Causing Havoc - Lori Foster (Berkley - Feb 2007)

Series: SBC Fighters (Book 1)

Sexy, sculpted extreme fighter Dean "Havoc" Conor has knee-melting good looks--and thick skin. But not from. his brutal sport's enclosed rings. Orphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, he has no family. That is, until he gets a letter revealing how much the once-little girls want him back in. Harmony, Kentucky.

To stop one of his sisters from marrying a man as sleazy as he is wealthy, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve--who's heard of "Havoc's" reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart. Now all Dean has to do is protect his sisters, win Eve over, and expose a devious criminal. And he thought winning the heavyweight cage fighting belt was hard...

Good book. I've seen Havoc appear in later books but hadn't read his story before. I enjoyed going back to the beginning of the fighter franchise. There are several intertwining storylines in the book. The two biggest are Dean and Eve's romance and Dean's relationship with his sisters.  When Dean's parents were killed in a car accident, Dean was taken in by his uncle, while his sisters stayed with his aunt. He's always had the feeling he wasn't wanted, so he's shocked when he gets a letter from one of his sisters asking him to come home. Though he considers ignoring it, he takes a break from his fight training to see what's up. I ached for him and his memories of his parents' neglect and the other memories that came flooding back as he drove to his old home. His first meeting with Cam was heartbreaking. She was so happy to see him and he had no idea how to react. All of the things he thought he knew were turned upside down and he's left floundering. I also loved his meeting with his other sister, Jacki. Unlike Cam, Jacki has a wild side and a smart mouth. I loved how that didn't bother Dean at all; instead, he was amused. The real piece of work was their aunt, Lorna. She was a first class witch, and the more I learned about her the less I liked her. It was interesting to see the changes that Dean went through as he got to know Cam and Jacki. He talked a good talk about being a hands-off brother, but in reality, he was very protective of them. For every nice thing he did for them, he would rationalize it to himself, but it was easy to see just how much he had started to care. I loved seeing him finally accept his feelings and make them part of his life.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dean and Eve. The sparks between them were hot from the moment they met. His first evening in Harmony, before he even sees his sisters, he meets Eve, who turns out to be Cam's best friend. He is intrigued and attracted by her, and disgusted by the man who appears to be attempting to intimidate her. The meeting between Dean and Roger was pretty amusing with Roger's attempts to provoke, and Dean's complete disinterest. That made quite an impression on Eve. Their second meeting was also fun, as Dean overheard a conversation between Eve and Cam as he arrived to meet his sisters. His focus is much more on Eve and what he wants to do with the attraction between them than on spending time with his sisters. I loved how Eve is determined to avoid getting between them but also wants to pursue the attraction. Dean's arrival at her house that evening was hilarious, as it didn't start out the way he expected. I liked seeing the connection between Dean and Eve grow. Dean was surprised by his need to just be with her, even when there was no sex involved. The ice cream scene was especially sweet. I loved how Eve saw the caring man under the tough guy exterior and encouraged him to show it. There were times when Dean was a little freaked out by what was happening to him, but it couldn't keep him away.  I laughed at the way his feelings were outed and his reaction. I loved his big moment at the end, especially that having an audience didn't bother him.

The relationship between Roger and Cam was a bit strange through most of the book. I didn't like him at all at the beginning. He was creepy and controlling and I really wanted Cam out from under his influence. It surprised me how often she stood up for him, especially given her refusal to commit to an engagement. There was an interesting twist involving him that was revealed at the end of the book. He did redeem himself somewhat, but I'm not entirely convinced that theirs is a lasting relationship.

There was also a slight mystery of missing money, though it was pretty obvious what had happened to it. Someone was also very determined to get Dean to leave town, resulting in some very tense situations. The revelation of who it was and the resolution of the attacks was intense. I liked how Eve had an active part in it.

I also enjoyed meeting Simon and Gregor. Gregor was especially fun from the moment he arrived in Harmony. The scene in the bar with Jacki was hilarious. I loved how it set the stage for their relationship. The banter between them was great, but there was also an unexpected layer of sensitivity in Gregor that I didn't expect. Jacki has a couple of hot-button insecurities and Gregor deals with them beautifully. I loved the friendship between Dean and Gregor. It surprised me a little that Dean didn't freak out over the relationship between Gregor and Jacki, but that said a lot about his respect for Gregor.

His Last Defense - Karen Rock (HB #935 - Apr 2017)

Series: Uniformly Hot (Book 70)

Semper Paratus. Always ready.

Years ago, Coast Guard rescue swimmer Dylan Holt left Kodiak, Alaska, with his heart in pieces. He thought Nolee Arnauyq and her mouthwatering curves were behind him -- until he's sent to rescue the crew of a capsizing boat…including Nolee. And Dylan is definitely not ready for the too-familiar way his body aches at seeing her again.

Nolee's always gone after what she wanted, and to hell with the risks. Now she's a rookie ship captain taking on the deadly waters of the Bering Sea. But out on these treacherous waters, there's no way to avoid the sizzling sexual tension between them -- or the dangerous pull of emotions that could leave both their hearts lost at sea…

Good second chance story. I liked getting Dylan's story, as he intrigued me in His to Protect. At the end of that book, he's just been transferred to Kodiak, Alaska, his hometown, and he isn't at all happy about it. In this book, we learn that he left Kodiak almost a decade earlier, swearing he would never return. His memories of his father's emotional abuse and his mother's disinterest still affect him today. On top of that, the girl he loved broke his heart, so he walked away from it all.

Nolee's father left before she was born. She grew up with her and her single mom moving from relative to relative, house to house. She swore that she would never need or depend on someone else ever again. After years of hard work, she is now the captain of her first boat, with a crew that respects her. Fishing for crab in the icy Alaskan waters isn't easy work, but she loves it.

The book opens with Nolee's boat in trouble from a fast-moving weather system. When they start taking on water, she has no choice but to call in the Coast Guard. The last person she expects to see come out of that helicopter is Dylan. At the same time, he is shocked to find Nolee trying to keep her boat afloat.  This was a scene that had me on the edge of my seat as it all went down. I could almost feel the icy water as it rose further in the ship and the waves as they knocked it around. I could feel Nolee's desperation as she tried to save the boat and Dylan's frustration as he tried to get her to leave.

I liked both Nolee and Dylan, though each of them frustrated me too. Nolee is tough, caring, and has a good sense of humor. It takes a strong will to compete in such a male-dominated field, and she has what it takes. She also has a softer side, that can be seen in the way she tries to take care of her mother, and also in several scenes with various crew members. She can also be very stubborn, which especially shows in her refusal to ask for help when she needs it. Dylan can be just as stubborn, hence his refusal to return to Kodiak until ordered to do so. He loves his career with the Coast Guard, but he still has some trouble trusting people outside of his work environment.

I really enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Dylan and Nolee. Even though each of them believed that they had put their past behind them, from the moment they saw each other again the sparks flew. They quickly decide that the best way to deal with it is to indulge in a no-strings fling. All they have to do is keep their emotions out of it - something neither is willing to admit is easier said than done. To top it off, Dylan finds himself very protective of Nolee and fearing that she could take too many risks, signs on to help her while he's on leave.

The scenes on the boat were terrific. It doesn't take long for Dylan to see just how capable a captain Nolee is. It was fun to see him get back into the swing of crab fishing, reliving some of the better memories of when he and Nolee were growing up. It isn't all smooth sailing with them, though. Nolee's stubborn independence causes her to resist asking for help, and it takes some effort to get her to ask for it. Nolee can see that while Dylan has changed some, he is still as stubborn as ever when it comes to his family. Each of them can see what the other's issues are, but are willfully blind to their own. And whenever one of them tries to bring up a painful subject, the other is quick to use sex as a distraction. Over their time on the boat, they still manage to grow closer, with their feelings growing stronger. But once again, communication isn't their strong point. Misunderstandings about their future plans cause harsh words and accusations that split them apart. The question becomes one of whether they can unload that emotional baggage to make room for each other. I liked seeing each of them make peace with their pasts, which then opened up greater possibilities for their future. I liked their big moment at the end and seeing what was possible when they listened to each other. I will admit that I would have liked an epilogue showing where they are a few years down the road.

I was fascinated by the look at the crab fishing industry. I had never really thought about how it was done. The intensity was incredible and had me on the edge of my seat in several places. I also liked the very human elements shown by the personalities of the various crew members. I especially liked the newbie, Tyler, and seeing the changes he went through during those three weeks. I loved the conversation between him and Nolee. She treated his questions, fears, and dreams with respect and that made a huge impact on him.

Christmas with the Marine - Candace Havens (HB #915 - Nov 2016)

Series: Uniformly Hot (Book 68)

Subject: Major Ben Hawthorne

Mission: To make one sexy civvy's Christmas wish come true

Christmas is almost here, and guys are the last thing on personal shopper Ainsley Garrett's list. But her icy resolution melts when she sees an incredibly hot Marine shopping for toys. A man in uniform with a hot bod and a heart of gold? Maybe a gal can believe in Santa after all…

Major Ben Hawthorne has his career to think about, but when it comes to Ainsley, he's willing to break his own rules, at least for one night -- provided they can get this insanely wicked attraction out of their systems. Only, once isn't enough. Now Ainsley's checking her list twice…before she falls for a Marine who's naughty and nice.

Terrific story. I loved the way it started out and how Ben and Ainsley met. Ben lost a bet with his friends, which left him doing the Christmas shopping for his unit's Toys for Tots donations and the local retirement homes. He was in way over his head as he stood in the Barbie aisle at the toy store. I loved seeing him talking to himself and all but pulling his hair out. Luckily for him, a fellow shopper came to his rescue. Ainsley is a professional shopper, and Ben's situation tugs at her heart. I loved seeing her step in and walk him through it all.

Both Ben and Ainsley are career-focused, with no plans for any serious relationships in their immediate futures. But they can't deny the attraction that flares between them. They also suffer from over-zealous friends and family who keep throwing potential dates and mates at them. They form a quick friendship and mutual support team, as they promise to be each other's "plus one" during the holidays. I loved seeing them get to know each other and discover just how much they had in common. Both are hard workers who have plans for their futures. Both of them are big into helping other people. Their conversations are fun and flirty, and they really seem to understand each other. But each of them has a hot-button issue. Ben is a little bit insecure about his background. He grew up poor and joined the Marines right out of high school as a way to take care of his mom and sister. He's a little bit intimidated by the wealth that Ainsley comes from. Ainsley's problem is that of trying to prove and maintain her independence, especially against her father's machinations. She tends to get pretty huffy with anyone who wants to "take care of her."

There were some terrific scenes of Ben and Ainsley together. I especially enjoyed the night of the bachelor auction and watching Ben go all out to help Ainsley make her goal. I liked seeing Ainsley with Ben's friends and how well she fit in with them. But I could also see that there was trouble brewing as the night of her family's Christmas party drew nearer. I ached for Ben, whose insecurities got quite a workout when he saw her parents' house. I liked how Ainsley did her best to put him at ease. I was furious at her father's interference and the terrible things he said to Ben. Ben might have gotten through that okay, but he then had to listen to some pretentious jerk putting the moves on Ainsley. His insecurities collided with his jealousy, and he said some really boneheaded and hurtful things to her. I ached for Ainsley who was blindsided by his words and actions.

I liked seeing how both of them dealt with what had happened. I cheered when Ainsley had it out with her dad, and loved the support she got from her sister. I also liked seeing her brain start to work again, and how she thought about the things said and what may have driven them. I laughed at Ben's arrival home and how his mom and sister pried the story of what happened out of him. I especially enjoyed the insight of his seventeen-year-old sister. That same sister had a very effective way of getting Ben and Ainsley back together. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing the calm and cool Ainsley totally lose it. The epilogue was a terrific wrap up to the story.

I liked Ainsley's friend Bebe and Ben's friend Jake. I especially enjoyed Bebe's unexpected arrival the evening Ben and Ainsley were "cooking" in the kitchen. Her unflappable reaction was hilarious. I liked the close friendship between Jake and Ben. It was great fun to see Jake tease Ben about how much he was into Ainsley. 

His to Protect - Karen Rock (HB #911 - Oct 2016)

Series: Uniformly Hot (Book 67)

Subject: Lt. Commander Mark Sampson

Mission: Keep his eyes on the skies…despite one sexy distraction!

There are things a man can never undo. For Coast Guard search and rescue pilot Mark Sampson, it was the agonizing decision that cost him a teammate -- and his faith in himself. But an unbelievably sexy blonde on a secluded beach may help him forget…if only for a night.

Cassie Rowe needed a distraction -- and, boy, did she get one! How was she to know the brooding stranger who rocked her world was the pilot who'd left her brother to die? And now they're on the same mission. She should hate him. But she can't fight the storm of desire threatening to pull them under…

Good story of love, loss, and healing. Cassie is a nurse who has spent most of her life in her hometown, playing it safe with her life. Her adored big brother was the adventurous one who became a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. A year earlier, Jeff lost his life during a mission, and Cassie blames the pilot. Determined to honor her brother's memory by challenging herself, Cassie joined a Red Cross hurricane relief mission. Faced with intense nerves the night before, she hooked up with a sexy stranger who provided quite the distraction.

The night before his first mission in a year, Mark also needs a distraction. He's haunted by the last one, where he had to decide between leaving a man behind and saving the rest of the crew and rescued victims. Now he isn't sure if he has what it takes to continue his work. The sexy blonde who rocks his night gives him welcome relief from his dark thoughts.

The next day both are dismayed to find out each other's identity. Cassie has harbored a lot of anger toward Mark because of Jeff's death and finding out he's the man she had such a deep connection to has confused her. Mark is even more horrified. Cassie is the little sister of his friend, the one he feels responsible for losing. He has no business being with her. But no matter how hard they try, it's impossible for them to stay away from each other.

I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. The chemistry between Mark and Cassie is off the charts, but it's the emotional connection that really drew me in. As part of the humanitarian mission, Cassie got to see first-hand what drew her brother to his service. Working closely with Mark, she also realized that, rather than the cold-hearted pilot she had believed him to be, he is as deeply attached to his mission as Jeff had been. The more she sees of his anguish over Jeff's death, the easier it is for her to let go of her own.

I loved seeing Cassie come into her own during this book. Thanks to stepping outside her comfort zone, she realized that she hadn't been happy living the quiet life back in Idaho. She had been suffocating under her parents' overprotectiveness and her own need to please. I loved seeing her stretch her wings and discover a calling that matched her brother's. I ached for Mark through most of the book, as well as experiencing the occasional wish to shake him. Jeff's loss has damaged his self-confidence which causes him to question some of his decision. Then, as his feelings for Cassie grow, those fears make him over-protective of her.

When team injuries give Cassie the opportunity to fly rescue missions with Mark, she is quick to seize the opportunity. What for Cassie is an eye-opening and life-changing experience becomes a nightmare come true for Mark. When Cassie makes a decision about her future, she expects support from Mark, not the reaction she gets. Though I ached for her heartbreak, I cheered her resolution in following through. Mark's misery was obvious, but his stubbornness was stronger. I liked the straight talk he got from Dylan, who flat-out told him he was an idiot, and the conversation with his former mentor who showed him that love wasn't meant to be thrown away or wasted. I loved his big moment at the end, as his heart was finally ready to take a chance on the future.

I also liked the background of the book. The setting of the rescue work involved in hurricane relief was interesting and exciting. The insight into the long hours and sometimes heartbreaking situations gave an added richness to the story. The rescue flight that Cassie participated in had me on the edge of my seat. The intensity and danger leapt off the page and gave a good idea of what the SAR people go through every day. I also liked getting the viewpoint of some of those on the receiving end of the rescue, and the difference they made to Mark's view of himself. I also liked seeing the closeness of Mark's crew and can't wait to read Dylan's story.

Cavanaugh in the Rough - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #1931 - Feb 2017)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 33)

For Susannah Quinn, heartbreakingly handsome detective Christian Cavanaugh O'Bannon is trouble that she doesn't need. Still, her CSI instincts tell her a serial killer's on the loose, so she agrees to work this case with Chris through long days -- and even hotter nights. But his reckless charm is allowing him perilously close to her darkest secrets.

Going by the book has never been freewheeling Chris's style, so an unofficial partnership with Susannah is just what he needs to stop a vicious murderer in his tracks. While he struggles to win the beautiful blonde's trust, mutual desire puts them both in harm's way…

Another terrific Cavanaugh story where an unsuspecting Cavanaugh finds more than just the answers to a mystery. Chris is a member of a newly discovered branch of the family and was recently transferred to Homicide. He works hard, but he also plays hard. The story opens on the morning after a party he attended, one where he was getting to know an attractive woman until she disappeared. He's still tired and frustrated because he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her when he spotted a couple of teenagers running away from an empty store. Discovering that they found a dead body, Chris begins his investigation with a call that brings out the CSI team.

Susannah joined the Aurora department nine months earlier after moving from Arizona. Her boss is impressed with the work she does, but worries about her tendency to arrive early and stay late. I loved his gentle teasing as he tried to get her to relax a little. Susannah is also a very private person and Sean gets the feeling she has secrets. Susannah's one venture out to a party ended when she unwillingly found herself drawn to a man she met.

I really liked both Chris and Susannah. Chris is an all-around nice guy. He comes from a large and loving family, even before he knew about his connection to the other Cavanaughs. He's cheerful, charming, and a bit of a flirt. He's also serious about his work and determined to bring justice to the murdered woman. Susannah is driven, determined, and haunted by her past. She is passionate about her work and looks at the current case as a way to make amends for what she sees as a huge failure on her part.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Chris and Suzie. She works very hard to keep him at a distance, with sarcasm as one of her greatest weapons. It was fun to see most of her attitude roll right off Chris's back. He likes her a lot and is determined to get to know her. I loved seeing that bit of protectiveness come out as he takes each chance he can get to make sure she eats and gets away from her desk. He also quickly comes to respect her abilities. Suzie was a much harder sell on getting to know Chris. She keeps everyone at a distance because she doesn't want her past to be known. With Chris, no matter what she does or says, she can't get him to back away. The more time they spend together on the case, the more she starts to trust him. The scene where Chris got Suzie to open up about her past was deeply emotional. I loved how he didn't push and let her talk at her own pace until she was able to get through it all. The passion that burst into flame between them took them both by surprise and I loved how they both embraced it fully, adding another layer to their connection. With the events at the end, Chris realized just how much he loved Suzie and made sure that she knew it. He also continued with his sensitivity to her fears and gave her the time she needed to answer him. I loved her timing when she did. It made me laugh out loud at Chris's reaction.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. From the moment the first body was discovered I was riveted to the pages waiting to see what was going to happen. The description of the boys' reactions as they told Chris what they saw was so vivid and real that I felt as though I was there. I loved how Suzie's instincts and experience told her that they were dealing with a serial killer, and how she was able to convince Chris. Their teamwork was fantastic, and I really liked the way that they balanced each other. Suzie's need to do something sometimes ran up against Chris's knowledge that some of the rules needed to be followed. I ached for her as she saw history repeat itself with the murders. As things began to escalate, I loved seeing Chris and Suzie close in on their main suspect. I could easily understand Suzie's certainty that he was the one, as he gave me the creeps each time he appeared. The final confrontation was intense, with a race against time to save the killer's latest target - Suzie herself. I loved her part in the takedown since she was the one who figured out the connection. The final scene with the Chief of Detectives was great, especially with the revelation of just how big a case it turned out to be.

Seduce Me at Sunrise - Lisa Kleypas (St. Martins - Oct 2008)

Series: Hathaways (Book 2)

He has tried hard to forget her.

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins--and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation...and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Can she remember the man he once was?

Then, Win returns to England...only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It's now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny--or risk losing the only woman he has lived for...

Fantastic book. I have been fascinated by Kev since I read Mine Till Midnight. His protectiveness toward the Hathaway family, his closeness to them, yet the distance he also exhibits was intriguing. It was also obvious at that point that he is very much in love with Win. This book opens with the story of how Kev came to live with the Hathaway family. I ached for him and what he had been through. I loved his introduction into the Hathaway family, his bewilderment at the kindness they showed him, and his immediate connection with Win.

Kev is a man tortured by the demons of his past. The things he did before living with the Hathaways have him convinced that he is no good for Win. However, that does not stop him from doing everything possible to keep her safe. The scene when she was sick with scarlet fever was intense and heartbreaking, as Kev was determined to save her or die himself. His protectiveness after her illness showed the depth of his feelings, and his loneliness after she left for France drove him further inside himself. The work that he buried himself in was all that kept him going.

Win is sweet and gentle, but she also has a spine of steel. She has been in love with Kev ever since he joined the family, but she can't get him to admit his feelings. Tired of being ill all the time, and knowing that, if she wants Kev she needs to be healthy, Win went to France to a special clinic. I loved her triumphant return and determination to live life to the fullest. Part of that is to finally get Kev to admit his feelings.

The development of the relationship between Kev and Win was intense and frequently frustrating. There was no doubt about the depth of their feelings. Win loved Kev and made no secret of that fact. I loved watching her try to push him into admitting his feelings for her. She tempted him beyond all reason, but every time he would seem to give in, he would then pull right back. I ached for Kev, who was terrified that in the intensity of his feelings for her, he would somehow cause her harm. I wanted to shake him after the scene at the ball, as he all but pushed her into Julian's arms. His misery was well-earned, and his way of dealing with it was highly unusual for him. I had to laugh at the irony of it being Leo who came to get him. My heart also broke for Leo as he shared the importance of accepting love when it's offered because you never know what will happen. I loved what Kev did with that information. His big moment was romantic, intense, tender, and so very hot. For Win, it was everything she could have hoped for. I loved how she got him to tell her all about his past, and the freeing effect it had on him. It's not all unicorns and roses though, as Julian doesn't fade quietly into the background. Besides attempting to drive a wedge between Kev and Win, his further actions against Kev go awry, and tragedy is only averted thanks to a ruthless Win.

Along with the romance of Kev and Win, there is plenty to see of the other Hathaways. Cam and Amelia are blissfully happy in their marriage. Amelia is still mother-henning the whole family, though with a slightly lighter touch. Poppy and Beatrix have accepted their need for help to navigate the Season, and the addition of Miss Marks to the household is just what they need. I liked the new and improved Leo, who after two years away from the vices of London, is fast becoming an admirable man, though there are times he seems to fight it just a little. His interactions with Miss Marks are hilarious.

I also loved learning more about the connection between Cam and Kev. From their first meeting in the previous book, there was first antagonism, then grudging respect. The discovery of their matching tattoos increases the mystery. Cam is determined to find out about his past, while Kev wants to put his behind him. I loved their interactions in this book, as Cam seems to take great satisfaction in tweaking Kev's temper. I was not entirely surprised by the information that Cam and Kev discovered at the gypsy camp. It was interesting to see the different reactions that Cam and Kev each had. Cam's renewed determination to find out the details bore fruit at the end of the book. The scene at the camp, as Kev struggled to save Cam's life, and then they listened to what the gypsy leader had to say, was so intense I was on the edge of my seat. Even more amazing was the visitor that Cam and Kev received a few days later. I had to laugh at Cam and Kev's reactions and that of their very obnoxious visitor. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall of London sitting rooms when that news got out. The epilogue was terrific, especially Kev's reaction to Win's labor.

Sweet Home Cowboy - Marin Thomas (Tule - June 2017)

Series: Love at the Chocolate Shop (Book 9)

When Marietta newcomer Elena Puente is coerced into attending a speed-dating event at the popular Copper Mountain Chocolate shop, she’s blindsided by a serious attraction to local cowboy, Wesley Banks. Still recovering from a broken engagement, the first-grade teacher from Las Vegas isn’t looking for romance. She’s in Montana to get to know the great-grandfather she never knew existed until she found some hidden family letters. Judge Kingsley is a grouchy recluse and he’s far from welcoming, but Elena is determined to stay in town long enough to give his neglected estate on Bramble Lane a facelift. Elena’s resolve to avoid romance is tested when she discovers Wesley is the caretaker of her grandfather’s rural property. Soon, she and the cowboy are attending more speed-dating events at the chocolate shop and she’s seeking his advice on how to deal with his ornery boss. Local gossips wager the old Judge will run Elena out of town before anything serious develops between her and Wesley. But Wesley’s a determined man, too, and he’s betting Elena belongs in Marietta forever…with him.

Sweet small-town story of love, loss, and healing. Elena is a first-grade teacher who grew up in Las Vegas with a single mother, believing that her mother was the only family she had. When she stumbled on some hidden letters, she discovered that she also has a great-grandfather in the small town of Marietta. When she heads to Marietta to get to know him, that's not all she finds. Elena's arrival in town didn't go exactly as planned. Her rental car broke down outside of town, and when she walked into a local shop to ask for assistance she found herself in the middle of a speed-dating event. Still recovering from her broken engagement, after finding her fiancé cheating, she has no interest in romance. She also can't deny her attraction to the sexy cowboy she met that night.

I liked both Wes and Elena. Wes is charming, good-looking, and fun to be around. He was born and raised in Marietta. After his father's death, Wes got into some trouble that landed him in Judge Kingsley's courtroom. Sentenced to community service instead of juvie, Wesley found himself working on the judge's farm and taking care of a couple of old horses. It wasn't long before he asked to stay on after his sentence was up, and as the years went on, he found a purpose in helping other teenage boys. Wes has also reached the point in his life where he's ready to settle down with a wife and kids if only he could find the right woman. Elena is sweet but determined. Accustomed to dealing with stubborn children, one old man is no match for her. She knows what she wants from her life, and right now she wants to get to know the judge and learn more about her father. She isn't interested in a relationship, especially one with a man who lives in a different state and wants different things.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wes and Elena. The attraction is there from the start; they just have to decide what to do with it. In the meantime, they partner up in doing the repairs to the judge's house. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and share parts of their pasts. I liked seeing them enjoy simple activities together and watching Elena begin to enjoy the pleasures of the small town. Their feelings for each other began to deepen, and Elena discovered that some of her views began to change along with it. Just when things were looking promising, Wes is faced with some insecurities that cause him to pull back from Elena. He got some advice from an unexpected source that opened his eyes to what his future would look like without her in it. I loved his big moment at the end, as he stood up to the judge and for his love for Elena.

A big part of the book was the story of Elena's family. I ached for her mother and what she had been put through because of the judge's attitude. I also felt a bit sorry for him, because of the guilt he felt. He had allowed himself to withdraw from life because of it. I liked seeing Elena pull him out of his isolation and get him to start living again. I also hurt for Elena's mother and her fears over the things the judge might say and do that could hurt the relationship between her and Elena. Hearing what she had been through made me admire her strength and love for her daughter. I loved that she had the courage to come back to Marietta and face the judge. I did get mad at him when he started talking about Elena not living up to her potential, seeing him about to make the same mistake he'd made with Elena's father. I hope he has finally learned his lesson.