her IVF treatments.

I loved the first meeting between Austin and Erin. He makes some slightly suggestive remarks and she shoots him down in a hurry. There's a bit of a power struggle between the two of them and Erin comes out on top. He's used to being in charge and getting his way, but he needs her and her expertise, so he has to give in. Over the next couple weeks they butt heads on a regular basis, but Austin improvement is obvious. Underneath the banter and occasional snark is an undercurrent of attraction. But Austin doesn't do relationships, as they are a distraction, and Erin has no desire to have another man in her life.

I liked the development of Austin and Erin's relationship. They developed a pretty good friendship, to the point where Erin was able to tell him about her baby plans. She was also able to open up to him about her marriage, which helped him understand her. Austin's plans for his return to bull riding took a detour when he found out that he was the father of a three-month-old baby girl. Because he still isn't completely mobile, Austin talks Erin into helping him take care of little Lilly.

It was really sweet to see the three of them together. I loved seeing how quickly Austin took to being a daddy. He's nervous but determined to be everything that Lilly needs. Erin fell just as hard for that sweet little girl and watching Austin with her melted Erin's heart. But Erin had been badly betrayed by her husband and his actions, and getting involved with a man who would be leaving to go back to rodeo was something that she was unwilling to do. It was interesting to see the changes that Austin went through as he began to rethink his future. He knew that he wanted Erin to be part of it, but it took a while for him to realize just why. He has insecurities of his own and wants to have his plans set before he says anything to Erin. Meanwhile, her fears have her pushing him away as she tries to protect her heart. I wanted to shake her when she refused to listen to him. I ached for Austin, who was hurt and angry at her rejection. I loved the surprise that finally got them talking to each other. The epilogue was great, with another surprise, though not unexpected. It was great to see the whole family together.

The secondary characters were good. I loved seeing the relationships between Austin and his brothers, Cullen and Trent. The love and support were obvious, especially when it came to giving advice. I also liked seeing Austin and his father start to overcome their differences. The only one I didn't like was Austin's manager, Jay. He seemed more interested in what was in it for him rather than what was best for Austin. His attitude toward Erin was terrible and could be blamed for at least some of the trouble between her and Austin.