Thursday, November 30, 2017

A Billionaire After Dark - Katie Lane (Forever - Apr 2016)

Series: Overnight Billionaires (Book 2)

With endless wealth comes irresistible temptation . . .

It's an undisputed fact that Nash Beaumont is the hottest of the Beaumont brothers. His slow, sensual smile charms every French Kiss employee-and tempts every woman to buy the company's lingerie. But beneath Nash's raw charisma is a dark, kinky side that he struggles to control . . . a side that may be exposed by one lovely-and unexpectedly adventurous woman.

Reporter Eden Huckabee needs a story. And when she discovers Nash's dirty little secret, she thinks she's found it. But Eden doesn't count on Nash turning the tables on her-or that she will fall so deeply for this unbelievably sexy, one-in-a-billion Beaumont.

Good continuation of the Overnight Billionaires series. Eden is a reporter who actually isn't very good at her job. To keep her job at the newspaper, she needs to find a good story. While researching a piece on prostitution (by playing the part of an escort), she discovers the identity of a patron referred to as "The Dark Seducer." All she needs is a little more information, and she'll have what she needs. She doesn't count on falling for the subject of her investigation.

Nash is the sexiest of the Beaumont brothers. His Southern charm and sexy smile have the women throwing themselves at him, But Nash has a secret life that no one knows about until one particular woman gets under his skin. Suddenly the control he is so proud of isn't as strong as he thought it was and his life is about to undergo a complete upheaval.

I liked both Eden and Nash. Eden is bold, tenacious, smart, and has a softer heart than she wants to admit. I loved the way that she threw herself into everything she did, from researching the escort business to her story on marathons. She also tends to get too close to her story subjects, which wrecks her objectivity. I loved her interactions with Madison and Chloe, who go from sources to friends. Nash is sexy, charming, loyal, and protective. I loved watching him use his charm to make things happen, from repairs at Eden's apartment to calming various crises at work.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nash and Eden. There was an immediate connection between them when they met, in spite of the deceptive circumstances. Nash is very attracted to Eden, but the secret that haunts him has made him unwilling to get close to any woman. When Eden discovers what it is, all she wants is to help him see that he is punishing himself for no reason. I loved seeing him slowly lose the haunted vibe and begin to open up to Eden. Eden falls for him just as hard, but her deception weighs on her. She knows she needs to tell him the truth but is afraid of what will happen when she does. I ached for him when that truth came out, and Nash is left feeling used and betrayed. He gets some unexpected sympathy and advice from his father, which opens his eyes to some things he hadn't considered. I also hurt for Eden, who had given up on the idea of publishing the story when she realized that she loved Nash. I loved seeing her use that tenacity to show him that she cares. I loved the marathon scene at the end, which was sweet, romantic, and pretty funny.

There were appearances of characters from the first book, as well as the introduction of new ones. Of course, the other two brothers, Deacon and Grayson, have large parts, as well as Deacon's wife, Olivia. I loved Deacon's attempts to deal with low sales on their bras, trying to keep Grayson focused on the swimsuit catalog, and dealing with his over-the-top mother-in-law. I loved the artsy Grayson and his way of getting lost in his painting and sketching. He did surprise me a bit at the end with his involvement in the rescue of the escort, Chloe. It makes me really look forward to his book. I loved Madison, with her chocolate fixation and wild ideas for her life after leaving the escort business. Chloe was a bit rough around the edges but turned out to be a good friend to both Madison and Eden. But my favorite characters were the elderly nudist neighbors from the first book - who turned out to be Eden's grandparents! They were a hoot with their "magic brownies" and their costumes for the charity ball.

The Maverick's Return - Marie Ferrarella (HSE #2577 - Oct 2017)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Great Family Roundup (Book 4)

Congratulations…it's a girl!

Rust Creek Ramblings

Talk about mending fences -- have you heard that rugged rancher Daniel Stockton is back in town? It's been ten years since Dan left Rust Creek Falls with Anne Lattimore's heart in tow. She soon married someone else and had a child, but their marriage didn't last. We here at the Gazette think we know why. It has something to do with Anne's beautiful daughter, Janie…

Now that Dan has returned, will Anne find the courage to forgive him -- and tell him that sweet Janie is really his? Will Dan find the courage to ask for a second chance? Stay tuned, you hopeful romantics, to see if love really can conquer all!

Good second chance story. I ached for Dan from the very beginning. The book opens with him getting to his cabin after a long day dealing with "dudes" at the dude ranch where he works. He's exhausted, down in the dumps, and just plain lonely. So lonely that he turns on the television just for the illusion of having someone with him. As he's getting ready to find some food a familiar voice comes from the television, hurtling him into the past - the voice of his youngest brother. The next thing we see is Dan standing on the porch of Jamie's house, trying to get up the nerve to knock. I could feel his nervousness, his fear that his brother wouldn't want to see him, and I found myself holding my breath until that door opened. I loved Jamie's reaction and the obvious love he still has for his brother. I loved seeing Dan's happiness at being part of his family again. It was also pretty sweet to see Jamie immediately start playing matchmaker and push Dan into going to see Anne right away.

Anne has never forgotten Dan or the love she had for him. She was devastated when he left town without saying goodbye. It was even worse when she discovered she was pregnant and no one knew where he was or how to reach him. She was at the end of her rope when she met Hank, who offered to marry her and raise the baby as his own. He was a good man, who adored Janie and loved Anne. He spent years hoping that she would come to love him, too, but finally gave up and divorced her. But he's still involved in Janie's life as the father she adores. Anne is shocked when she opens her door and finds Dan standing there. All she can see is the upheaval his presence could cause in her life. She knows she should tell him about Janie, but what sort of pain could that cause for both Janie and Hank? And what kind of risk to her own heart and peace of mind is possible?

I enjoyed seeing Anne and Dan get to know each other again. Their love for each other is still strong, but both of them have fears that have to be dealt with before they can think about a future together. One of the things I really liked about Dan is that he owned up to his mistakes. He knew he had been wrong to leave the way he did and freely admitted it and apologized. I liked watching his tentative yet charming overtures to Anne. But he's also carrying a secret guilt that contributed to his departure and long absence, something that still haunts him. As they spent time together, I liked how Anne saw glimpses of the boy she knew in the man he was now. This helped her to see the pain he was in and want to help him. As Anne's feelings for Dan grew stronger, she worried that he would disappear again, devastating her all over.

I also liked that she didn't wait too long to tell Dan about Janie. Once he got over the shock, I loved how happy Dan was to be a father. He was smart enough to know that they couldn't just blurt out the truth to Janie. It was so sweet to see him spend time with her and get to know her. I loved the whole bit with her superhero show and how surprised she was that he actually listened to her. It was great to see the friendship that grew between them. The Halloween scene was great, showing the family-like feelings that were developing. I ached for Anne, as Janie's attempts at some independence made her heart hurt. Dan was understanding and supportive of both, which couldn't have been easy. I hurt for all of them when they finally broke the news to Janie, and she didn't react well.

I liked seeing that both Anne and Dan did some growing up at this point. Anne realized that she didn't want to hide from her feelings any longer. I loved seeing her decide that she was going to fight for a future with Dan. I hurt for Dan who was so unhappy with the way things had turned out with Janie. He was hiding out at his brother's, trying to lose himself in work. I loved seeing Jamie give Dan the kick in the pants that he needed to try to make amends with Janie. That was such a heartwarming scene, with Dan treating her like an adult and being honest about his feelings. I loved the unexpected pep talk that followed and led to Dan's big moment with Anne. The epilogue gave a tantalizing look at the future. I hope to see more of them in later books.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Marrying His Cinderella Countess - Louise Allen (HH #1340 - Aug 2017)

A proposal from the enigmatic earl

Plain, lame Ellie Lytton isn't destined for marriage. She's perfectly content being her stepbrother's housekeeper… Until the high-handed Earl of Hainford arrives with shocking news -- her stepbrother has been killed!

Ellie believes the earl is responsible for her plight and that he is duty bound to escort her on the journey to her new home. But soon Blake's fighting an unwanted attraction to his argumentative companion… And when she needs protection, he determines he'll keep her safe -- by making Ellie his countess!

Good book. Ellie is fairly content with her life. She's been told often enough that between her plain face and her limp she isn't marriage material. She fills her days being a housekeeper for her stepbrother and writing educational books for children. All that changes when Blake, Earl of Hainford arrives to tell her that her stepbrother is dead.

I enjoyed this first scene with Ellie and Blake. He arrives on her doorstep, bleeding from a bullet wound, and instead of going into hysterics as he expected, Ellie takes charge and insists on treating his wound. Meanwhile, Blake tries desperately to give her the bad news. He's rather surprised by how well she takes it, which adds to his guilty feelings about how her brother died. Those guilty feelings grow stronger when he discovers that her brother lost her inheritance in a stock gamble.

Ellie is practical, intelligent, and honest. She takes what she knows of her circumstances and plans accordingly. She knows that making the long trip to her sole remaining option of a house in Lancashire by herself is a risky proposition. So she takes a chance and informs Blake that it is his responsibility to see her safely there. Blake is surprised by the demand, amused by her reasoning, and finds himself agreeing to escort her and her maid.

I liked Blake. In spite of the circumstances that resulted in her brother's death, he is not the reckless rake he appeared to be. He works hard at his responsibilities and plays hard when he gets the chance. He is haunted by an event in his past that has him keeping his emotions locked up. But he can't deny that he feels a need to protect Ellie.

I enjoyed their trip to her property. Their conversations are fun as Blake is intrigued by a woman so different than the others he knows. Blake also shows an unexpected sensitivity as he realizes that there is more to Ellie's discomfort around men than just being unused to them. This is demonstrated during the carriage accident scene. I ached for Ellie and her panic and appreciated Blake's understanding. His protective feelings for her continue to grow as they reach their destination. But when he sees the condition of the house, he goes a bit overboard in his reaction. This makes Ellie even more determined to stand on her own, and he has no choice but to leave her there. However, he is unable to forget about her and attempts a secret rescue when he finds out her home is in trouble. The confrontation when she discovers the truth is another one where Blake finds himself doing the unexpected and unexplainable - he proposes marriage.

Blake knows he eventually needs to marry. He likes Ellie and can see an acceptable future with her. He has no intention of letting his emotions get involved - his past has shown him that it's a bad idea. Though a bit disdainful of her looks and appeal when they first met, he has begun to see past the surface. Ellie is stunned by the proposal. She can't imagine why he would want her when there are more beautiful and accomplished women available to him. But she is determined to be the best wife she can be while protecting her heart.

I was a little frustrated with Ellie at this point. She was so determined to be the perfect wife that she did things that were unnecessary, such as trying to disguise her limp and hiding her writing. Blake won big points with me with his care for her when he realized what she had done. He was also tender and sensitive when it came to their wedding night and dealing with her fears.

I had high hopes for them as they started their honeymoon. It was obvious that their feelings for each other were growing stronger. There were some wonderfully romantic scenes between them. But Blake was still haunted by his past, and that kept him from recognizing his feelings for Ellie until it was almost too late. I ached for Ellie over what she witnessed and believed. Her feelings were understandable, and I thought the way she gained some extra time to think was pretty clever. I enjoyed the ending as Blake was finally able to let go of the past and embrace a future with Ellie. I also liked that Ellie finally believed that Blake loved her just as she was. 

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Snowbound in Sweetwater Ranch - RaeAnne Thayne (HSR - Jan 2017)

Series: Logan's Legacy (Book 8)

After an unbelievable makeover gave her the confidence to strut her stuff at a charity ball, Kate Crosby went from harmless flirt to bedroom vixen. But she wasn't about to let a single night of oh-so-sultry passion with archenemy Peter Logan become anything more. Of course, she didn't count on seeing their lip-lock featured in the local paper!

Finally able to track the mysterious beauty down to a remote cabin, Peter learned the truth about her identity -- and that she was going to have his baby. Unable to stop thinking about Kate since the moment she walked into his life, he needed to convince her that their one-night stand should become a one-life stand.

Good book. This is an enemies to lovers/Cinderella story. Katie has always been the quiet, bookish one in the family, and very intelligent. She runs the research and development section of the family company. Thanks to a witch of a mother and a neglectful father, her teen years were pretty miserable, leading her to feel like an ugly duckling. After years of being overweight, she has turned her life around. A friend gave Katie a makeover just in time for a local charity ball, and she had never felt more beautiful. She didn't expect to draw the attention of hot bachelor Peter Logan, her family's archenemy, and her teenage crush. Katie avoids telling him her real name to spend time with him, and the attraction they feel leads to kisses and more. The next morning Katie sneaks off, not realizing that one of their kisses had been caught by a photographer.

Three months later Katie gets a couple of shocks. First, the photographer has finally identified the people in the photograph. Katie dreads what will happen when her family discovers she's been consorting with the enemy. Second, Katie discovers that she is pregnant with Peter's baby. This is the icing on the cake of disasters in her opinion. Needing time away from the firestorm that is sure to erupt, Katie flees to the family ranch for some peace and quiet to decide what to do. The last thing she expects is to have a very angry Peter show up on her doorstep.

Peter has been looking for the mysterious beauty ever since that night. He is horrified and angry to discover that she is a member of the hated Crosby family. Convinced that she seduced him to steal company secrets, he flies to Sweetwater to confront her. But the woman he finds there is very different than what he expected to find.

Their reunion is passionate, but not in a positive way. Peter is angry and spouts off with a lot of unsubstantiated accusations and slurs against Katie's character. She is stunned and equally angry about being accused of something so unlike her. She wants nothing more than to get him to leave her alone, but the weather doesn't cooperate. A spring blizzard strands them together.

I liked Katie a lot. She is super intelligent, but also a bit socially awkward. Though her makeover had given her a boost of confidence the night of the ball, it doesn't roll over into her everyday life. I ached for her and her belief in her undesirability. Though shocked at her unexpected pregnancy, she is determined to give the baby a better childhood than she had.

I liked Peter, too, once I got past his ranting and raving. As his past and insecurities are revealed, I understood his anger over what he believed had happened. In spite of knowing that he is loved by the parents who adopted him, he still feels that he has to earn his place. His fears over his family's reaction cause him to lash out at Katie.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Forced into close proximity by the blizzard, Katie and Peter have to call a truce to their battles. With the questions of motivation put on the back burner, Peter quickly realizes that the Katie he thought he knew is far different than the one who is with him now. I loved seeing him get to know the real Katie and discover that he likes her. I loved that he saw her for the beautiful and talented woman that she was. Over the next few days, as they work together, a deeper bond is formed. There are some fun and sweet scenes of them together, and also some places where their fears and tempers get the better of them.

As Peter and Katie discover that their feelings for each other have begun to grow and change they will have to find a way to overcome their fears before they can make a life together. A crisis with Katie's pregnancy shows just how much Peter has come to care for her and he starts to push for a future together. An unexpected appearance by Katie's mom shows Katie the truth of his feelings and enables her to believe in her own desirability. I loved how Peter called out her mom on her attitude toward Katie and the impact his words had on Katie. I liked the epilogue and how it showed the changes to the relationships between the families.


Monday, November 27, 2017

Twins for the Billionaire - Sarah M. Anderson (HD #2552 - Nov 2017)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 87)

Seducing the Single Mom

Widowed mom Sofia Bingham needs a job -- fast! Her babies won't feed themselves. Working for real estate tycoon Eric Jenner is the perfect solution. But her childhood buddy is all grown up now…and tempting as hell. Surely one unforgettable night of passion wouldn't hurt? After that, they can go back to being all business!

But Eric doesn't agree that they should put their red-hot romance on ice. He can't deny his connection to Sofia's adorable twins -- or his consuming desire for their mother. What will it take to convince her that he's playing for keeps?

Good story that is a combination of second chances and friends to lovers. Sofia is a widowed mother of twin toddlers. After the death of her husband, she needed help and moved in with her parents, because she was having trouble making ends meet. She really needs a job with good pay and regular hours, when she sees an ad for an office manager for Eric's company. She takes a chance on applying, even though she isn't totally qualified.

Eric has made an incredible success of his company. He is known as one of the most eligible bachelors in Chicago. Ever since the end of his engagement, he has felt like there is a hole in his life. His friends are all settling down, but he is still alone. It is hard for him to know if a woman is interested in his money and position, or in the man that he truly is. He is stunned when he recognizes the job applicant as his childhood friend.

I loved the development of their relationship. Just seeing Sofia again reminded Eric of what good friends they had been when they were kids. He feels very protective of her and offers her the job right away, even though he has no idea if she can do it. I loved that scene as they point out each other's negotiating failures. But now that she works for him, Eric tells himself that she is off limits, even though he's very attracted to her and wants to get closer. It was really sweet to see the way that he tries to take care of her. Sofia is just as attracted to him. She doesn't see the ruthless businessman or the playboy billionaire. She sees the kind and handsome guy who was her friend when she was a kid. However, she also knows that mixing business and pleasure is a bad idea, especially since she really needs that job. Plus, she still sees herself as the housekeeper's daughter and therefore not good enough for the billionaire bachelor. I loved their business trip where she got a taste of his life. The passion flared between them, but a crisis back home left Sofia drowning in guilt over what happened, so she pushes him away. I ached for Eric because all he wanted was to care for Sofia and the kids. I loved the ending as Eric exposed his vulnerability along with his heart. I also loved seeing Sofia finally accept that Eric loved her for who she was. The epilogue was a sweet picture of the new family.

I really liked Eric. He has a reputation as ruthless in business, but underneath he is a good and honorable man. He doesn't fool around with his employees, though he does flirt lightly with some of them. Those same employees truly respect him, and I loved seeing the relationships he had with them. He was burned by love once, but it hasn't put him off the idea of finding the right woman. He also really wants to be a father and I ached for him over the disappointments in his past.
 

Her Rocky Mountain Hero - Jennifer D. Bokal (HRS #1970 - Nov 2017)

Series: Rocky Mountain Justice (Book 1)

When security expert Cody Samuels finds fugitive Viktoria Mateev in hiding, he can't believe his luck. Turning her in will be the perfect revenge on the crime family who destroyed Cody's DEA career. But to his surprise, Cody is just in time to rescue Viktoria from assassins. He soon finds himself tracking her son's kidnappers -- and trying to resist his deepest desires…

To keep her son from her ruthless in-laws, Viktoria went on the run. Now she's teaming up with a man she can't trust. Cody's courage and bold gambits are a temptation Viktoria can't resist -- even as a risky sacrifice guarantees they may not survive to see another holiday.

Good book about a man bent on revenge and a woman who will do anything to protect her son. Cody has been trying to bring down a Russian crime family ever since they destroyed his career with the DEA. When the security firm he works for is tasked with finding the fugitive daughter and grandson of his nemesis, Cody is thrilled. But when he watches the house to witness the takedown, something doesn't feel right.

Viktoria is desperate to keep her young son away from her ruthless father-in-law. When he tries to have her declared an unfit mother so that he can take custody, she takes Gregory and runs. A few weeks later they have settled into an isolated cabin in the Colorado mountains and Viktoria feels like she can give Gregory a traditional Christmas. Then she awakens one night to find her son gone and men waiting to kill her.

The book takes place over just a few days, enabling the intensity to build quickly. From the moment that Cody realizes that the men he sees enter the house aren't law enforcement to the apprehension of the kidnapper, it feels as though the action is nearly non-stop. A lack of trust between Cody and Viktoria complicates their rescue planning. Cody believes that Viktoria is just as guilty as her family and it takes him awhile to realize that she isn't.  However, Cody won't let a little boy pay the price for his family's crimes.  Viktoria doesn't want to trust the man whose actions brought the kidnappers to her doorstep, but she can't refuse the help. I liked the realism of seeing that not all their actions went according to plan. I also liked seeing the action from the bad guys' side as they dealt with the unexpected complications caused by Cody and Viktoria. The final confrontation was exciting as Cody and Viktoria raced against time to keep the bad guy from taking Gregory out of the country. I especially loved seeing Viktoria's part in saving her son, showing you don't get between a mama bear and her cub.

The development of the relationship between Cody and Viktoria was very fast. There was immediate attraction between them, in spite of the lack of trust. Beyond that attraction, there was also a connection that neither could deny. I ached for Cody and his feelings of being broken, especially with his estrangement from his sister. I loved seeing Viktoria bash her way through his walls and help him heal. The scene at the end where she played "Santa's helper" was sweet and showed just how well she had come to know him. Both felt vulnerable at the end, not sure if the other felt the same way.

 

Dreams of Lilacs - Lynn Kurland (Jove - May 2014)

Series: De Piaget (Book 15)

Isabelle de Piaget is determined to elude her overprotective family by means of a hasty escape to France. But instead of making a surprise visit to her brother there, she winds up shipwrecked on the French coast with no memory of who she is or how she came to awaken in the dark and forbidding castle of an equally brooding lord.

Gervase de Seger rescues--very reluctantly--the bedraggled urchin he finds on the road and puts her to work where he can ignore her. Unfortunately, he soon realizes that her brother is an intimidating lord who is going to be absolutely furious when he learns that his beloved sister has been laboring as a scullery maid. Yet Isabelle may be the one who holds the key to solving Gervase's most pressing problem: that someone has been trying to finish the task of separating him from his title and his lands.

Finding the truth propels Gervase and Isabelle from the buried secrets of half-ruined keeps to the glittering French court, and to the realization that love can blossom in the most perilous circumstances--and in the most unexpected places of the heart . . .

Isabelle is the youngest daughter of powerful Rhys de Piaget. She is tired of being overshadowed by her siblings and especially tired of being courted as "the other one" when suitors come looking for her sister, only to find her already married. She is intelligent and independent. She receives a letter threatening her family if she doesn't go alone to her grandmother's convent in France. Isabelle manages to elude her overprotective family, dressed as a boy but ends up shipwrecked and without her memory on the coast of France. She is rescued by Gervase, who doesn't initially realize she's a girl and is put to work as a servant.

Gervase is the Lord of Monsaert, oldest son of the family with six younger half-brothers. He left home to travel the tournament circuit because he didn't get on with his stepmother where he made a name for himself with frequent successes. Gervase has a reputation as arrogant, beast-like, and a seducer of women. He returned home after his father's death to take over the estate. His stepmother abandoned her sons for court, leaving Gervase responsible. He is currently recovering, not very well, from an attack where his home was set afire, and he was shot in the leg. Gervase wonders if he will ever recover enough to defend his home and family properly which has made him extremely irritable and hard to get along with. He is not thrilled with having to rescue a ragamuffin servant boy, but can't leave him to die.

Isabelle keeps quiet about who she is once her memory begins to return. She doesn't remember why she was traveling alone and disguised but does finally remember her identity. She is cautious about revealing who she is because of stories she has heard about Gervase from her brothers. Isabelle fails utterly, and hilariously, at being a servant, but makes a place for herself helping with Gervase's brothers. She also pushes Gervase into accepting her help with his healing. I loved seeing Gervase finally figure out that she isn't a boy and also slowly realize that she is no servant either. He fights hard against the knowledge of exactly who she is, especially considering his growing feelings for her. I loved his feelings of doom when he considers what her father and brothers will do to him when they realize how he first treated her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Isabelle and Gervase. She is nothing like any woman he has known and turns his world upside down. I really loved seeing her stand up to his grumpy self and coerce him into doing what she wanted. I loved the chess games and other attempts to part him from some money. I also loved that she saw past his reputation - believed the warrior one, not the womanizing one - to the honorable and caring man that he is. It was terrific that Gervase saw Isabelle for the amazing woman she was. Just the fact that he sees her knows her name, puts him far above any of the suitors that she has had. He is also protective without the smothering she felt at home.

As the danger looms and Gervase receives another threat, his honor demands that he take Isabelle to safety. The arrival at Beauvois was everything I expected it to be, with Nic's relief that she was safe and his attitude toward Gervase. Nic went a bit overboard with his reaction, and I loved Gervase's response. I ached for both Isabelle and Gervase as he left her there. I did like that neither gives up on being together, each pursuing their goals in their own way. The arrival of Miles enables Isabelle to find out what had sent her to France to start with and sets her back on her path. This time she asks for help and also manages a stop at Monsaert to avoid a "storm." I loved the dynamics among the various males at this point. The mystery picks up quickly as the group travels to the abbey and then to court. The final confrontation was intense with revelations of motivation and opportunity. There were some surprises and some confirmations of suspicions before the bad guy met his end. I loved Isabelle's part in protecting her man. All that is left now is for Gervase to win his lady. As always, the men's need to nearly kill each other to prove their worth is frustrating and amusing to the women involved. I hope to see Miles get his own story soon.

Married Till Christmas - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2587 - Dec 2017)

Series: Bravos of Justice Creek (Book 9)

An impulse wedding…

Strong, sexy Nell Bravo won't be fooled again. After all, Declan McGrath already shattered her heart into pieces -- not once, but twice. When alluring CEO Deck sweeps Nell off her feet in Las Vegas, though, she tumbles headlong into an "only in Vegas" fling with her first love. But Nell sure didn't bargain on a Vegas wedding!

…a lifetime of love?

It's taken a long time for Deck to finally capture the one who got away. And this time, he's charmed her straight to the altar. But Nell will stay married to him only until Christmas Day -- unless Deck can prove that this time, it's for keeps. With the clock ticking, can Deck convince Nell that he truly is her one and only…or has Mr. Love-'Em-and-Leave-'Em broken a Bravo's heart for the last time?

I loved this book as the last of the Justice Creek Bravos bites the dust. For the last several months Nell Bravo has been doing her best to avoid Declan McGrath, but he keeps turning up wherever she is. They had been high school sweethearts, but he had broken things off with her twice, shattering her heart and her trust. Eleven years later he wants back into her life, and she wants no part of him - or so she tells herself.

Nell is at a construction convention in Las Vegas when Deck turns up yet again, thanks to a bit of maternal interference by Willow Bravo. After months of trying to avoid him, Nell decides that accepting his invitation for drinks is the best way to finally get closure on their relationship and move on. She ignores the little voice in her head that says being anywhere near him is bad for her peace of mind. Drinks turned into dinner and a return of the old easiness of being together. After just enough alcohol to reduce her inhibitions, Nell agrees to a quick Vegas wedding but experiences massive regrets the next morning. After informing Deck that she wants a divorce, she heads for home.

I really liked the development of their relationship. Both have issues from their past relationship that have to be dealt with before they can find their future together. Though Deck seemed to be extremely manipulative at the beginning, he had to take desperate measures just to get Nell to talk to him again. As more of their history was revealed, I completely understood what had driven Deck's actions back then. He and Nell were in love, and Nell was expecting them to get married. But men have their pride, and with Nell being the rich girl and Deck being the poor boy, he wanted to make something of himself first. He was also honest enough with himself to realize that they weren't ready for marriage. Deck's relationship with his father also played into it when his dad convinced Nell to "loan" him some money, which further damaged Deck's pride. Nell never saw the issue, only wanting to help the man she loved and his family. She was devastated by their breakup and all her attempts to make amends fell on deaf ears, except for that one encounter that ended up shattering her heart and her trust completely.

I loved seeing Deck convince Nell not to file for divorce immediately, but to give them until Christmas to try to make their marriage work. He doesn't get things entirely his way, though, as Nell has conditions of her own. Deck is the kind of guy who likes to be in control, thanks to the lack of it when he was growing up, and giving up some of that control wasn't easy. I enjoyed seeing Nell stand up to him and make him look at compromises. Living with Deck is everything she had once dreamed about, but Nell is reluctant to risk her heart again, fearing that Deck will walk away at the end of their Christmas deadline. There is also still the problem of Deck's father and his refusal to let his dad anywhere near Nell. She believes that until that hurdle is overcome, they have no chance to make their marriage work. Everything came to a head on Christmas day, with an unexpected gift from Deck's dad causing a freak out on Deck's part. An eventful day ended with Deck and Nell finally laying their past and fears to rest. The scene in front of the fireplace was sweet and romantic and absolutely perfect.

One thing that was never in doubt was that they still loved each other. Even though Deck had attempted marriage to another woman, it didn't work out because his heart was still Nell's. I loved that he owned up to his mistakes of the past and wanted another chance. He also knew that it wasn't going to be easy. On Nell's side, she had tried to convince herself that her feelings for Deck were dead, but it only took seeing him again to show that they weren't. She fought it during those months he haunted her, but she would never have married him if she hadn't known deep down that she still cared. The chemistry between them was hotter than ever, and that also had its influence on their relationship, because their feelings made that connection so much deeper.

I also loved the scenes with various members of Nell's family. The closeness between the two sets of siblings has continued to grow throughout the series. I also liked seeing the changes in Willow as she found a new love of her own. I enjoyed the assorted get-togethers, from Nell's confession lunch with her sisters to Willow's wedding, and seeing how the previous couples are doing now. It was quite a contrast with Deck's family. I ached for him and his sister over the unhappiness of their childhoods. I was impressed that both of them had turned out as well as they had because of it. Deck is still very close to his sister, and in spite of his issues with his dad, still watches out for him.

This was a terrific series and I can't wait to start The Bravos of Valentine Bay.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

Call to Engage - Tawny Weber (HQN - July 2017)

Series: Team Poseidon/SEAL Brotherhood (Book 2)

The Poseidon team are hard-bodied, fiercely competitive Navy SEALs. But when a sensitive mission goes disastrously wrong, three of the team's finest will have to trust their hearts and instincts to uncover the truth…

Lieutenant Elijah Prescott should be spending his precious leave somewhere with sun, surf and scantily clad women. Instead, he's heading home with two goals in mind. Figure out exactly how his last assignment went to hell and almost killed him -- and reconnect with the woman who might offer salvation.

Ava Monroe has streamlined her life, eliminating every source of pain -- including a marriage touched by tragedy. One glimpse of her ex and those good intentions turn to bad-girl desires. Her strategy: get over Elijah by getting under him again, sating herself until she can finally let go. But as betrayal within the rank of the SEALs turns deadly, there's no denying that her heart and her life are on the line. Elijah is the only man who can protect both…

Exciting continuation of the series and second chance love story. Team Poseidon is searching for a fellow team member who has betrayed his country and his team. The first book, Call to Honor, involved discovery of the treachery and finding out that the man hadn't died during the mission after all. This story is about Elijah Prescott, one of the victims of that same mission. He has mostly recovered from his injuries, but still suffers from some emotional fallout. Elijah heads home on leave to decide what to do about it, and also finally deal with the failure of his marriage. He did not expect to find Ava so changed from what he remembered.

Ava has finally gotten her life back together after the devastating events of her marriage. She had been young and insecure, and the death of their baby created a gulf between herself and Elijah that she didn't know how to handle. Since then she has turned her life completely around and has the strength and confidence to handle anything - except Elijah's return. One encounter with him reminds her of the passion that had always burned hot between them. She refuses to risk her heart again, but maybe a short fling will help burn out the flames.

I loved the rekindling of their relationship. Elijah and Ava had never taken the time to talk about what had happened after the baby's death. Instead, Ava had run away and Elijah had buried his grief in his work, and they hadn't seen each other again. I ached for Elijah, whose emotional hits have built up to the point where he questions the very essence of who he is. Seeing Ava, who he has never forgotten or stopped loving, sends him reeling. The changes he sees in her only make her more appealing to him. Ava is blown away by the strength of the attraction she still feels for Elijah, but she is also afraid of it. The extreme control she has on her life has kept her heart safe. If she lets him in again, she may never recover if it goes wrong. I loved Elijah's determination to show Ava that they can make it work. This time he is ready to share his fears and dreams, if only he can get her to listen. I got frustrated with Ava because she kept ignoring Elijah's attempts to really talk to her, just as she had when they were married. It wasn't until she allowed herself to get involved that she truly understood him and what made him the man he was. I also loved that Elijah came to respect the kick-ass woman that Ava had become and wanted to do whatever was necessary to give their relationship a chance. I loved their big moment at the end as they finally fully opened their hearts and overcame their fears to take a chance on the future.

The suspense of the story was really good, as the remaining members of Poseidon do their best to flush out the traitor and bring him to justice. Added to the difficult is the suspicion that there is someone on the inside who is helping him. It was fascinating to see the measures they took to find out who it is. The way that someone is targeting Elijah to make others believe that he knew what was happening was creepy and frustrating. I ached for the team members, who were dealing with the fallout from the betrayal, and for their commander who is determined to find the answers. The buildup to the final confrontation was intense. The confrontation itself was exciting with plenty of surprises to go around, not the least of which was who brought the bad guy down. There is still a loose thread dangling, which I hope will be tied up in the next book. I also hope that there will be stories for the other team members.

 

Friday, November 17, 2017

A Heap of Texas Trouble - Carolyn Brown (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Dec 2016)

Series: Cadillac Texas (Book 2)

More Than the Chili's Heating Up Cadillac, Texas

Carlene Lovelle, co-owner of Bless My Bloomers lingerie shop, found a pair of fancy red-silk panties in her husband's briefcase, and all hell is breaking loose. She custom-made those fancy bloomers herself -- and she remembers the bimbo who bought them. If her husband had a lick of sense, he'd known there are no secrets in a town like Cadillac.

Carlene's cohorts -- and their mamas -- plan to exact revenge on Lenny Joe where it'll hurt the most: break his five-year winning streak at the prestigious Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off. Never before has a woman dared to compete. But the ladies of Bless My Bloomers are cooking up a storm...and it seems the whole town is taking sides in the showdown.

Welcome to Cadillac, Texas, where the chili is hot, the gossip is hotter, and friends stick by each other, no matter what the challenge.

Originally published as The Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off

This was another hilarious trip to Cadillac, Texas, home of the Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off. It's a small town with quirky characters, feuds, and an active gossip vine, as well as deep family and friendship ties. It starts out with a band when  Carlene found a pair of fancy red panties in her husband's briefcase. They weren't hers, but she knew exactly who they belonged to. I loved her confrontation with Lenny as she told him exactly what she thought of him. That scene set the stage perfectly for the rest of the book as Carlene, her cousins, their mothers, and their friends exact the perfect revenge.

First, we have Carlene and her cousins, Alma Grace and Patrice. Together they own and run Bless My Bloomers, a fancy lingerie shop. Each of them is unique, with their own personalities. Carlene is tall, curvy, and the one with the design ideas. She has some body image issues for herself but uses her talents to make all her customers feel good. Patrice is the straight-shooting, foul-mouthed one who is ready to help Carlene bury the body if that's what she wants. She does the books for the shop and helps with customers when they are busy. Alma Grace is the quieter one, who is active in her church and believes that prayer will fix anything. She's praying that Carlene and Lenny will find their way back together. She's the one who mainly waits on the customers.

It's a riot to see just how fast the news spreads around town. Everyone wants to know what is going to happen next. Carlene just wants to get on with her life, but when Lenny gets petty and nasty, and his momma goes after Carlene too, she's ready to fight back. The best way she can think of is to steal his title as chili king by beating him at the chili cook-off. At this point, Carlene's mother and aunts get into the act. Family sticks together, and Gigi and her sisters (the cousins' mothers, Sugar and Tansy) take over the planning for Red Hot Bloomers team. There are several scenes involving their attempts to come up with the perfect recipe that had me laughing hysterically. Cayenne pepper, outdated meat, side effects in church, and finally a need for a distraction made this a riotous storyline.

This is just the beginning of the feudin' and fussin'. Carlene's marital woes spill over onto Alma Grace. The "holier-than-thou" people on the Easter committee at church push Alma Grace out claiming she's tainted by association with Carlene, not to mention that scandalous panty shop. Lenny's mom Kitty spreads rumors that Alma Grace's daddy was flirting with her, which riles up Sugar. There are confrontations over Easter eggs, angel's wings and halos, and a hilarious scene involving a cat, a psychic bird, and a jeweled leash. Agnes and Violet, from the first book, continue their feud with several more encounters.

It isn't all bad though. Patrice and her boyfriend, Yancy, grow closer as they deal with one crisis after another. Alma Grace meets a sweet and sexy cop who has quite an effect on her. I loved seeing her find a man of her own who was just right for her. Now that she's free, police chief Jack finally lets Carlene know that he's had feelings for her since high school. A growing friendship and Jack's determination not lose out this time shows promise for a much happier future for Carlene. I loved the scenes between these two, as Jack is sensitive to his timing. I also liked the way that he loved her just as she was. There are also some marvelous scenes between the sisters and their husbands. I especially enjoyed the one where the men came to the assistance of their sick wives, so sweet and romantic.

The culmination of it all was the chili cook-off itself. I loved the buildup of the intensity as the contest grew closer. The sisters' attempts to find the right recipe were fun, with some interesting consequences. I especially enjoyed the lead up to the final one. I also loved seeing them take on the previously all-male competitors and the support they got from the other women of the town. I laughed out loud as people would "invest" in the team they wanted to win and how each hoped that their "investment" would pay off. The contest itself had its own drama. I loved the comments of the judges about the Bloomers' chili. There was also a very public confrontation involving Lenny where his actions come back to bite him in the butt, with the impetus coming from an unexpected source. The announcement of the winner was very satisfying. I loved the follow-on party and all the little scenes with the main characters.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Plain Peace - Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Nov 2013)

Series: Daughters of the Promise (Book 6)

Anna loves the grandfather who raised her, but his strict adherence to the Ordnung is scaring away any boy who might be interested in her -- except newcomer Jacob.

In normal circumstances Anna Byler would have her choice of any of the young men in her Amish community. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather, the bishop, the available suitors are afraid to court her. Then handsome Jacob Hostetler moves to Paradise and decides Anna is worth the challenge.

Anna sees that the bishop’s legalism is dividing the community and risking the lives of its members -- but her grandfather doesn’t. When she is forced to deception in order to pursue her dream of marriage and family with Jacob, Anna feels her own faith slipping. If only she could get her grandmother to help her stand up to the bishop. But Mammi is keeping secrets of her own.

Anna wants to honor her grandparents, the two most important people in her life, but her heart is divided by the rules that guide their little Amish community and the growing love she has for Jacob. How can she be true to both?

This is a sweet romance complicated by family issues. Anna has been raised by her grandparents since the death of her parents. She loves her grandparents, but she is ready for a family of her own. Unfortunately for her, the young men of the community are afraid of her grandfather, who is the district's super strict bishop. That all changes with the arrival of a new  family. Jacob and his family have moved to Paradise to escape the memories of the death of his older sister. Anna's sweetness is just what Jacob needs to bring some light back into his life. But a misunderstanding during their first outing causes the bishop to forbid any further contact between Jacob and Anna.

Anna refuses to let her grandfather stand in her way any longer. She loves him, but she needs to have her own life. Though she knows it is wrong, she continues to see Jacob away from her grandfather's prying eyes. She feels guilty about it but doesn't know what else to do. She tries to get her grandmother, Marianne, to intercede, but that doesn't go so well either.

I liked both Jacob and Anna. They are both good people who are dealing with complications in the best way that they can. The death of Jacob's sister has sent his father into a depression, leaving Jacob feeling responsible for his family. He wants to do the right thing in courting Anna, but the bishop's intransigence makes it difficult. I liked Jacob's patience as he tried to make things right with the bishop. Anna is sweet and kind, but also has the determination she needs to stand up for herself against her grandfather's strict rules. I liked their courtship, with its sunset train watching and stolen lunchtimes. They took the time to get to know each other and share their hopes, dreams, and pain. The culmination of their courtship came about in a rather surprising way.

There were also three secondary stories intertwined throughout the book. First was the relationship between Anna's grandparents. Isaac is very strict in following the Amish rules. Marianne is more relaxed but doesn't stand up to him, even when she thinks he is unreasonable. Over the years she has found an unusual way to exert control over her life, one that she has kept secret from her husband. That secret gets a little out of hand, and it takes a health crisis on her part to bring her secret out in the open. I enjoyed his reaction and seeing Marianne use her new influence to help soften his outlook.

The second was the story of Jacob's family, especially his parents, who are dealing with the death of their oldest daughter. Jacob's father has pretty much checked out of participation in the family. He gets up, does his farm work, and goes to bed. He doesn't interact with any of the family beyond the basics. His wife, Cora, gets more frustrated with him by the day. She slowly makes friends with Marianne and with the Englisch girl, Lucy. But there are things about Lucy that bring up ghosts from Cora's past, causing Cora to have to face her own pain. Unexpected news brings confrontation and finally healing to the family.

The third was the story of Lucy, a young woman who is something of an outcast in the community. She made the mistake of having an affair with a married Amish man and gave birth to his son. The man died, and Lucy has been trying to put her life back together. Ashamed of her previous actions, she has resolved to be a better person. I liked seeing her make friends with Cora and Marianne and the effect their friendship had on her. I also liked seeing the family of her former lover reach out to her. I also ached for her and the deterioration of her relationship with her mother.

Overall a good story of love, family, and forgiveness.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Serenity Harbor - RaeAnne Thayne (HQN - July 2017)

Series: Haven Point (Book 6)

In the town of Haven Point, love can be just a wish -- and one magical kiss -- away…

Computer-tech millionaire Bowie Callahan is about the last person that schoolteacher Katrina Bailey wants to work for. As far as she can see, he's arrogant, entitled and not up to the task of caring for his young half-brother, Milo. But Kat is, especially if it brings her closer to her goal of adopting an orphaned little girl. And as her kindness and patience work wonders with Milo, she realizes there's more to sexy, wary Bo than she'd ever realized.

Bo never imagined he'd be tasked with caring for a sibling he didn't know existed. Then again, he never pictured himself impulsively kissing vibrant, compassionate Katrina in the moonlight. Now he's ready to make her dream of family come true…and hoping there's room in it for him, too…

Good book. Kat has returned to Haven Point for her sister's wedding a changed woman. Before she left, she was known for being a bit flighty and for flirty relationships that didn't last. She gave up her job as a teacher to follow her boyfriend to South America and ended up broke and abandoned. She pulled herself together, found a job teaching English and volunteering at an orphanage. There she met four-year-old Gabi, a special needs child that stole her heart. Her goal now is to adopt Gabi and bring her back to Haven Point. With Gabi depending on her, Kat is determined to change, become more responsible and stay away from men.

Bowie is a newcomer to Haven Point, moving there along with his computer business. He was just settling in when he was blindsided with guardianship of a younger half-brother he hadn't known existed. Complicating the whole situation, Milo is autistic, and Bo is overwhelmed. This is evident when Milo has a meltdown in the grocery store, and Bo has no idea what to do. Fortunately, Kat is there and steps in to prevent disaster. Relieved and impressed, Bo immediately offers Kat an outrageous sum of money to become Milo's temporary nanny. Though not impressed with Bo, the money will help with her adoption plans, so Kat accepts.

I liked both Bo and Kat. He overcame a difficult childhood with an unstable mother to become the self-made man that he is. I loved that Bo stepped up as soon as he found out about Milo and immediately took him in, determined that he will have a better life than Bo had had. I ached for him and his frustration at his inability to communicate with Milo. I also loved how, though the frustration was clear; there was no resentment over the huge changes that Milo has caused in Bo's life. Bo did have some trouble at the beginning finding a good balance between work and home, but he did figure it out. I liked Kat, too, though she did have some times when she frustrated me. I liked the way that her medical issues as a child gave her such empathy for special needs kids. Her obvious love for Gabi and quick connection with Milo were heartwarming. Unfortunately, some of the effects of her childhood illness weren't so good, leading to some serious problems with self-esteem. I really didn't like the way that she still thought of herself as "StupidKat" because she isn't stupid by any means. I was also frustrated by her refusal to share any of her worries about the adoption with her friends or with Bowie. She made things so much harder for herself because of it.

I enjoyed the development of Bo and Kat's relationship. There was no doubt about the attraction between them. Both of them felt it right away, but both were determined to resist. Kat because she has decided that Gabi will be the sole focus of her life, without the distractions caused by her poor choices in men. Bo is so busy with work and Milo that he figures there isn't time for a relationship. Besides, he feels he doesn't have any true idea of what a loving relationship is. But as Kat works with Milo and teaches Bo how to relate to him, they discover that they actually like each other, too. Bo is surprised to find himself wondering what it would be like if Kat were to stay, and the idea doesn't scare him. I also liked that he was one of the few people who understood Kat's love for Gabi and her need to adopt her. Kat also realized that her feelings for Bo were growing, but her reaction was to push him away. She refuses to believe that they aren't just another bad decision in a long line of them, especially since she believes that she isn't smart enough for a man like him. It takes a runaway Milo to open her eyes to the truth and allow herself to accept Bo's love. I also liked that she finally realized that accepting his help didn't make her weak, it made her stronger.

The epilogue was sweet. I loved seeing the huge difference in Bo and his joy in his life as it is now. The happy chaos of the party was so much fun to see. Gabi's exuberance was a lovely balance to Milo's quietness. I especially enjoyed seeing the changes in Milo brought about by the love of his new family. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Abduction - Cynthia Eden (HI #1697 - Mar 2017)

Series: Killer Instinct (Book 1)

Once the town troublemaker, Sheriff Hayden Black became the teen hero who saved young Jillian West from a savage kidnapper. He never got over their brief affair. Now the ex-SEAL and the burned-out FBI agent have reunited in their Florida hometown and rediscovered their powerful attraction. But as they hunt down a long-forgotten killer, will they get a second chance at happiness? When a series of accidents begins to plague Jill, Hayden won't let her fall victim again. There's too much history between them…and too much desire.

Good combination of second chance romance and suspense. As a teenager, Jillian had been kidnapped. Hayden had witnessed the abduction and saved her, going from town troublemaker to town hero in one evening. Jill and Hayden became good friends, and later much more. But he walked away to become a SEAL and Jill went on to become an FBI agent.

Ten years later Jill and Hayden are reunited when she returns to Hope, burned out on her job dealing with child abductions and still haunted by what had happened to her. She is determined to reopen the case and find the man who had kidnapped her and murdered another girl. She doesn't expect to find Hayden also back in town, now serving as sheriff. They hadn't forgotten each other, or their feelings and the attraction flared hot once again.

I liked both Jill and Hayden. Jill is smart, capable and very good at her job. Her past as a kidnappee has made given her extra motivation in her work but has also made some cases harder to bear than others. I ached for her and the pain she felt at each loss. Hayden was terrific. He is honorable, protective, and has a surprisingly soft heart. I loved how he had turned his life around when he met Jill, determined to be someone worthy of her.

I really enjoyed the rekindling of Jill and Hayden's relationship. It is obvious from the start that their feelings for each other had never died, in spite of the way they parted. Jill was broken-hearted when Hayden left, not knowing that he believed he wasn't good enough for her. Leaving was the hardest thing that Hayden had ever done, but he thought he was doing the right thing. I loved the bits about how they had kept track of each other over the years. With Jill's arrival back in Hope, Hayden sees it as a chance to show her that they belong together and that he isn't going to let her go. Jill is a bit more cautious, knowing that risking her heart again could have devastating consequences for her. As they worked together on the case, they also got to know each other again. I loved that they were able to talk about their past and make the decision to move forward and see where things go. I loved Hayden's big moment at the end - his vulnerability and nervousness were sweet and his words so heartfelt.

The suspense of the story was really good too. From the prologue to the conclusion, the intensity built steadily. Jill's determination to solve the mystery became stronger when she was attacked. The glimpses into the mind of the killer show that he is equally determined to finish what he started. I loved seeing the pieces start to come together and was on the edge of my seat as they raced to save another victim. Though I had figured out the bad guy, the final confrontation was intense in the way it happened.

I liked the support that Jill got from her friend Samantha. That woman was scary good at what she does. Besides her work on helping to identify the killer, I loved Sam's "profiling" of Hayden and her comments to him.

Undercover in Conard County - Rachel Lee (HRS #1827 - Jan 2017)

Series: Conard County: The Next Generation (Book 32)

When hunters threaten local Wyoming wildlife, investigator Kel Westin vows to catch the perpetrators. But as he's sent to work undercover with game warden Desi Jenks, Kel finds himself caught off guard by his need to protect her, too. Something tells him both he and Desi are kept awake at night by pasts that won't let go.

Desi trusts no one. That includes the sexy former army ranger living in her bunkhouse, posing as a poacher to bait the ring. As a dangerous group gathers in the mountains, she must put her life in Kel's hands, a move that will change their fragile, growing bond forever…

Good book. Desi is the senior game warden in the Conard County area. There has been a growing problem with poachers and trophy hunters, with the latest being the death of a bighorn sheep. After months of reporting incidents, Desi receives help from an undercover investigator. Kel has been sent to pose as a hunting guide to draw out members of the poachers ring operating in the area. Neither expects the instant attraction that flares between them.

I liked both Desi and Kel. Desi is a woman who has worked hard to earn her place. She is liked and respected by those she works with and the people around her. This is evident in the interactions we see, including some interesting encounters with hunters. But she is also haunted by things in her past that prevent her from trusting people or allowing them to get too close. Kel is a former army ranger who works with the investigative unit. He is smart and intuitive, and as determined as Desi to stop the poachers. His past has also made him a bit of a loner, reluctant to let anyone close.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. It started out strictly business, with them working together to figure out the poaching situation. Both Desi and Kel try to keep their attraction under control while still getting to know each other. As part of his cover, Kel had been instructed to make it look like he is cozying up to the warden, but the cover story he comes up with brings up some bad memories for Desi. I ached for her because she knew she wasn't fair to him, but she couldn't help it. I also hurt for Kel, because he already liked her and didn't know what had happened. I loved that he had the patience and sensitivity to wait until she was able to talk to him. Desi also can understand some of what Kel suffers during a hunting emergency. I loved seeing how their growing feelings helped them both heal from their pasts and how danger enabled them to see what they meant to each other. Their confessions at the end were pretty sweet.

The suspense of the story was more mental than action for most of the book. Kel believes that his mission is pretty straightforward - pose as an illegal outfitter and try to flush out the poachers. But the more time that he and Desi spend together trying to track down clues, the more they become suspicious that things are not what they seem. Some glimpses of the bad guys' viewpoints prove that their suspicions are correct, but Desi and Kel are working blind. It is obvious to them that they no longer know who they can trust, which adds to the danger they are in. The final confrontation was an exciting bit of action. I especially loved Desi's cool head and nerves of steel. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the resolution, as some things were left hanging, but it was probably more realistic than having everything wrapped up neatly.

Friday, November 10, 2017

The Cowboy's Double Trouble - Judy Duarte (HSE #2470 - Apr 2016)

Series: Brighton Valley Cowboys (Book 3)

Nanny To The Rescue!

Braden Rayburn takes his responsibilities seriously. So how's he supposed to run his newly inherited ranch while being an interim father to his orphaned half-siblings, who don't speak a word of English? Especially since the onetime pro rodeo rider knows absolutely nada about raising a family. Lucky for him, he just met the beautiful answer to his prayers.

The high-energy boy and girl twins had Elena Ramirez at "hola." But being a nanny -- even a temporary one -- at Braden's Texas ranch wasn't on the bilingual Brighton Valley native's career path, even if her attraction to the kids' gorgeous guardian is mutual. Elena's big-city dreams don't include falling for a footloose cowboy. Or is the Rayburn rancher already the perfect family man?

Good conclusion to the trilogy. Braden thought he was the youngest of the three Rayburn half-siblings until after their father's death. Then they discovered that there were six-year-old twins that no one had known about. Braden, Jason, and Carly were determined to find them and bring them home. With both Jason and Carly away with their spouses, it fell to Braden to care for Beto and Bela. He's feeling overwhelmed, especially since the kids don't speak English and he doesn't speak Spanish. He is at his wit's end until he meets Elena.

Elena is home in Brighton Valley after graduating from college, working for her dad, as she saves the money to open her own store in Houston. She is the oldest of seven children and spent a lot of time as a teen taking care of her younger half-siblings. She can't wait to make her dream happen and get out of Brighton Valley. She's captivated by Beto and Bela when she first meets them, but becoming a nanny is not high on her list of things to do. But when Bradon makes her an offer she can't refuse, off to the ranch she goes.

I liked both Bradon and Elena. I loved that Bradon didn't hesitate to step up and take care of the twins. They are family, and there's no way that he'd let strangers raise them. He doesn't think he's the right one to do it permanently, as he is single and has no intention of changing that. He'd rather see either of his married siblings take that on. Be that as it may, he puts a lot of effort into making sure they are happy. I loved the scene with Bradon, the kids, and the Horton book. It really showed what a good guy he was. Though I liked her, there were times that I had trouble warming up to Elena. She is sweet and loving with the twins, and I liked the way that they connected so quickly. Unfortunately, I also felt like she was a bit judgmental of people. She seemed to look down on her stepmom for having six kids, and also for her "bland" decorating style. She was also quick to judge Lola on her appearance. Fortunately, I think she did a fair amount of maturing by the end of the book.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. There were sparks between them from the moment they met, but both were determined to resist. Bradon knows that Elena is not the fling type of woman and that is all he can offer. He got his heart broken back in high school and has resisted risking his heart ever since. Elena has big plans for her life and has no intention of getting involved with a man whose roots are buried deep in the very place she wants to leave. As they spend time together caring for the kids, they get to know each other, while their attraction continues to simmer. There are some sweet scenes of all four together, giving them a feeling of being a family. I loved watching Bradon realize that Elena has worked her way past his walls and that he now wishes for a future with her. He is also sensitive enough to realize that he can't ask her to give up her dreams. I ached for him as his attempts to show his feelings and yet give her a choice went awry. Elena also realized that she had fallen for Bradon, and has her own conflict. How can she have the relationship she wants without giving up her dreams? A long conversation with her dad helped her see the truth. I really liked Bradon's big moment at the end, as he lays his heart on the line.

I loved the two kids, Bela and Beto. They were adorable, but also realistic. I ached for them and the confusion they must have felt at the loss of their mother, then the father they never knew died also. I enjoyed their attempt to have some control over their lives. It was fun to see them settle into life on the ranch, adding their own touches with their menagerie. Beto was too cute with his desire to be just like Bradon, right down to the boots and hat. Bradon and Elena had no way of stopping the kids from working their way into their hearts. I loved the epilogue and seeing how things turned out for everyone.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Until You Loved Me - Brenda Novak (Mira - July 2017)

Series: Silver Springs (Book 3)

Sometimes starting over means finding everything you've been missing…

After catching her fiancĂ© cheating -- with another man -- usually straitlaced, workaholic scientist Ellie Fisher liberates her wild side just long enough to indulge in a passionate one-night stand with a tall, dark stranger she meets at a trendy Miami bar. Embarrassed by her recklessness, she ducks out the following morning without learning the guy's full name, something that shouldn't have been a problem…until a pregnancy test turns positive.

Being a professional football player, Hudson King has always been cautious around women. But this one had been different -- so disinterested in his celebrity, so convincingly into him. When Ellie tracks him down, claiming she's carrying his baby, he's stunned. And more than a little betrayed.

But after growing up as an orphan, he'll do anything to stay involved in his child's life, so he urges Ellie to move to Silver Springs, where they can co-parent. Hudson has a lot of love to give, certainly enough for his child, and when their initial spark reignites, perhaps for Ellie, too…

Good story about two people with some trust issues. The story opens with Ellie being dragged to a club by her friend Amy. For the last couple months, Ellie has been dealing with the fallout of finding her fiancé in bed with another man by immersing herself even further in her work. She's pretty bored at the club until she notices the good-looking guy sitting alone in the back corner of the club. She's surprised when he approaches her, but he seems nice. A long walk on the beach and some hot kisses in the moonlight lead to an even hotter night in his bed. Embarrassed by her behavior, she sneaks away the next morning without exchanging more than first names.

Hudson is a pro football player in town to play against the local team. He's dragged to the club by his new agent but isn't really in the mood to be there. He hates being the center of attention, so he's hiding out in the corner until he notices Ellie. What amazed him most was that she appeared to have no idea who he was. The novelty of being treated like a normal guy added to the attraction he felt for her. He was surprised to find her gone without a trace the next morning.

I really liked their instant connection that night. Hudson's interest in her and obvious attraction to her goes a long way toward making Ellie feel better after the disaster of her broken engagement. I loved how comfortable she was with him, able to talk about anything without feeling awkward. I ached for Hudson, who was so used to being sought out for his fame and fortune. It was sweet to see him relax and enjoy being an ordinary guy. I could sense that bit of hurt when he woke up to find her gone. That connection remained with them as neither was able to forget their time together.

I loved the fact that Ellie felt it was important to let Hudson know about the baby. She was nervous about being a single parent but ready to raise him on her own since she didn't know how to find him. Her reaction when she found out Hudson's identity was realistic. I loved her determination to do the right thing. Unfortunately, Hudson's trust issues rear their ugly heads and he doesn't react at all well to her news. I ached for Ellie when her expectations were so rudely shattered. I was frustrated by Hudson's cruel words since I thought he was better than that. Fortunately, he redeemed himself pretty quickly once he got over the shock. His actions as he was there when Ellie needed him showed that he was a stand-up guy after all, but he had an uphill battle to prove himself to her.

I liked the development of their relationship. Once the drama of the revelation was over, and Ellie recovered from her illness, their maturity had a chance to show. I liked that they had an honest conversation about the best way to deal with her pregnancy and their relationship. Though the attraction is still there, neither is willing to make any permanent commitment. Ellie doesn't see how her nerdy self could keep the interest of a man who is used to so much more than she is. She knows that she could fall for him and is desperate to protect her heart. Hudson never planned to marry or have kids. He was abandoned as an infant, grew up in a series of foster homes, and feels that he doesn't know how to give the love that a child would need. But he refuses to reject a child the way he felt rejected all his life. Once Ellie and Hudson are living in the same house, they have the opportunity to get to know each other and discover that there is much to like. Though they try to maintain their distance physically, the attraction between them is too strong. But it isn't just lust that finally draws them together, but the need for emotional comfort. I loved Ellie's determination to be there for Hudson as he deals with his whole background issue. Her belief in him and that he was more than his parentage gave Hudson the strength he needed to face those issues. I ached for Hudson and his conflict of wanting to know but being afraid of what he might learn. The growth of his feelings for Ellie made him feel protective of her, which also affected his ideas of what to do. I liked seeing them take that leap of faith, opening up their hearts to the hope of love in spite of their fears of rejection. The epilogue was good. I especially enjoyed Hudson's delivery room feelings.

The story of Hudson's search for his parents was heartbreaking at times. His need to know was understandable, and I ached for the loneliness that was evident in that search. He had so much love to give, and it was buried under those feelings of rejection. I hurt for him as the PI he hired turned up leads that seemed to hurt more than help. I loved Ellie's insistence on helping and wasn't surprised at what she uncovered. I liked the final resolution, but it felt a bit rushed. I would have liked a bit more detail, especially regarding the PI and his actions.