Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Dark Horse - B.J. Daniels (HI #1725 - Aug 2017)

Series: Whitehorse Montana: The McGraw Kidnapping (Book 1)

Burdened by family secrets, this cowboy rides alone

For twenty-five years, the case of the McGraw twins kidnapping has remained unsolved. As the eldest son, Cull oversees the McGraw horse ranch, wary of prying eyes. So when true-crime writer Nikki St. James comes forward with new information, Cull can't believe his father invites her onto the compound. His family has suffered enough -- he's not about to let St. James snoop and ruin them completely. But Nikki finds the eldest McGraw's protectiveness as endearing as it is aggravating. After all, this case is personal to her, too… And her secrets can set the truth free -- if they don't destroy the McGraws first.

Good beginning to the new series. Nikki is a true crime writer who has picked a twenty-five-year-old kidnapping case as the subject of her next book. She has contacted Travers McGraw, patriarch of the family, and received his blessing and an invitation to stay at the ranch and interview anyone she wants. What she hasn't told anyone about is her personal connection to the case. Her father was one of the accused kidnappers, and she wants to find the information that will clear his name.

Cull is Travers McGraw's oldest son. He was a child when his infant brother and sister were kidnapped, but it still haunts him today. He is protective of his father and the rest of the family and resents the attention they still receive because of the disappearance. The upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary is expected to be even worse. He isn't happy about Nikki's presence, fearing that whatever she stirs up will be detrimental to Travers' already shaky health.

The suspense of the story is really good. Nikki has a good track record of being able to unearth previously unknown information about cases. I liked that she doesn't just depend on police and newspaper reports, instead going back to the sources. I loved seeing how she was able to pull unrealized memories from various people. I especially enjoyed her conversations with the brothers and her compassion and sensitivity as she questioned them. Nikki also has good instincts, and through her eyes, several people move up the suspect list. It's obvious that someone doesn't want Nikki digging into the past when she is attacked along a deserted road. There are several twists and turns leading to a couple of surprise revelations. One deserving person gets what is coming to them thanks to Nikki's work. Some new information about the kidnapping is uncovered, resolving some questions but leaving others unanswered. I'm looking forward to the other books and getting the rest of the story.

The development of the relationship between Nikki and Cull doesn't take up much of the story. Though Cull is initially antagonistic to her, he can't deny that he is also attracted. Though protective of his family, he can't help but admire her determination. I liked seeing him warm up to her as he sees how much she cares about finding the truth. Nikki is just as attracted to Cull. Though each suspect that their feelings are growing deeper than expected, neither is willing to take the risk of bringing them out into the open. I loved seeing Cull's two brothers gang up on him to get him to see the truth and do something about it. The ending was pretty sweet, and I'm looking forward to seeing them in later books.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

The Baby Favor - Andrea Laurence (HD #2527 - July 2017)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 83)

For the baby's sake…

Scarlet and Mason Spencer's marriage was once hotter than a summer heat wave. But their failed attempts to start a family chilled their passion. Now on the verge of divorce, Mason's single-parent brother is dying, leaving his baby girl in Mason's care…and pulling Scarlet into a ruse that she's still the billionaire's happy, loving wife…

Pretending to be a family so Mason's brother's final days will be peaceful starts feeling like the real thing -- as does the combustible chemistry she finds in her sexy soon-to-be-ex husband's bed. Will Scarlet's baby favor lead to a reunion…and the family they've always wanted?

Good second chance story for a couple torn apart by infertility issues and pride. Scarlet and Mason had had a terrific marriage until the stresses of starting a family became too much for them. Just weeks away from divorce, Mason has come to Scarlet for help. His sister-in-law has died in a crash, and his brother is dying, leaving Mason to care for their baby girl. Jay doesn't know about the impending divorce, so Mason wants Scarlet to pretend everything is fine for Jay's final days.

This was an emotional roller coaster of a book. Scarlet has finally begun to adjust to Mason's absence and the end of their marriage. She had been blindsided by Mason's request for a divorce. She hasn't stopped loving him. Scarlet still hurts over the loss of the baby they'd adopted, whose birth mother decided she wanted him back. When Mason asks for her help, she is reluctant because she doesn't want to go through the pain of losing him again after the charade is over. She is also determined not to let herself get attached to baby Luna. I completely understood Scarlet's viewpoint. She had been through a lot and was simply trying to protect herself. I also knew that there was no way she was going to be able to resist Luna. I ached for her as she confronted her memories in the nursery and smiled as she overcame them.

Mason frustrated me for a good part of the book. Thanks to the unreasonable expectations of his father, Mason grew up expecting perfection of himself. When things aren’t going the way he expects them to; he tends to cut his losses and move on. While this may work in his business, in his personal life it has been a disaster. Mason blames himself for their lack of a family, decided that Scarlet would be better off without him, and asked for a divorce, all without actually talking to her to see what she wanted.

From the moment Mason and Luna moved in it was obvious that his and Scarlet's feelings for each other were as strong as ever, but so were their fears. Scarlet tried desperately to keep both Mason and Luna at a distance, but it was a losing battle. It didn't take long before both Scarlet and Mason started feeling hopeful about the future, but a part of each of them was also wary. Scarlet feared that if things got rough again, he would revert to his cut and run ways. I liked the way that she confronted Mason early on and explained her problem with him. Though he promised he wouldn't do it again, Scarlet had trouble trusting him. Mason still has bouts of self-doubt and can't believe that Scarlet will really be happy with him. Things are looking very promising for them until Jay's death. Mason has a hard time dealing with the loss of his brother and the guilty feelings brought on by what he sees as his happiness at his brother's expense and withdraws into himself. With Scarlet's fears of history repeating itself it doesn't take much to push her over the edge to a confrontation with Mason. I ached for the misery that they inflicted on themselves. I loved that it was hearing Jay's voice in a dream that finally pushed Mason into realizing the truth: "Climb down from the cross, Mason. We don't need another martyr in this family." I loved his big moment at the end and the way that he showed Scarlet the depth of his feelings. The epilogue had an unexpected and heartwarming twist to it.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

The Most Dangerous Duke in London - Madeline Hunter (Zebra - June 2017)

Series: Decadent Dukes Society (Book 1)

NOTORIOUS NOBLEMAN SEEKS REVENGE
Name and title: Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton.
Affiliation: London’s elite Society of Decadent Dukes.
Family history: Scandalous.
Personality traits: Dark and brooding, with a thirst for revenge.
Ideal romantic partner: A woman of means, with beauty and brains, willing to live with reckless abandon.
Desire: Clara Cheswick, gorgeous daughter of his family’s sworn enemy.

FAINT OF HEART NEED NOT APPLY
Clara may be the woman Adam wants, but there’s one problem: she’s far more interested in publishing her women’s journal than getting married -- especially to a man said to be dead-set on vengeance. Though, with her nose for a story, Clara wonders if his desire for justice is sincere -- along with his incredibly unnerving intention to be her husband. If her weak-kneed response to his kiss is any indication, falling for Adam clearly comes with a cost. But who knew courting danger could be such exhilarating fun?

Good book about a man bent on revenge and a woman determined to keep her independence. Adam has spent the last five years in France, where he took his mother to escape the ugly rumors of treason after his father's suicide. While there, he gained quite a reputation for engaging in several duels over his father's honor. Now he is back, determined to find the truth, clear his father's name, and exact revenge on those responsible. He's pretty sure that the Earl of Marwood, neighbor and long-time family enemy was the one who started the rumors and kept them going.

Adam is more than a little surprised when the Dowager Countess invites him to call on her and the new Earl. He's astounded when she proposes ending the long-standing feud in the time-honored tradition of marriage. She offers Adam, the hand of her youngest granddaughter, Emilia. Besides the fact that he feels she is way too young for him, he suspects the Dowager has ulterior motives. However, his first sight of eldest granddaughter Clara piques his interest.

Clara was the only child of the Earl's first marriage, and she was his favorite. They spent much time together, with him treating Clara more as a son than a daughter. On his death, he left her property and income enough for her to be independent, which suits her just fine. Clara uses her wealth to secretly publish a women's magazine and is quite adamant that she has no plans to marry.

I loved the first meeting between Clara and Adam. He is attracted and intrigued, and she wants nothing to do with him. He initially plans to court her in an attempt to discover what she knows about her father's involvement against his father, but it doesn't take long for him to want Clara for herself. Adam is quite determined to have her, and Clara is equally determined to retain her independence. I loved seeing Adam find ways to spend time with Clara that she can't avoid. He is quite devious at times, and it begins to pay off as Clara discovers that there is more to him than his reputation. I really liked the way that he appreciates her intelligence and wit. Clara is unaccustomed to such a thing, and it isn't long before they have developed a pretty solid friendship. Adam is still determined to marry her and turns up the heat on the attraction that simmers between them. Clara is still determined to retain her independence but considers entering into an affair with him. What they have together is more intense than either expects, cementing Adam's resolve and causing Clara to reconsider her opinion. I loved that they have honest conversations between their bouts of lovemaking, with Adam forthright about his motivations and Clara about her fears regarding marriage. The question comes down to whether the truth about Adam's father will tear them apart or bring them together.

I enjoyed the mystery behind his father's death. I ached for Adam who had been the one to find him, and who resented those who made his mother's life so miserable. I completely understood his desire to find the truth, no matter what it took. It was interesting to see the reactions of various people to Adam's presence back in England, with the scene at the race being especially intense. There was one person I suspected knew more than they were telling. An unexpected twist exposed the truth, and I loved how it all worked out.

The secondary characters were an intricate part of the story. Topping the list were Adam's friends Langford and Brentworth. I loved the strength of the friendship among the three men. Even after five years apart, they were able to pick right up as if they'd never been separated. I loved their support of Adam in whatever he needed. A garden party put on by a bachelor duke? Of course. Advice on women? Gladly. I'm looking forward to seeing those two get their stories. Clara's family was also vividly drawn. Her brother was obviously young and without the experience to deal with his older sister. Emilia was sweet and loved her sister. The Dowager was flat out scary at times, and I was truly impressed by Clara's ability to stand up to her. I liked Clara's friend and partner, Althea, and loved the way that she helped Clara with her rendezvous with Adam. I'd liked to see her get a happy ending of her own. I also loved the blunt Lady Farnworth. She was especially awesome when she stood up to the Dowager.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Devil and the Deep - Julie Ann Walker (Sourcebooks Casablanca - July 2016)

Series: Deep Six (Book 2)

He knew he had to forget her
But when the woman who stole his heart is kidnapped
This former SEAL will do whatever it takes to steal her back

Maddy Powers's life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events-but she can't forget the daring former SEAL who came crashing into her life a few months ago...or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret-one that forced him to push Maddy away. But when she's taken hostage during a trip to the Caribbean, the men of Deep Six Salvage embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy. Passion boils in the sultry sea breeze...but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don't survive the dawn?

Good book. This one centers on Maddy, who was a secondary character in Hell or High Water, and Bran, another member of the Deep Six team. There were obvious sparks between them previously, ending with a toe-curling kiss, but Bran doesn't follow up the way Maddy expects. Instead, there are three months of friendly email exchanges as Bran helps her through the aftermath of the previous events but ignores the signals she sends. Maddy decides to be a little more proactive and, using a field trip for some interns as an excuse, shows up on an island close to the team's dive site. She then invites Bran to talk to the girls about their treasure hunt.

Bran is in a quandary. There is nothing he'd like more than to spend more time with Maddy. But he also has some very personal reasons for avoiding the closeness he knows that she wants. Bran grew up with an abusive father and is convinced that he carries the same darkness in him. He refuses to put himself in a position where he could hurt someone he cares about. He's just about made up his mind to ignore her invitation when Mason and Alex get involved.

As it turns out, Bran, Mason, and Alex arrive at the island at just the right time. Maddy is at the center of a kidnapping plot, and she and her charges are held at gunpoint. I had to chuckle a bit at Maddy's reaction as it is happening again. Things get pretty intense as Bran and Mason come to the rescue, but it doesn't go quite as planned, with the three interns still in the hands of the kidnappers.

What follows is a good mix of action and romance. Bran, Maddy, and Mason must find a way to free the girls from the men holding them. Bran has his ideas, and none of them include Maddy, but she refuses to be left behind. There is a terrific scene of Maddy standing up to his protectiveness, with information that will give them a better chance of success and the need to help those she feels responsible for. As they whittle down the number of bad guys and regain possession of the girls, there are some moments of down time. Bran and Maddie take advantage of these times as their movie-quote-laced banter is interlaced with some serious conversation. Bran is determined to make it clear to Maddy that he isn't relationship material and she is just as determined to show him that he is. I ached for them both as Bran opens up about his past and Maddy sees just how deep his fears go. Maddy proposes the idea of friends with benefits as a way to get at least some of the closeness she wants with Bran. And though the scene was intense, I thought the timing was illogical, with them not knowing if there were more bad guys out there.

There are still a few more twists and turns before Maddy, and the others are truly safe. The final confrontation was not unexpected in how it happened. Even Bran and Mason can see the writing on the wall as the setup reminds them of what happened in the previous book. However expected, the fight is intense and deadly. I ached for Maddy when she found out who was behind the kidnapping attempts.

When it's all over, Bran does his usual escape and deny, but something has changed. I rather enjoyed his misery as he fully deserved it. It takes his friend Leo to snap him out of his self-pity by pointing out some things about all of them that Bran hadn't considered. I loved his "aha" moment as he realized the truth. His reunion with Maddy was sweet and romantic and exactly what you'd expect from them.

There was also a secondary story going on between Mason and Alex. The two of them have been antagonistic from the moment that Alex arrived on their island. It was fun to see the extremely untalkative Mason deal with the motormouth Alex. Under the antagonism are sparks of attraction that start to burn hotter the more time they spend together. Mason isn't happy about what he is starting to feel, while Alex wants to explore it. I'm looking forward to their story, which should be another good one.

We don't get much about the treasure hunt. The first and last chapters are flashbacks by the captain of the ship, and we learn a little more about the wreck and the treasure. In the present day, Alex continues to search the records for more information, while the others find the occasional artifact.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Hell or High Water - Julie Ann Walker (Sourcebooks Casablanca - July 2015)

Series: Deep Six (Book 1)

Only two things could make former Navy SEAL Leo Anderson return to the world of weapons and warfare. First, a capsule of chemical weapons lost on the ocean floor, and second, a plea for assistance from the one woman he can't seem to forget-CIA Agent Olivia Mortier.

Now, working together to race against the clock and a deadly terrorist faction, Leo and Olivia must find the missing capsule, all the while battling the intense desire burning between them. If they can survive, can their growing attraction become more than just a momentary flare?

Very good book with fast-paced, intense action and well-done relationship building. Leo and his five former SEAL teammates are well on their way to keeping their promise to a dead friend. During a mission gone wrong, he told them to get out while they still could and start living their lives. The six friends have banded together to search for a sunken treasure ship.

I loved Leo, formerly the team leader and still the man they all look to. He feels responsible for making sure their new venture is a success. I really liked the way that he listens to what everyone else has to say before making a decision. He's calm in a crisis, focused and intense when the situation calls for it. He is also facing his inability to get CIA agent Olivia off his mind.

I also really liked Olivia. She is strong, confident, and independent. She is a risk taker, which sometimes comes back to bite her in the butt, which is what has brought her to Leo's doorstep. She owns up to her mistakes and does what she can to fix them. She hasn't been able to forget Leo, either, and he is the one she thinks of when she needs help.

I really enjoyed the development of Leo and Olivia's relationship. They had gotten to know each other during a previous mission. The chemistry between them was intense, but they were unable to pursue it. They haven't seen each other since the terrible end to that mission until Olivia shows up on Leo's doorstep. The heat between them is just as strong as it was before, and neither quite realizes the truth of why right away. Neither has considered any long-term relationship before thanks to incompatible careers. I loved their interactions as Leo's protectiveness comes up against Olivia's independence. I liked the way that Leo knew when it was a lost cause and accepted that Olivia could hold her own. There are also a couple of funny scenes as their chemistry heats up, only to have interruption after interruption throw cold water on it. Leo is the first to realize the depth of his feelings for Olivia and has to figure out how to convince her to take a chance on them. I ached for Olivia because she wants Leo, but is carrying a secret and a load of guilt from their last mission together. This secret comes out at the worst possible time, and Olivia pushes Leo away. They are pulled further apart by the aftermath of their mission. Leo is determined not to give up on her, and what they could have together. I loved the ending and their big moment as Leo is finally able to break through the last of Olivia's walls. The scene on the beach was heartbreaking, but also sweet and romantic. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them both in later books.

The suspense of the story was great. It was fast-paced and intense. From Olivia's arrival to the final battle, most of it takes place over the course of about twenty-four hours. Our heroes have to deal with terrorists, a hijacked yacht, rocket launchers, sinking ships and underwater battles before their mission is done. I was frequently on the edge of my seat as I wondered how they were going to get out of their current situation.

As the first book in the series, there was a fair amount of time spent on the backstory leading up to the beginning. The flashbacks experienced by Leo and Olivia gave a vivid picture of the events that have affected them so deeply. I also enjoyed meeting each of the other SEALs and seeing how each of them fit into the team. Each one has a unique personality and quirks that add to the story. I especially loved Bran and his ability to jerk Leo's chain on a regular basis. Beyond that, the teamwork and connection among them all made the action scenes even more exciting. I also enjoyed getting to know Maddy. She was calm and cool during the whole hijacking scene. I also enjoyed seeing her stand up to the guys and match wits with Bran. 

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Police Protector - Elizabeth Heiter (HI #1728 - July 2017)

Series: Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn (Book 2)

She's become his whole world…and she's under fire 

Ever since forensics analyst Shaye Mallory survived a police-station shootout, Detective Cole Walker has felt personally responsible for her well-being. Then another shooter takes aim at Shaye. Cole decides the only thing he can do is stay right by her side until he finds the man who wants her dead. 

Cole knows that he must set aside his attraction to Shaye if he's going to do his job. But as the days -- and nights -- go on, it becomes harder and harder to resist his feelings. And, as danger moves ever closer to them both, Shaye realizes that her safety might cost her the life of the man she loves.

This book started with a bang (literally) and kept me hooked all the way through. A year earlier Shaye had gotten caught in the crossfire of a shootout at the police station. Afraid of it happening again, she quit her job in the digital forensics lab. Now she is back, determined to overcome the fears that kept her away from the job she loved. After a week on the job, she has just started to relax when she is shot at again. Cole is first on the scene to save her. Cole has a bad feeling about this shooting. It appears random, but his gut tells him otherwise. He will do everything in his power to keep Shaye safe until the shooter is caught.

I really enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense. Cole had fallen hard for Shaye as soon as he met her, and the attraction was mutual. It was sweet to read their backstory, as they built a solid friendship over "chance" encounters before and after work. Cole missed her over the months she was gone and was thrilled when she came back to her old job. His protectiveness takes over when Shaye is shot at.

I liked Cole. He is protective of those he cares about, such as Shaye and his brothers and partner. He is determined and doesn't give up even when the investigation hits dead ends. He also frustrated me at times because he has a bit of an inferiority complex. He knows he is good at his job, but his lack of a college education makes him feel that he isn't good enough for Shaye.

I also liked Shaye. She allowed her fears to hold her back for a little while, but then took steps to get her life back. I loved that she went back to her forensics job determined to make a difference. She starts out the book still a bit tentative and understandably freaks when she's shot at again. But she doesn't allow the fear to linger. I loved seeing her determination to be part of the investigation and her refusal to be held back.

I liked the development of their relationship. They were already friends, and that friendship had developed into more. It was obvious to those around them, and I enjoyed seeing his brothers and friends give Cole a hard time about not pursuing it. Shaye is well aware of her feelings but is a bit hesitant about pushing herself toward Cole. With Cole providing constant protection for Shaye, their increased time together provides ample opportunity for their attraction to grow. Cole fears that his feelings could be a distraction that could put Shaye in more danger, but resisting just isn't possible. Shaye has some fears of her own. She isn't sure if she can handle being with someone whose life is always in danger. She also feels that Cole doesn't deserve someone who is such a scaredy-cat as she thinks she is. It takes nearly losing each other to make them realize that being apart is much worse than learning to deal with their worries about being together. The epilogue was fantastic and showed the romantic side of Cole's nature.

The suspense was really good. I could feel Shaye's fear when the gunman was shooting at her and her relief when Cole arrived. The frustration that Cole and the others experienced over the lack of clues was obvious, as there were several possible suspects. I enjoyed following the leads with them and trying to decide who was the most likely to be the shooter. The final confrontation was intense, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to get out of it. I was really impressed with Shaye's presence of mind as she tried to delay the killer.

I liked the secondary characters of Cole's partner, Luke, and his brothers, Andre and Marcos. I loved the way that they all provided any backup that Cole needed, from watching over Shaye to confronting gang leaders and witnesses. I also loved the closeness of the three "brothers of the heart." There was a little more about the fire that played a part in their youth, but not enough to answer all the questions. I expect that the next book will do so.

Monday, October 2, 2017

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.