The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband - Julia Quinn (Avon - June 2017)

Series: Bridgerton Prequels/Rokesbys (Book 2)

While you were sleeping...

With her brother Thomas injured on the battlefront in the Colonies, orphaned Cecilia Harcourt has two unbearable choices: move in with a maiden aunt or marry a scheming cousin. Instead, she chooses option three and travels across the Atlantic, determined to nurse her brother back to health. But after a week of searching, she finds not her brother but his best friend, the handsome officer Edward Rokesby. He's unconscious and in desperate need of her care, and Cecilia vows that she will save this soldier's life, even if staying by his side means telling one little lie...

I told everyone I was your wife

When Edward comes to, he's more than a little confused. The blow to his head knocked out six months of his memory, but surely he would recall getting married. He knows who Cecilia Harcourt is even if he does not recall her face and with everyone calling her his wife, he decides it must be true, even though he'd always assumed he'd marry his neighbor back in England.

If only it were true...

Cecilia risks her entire future by giving herself completely to the man she loves. But when the truth comes out, Edward may have a few surprises of his own for the new Mrs. Rokesby.

Good book. Cecilia is alone in the world after her father's death, except for her brother, a Captain in the army who is posted in the Colonies, and a very unpleasant cousin. When she receives word that her brother has been injured and her cousin makes unwelcome advances, she takes ship for America to nurse Thomas back to health. Unfortunately, when she arrives, Thomas is missing, and no one can tell her anything about him. She does discover that Thomas's best friend, Edward Rokesby, is in the hospital in a coma. If she can't help Thomas, at least she can help his friend - except that the powers-that-be won't allow anyone but family into the hospital. Desperate to help, she declares that she is Edward's wife, not thinking what will happen when he wakes up and exposes her lie.

When Edward regains consciousness, he's very confused. First, he's missing a large chunk of his memories from the last several months. Second, he recognizes Cecilia as his friend's sister, thanks to a miniature that Thomas had, but he doesn't remember marrying her. But with everyone around him treating her as such, he allows himself to be convinced.

I enjoyed the development of Edward and Cecilia's relationship. They had already become friends thanks to a long-running correspondence through sharing Thomas's letters. I loved the excerpts from those letters included at the beginning of each chapter. Each one showed a little bit more of the progression of their friendship. With Edward's release from the hospital, they are thrown into constant contact with each other. They are brought closer by their shared concern for Thomas and their determination to discover what had happened to him. Proximity also brings out other things. Edward is attracted to the woman he believes he is married to, but can't do anything about it until he is more fully recovered. I also loved his protective streak, as he found himself wanting to save her from worry over her brother. It was also sweet to see his realization that he had started to love her through her letters and to get to know her had finished the job. Cecilia has a rougher time of it. There is no doubt in her mind about how deeply she cares for Edward, but she feels horribly guilty about the lies she has told. First, she worries that telling him the truth could cause a relapse. She also fears what will happen to her once she does. Then the lies keep building up, and she continues to put off telling him the truth. She knows she has to tell him before he regains his memory, but she just can't bring herself to do it. I ached for Edward when the truth came out, first for his sense of betrayal and then for his fear that she doesn't really care about him. Cecilia's love for Edward has her wanting what is best for him, which she feels is not her. She can't bring herself to tell him face-to-face and tries to escape on her own. Edward's big moment is romantic and amusing, thanks to Cecilia's cabinmate and the ship's captain. The epilogue was great and has me anxiously awaiting Andrew's story.

The concurrent story of Thomas's whereabouts and what led to Edward's injury and memory loss was interesting. Edward's frustration over being unable to remember what had happened to him was obvious and heartbreaking. I fully understood his anger with his commander once his memories did return. I ached for both Edward and Cecilia as they learned more about what had happened to Thomas. Thomas's letter to Edward just about broke my heart.

I loved the setting of the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War. It is a time period rarely used during historical romances which is too bad. It seems to me that there is great opportunity for some more unusual storylines.

The CEO's Nanny Affair - Joss Wood (HD #2533 - Aug 2017)

Series: Ballantyne Billionaires (Book 3)
            Billionaires and Babies (Book 84)

Sexy single-dad billionaire meets temporary nanny…

When Tate Harper's sister disappears, the globe-trotting TV host is suddenly the caregiver for her infant niece. She has to find her sister ASAP! Enter single father and sexy CEO Linc Ballantyne, her sister's ex. He's a family man to the core, and he'll help Tate -- if she agrees to be his temporary live-in nanny.

Soon she's juggling a baby, a toddler and a growing attraction to the billionaire Ballantyne. But when it's time to go back to her real life, will she pack her bags or stay and find out what being a family really means?

A good book about two people afraid to risk their hearts after being hurt in the past. Tate is a well-known TV host, known for her stories from all over the world. On a break between shows, she is supposed to have lunch with her cousin turned adoptive sister, only to find that Kari sneaked out the back door when Tate came in the front, leaving her infant daughter behind. Suddenly Tate finds herself responsible for her niece, and she hasn't a clue what to do. The only message Kari left behind was for Tate to see Kari's ex-fiancé, Linc. Linc is not happy to have another Harper female turn up on his doorstep. Kari had deserted him shortly before their wedding, giving up all parental rights to their son Shaw. But he can't turn his back on little Ellie, so he agrees to help Tate for a while if she will fill in while he looks for a nanny.

I really liked Linc. Yes, he has the whole rich and handsome thing going on, but what got me was what a terrific father he is. He is loving, patient, and involved, and maybe a little overprotective. There are some really sweet scenes between him and Shaw. He also has great relationships with his mom and siblings, who are a terrific support system for him. The cupcake scene illustrates this. He's been hurt in the past, most deeply by Kari, who destroyed his trust in women and his belief that he'll find the old-fashioned kind of woman that he wants.

I liked Tate, too, but she also frustrated me. When Kari was a little girl, she and her mom moved in with Tate's family. Unfortunately, it put it strain on Tate's parents' marriage, and eventually, her dad left them. After that, it seemed that it was Kari's needs that took precedence in the family, especially after Kari's mother died. Kari was spoiled and selfish and manipulative, and Tate left home as soon as she could. For her own peace of mind, she spent as little time with them as possible. When Tate ends up with Ellie, she fully believes that she is not capable of caring for the little girl. Nor does she really want to. She's happy with her nomadic life and career where she doesn't have to get too close to anyone. But the more time she spends with the kids, the deeper the dig beneath her walls.

I liked the development of the relationship between Tate and Linc. They start out very adversarial. Linc makes no secret of his mistrust of Tate. He thinks she is just like Kari. Tate is angry at being measured by Kari's yardstick since she has worked hard to be nothing like her. Underneath it all is a simmering attraction. I enjoyed seeing Tate and Linc grow closer as their little group starts to feel like a family. Neither is very happy to realize that the attraction they've been indulging has turned to love, and each tries desperately to deny it. There are also obstacles to having that happy family. Tate doesn't know how she can be the mom she thinks Linc wants for Shaw and still have the career she loves, or if she's even capable of being a mother to the two children, thanks to her own family issues. Linc's trust issues are deep, and Tate being Kari's sister makes the trust even harder to come by.

An unexpected twist at the end creates a dilemma for Tate, one that sends her running after all. I ached for the pain she was in as she tried to make a decision. The conclusion was great, as a bit of much-needed communication helped create the best solution for all.

Family played a big part in the story. There were two types. The truly dysfunctional family that Tate had, that spent more time driving the members apart than bringing them together. It really hurt to see how badly Tate's needs were neglected while growing up. On the other side, Linc's family was loud, loving, and accepting. I loved the teasing that went on among them, especially as his siblings saw Linc falling for Tate. They were also there to support each other and could be called on at any time of day or night. I am looking forward to Sage's story, as I think there was a hint that it might be a doozy.

It Started with a Diamond - Teri Wilson (HSE #2561 - July 2017)

Series: Drake Diamonds (Book 3)

Heiress Nabs Polo Star

A Page Six Exclusive Report

Stunning world-class equestrian Diana Drake's stayed out of the family business for decades. But now Diana has the inside track on a coveted diamond…not to mention a polo-playing partner in crime in Franco Andrade. And after mere weeks, the city's most eligible bachelor is engaged to the jewelry heiress! Still, this whirlwind romance may not be as glittering as the jewels in Drake's. After all, we hear that Franco's first love has always been the polo team that unceremoniously sacked him. And Diana's still recovering from the loss of the sport she's always cherished. Can the handsome Argentine help his new fiancée capture the diamond of the century…and in the process repair her shattered heart?

Good conclusion to the trilogy. Diana is working for the family business, still not ready to go back to her promising equestrian career. The loss of her beloved horse, Diamond, still haunts her. Instead, she is stuck working the Engagements section of the store, which she absolutely hates. She is there when the new "face" of the store arrives for a publicity shoot - one Franco Andrade, Argentinian polo player. She and Franco have a history and it isn't a pleasant memory. She's horrified when she gets roped into participating in the shoot.

Franco is well known as a player, both on and off the field. His off-field antics have resulted in being kicked off his polo team. Working for Drake Diamonds is an attempt to repair his image. He's surprised to see Diana working at the store and not out pursuing her Olympic dreams. He's even more surprised by the attraction he still feels for her.

Both Diana and Franco are shocked when one of the pictures of the two of them together becomes an overnight sensation. Because Drake Diamonds is in the running to be the company to cut a newly discovered large diamond, Diana's brother and CEO, asks them to pretend to be a couple for the next three weeks. This will keep Drake's in the headlines and increase their chances. Diana is reluctant, but agrees to do so in exchange for being made co-CEO of the company. Franco agrees because it will help him prove to his team management that he has changed. Diana is determined to keep Franco at arm's length and the relationship for public consumption only. She doesn't count on being even more attracted to Franco now.

I loved the development of their relationship. Franco is attracted and intrigued from the start. He remembers their one night from three years earlier, and regrets how it ended. He sees this as a chance to make amends. As he spends time with her, he also notices pain and sadness in her eyes and wants to help her. Diana has closed herself off from her feelings. Not just the loss of her horse, but also her mother's death and everything that led up to it, have left her convinced she's better off alone. However, the chemistry between Franco and Diana continues to build and begins to break down the walls around her heart. I loved how he just knew that she needed a puppy to help her start caring again. When the sparks between them burst into flame, the connection between them is amazing. That connection takes a hit when Franco announces their engagement - without telling Diana about it first. He needs her help, just as she needed his, but she's justifiably angry at the way he went about it. She gets a bit of an eye opener about Franco during a night out at the Polo Club, when she has a chance to meet his best friend. She realizes that there is more to him that she thought, and begins to look at him differently. But all her fears come rushing back when Franco is injured during a match, and she pushes him away. Both of them needed to come to terms with their pasts before they could move on to a future together. I loved the assistance they both had from those that cared about them. Franco's big moment at the end was awesome. The epilogue was great and was the perfect ending for the story.

The Princess Problem - Teri Wilson (HSE #2544 - Apr 2017)

Series: Drake Diamonds (Book 2)

A Diamond in the Rough

Always-proper princess Aurélie Marchand never flouts the wishes of her father. But when she's set to marry a man she doesn't love, Aurélie finally escapes -- to glittering New York City. And she's got a surprise for her hosts at Drake Diamonds: a magnificent secret treasure that can guide their fortunes forever. But it's the dour but dashing Dalton Drake who is the true surprise…

Despite a store built on finding true love, after one tragic try at marriage Dalton's wed only to his family's business. When the feisty princess appears on his doorstep, though, she immediately tries his patience…and charms her way into his fiercely padlocked heart. But can the secret-filled runaway royal become his forever bride?

Good book. Aurélie is a princess on the run. She desperately wants a chance to live a little before undergoing an arranged marriage to a much older man. She disguised herself as a courier and accompanied a collection of jeweled eggs to New York, where they will go display at Drake Diamonds. She also brought another treasure to use as the incentive to gain Dalton's cooperation. Dalton's world has revolved around Drake Diamonds for most of his life, even affecting his one attempt at marriage. Aurélie's arrival throws his well-ordered life into complete turmoil.

I really liked Aurélie. She suffered a blow to her outlook on life when she learned the truth about her parents' so-called fairy tale marriage. I liked how she took matters into her own hands and seized the chance to do what she wanted while she still could. I thought her methods were creative. I really liked when she came face-to-face with Dalton and stated her requirements, and didn't back down when he tried to intimidate her. It was sweet to see her enjoyment of the little things like eating a hot dog and shopping for vintage clothes.

I liked Dalton, too. He's a workaholic who has always put the company first, even though it cost him his fiancée, but he unbent enough in the first book, His Ballerina Bride, to help Artem win Ophelia. He's surprised when he is confronted by Aurélie, and hesitant to put his arrangement with her father at risk. It was fun to see him try to keep her under control and failing miserably.

I enjoyed the development of their romance. There are sparks flying between them from the start, but both have good reason to resist. Aurélie because she knows she will have to go home and marry, and Dalton because he swore never to put another woman at risk because of his behavior.  I loved how helping Aurélie with her wishes began to pull Dalton out of the shell he had built around himself. He stunned everyone around him by actually ditching work to be with her. Aurélie was able to forget what was waiting for her when she was with him, and discovered that she was happier than she had ever been. The attraction continued to build until neither could resist it any longer. I loved how Aurélie seized her chance with such enthusiasm. The connection scared Dalton a bit and he started to pull away. A family crisis intensified his need to avoid more loss in his life and he continued to push. I loved that Aurélie stepped up to help in a different crisis, which brought the two of them back together in an intense encounter. But an unexpected arrival the next morning brought everything crashing down and sending Aurélie back home. I ached for Dalton and his misery at her absence and loved seeing his sister point out the obvious. I loved Dalton's solution once he made his decision. There was still an expected twist waiting for him before he could carry out his plans and I loved what it was. The ending was great and I loved how Aurélie proved to have more courage than she expected. I'd love to see more of her and her new future.

His Ballerina Bride - Teri Wilson (HSE #2526 - Jan 2017)

Series: Drake Diamonds (Book 1)

The Ultimate Pas de Deux

A Page Six Exclusive Report

Debonair Artem Drake has had tongues wagging all over New York since he became surprise CEO of Drake Diamonds. This playboy hopes to bring new life to the storied old business before those rumored bad investments sink the family ship. He's even plucked an ambitious salesgirl out of the shadows to become the store's new star designer. But Ophelia Rose isn't the ingenue she seems. The swanlike beauty's hiding a past that glimmers as bright as a Drake diamond -- she once graced the stage as a professional ballerina…until she was forced to take her final curtsy and hide from the limelight. Now can Artem bring her back to center stage? Or will their glittering future together wither under the secrets of the past?

Fantastic book. Ophelia is a former ballerina who lost her career thanks to a devastating medical diagnosis. Now she works on the sales floor of Drake Diamonds and dreams of becoming one of their jewelry designers. A chance encounter with Artem Drake, CEO of the company, gives her the opportunity to show her designs. Artem inherited the position of CEO, but he doesn't want it. He's never felt part of the tradition. On his way to his brother's office to submit his resignation, he sees Ophelia and is immediately drawn to her. In the course of that meeting, Artem offers to look at her designs.

The chemistry between Ophelia and Artem is intense from the very beginning. Every encounter sees the sparks flying between them. Ophelia is determined to resist because of her fears about her future. Artem is attracted so much that he can't get her off his mind. I loved the night at the ballet, meant to be publicity for the company and how it turned out to be so much more. I ached for Ophelia and her sense of loss at not being able to dance, and wept at her reaction to the shoes. I loved how she seized on the chance to take one night for herself to make memories to last her in her self-imposed exile. What she and Artem experienced was incredible, both physical and emotional. But the dream came to an end the next morning, with a public exposure of her past. I ached for them both as Ophelia dealt with the consequences of the stress and Artem with the effects the news of her illness had on his feelings. I loved the way that he stood up for her against his brother and tried to protect her. The ending was awesome with Artem's determination to do whatever he had to in order to win her, and Ophelia finally willing to believe she could have a life worth living. Artem's big moment was awesome and the perfect way to bring the story full circle.

There was so much I loved about this book. At the top of the list is the realism of Ophelia and her illness. The devastation of the major changes in her life and her fears for her future are what so many experience. I loved seeing her making the best of her new reality and trying to stay as positive as she can. I ached for her and the effect her former fiancé's rejection had on her. Artem also had his demons to overcome. The stigma of his birth and his fear of being like his father had a huge impact on his life. His relationship with his brother was strained until they found a way past the issues that kept them apart. I also loved how the Drake Diamond had a connection to both Artem and Ophelia, and that Ophelia finds a way to show Artem that it is just as important to him as it is to her. I wasn't surprised by Artem's gift to Ophelia, but it was so very sweet and romantic.

Alpha Bravo SEAL - Carol Ericson (HI #1710 - May 2017)

Series: Red White and Built (Book 2)

Navy SEAL Protector

When members of her film crew start being killed off, documentarian Nicole Hastings is relieved to find the man following her is Slade Gallagher -- a navy SEAL sniper who once saved Nicole from Somali kidnappers. Now he's shadowing her to trap the terrorists behind the killings and find out just what they want.

Nicole couldn't be more different from the women Slade usually falls for. But he quickly learns that there's a lot more to this socialite than he first thought. And as Slade's admiration for her courage and resilience grows, so does his yearning. Protecting Nicole is an assignment, but can he let her go when it's all over?

Good book. Nicole is a documentary filmmaker. She and her film crew had been captured by Somali pirates, then rescued by a group of Navy SEALs. Eighteen months later, the other members of her crew are dying under mysterious circumstances and Nicole suspects something is wrong.

One of those SEALs was Slade. He had been fascinated by her at the time, intrigued by a wealthy woman that doesn't act like the ones he's used to. Then he's assigned to protect her again, this time from deadly terrorists who are after her.

I liked both Nicole and Slade. Both have come from wealthy, privileged backgrounds, but prefer to make their own way in the world. Thanks to her work in frequently hazardous areas, Nicole is not easily flustered or frightened. She is also smart, feisty, and determined. Slade is smart, determined and protective. He has been burned pretty well by his few relationships with wealthy women and tends to steer clear of them now. I enjoyed seeing the development of their relationship. First up is the attraction between them, which simmers under the surface from the start. Neither had been able to forget the other, even though they hadn't actually met. Second was the connection between them that quickly became a friendship, then more. I liked that Nicole was strong and independent, but could lean on Slade when she needed to. I also loved that while Slade was protective, he trusted Nicole to know what she could handle. I liked how they came together at the end, with no angst or trouble, just an admission that they want to see where the relationship goes.

The suspense of the book was really good. We quickly learn that the bad guys are after some film footage, though not exactly why. They are ruthless and have no problem with leaving a high body count. Slade and Nicole follow the leads to track down the footage, but the bad guys are never far away. The intensity increases when they find the film, but Nicole is taken. The final confrontation is exciting, though doesn't go quite like I expected, but it certainly brings things into a nice neat circle, with just one loose thread. I can't wait to read the next one.

My only real quibble is with the cover of the book. It takes place almost entirely in New York City, so the African cover is a bit misleading.

Escorted by the Ranger - C.J. Miller (HRS #1949 - June 2017)

A chilling murder sparks a red-hot runway romance…

After working her way to the top of the modeling world, Marissa Walker finds her dream turning into a nightmare. Her best friend is murdered before her turn on the runway! Is killing models suddenly in style? Now a deadly hitman is targeting Marissa…even as she becomes a suspect in her friend's death.

Enter Jack Larson, army ranger turned bodyguard. Jack's mission: protect a supermodel while attempting to resist the flesh-and-blood woman behind the stunning face. He's been burned in love before, as has Marissa, but when the hunt for a killer leads them into a world of glamour and danger, they'll put everything on the line for love -- and their lives!

Good book. Marissa is a supermodel, at the top of career. During a live fashion show her former best friend is murdered. Worried about Marissa's safety, her sister Kit (Delta Force Desire) asks fellow West Company employee, Jack, to serve as Marissa's bodyguard until the killer is caught. Jack is currently on medical leave after being injured on his last mission. Marissa isn't all that thrilled about having a 24/7 bodyguard. She has security that goes with her when she's out, but she prefers her privacy at home. That changes when she is attacked in her own home, and only saved because Jack was there.

I liked Marissa. She may be incredibly beautiful and famous, but she's a nice person. She doesn't go all diva on people and she looks out for her friends. She's attracted to Jack, but she's been through that before. She's already been married and divorced twice, and no longer trusts herself when it comes to men. She's looking seriously at moving on from modelling because she feels that she is missing out on too much of life.

I liked Jack, too. He's good at what he does and doesn't let things distract him. He's been burned in love before, by a woman who had fame on her mind rather than her feelings for him. Plus, he's still recovering from the betrayal of his partner on his last mission. He's been spending time on his family's farm while on leave, and looking forward to the time when he retires and becomes a farmer for real.

I loved watching their relationship develop. Marissa is attracted and fascinated by him, especially by the fact that he seems unaffected by her looks. She believes that he doesn't like her. To the contrary, he is bowled over by her beauty, but doesn't want to look like it, so he remains aloof, and believes that she's certain to be self-centered. It doesn't take him long to realize that her inside is even more beautiful than her outside. They give in to the attraction, though Jack tries to fight it, feeling that he can't protect her properly if he does. I loved how sensitive each of them was to the other's problems. I especially loved seeing Marissa's support of Jack during his inquiry and how she was ready for as little or as much as he wanted to talk about. Their feelings for each other grew, and each reacted differently thanks to their pasts. Marissa isn't sure if she can trust herself to know if it's really love. Jack isn't sure if Marissa would want the same things that he does. Each has their moment of clarity and I liked seeing how they came together in the end.

The suspense of the story was good. I liked the background of the fashion industry, it seemed pretty ripe for the kind of trouble this was. The murder of Avery, with the almost immediate attack on Marissa had everyone on edge, wondering who had done it and why. The intensity increased with the shooting at the photo shoot, and later what happened at the auction. I had several possibilities in mind for the killer and it was interesting to see who it ended up being and why. The final confrontation was certainly an unusual kind of attack.

The Ten-Day Baby Takeover - Karen Booth (HD #2509 - Apr 2017)

Series: Langford Family (Book 3)
           Billionaires and Babies (Book 81)

A billionaire's baby deal!

One look into his infant son's trusting blue gaze and Aiden Langford knows his wild, carefree days are over. If only he can get Sarah Daltrey, his son's temporary guardian, to give him daddy lessons… Certainly the soft-hearted entrepreneur will agree to his ten-day proposal to stay as the nanny. Aiden just needs to keep his mind on parenting and off Sarah's seductive curves…

Being in the handsome tycoon's arms puts up Sarah's emotional defenses even as her body begs her to let go. But being a babysitter with benefits isn't on her agenda -- especially for a father and son who might steal her heart…

Very good book. I've been wanting to read Aiden's story since he appeared in That Night With the CEO and Pregnant by the Rival CEO. I knew there had to be a story behind why he wasn't in charge of the family business, as the oldest, and a reason for the tension between him and the rest of the family. There had been hints, but here we finally get the full story.

Sarah has come to New York to turn over custody of her best friend's baby to his unsuspecting father. She's been trying to reach him for weeks and been ignored, so she has shown up at his office and refuses to leave until she sees him. It isn't going well, until an encounter with Aiden's sister Anna gets her in the door. She was hoping for a quick turnover so she could get away without losing more of her heart to little Oliver. But it didn't work out that way.

I loved how Aiden was so stunned at being a father, but stepped up right away. He is a man known for his high risk activities, but being totally responsible for Oliver was a daunting prospect. He isn't known for his negotiating abilities for nothing, and he soon has Sarah agreeing to stay for ten days of daddy lessons in exchange for helping her with her business.

I loved the development of their relationship. There is a strong attraction from the beginning, but Oliver comes first. The scenes of instruction were fantastic, sometimes funny, sometimes emotional, and always spot on. I adored seeing Sarah send Aiden and Oliver into the bathtub together, telling him it would be a bonding experience for them. It was awesome to see Aiden fall so sweetly for his little boy. This was also a scene where the sparks between Aiden and Sarah were really flying. Sarah can't stop checking him out, and Aiden definitely returns the interest. Over the next few days they spend a lot of time together as Sarah instructs him in the basics, and they begin to learn more of each other. Sarah is there to witness the tension between Aiden and his mother, and is able to get him to talk about it. I loved how she was able to point out to him that it was his chance to give Oliver the kind of love he felt he never had.

I also loved how Aiden quickly came to understand how much Sarah's business meant to her. He went through a lot of effort to help her with one particular contact. He saw her nervousness and took steps to give her the confidence she needed to do what she had to do. Sarah realizes that she is falling hard for Aiden, which scares her because she had already been burned once. I liked that she was willing to take the risk and give in to the attraction. What they had together seemed to be growing stronger. Their connection was definitely evident when Aiden had his confrontation with his mother and Sarah was there to help him through it. But their relationship takes a hit when Sarah confesses her feelings and Aiden panics. I ached for her as she leaves Aiden and Oliver behind, as well as her heart. I have to admit to being pleased that Aiden was so miserable. It was fun to see his conversation with Anna as she pointed out his idiocy. I loved his big moments at the end. His groveling when he went after Sarah was terrific, and his proposal at the end was sweet and romantic.

I enjoyed seeing the other Langford couples again. I especially loved Anna's involvement from the beginning. I loved her shock when she met Sarah and Oliver in the office lobby, and her immediate determination to help. The enthusiasm with which she and Jacob jumped in to babysit Oliver was sweet to see. After years of being pitted against each other by their father, I really liked the way that the siblings have begun to improve their relationships. I was also happy to see their support of Aiden when he finally learned the truth he had been searching for for so long.

**copy received in exchange for honest review