Montana Secret Santa - Debra Salonen (Tule Publishing - Dec 2016)

Series: Love at the Chocolate Shop (Book 3)

Ad exec Krista Martin, while feeling more Grinch than elf, still jumps at the chance to co-chair Marietta’s Secret Santa Society. Why not? Especially since brilliant, attractive, and innovative tech wunderkind Jonah Andrews has agreed to help. He’s well connected and Krista’s hoping for some advice on rebooting her career. Jonah knows Krista has a not-so-hidden agenda, but sparring with her over cocoa at their Secret Santa meetings is the most fun he’s had since returning to his old hometown. Krista may come across as all business, but Jonah’s positive he’s glimpsed a little girl inside her who wants to believe in Santa… and in love.
 
Sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Krista and Jonah are interesting characters and I loved the small-town setting of Marietta. Small-town stories are fun because of the "everybody knows your business" vibe versus the main characters' desires to maintain some semblance of privacy in their relationship.
 
Krista moved to Marietta from NYC eighteen months earlier to join her friend Amanda's ad agency. She works long and hard to make their business successful, driven by the need to prove herself to her family. It's an odd juxtaposition because she also maintains as much distance as possible to avoid their drama. The Martins are big in the entertainment industry and drama around them is inevitable. The book opens as Krista prepares to talk to Amanda about the latter's lack of focus in their work. That goes out the window when the recently married Amanda reveals she's pregnant and having complications. With a need to cut back on outside activities, Amanda convinces Krista to take over her position on the Marietta Secret Santa Society.
 
Jonah returned to his hometown of Marietta to house-and-dog-sit for his parents while they help his newly widowed sister. He recently sold his high-tech Silicon Valley business for a lot of money and is now at loose ends as he tries to decide what is next for him. With a non-compete clause in the sales contract, Jonah figured it was safer to remove himself from the temptations of his lab. Before they leave, they tell Jonah that he's expected to take their place with the Society while they are gone. Jonah is a self-declared introvert who claims to have no people skills and feels unsuited for the job.
 
Krista and Jonah meet when one of the dogs he's walking tangles herself up in Krista's legs and knocks her over, and Jonah tries to break her fall with his body. The attraction between them is immediate and Jonah is happy to use the Secret Santa meetings to get to know Krista better. The older committee members think that Krista, with her marketing skills, and Jonah, with his proven business savvy, are the perfect people to fix the Society's financial woes.
 
I loved seeing the relationship between Krista and Jonah develop. Both have been burned by previous relationships gone bad, with partners more interested in what they could get than what they could give. Krista and Jonah start out intending to ignore the sparks and concentrate on being friends and partners. I loved how well they worked together, each one's strengths making a good balance of creativity and practicality. The more time they spent together, the stronger their attraction grew and so did their connection. But Krista is rooted in Marietta and Jonah will return to California when his parents return, so neither can see a future for them.
 
There are some sweet scenes between Jonah and Krista, from hot chocolate at the chocolate shop to time spent with the dogs or wandering the holiday-ready streets of Marietta. I also loved Jonah's support of Krista when the stresses of her family's upcoming visit got to her. There's a bump in the road to them finding their happy ever after and I had to laugh when Krista took action to overcome it. The ending was terrific and left me wanting to make more visits to the chocolate shop. 

The Mayor's Secret Fortune - Judy Duarte (HSE #2750 - Mar 2020)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: Rambling Rose (Book 3)

If she elects to marry him, will her vote deliver happiness?
 
He asked a simple question.
But will she answer yes…or no?
 
It's too much, too soon. When wealthy contractor Steven Fortune proposes to Ellie Hernandez, the beautiful and principled mayor of Rambling Rose, Texas, no one is more surprised than Ellie herself. Until recently, Steven was practically her enemy! But his offer of a marriage of convenience arrives when the secretly pregnant mayor is at her weakest moment. They can pull off a united front for a short time, can't they? Surely she won't fall for another man who insists he isn't interested in the long haul…
 
Good book. Ellie is the young and popular mayor of Rambling Rose. She loves the town and its people and is determined to do what is best for them, even if that means standing up to the wealthy Fortunes and their plans. She has had more than one run-in with Steven Fortune and his hotel plans. There's more than antagonism causing sparks between them, but she won't be seen consorting with the enemy.
 
But Ellie is also in a bit of a predicament. She recently ended her relationship with a man, only to discover she was pregnant with his baby. He made it plain he had no interest in being a father and left the country to pursue his career. That leaves Ellie pregnant, unmarried, and worried about the reactions of her constituents. Ellie always holds herself to very high standards and feels she's letting everyone down.
 
Steven is the oldest in his family, charming, good-looking, and used to things going his way. He has his vision of where he wants the Fortune properties to go, and nothing will deter him from making it happen. Clashing with Ellie is frustrating but also stimulating, and he looks forward to winning her over.
 
I enjoyed seeing Steven and Ellie's encounters. She focuses on the town's residents, while Steven seems more interested in the high-end tourists he envisions spending time there. I could feel her frustration as her efforts to get through to him fell on deaf ears. I especially enjoyed seeing her take him to talk to ordinary people. He's charming and easy to talk to, but he still doesn't get it.
 
One thing he does get is his attraction to her and how much he enjoys her company. While she resists dating him, she isn't opposed to the idea of being friends. As a friend, he offers her a marriage of convenience, giving her the cover to preserve her reputation with the town. Ellie is hesitant to accept, fearing that their chemistry could lead to heartbreak. I liked Steven's feelings of protectiveness toward Ellie and his desire to take care of her. But as they start their married life, Ellie realizes she wants more than Steven agreed to when they hatched this plan. I wanted to shake Ellie when she ran instead of talking to Steven and risking rejection. I hurt for Steven, who had no idea she was unhappy until after she left. An unexpected visitor helped Steven see the truth of his feelings. I loved the ending and seeing them finally admit their feelings to each other.
 
I loved the importance of family in this book - family of the blood and the heart. Both Steven and Ellie were adopted, which had a significant impact on their lives. Ellie's history made it easy to see the impact on her life and actions and why she made her decisions. Steven's backstory was easier but still profoundly affected his life. I loved how close he was to his parents and siblings.

Under Suspicion - Bonnie Vanak (HRS #2163 - Jan 2022)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 12)

He'll uncover the truth
No matter the cost…
 
Since losing his family, Detective Harry Cartwright lives for the job. So when he's assigned to investigate the murder of Axel Colton, the hard-boiled cop goes all in… But one distraction stands in his way. Sara Sandoval is the victim's secret illegitimate daughter -- and Harry's prime suspect. Can Harry resist his unprofessional feelings for Sara…and protect her from a vengeful killer?
 
Terrific conclusion to the series. The Colton family has dealt with murders, kidnappings, stalkers, and other problems for the past year. The most recent was Axel Colton's murder and the attempt to frame Nash Colton for it (Secret Alibi). Detective Harry Cartwright was assigned to investigate the case and has his work cut out for him. Everyone is a possible suspect, even (especially?) family members. Then one person jumped to the top of Harry's suspect list.
 
Sara moved to town six months earlier and got a job at the nursery owned by Axel's ex-wife and her husband. She had recently found out that Axel was her father and hoped to use the time to get to know the family before revealing her secret. Axel's death was a blow to her dream of having a real father.
 
Harry and Sara met briefly at the end of the previous book, and the sparks were evident. Harry had no plans to pursue them. The deaths of his wife and son several years earlier still haunt him, and he buries his grief in his work. When he discovers Sara's connection to Axel, his suspicions of her are aroused. That her fingerprints are also on a mug in Axel's house adds to the look of guilt. I could feel Sara's frustration with Harry's aggressive questioning of her after their brief connection when they met. I felt a little bad for Harry, whose suspicions were fighting with his desire for her to be innocent. I liked how Sara stood up to him, refusing to let him believe things that weren't true. As they spend more time together, cooperating in the investigation, the connection and attraction continue to grow. Harry fights hard against his feelings, believing that he can no longer fully give his heart. I ached for Sara when she told Harry how she felt, and she watched him pull away. A life-threatening situation opened his eyes, and a difficult conversation helped him let go of the past. I liked the ending and seeing Harry and Sara come together at last.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. Harry's determination to solve the murder showed in the thoroughness of his investigation. It didn't look good for Sara when her fingerprints were on a mug in Axel's house or when several suspects had connections to her mother, Regina. Regina's disappearance was also suspicious, with another layer of complications added when she was found. An unexpected twist came close to killing Sara but opened up a new path of investigation. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Sara faced an unexpected foe. I was surprised by the number of things this person had their fingers in, though it did tie up some loose ends.
 
I ached for Sara and her desire to know her father's family. I could see how much she wanted to be part of them while she feared what their reaction would be if they knew. Axel's murder accelerated the reveal and increased Sara's worry about their reactions. I liked her courage and determination in revealing the truth and was not surprised by the response she received.

Their Reunion to Remember - Tina Beckett (HMED #1220 - Jan 2022)

Series: Nashville ER (Book 2)

Then: an almost happily-ever-after
Now: a second chance?
 
Surgeon Lia Costa has spent a lifetime trying to blend into the background. So when Dr. Micah Corday picks her out of a busy concert crowd on Valentine's Day, she can't believe it! Micah was her first love…and the man she thought she would never see again. Is Lia ready to remember the powerful love that she had tried so hard to forget?
 
Good second chance love story. Lia and Micah fell in love during medical school. But when graduation came, and Micah wanted them to join Doctors Without Borders, Lia panicked and broke things off with Micah, breaking both of their hearts. Lia has prosopagnosia (Face blindness, or prosopagnosia, is a brain disorder characterized by the inability to recognize or differentiate faces. People with face blindness may struggle to notice differences in the faces of strangers. Others may even have a hard time recognizing familiar faces.) She has learned to cope where everything is familiar, but going somewhere so far out of her comfort zone terrified her. But rather than tell Micah the truth, she pushed him away.
 
Several years later, Micah returns to Nashville and takes a job at the same hospital where Lia works. He's surprised when he spots her at a hospital fundraiser concert and the memories that flooded him of their time together, including that final rejection. He was hurt and angry when she didn't recognize him. Lia faced one of her greatest fears when she saw Micah and didn't recognize him until he spoke and scrambled to minimize the damage. Unfortunately, she only made things worse when she discovered they would be working together.
 
Though they plan to avoid each other whenever possible, they are thrown together when Lia treats a case that calls for Micah's expertise as an epidemiologist.  Working together to spread the word about the outbreak and the need for updated vaccinations, their old feelings don't take long to resurface. I loved watching those feelings deepen and grow and seeing their attraction follow suit. But Lia's fears are never far from her mind, and Micah's dreams soon run up against those fears. I ached for Micah as he saw history repeat itself, breaking his heart again. I loved how Lia found the courage to tell him everything and Micah's love and support as he finally understood her. The epilogue was sweet.
 
I love the Harlequin Medical line because they always have interesting situations. In this book, Lia and Micah face an outbreak of pertussis or whooping cough. Because of widespread vaccinations, it is something that is rarely heard of these days but can be deadly. I liked seeing the steps that Micah and Lia took, from public education to contact tracing (with a nod to lessons learned from Covid). I also liked getting the follow-up to the medical issue with Avery's friend, Bonnie, from the first book in the series (New Year Kiss with His Cinderella). 

                                                                      

The Lady Tempts an Heir - Harper St. George (Penguin - Feb 2022)

Series: Gilded Age Heiresses (Book 3)

A fake engagement brings together a lady with bold and daring dreams, and the heir whose heart she captured.
 
Tall, dark, and brooding—to say that American Maxwell Crenshaw stood out in the glittering ballrooms of London is an understatement. He vowed never to set foot in England again, but when a summons from his father along with an ultimatum to secure his legacy has him crossing the Atlantic for the last time, reuniting him with the delectable Lady Helena March, he can’t deny the temptation she presents. Or the ideas she inspires…
 
Lady Helena March is flirting with scandal. Instead of spending her time at teas and balls in search of another husband, as is expected of a young widow, Helena pours her energy into The London Home for Young Women. But Society gives no quarter to unmarried radicals who associate with illegitimate children and fallen women, and Helena’s funding is almost run out. So when the sinfully seductive Crenshaw heir suggests a fake engagement to save them both—him from an unwanted marriage and her from scorn and financial ruin—Helena finds herself too fascinated to refuse the sexy American.
 
As their arrangement of convenience melts oh so deliciously into nights of passion, their deception starts to become real. But if Max knew the true reason Helena can never remarry, he wouldn’t look at her with such heat in his eyes. Or might the Crenshaw heir be willing to do whatever it takes to win the one woman he’s never been able to forget…
 
Maxwell Crenshaw's father is up to his old tricks, and even a heart attack doesn't slow him down. Not content to have married off his daughters August and Violet to a duke and an earl, Mr. Crenshaw is determined to secure Crenshaw Ironworks' legacy by forcing Max to marry. He doesn't go so far as to pick the bride this time around, but he refuses to listen to Max's objections. If Max isn't at least engaged by Christmas, Mr. Crenshaw will make sure that August's foundry project comes to a crashing halt. As long as he gets his way, he doesn't care what effect it would have on either August or the firm. Max is understandably furious for himself and August but can't figure out how to get out of it. Then he renews his acquaintance with Lady Helena.
 
Max and Helena met in The Devil and the Heiress when they joined forces to save his sister Violet from scandal. The sparks between them were intense, but their focus was on Violet. Plus, Max would head back to New York to resume running Crenshaw Ironworks. Helena would continue her work running an orphanage and getting her London Home for Young Women started. But the lovely young widow runs into a snag when her benefactors start pulling out because (gasp!) she is associating with fallen women. It seems that her father has been dropping hints behind her back about the unsuitability of her actions. But if she had a husband who supported her efforts, he would withdraw his objections.
 
I liked Max and Helena. Unlike their fathers, they are kind-hearted with great empathy for others. Max understands the needs of his company's employees and their families, fighting for fair wages and working conditions. As a woman of her time, Helena understands that women often have no control over their lives and futures and wants to help as many as possible take back some of that control.
 
After a few encounters with Helena remind Max of how attracted he is to her, he hits on the idea of proposing a mutually beneficial arrangement. He suggests that they enter into a fake courtship and engagement, thereby getting their fathers off their backs. This will give him time to solidify August's project before he returns to New York and give Helena the respectability required to raise the funds she needs.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Max and Helena's relationship. Though their courtship is fake, their chemistry is all too real. It manifests early in their ability to push each other's buttons. Helena seems to get an inordinate amount of pleasure from riling up Max. Meanwhile, Max would like to find a way to get that passion into his bed. As they spend time together "courting," Max and Helena discover that they have quite a lot in common, leading to the admission that they like each other. The attraction between them continues to grow until they can no longer resist. And while the explosive passion they experienced convinces Max he'd like to make their engagement real, for Helena, it reminds her that marriage between them is impossible. I ached for Max as Helena put more and more distance between them to protect his legacy and her heart. Her reason was heartbreaking, and I ached for what it meant for her dream of happiness. Max tried to convince her that his love for her was strong enough to withstand the problem, but Helena's past wouldn't let her believe. August and Violet's solution to the issue was unorthodox but gave Helena the courage to go to Max with her heart open at last.
 
One of my favorite things about this book is the passion Max and Helena exhibit for the things they believe in. This is illustrated when they discover they both want the same property for their projects. Each is passionately eloquent in describing their plans, goals, and what they believe the results will be. For each of them, it's the first time they understand the full scope of what the other does. I liked how the issue was resolved. Helena also opened Max's eyes to the plight of the women she helped and stood up to his patronizing solution. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her convert his point of view. There are several good follow-up scenes also.
 
There is a teaser for the next book, and I can't wait to read it. My heart ached for Camille at the beginning of the first book. In this book, the twist involving her at the house party opened many possibilities, and I can't wait to see what she does.

Searching for Evidence - Tyler Anne Snell (HI #2016 - Aug 2021)

Series: Saving Kelby Creek (Book 2)

Looking for answers
…they uncover a deadly plan.
 
When he takes a job to prove himself, fate introduces Deputy Marco Rossi to Bella Greene -- a small-town beauty terrorized by a mysterious stalker. By nature the handsome lawman is a professional loner working 24/7 with armor around his heart. But as they discover clues leading to the truth, crucial evidence must take priority over the feelings suddenly breaking through his walls.
 
Kelby Creek is still suffering the aftereffects of "The Flood," the name given to the exposure of the corruption discovered in the town's government and law enforcement two years earlier. What's left of the sheriff's department is determined to regain the town's trust. The department's newest hire, Deputy Marco Rossi, has his reasons for choosing Kelby Creek while keeping his heart closely guarded.
 
The suspense starts quickly before Marco has officially started working when he comes across Bella broken down on the side of the road. Though taken by her beauty, the fear in her eyes as he approached got his attention. Marco won my heart immediately with his sensitivity to her anxiety and willingness to work with it. Bella's first worry when she saw the stranger was whether he was the author of the messages she'd been receiving. She relaxed a little after seeing his badge but remained wary.
 
Marco didn't see Bella again for two weeks, though he couldn't stop thinking about her. Not only was he attracted to her, something about her situation that day had been niggling at his instincts. So when he saw her at the local bar, he decided to ask her about it. Unfortunately, before he could do that, he stuck his foot in his mouth over one of her building projects. Bella was a little quick to take offense, and heated words were exchanged. They were interrupted by Marco's partner as a call came in they had to answer, leaving his question unasked. Eventually, Marco got his answer, but it left him feeling that something was off.
 
The suspense heats up when Bella gets another one of the creepy messages - this time on her bathroom mirror. Around the same time, Marco becomes the victim of a hit-and-run driver, and the reader discovers the connection between the two. The intensity ramps up as the stalker escalates his attempts to get his hands on Bella. Meanwhile, Marco is equally determined to keep Bella safe and find the stalker. I loved following his investigation as he and his partner and Bella dig into her past to see who has it in for her. I was glued to the pages to see if my suspicions were correct, though it took a couple of unexpected twists before I found out. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how it turned out. I loved Bella's strength of will and her faith that Marco would come.
 
I enjoyed the development of the romance between Marco and Bella. Because of his past, Marco keeps his heart closely guarded. He dates but ends relationships before they can get serious. Something about Bella gets past his walls from the beginning. Their relationship gets off to a slightly rocky start thanks to Bella's oversensitivity about being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Fortunately, both retain their senses of humor and can move past that awkwardness. Marco surprises himself when he shares things about his past that he's always kept to himself. Despite her initial tendency to jump to conclusions about him, it doesn't take long for Bella to realize that she can trust Marco. I liked watching the attraction build between them as they spent more time together, and Marco's protectiveness became more personal. There are a couple of fun scenes where his protectiveness runs up against Bella's independence and stubbornness, and Marco learns which battles are worth fighting. I loved the ending and seeing how well they understand and support each other and the love that made it possible.

Dreaming of a Christmas Cowboy - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2875 - Dec 2021)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Real Cowboys of Bronco Heights (Book 6)

Penning happy endings for everyone
…except herself!
 
In the Christmas play she wrote and will soon star in, Susanna Henry gets the guy. In real life, however, all-grown-up Susanna is no closer to hooking up with hardworking rancher Dean Abernathy than she was at seventeen. When a sudden snowstorm strands them together overnight in a deserted theater, though, will Susanna finally get the chance to show her longtime crush they can rewrite their story?
 
Good friends to lovers story. Susanna and Dean have been friends for a long time. Unfortunately for Susanna, she has also been in love with him since she was seventeen. Dean, however, is oblivious to her feelings and sees her more like a little sister. That all begins to change the night of the town tree-lighting.
 
Seeing Susanna with her co-star in the Christmas play she wrote, Dean suddenly realizes she's no longer the high school senior he comforted when her boyfriend dumped her. I laughed at his reactions to other men paying attention to her, including his brothers. He tries hard to convince himself that he's just looking out for her, not that he's interested in her. That gets harder as he sees the interest she draws, and his brothers rub it in. Dean's refusal to see her as a grown woman frustrates Susanna. Instead of her crush on him going away as she got older, her feelings grew stronger thanks to her job as office manager for Abernathy Meats, where she sees him every day.
 
Dean's efforts to keep Susanna in the friend zone take a hit the night a blizzard hits Bronco. Susanna was the last to leave the theater after rehearsal, and when she had car trouble, she returned to the theater to wait out the storm. When Dean shows up to rescue her, he ends up stranded also. The forced proximity to each other heightens their awareness, and they use an age-old technique to stay warm. While Susanna sees this as a possible breakthrough, Dean's reaction shows regret and an intent to pretend it didn't happen.
 
I ached for Susanna, whose love for Dean was augmented by their night together. His return to friends only hurt and made her question her hopefulness. I wanted to shake Dean because of his stubborn refusal to accept his feelings. I loved how his brothers did what they could to show him the truth in a fun scene that used everything but a baseball bat to beat him with the truth. I understood Susanna's need to put distance between them if she would find a way to move on without him. Dean's "aha" moment was pretty funny, as he realized that he would need to do something special to make up for his idiocy. I loved where he went for advice. He was sweetly awkward when he finally had his big moment, making it even more emotional. I laughed out loud at his family's reactions. The epilogue was terrific, with a fun little twist involving a puppy.

Danger at Clearwater Crossing - Colleen Thompson (HRS #2173 - Mar 2022)

Series: Lost Legacy (Book 1)

It's the reunion of his life…
Until someone wants him dead
 
Finally back together with his children, widower Mac Hale-Walker faces an unexpected obstacle: their temporary guardian. Social worker Sara Wakefield stands in the way of Mac regaining custody. He'll stop at nothing to prove he's a loving dad, even figure out who's threatening his bond with his family. But can Mac manage to clear the danger swirling around Clearwater Crossing before it engulfs them all?
 
An exciting and sometimes heart-wrenching book. Eight years earlier, Mac's wife drowned while she and their twins were visiting her parents in Argentina. When Mac flew there to attend the funeral and retrieve his children, he was severely beaten, and his life threatened. He spent the next eight years fighting to get his children back, using every financial resource he had and contacting every media source and government official he could. It wasn't until his wealthy and influential father-in-law died that officials were able to swoop in and remove the children.
 
One of those officials was social worker Sara Wakefield. Because the children don't speak English, she was tasked with judging Mac's fitness as a father while being a liaison between him and the kids. Complicating matters, Silvia and Cristo have been lied to about their father and believe that he abused their mother. I ached for Mac, who'd loved his wife very much and had no idea how to prove it to the kids.
 
I loved seeing Mac's patience as he slowly went about reintroducing Silvia and Cristo to their home. He was aided by his adorable lab, Roxy, who'd been a puppy when the kids were taken. Sara also did her best to get through the walls the children had built. The kids are understandably wary, and I felt some sympathy for them even when they were stubborn. I liked seeing the changes they went through and laughed at some of the surprises they provided for the unsuspecting adults.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Sara and Mac. The sparks of attraction were there from the start, but Sara was determined to keep things professional.  That became a little more difficult when she broke her wrist and depended on Mac to help. The more time they spent together, the closer they grew. Mac could easily picture a future with Sara, but she refused to consider it. Sara has a tragedy in her past that has convinced her that she can never be a mother to any child. I ached for her because she came to love the twins but was afraid to believe in herself. It took nearly losing them and a lot of effort on Mac's part to finally break through those fears. I was a little disappointed by the ending, as I felt some of the joy of their coming together was left out. The epilogue helped.
 
The suspense of the story was a slow build with an intense finale. When the children arrived, they were confident their grandmother would find a way to get them back. Meanwhile, Sara had to ensure that they didn't have access to any forms of communication they could use to contact her. Their certainty that men would come to take them back made Sara very nervous and Mac quite vigilant. The tension increased when it became evident that someone was watching the house, and again when Mac found a stranger in his house, photographing the children's rooms. I was glued to the pages when men broke into the house, and Sara risked her life to save the kids. A last-minute twist added unexpected danger.
 
I liked the secondary characters of Amanda and Mac's brothers. There is some mystery surrounding Amanda's husband's death, and I wonder if it will go through all three books. There is tension between Mac and his brothers because of his part in the loss of the family ranch, but both Hayden and Ryan are there when needed. I hope to see more progress toward reconciliation in the brothers' books.

Missing at Full Moon Mine - Cindi Myers (HI #2058 - Mar 2022)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Search for Suspects (Book 3)

The mountains may hold the answers
But it's a dangerous climb.
 
Deputy Wes Landry knows he shouldn't get emotionally involved with his assignments. But a missing person case has drawn him strongly to Rebecca Whitlow. Desperate to find her nephew, she's worried the rock climber has gotten lost…or worse. Wes's investigation has him convinced Rebecca is right. Something dangerous is happening at Full Moon Mine -- and they're about to get caught in the thick of it.
 
Terrific book. The suspense starts immediately, as Rebecca arrives at the sheriff's office to report that her nephew is missing. Cash is a nineteen-year-old young man who decided to put his energies toward a career in climbing after dealing with addiction for several years. To do that, he moved from California to Eagle Mountain to live with his aunt. When he doesn't come home one night and doesn't answer texts or calls, she worries that something happened to him. Deputy Wes Landry takes her report.
 
I loved that Wes took Rebecca's fears seriously and didn't write off Cash as an irresponsible teen. He follows up on the information she gave him and what he learns leads him to believe she is correct. I also liked how he included Rebecca in his investigation, realizing that Cash's friends are more likely to talk to her than "the law." Wes's willingness to work with her makes it easier for her to trust him.
 
The story immediately sucked me in. The more that Wes and Rebecca learned, the more worried they became about Cash and his safety. None of his climbing friends have seen or heard from him. Who is the angry, threatening man looking for him, and why was he in disguise? Who is the mysterious rancher named Bart Smith, and why is he so secretive? Why is Trey Allerton so interested in Cash's disappearance? And has Mr. Kramer, the paranoid miner at Full Moon Mine, seen Cash? The tension ramps up when Wes and Rebecca, continuing their boots-on-the-ground search for Cash, come under fire. An unexpected encounter answers some of their questions but opens up more. I was on the edge of my seat during this confrontation, wondering who was behind it and how they would get out of it. I wasn't too surprised by the shooter's identity, but there were still some unanswered questions.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wes and Rebecca. The sparks between them were evident from the start, but Wes hesitated to get involved with someone linked to his investigation. He'd done that once before, and it didn't turn out well. I liked seeing them get to know each other while their attraction grew stronger. The amount of time they spent together, combined with its intensity, accelerated the pace of their involvement. I loved the ending and seeing their plans for the future.
 
The series arc of Trey Allerton and his proposed youth ranch continued to develop. His apparent use of Courtney's daughter Ashlyn to control Courtney is disturbing, as is the way he takes her along on his "business" trips. His lack of visible progress on the project is suspicious, and many people wonder what kind of con he is running. Trey's interest in Cash's disappearance and his unpleasant insinuations about Cash and his whereabouts seems especially suspicious. I can't wait for the next book to see what will happen.

Conspiracy in the Rockies - Cindi Myers (HI #2050 - Feb 2022)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Search for Suspects (Book 2)

Her father's death has rocked their small Colorado town
And she's convinced it's connected to a larger conspiracy…
 
The grisly death of a prominent rancher stuns a Colorado community and plunges Deputy Chris Delray into a murder investigation. Willow Russell, the victim's fiery daughter, is determined to help him catch the killer. To keep her close -- and safe -- Chris agrees to work together to discover her father's enemies. But when Willow becomes a target, Chris suspects her conspiracy theory might be right -- and larger than they ever imagined...
 
Terrific book. The suspense started quickly with discovering Sam Russell's body in an irrigation ditch. Deputy Chris Delray is in charge of water rights enforcement, including the ditches, and is called in on the case. As he checks out the crime scene, Sam's daughter Willow arrives, looking for her dad. Her shock at his death is evident, as is her determination to bring whoever is responsible to justice.
 
Though initially considered a possible suspect, it soon becomes apparent to Chris that Willow is innocent. I loved seeing them team up to find the killer. Though Sam was well-liked and respected, he did have a few contentious run-ins with people. The question is, did any of those encounters lead to murder? Then there was the question of who would benefit from Sam's death? As far as Willow knows, she is Sam's only heir, and she didn't kill him. She gets an unpleasant surprise when Sam's ex-wife and her son show up, claiming to have a newer will leaving Emmett half the ranch. Complicating things even more, Trey Allerton claims that with Sam's death, the land he's leasing drops to a fee of one dollar per year. Finishing off the list is ranch hand Von King, a surly ex-con who gives Willow the creeps. These people have the means and motivation to kill Sam, and it's up to Chris and Willow to figure it out.
 
The developing relationship between Willow and Chris blended well with the story's suspense. The more time they spent together searching for clues, the closer they grew. I liked how Chris appreciated Willow's intelligence and strength as she dealt with the complications caused by Sam's death. Willow prides herself on that independence and also appreciates Chris's protectiveness as strange things happen on the ranch. They also didn't shy away from their growing attraction, which only emphasized their deepening feelings for each other.
 
The intensity increased as Chris and Willow closed in on the killer's identity. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation as they faced the killer. I ached for Willow as she learned why her father lost his life. It looked like the killer had the upper hand for a while, and I wasn't sure how they'd get out of it. I loved how it worked out.
 
The epilogue was terrific as all of the loose ends got tied up. I liked Willow's decision about the ranch and how it made her feel. I could feel Chris's worry as he wondered about her plans and what it would mean for them. I loved how she answered his question, and his reaction was fantastic. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
 
I always enjoy seeing characters from previous books show up as secondaries. It's an easy way to catch up on what's happening with them after being invested in their stories. There is some mention of the ongoing story arc of Trey Allerton, Courtney Baker, and the youth ranch Trey is supposedly building. He's still too slick to be trusted, and his hold on Courtney is disturbing. I look forward to seeing how that storyline works out.

First Comes Baby... - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2894 - Mar 2022)

Series: Wild Rose Sisters (Book 2)

“Will you marry me?”
 
When Josie LeClaire went into labor alone on her farm, the single almost-mother had no one to turn to but her neighbor, Miles Halstead. Fortunately, the widowed single father was more than up to the task. And as he found himself unable to stay away from the lovely Josie -- and her adorable newborn son -- he realized he wanted her in his life as more than a friend.
 
Josie treasured what Miles had already come to mean to her and her baby. So when he uttered those four words, of course she said yes. Even if he couldn't say the three words she really wanted to hear…
 
Terrific friends to lovers story. Josie is the true farmer of the family and is in charge of Wild Rose Farm after her sister Payton and Aunt Marilyn found love in the first book of the series (The Father of Her Sons) and moved away to be with their men. Josie intrigued me from the start with her independence and determination. After several failed relationships, she gave up on finding "The One" but not on her dream of being a mother. A visit to a sperm bank and her wish is about to come true.
 
As the book opens, Josie is in labor, snow is falling, and her sisters and aunt aren't due to arrive yet. With no landline and unable to find her cellphone to call an ambulance, Josie walks to the farm next door and pounds on the door. Miles, a widower and single father, handled the emergency calmly and competently, delivering young David Miles with a minimum of fuss. I loved how he encouraged Josie when she doubted herself and distracted her when she needed it.
 
That support continued after Josie had the baby and her family returned to their homes. Though Josie hangs on to her independence, there are times when she appreciates the help. And as the occasional check-in turns into near-daily lunches together, Miles and Josie quickly find they have a lot in common. There are some adorable scenes of Davy and Miles, who can't get enough time with the sweet baby. Also in common is their mutual refusal to believe in love. Josie's relationships ended badly, and Miles's story of his wife's betrayal was heartbreaking.
 
The more time they spend together, the deeper their friendship grows. That friendship makes Miles realize how much he's missed having a wife - a companion, a confidant, a partner, and a lover. He shocked Josie when he proposed that they marry and that their friendship will make a better basis for marriage than s-called love. Remembering her romantic failures leads her to accept Miles's proposal.
 
Their marriage gets off to a great start. The attraction between Miles and Josie is fantastic; their teamwork working the two farms and caring for their blended family goes smoothly, and life is good. Then Josie realizes that her feelings for Miles have grown beyond friendship. She knows he hasn't changed his stance on love, so what should she do? I ached for Josie, who doesn't want to lose Miles, but she can't go on pretending. I could feel her trepidation as she worked up the courage to face him with those feelings. I liked seeing her stand up for her needs and her belief that he loves her. I wanted to shake Miles, who did not react well to her confession.
 
I ached for both as their fears created a chasm between them. I loved seeing Miles get hit with advice from his girls and his mother. At the same time, Josie's sister Alex forced her to face some uncomfortable truths about her part in the problem. I loved the ending and seeing them brought together by a family crisis, getting them past the pride that kept them apart. I especially liked the reality of Miles's confession that he's "working on" his issues because something that deep isn't going to go away quickly.
 
I enjoyed the bits with Miles's daughters, Ashley (16) and Hazel (13). Ashley's problems with her dad were believable and well-illustrated. I felt sorry for Miles, whose confusion over her attitude was plain to see. The love between them was evident, as was the frustration. Hazel was sweet. I liked how she jumped in to help Josie with her rescue animals and her enthusiasm for taking care of Davy. She's observant for her age, and I enjoyed her take on the things she saw.
 
Now I can't wait to read Alex's story.

A Kiss at the Mistletoe Rodeo - Kathy Douglass (HSE #2870 - Nov 2021)

Series: Montana Mavericks: The Real Cowboys of Bronco Heights (Book 5)

"One little kiss won't hurt anything."
 
Rodeo superstar Geoff Burris is adored by legions of female fans, but life on the road makes him shun commitment. During a rare hometown visit to Bronco for a holiday competition, he's sidelined by an injury -- and meets Stephanie Brandt. She's a local nurse who is not dazzled by his fame -- and prefers to keep out of the spotlight! Geoff is captivated by the no-nonsense introvert. He'd never planned to put down roots, but when Stephanie is in his arms, all this cowboy can think about is forever…
 
A good book about two people who appear to be complete opposites but have more in common than they expected. Geoff is a bronc-riding champion from Bronco who makes one of his rare visits home to help with the first Mistletoe Rodeo. Besides riding in it, he is also the face of the rodeo, starring in promotional ads, doing interviews, and generally talking it up. But during his first week in town, he has an accident and lands in the hospital, where he meets Stephanie, one of the nurses.
 
Stephanie is also a born and bred Bronco resident. She loves her town, her family, and her job. Though she went away for college and has traveled for vacations, Stephanie always comes home. She likes having roots and being near her family and friends.
 
I loved the first meeting between Geoff and Stephanie. He's a bit out of it because of the pain meds and thinks she's an angel. Though he's in the hospital under an assumed name, Stephanie recognizes him right away and can't help noticing his good looks. She's surprised when he requests her as his nurse, and they spend the day talking about their lives, families, likes, and dislikes. The sparks of attraction are there, too. Geoff spends a fair amount of time figuring out how to spend more time with Stephanie while she reminds herself that he's only in town for a short time.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Geoff and Stephanie. Geoff is honest about not doing relationships because of his commitment to his rodeo career. Stephanie reminds herself that he's only there for a short time. Their times together are sweet, such as when they walk around town looking at the holiday decorations and steamy when the sparks between them become too much to resist. Geoff finds himself thinking about the future when he's with Stephanie, which worries him. That doesn't fit in with his plans. Stephanie also thinks about the future, realizing that she's fallen for him. There are times when she thinks he has feelings for her, but also times when she's sure he doesn't.
 
There are some rough spots in their growing relationship. Stephanie doesn't like the press and public intrusions into their time together and misinterprets some of the things she sees. But she's not ready to share her feelings with him, so she doesn't talk about how it makes her feel. Geoff has last-minute commitments come up but doesn't communicate their importance to Stephanie, so she's left feeling that she doesn't matter. When a television interview gets too personal, Geoff unconsciously gives the wrong impression about their relationship. The effect on Stephanie is devastating, and Geoff is oblivious until his mom makes him watch the interview and opens his eyes. Geoff finally realizes the truth of his feelings but has to find a way to make her believe.
 
Geoff's idea was sweet and romantic. It ran into a slight snag because of Stephanie's disinterest in material things, but he recovered well once she would see him. The advent calendar idea was terrific, though it didn't consider his impatience and Stephanie's adherence to tradition. I loved his big moment and seeing him share his feelings in a way that made Stephanie believe in them.
 
I loved the importance of family to both Geoff and Stephanie. I laughed at the teasing Geoff got from his brothers the night he took her out to dinner and her comment about recognizing their smiles from seeing the same look on her brothers' faces. Even with the teasing, the brothers' support for their siblings is evident in their attitudes and actions. Stephanie is also close to her sisters, and I like the advice and support they gave her. I liked how both Geoff and Stephanie gave credit to their parents for their own independence and attitudes. 

Mistletoe Kiss with the Millionaire - Donna Alward (HR #4781 - Nov 2021)

Series: Heirs to an Empire (Book 4)

A fake engagement…
…might lead to a festive I do?
 
Tycoon Christophe and gemologist Sophie have always been attracted to one another. Yet they've never gone beyond friendship -- Sophie wants happy-ever-after, and he avoids it at all costs. But when Sophie finds herself in need of a fake fiancé, Christophe steps in. It's meant to be an act, but they can't escape their chemistry and now they're wondering… Could real love be waiting underneath the mistletoe?
 
Terrific friends to lovers story. Christophe and Sophie have been friends for several years. Christophe is a member of the Pemberton family, whose multinational company Aurora sells some of its jewelry through Sophie's family jewelry business. Sophie is a gemologist for the family business and is expected to take over running the business eventually. She has also begun branching out into designing jewelry. As the story opens, Sophie and Christophe encounter each other at an Aurora event. The depth of their friendship is easy to see from the get-go, as their ease in each other's company gives them both a chance to relax and enjoy catching up.
 
But Sophie is hiding a couple of secrets. One is that she is pregnant. She broke up with the baby's father before knowing she was pregnant because she knew she didn't love him enough for marriage. She wants the same kind of love her parents have, and she won't have that with Eric. The other secret is the crush she has on Christophe. He's handsome and charming and always fun to be around. But she also knows it won't go anywhere. Christophe has always seen Sophie as a good friend, but lately, there's been a little more. However, Christophe refuses to risk their friendship. On this night, I loved how Christophe could tell something was off with Sophie and immediately stepped in to take care of her. It was sweet to see how she trusted him to share her troubles. And when the stress gets to her, Christophe whisks her away to his flat in Paris, allowing her to rest and think about her future away from outside pressure.
 
I loved Sophie's time in Paris. Christophe, who leads the jewelry arm of Aurora, fully supports Sophie's jewelry design dreams and introduces her to someone who can help. He's there for her as she deals with Eric's refusal to accept her decision not to marry him and comes up with an unexpected solution. He suggests a fake engagement, saving her from Eric's and her parents' pressuring while she makes up her mind what she's going to do. Sophie is stunned by the offer and more than a little bit wary. Though they promise each other that it's playacting only, Sophie suspects that it won't be that easy.
 
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Because they are friends and know each other so well, it is easy to convince others of their supposed love. The more time they spend together, the more it feels like they belong, but she also feels guilty for deceiving their families. It doesn't take long for Sophie to realize she's in love with Christophe but telling him so is sure to drive him away. As for Christophe, his growing feelings for her scare the hell out of him. I ached for him because he believes that he isn't good enough for Sophie, despite the many times she has fussed at him for his lack of belief in himself. Matters become even more complicated when they give in to the attraction that burns between them. Though they pretend it hasn't changed anything, there's no way to go back.
 
I cried for Sophie when she got the reaction she expected after confessing her feelings to Christophe. Because she had begun to hope he felt the same way, his retreat hurt even more. I felt terrible for Christophe because he knew he hurt her but refused to believe it could work out. I loved the scene between Christophe and Aurora. She has always been like a mother to him, and her insight and advice were precisely what he needed. I loved Christophe's big moment at the end, which was sweet and romantic. The epilogue was terrific.
 
Another nice thing about this book was the portrayal of Sophie's ex, Eric. Unlike so many "baby daddies" in books, he is not a jerk. He accepts responsibility for the baby and wants to be involved. He's a little too persistent in his attempts to get Sophie to marry him, but his motives are good. Once he accepted that Sophie would not marry him, their relationship improved a lot. 

A Colton Internal Affair - Jennifer Bokal (HRS #2152 - Oct 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 9)

Proving her innocence is the ultimate test
 
While on patrol, rookie cop Grace Colton pursues a fleeing suspect, never thinking it could end her career -- or her life. Suddenly, she's everyone's enemy. Enter Camden Kingsley from Internal Affairs, who rubs Grace the wrong way and seems determined to believe the worst about her. But during interrogations, their sizzling chemistry is obvious, turning foe into unexpected defender, especially as one person desperately wants Grace out of the picture -- permanently.
 
Good book. Things are heating up in Grave Gulch. The police department is throwing everything it has at bringing in the department's forensics specialist, whose manipulation of evidence put so many innocent people behind bars and let others like serial killer Len Davison go free. They also want to get Davison back behind bars and stop his killing spree. Meanwhile, the town's growing distrust of the GGPD frustrates the officers who do their best to protect those under their care, especially Police Chief Melissa Colton and the other Coltons on the force.
 
As the book opens, Grace, a rookie cop and youngest of the Colton family, is out on patrol when she spots a person acting suspiciously and pursues him. When he draws a weapon on her, she is forced to defend herself. But when backup arrives and the suspect is taken into custody, the gun is nowhere to be found. Because she discharged her weapon, Grace is suspended while the incident is investigated, and Internal Affairs is called in to do the investigation.
 
Unfortunately, Internal Affairs departments are often mistrusted, and Grace's family members warn her to be careful what she says. Even though Camden Kingsley has an excellent reputation for integrity in his investigations, he is still from IA. He impressed me with his determination to find the truth, even though others pressured him for a quick resolution. Camden's history shows he has a solid motivation to treat each case fairly, and this one is no exception. However, he didn't expect the attraction and feelings of protectiveness he felt toward this subject.
 
I enjoyed watching both the mystery and the romance develop. The sparks between Camden and Grace are evident from the start, as is their desire to ignore them. Camden knows that getting involved with the subject of his investigation would affect his objectivity. Grace has been warned about IA investigators' willingness to do anything to trip up the people they investigate. But Grace instinctively feels that she can trust Camden, and he quickly recognizes her innocence. I loved watching them work together while maintaining their professional distance, but their connection was too strong. There are some terrific scenes of them together. I liked how Grace stood up for Camden when she took him to the family party, and the interaction between them on the terrace that night was intense. I loved Camden's belief in Grace, her innocence, and her professional abilities. Their relationship moves along quite well despite everything that says they should stay away from each other. Then Camden makes a grand gesture that doesn't go the way he envisioned, creating a bit of a bump in their road. But Camden is there when she needs him, and a life-threatening situation shows both the depth of their feelings. I liked the ending and hope to see more of them in the final books of the series.
 
The suspense of the story was well done. We see the situation through Grace's eyes and what she is confident she saw. The trouble comes when the two witnesses flee the scene and can't be found. Neither can the gun Grace knows the perp had, which puts her in a bad situation. All of the Coltons expect trouble from the IA officer. Grace got lucky with Camden, who is honest to the bone. The suspense was a slow build as Grace and Camden worked together to uncover the truth. A few included scenes with the missing witnesses allow the reader to see things that Grace and Camden don't know about, which increased my investment in the story. I loved the plan to draw out the witnesses and was glued to the pages to see if it worked. An unexpected twist put Grace in danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that kept me hooked until it was over.
 
The series storyline of Randall Bowe (forensics guy) and the serial killer advanced somewhat. The good guys get outside help to track down Bowe, and I can't wait to see how that works out. The conflict between the town and the police continues as the GGPD deals with the fallout from the forensics debacle and some things that have happened since then. A twist I never saw coming involved the police chief, and I look forward to seeing the effects of that event.

The Heiress Gets a Duke - Harper St. George (Penguin - Feb 2021)

Series: Gilded Age Heiresses (Book 1)

Even a fortune forged in railroads and steel can't buy entrance into the upper echelons of Victorian high society--for that you need a marriage of convenience.
 
American heiress August Crenshaw has aspirations. But unlike her peers, it isn't some stuffy British Lord she wants wrapped around her finger--it's Crenshaw Iron Works, the family business. When it's clear that August's outrageously progressive ways render her unsuitable for a respectable match, her parents offer up her younger sister to the highest entitled bidder instead. This simply will not do. August refuses to leave her sister to the mercy of a loveless marriage.
 
Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, has no intention of walking away from the marriage. He's recently inherited the title only to find his coffers empty, and with countless lives depending on him, he can't walk away from the fortune a Crenshaw heiress would bring him. But after meeting her fiery sister, he realizes Violet isn't the heiress he wants. He wants August, and he always gets what he wants.
 
But August won't go peacefully to her fate. She decides to show Rothschild that she's no typical London wallflower. Little does she realize that every stunt she pulls to make him call off the wedding only makes him like her even more.
 
Excellent book. As the book opens, August and Violet watch, horrified, as their best friend Camille is married off to an older British nobleman, her parents exchanging American dollars for a title for their daughter. Surely their parents wouldn't be so heartless?
 
Several months later, the Crenshaw family is in London, where Mr. Crenshaw plans to expand his railroad and ironworks businesses. August is well aware of the plans as she has been deeply involved in the business for many years, something very unusual for women of their class. August has made it clear that she is not interested in marriage, only in continuing to work for the business. August is brilliant, beautiful, and a supporter of all things progressive. Her outspokenness and bluestocking ways cause her to be unappealing to the aristocrats looking for brides, which is fine with her. That is until she discovers her parents' plans to marry Violet off to an impoverished Duke.
 
I will say right here and now that I detested Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw. She is an out-and-out social climber who doesn't care whether her daughters are happy or not, as long as she can lord it over the "old money" people like Mrs. Astor back in New York. Her actions and attitudes throughout the book were appalling. Yes, I know it was typical of the period, but it was still terrible. Meanwhile, Mr. Crenshaw seems happy to have August working with him, her brilliant mind helping to earn more money for the company. I approved of how he involved her in the discussions about expanding to India. But when push came to shove, he was ready to pat the little woman on the head and shove her out the door to be a wife and mother. He was also a coward, leaving it to his wife to break the news of the death of August's dreams.
 
Evan, Duke of Rothschild, is trapped. He recently inherited the dukedom from his father, only to discover that he has crumbling estates, many bills, and nothing to pay them with. Though he attempts to keep them afloat by bare-knuckle fighting and gambling winnings, it's soon evident that it isn't enough. The only thing he can do is find a wealthy heiress to marry. He hates the idea of marrying one of the dim-witted debutantes, but he doesn't see any choice. But when his mother recommends Violet Crenshaw, Evan quickly realizes that he's much more interested in Violet's sister August.
 
I loved the first meeting between August and Evan. August, who is somewhere she should not be, encounters Evan in his "The Hellion" guise, an undefeated bare-knuckle fighter. She is horrified and intrigued by what she witnesses and grateful to him when Evan saves her from a nasty fall. He goads her into giving him a kiss that overwhelms them both. August never expects to see him again and is stunned to later recognize him as the man her parents want Violet to marry. A confrontation and another kiss later, and Evan knows that the only woman for him is August. Accustomed to getting what he wants, he doesn't expect any trouble. Meanwhile, August plans to spend time at the ball he's supposed to attend, convincing him to stay away from Violet. I enjoyed that scene as she earnestly steers him away from Violet while he's busy staking his claim on her. She's furious when she learns the truth.
 
This began a thoroughly enjoyable story of their courtship. August makes it plain that she doesn't want to marry him or anyone else. She likes her life the way it is and has no intention of giving up her freedom to live under any man's thumb. I loved that Evan is quite sympathetic to her plight and more than willing to meet her halfway. A visit to his main estate gives them a chance to get to know each other better and the attraction between them to grow along with it. There are some heartwarming moments between them as they share events that profoundly affected their lives. They make great strides toward a healthy relationship when left to themselves, but outside interference throws everything into turmoil.
 
Just when everything looks promising for their future together, an unexpected twist changes everything for Evan. His honor and love for August won't allow him to see her forced to marry him. I ached for him because all he wants is for her to want him for himself. Unfortunately, August only sees that she's no longer needed. Rather than talk things out, neither of them is willing to risk putting their feelings out there for fear of being rejected. It doesn't help that when August realizes the truth of her feelings and tries to do something about it, she misinterprets something she sees and runs. The scene at the end as Violet confronts Evan is fantastic, especially when she decides to help him. While Evan could have done a little more groveling once he caught up with August, he wasn't the only one who was in the wrong. August should have done a little of her own.
 
I liked the foreshadowing of the events of the next book. Evan's friend, the Earl of Leigh, has set his sights on Violet while she wants nothing to do with him. The sparks bode well for another fun story.

Her Undercover Refuge - Linda O. Johnston (HRS #2146 - Aug 2021)

Series: Shelter of Secrets (Book 1)

He protects the vulnerable but his new employee might also need his help
 
Scott Sherridan is an undercover cop offering vulnerable people a safe place to hide. When Scott hires former LAPD officer Nella Bresdall, he tells himself that his growing feelings for her won't be a distraction. But when a threat against Nella's life arises, Scott realizes he might have to lose her to keep her safe…
 
Good book with an interesting concept. I liked the idea of an animal shelter also doubling as a shelter for people in danger. Scott is a cop with the local police department, but his primary duty is running the Chase Animal Shelter. His "managers" are also law enforcement, while the "staff" are the people who need protection. I loved seeing the detail Scott and the Chase PD put into making the shelter as safe as possible.
 
Nella is a former LAPD officer who left the department after losing her partner during a gang-related shooting. Her boss recommended the shelter as a good place for her to work, and Nella's enthusiasm for it is evident as she arrives for her interview. As Nella waits for her interview, another woman comes looking for a "job" and is obviously afraid. Even though she doesn't yet work there yet, Nella's actions show she's a good fit.
 
I liked the development of the relationship between Scott and Nella. The attraction is there from the start, though neither intends to do anything about it. Both are cognizant of the employer/employee dynamic and how inappropriate it would be. But the connection between them won't be denied, and they can't stay away from each other. When the texted threats start, Scott's normal protectiveness toward the shelter and its inhabitants ramps up even further to keep Nella safe. While Nella appreciates Scott's protection, she isn't one to stand back and let someone else take all of the risks. She makes it clear that she has a stake in her own safety. As the days go on, Scott and Nella spend a lot of time together, both alone and with the others, and it is easy to see their feelings grow stronger. Despite a speedbump in their relationship caused by Nella's reluctance to endanger the others, their big moment at the end was great.
 
The suspense of the story was well done. When the first threat arrives, Scott and Nella aren't sure who it is directed to. I liked seeing Nella use her newness at the shelter to get to know the others' stories and see if those lead anywhere. Once the threats focus on Nella, the tension steadily grows. I could feel their frustration at the lack of progress in identifying the source of the threats. Nella is convinced that it is one of the gang members from her last operation, but her former boss doesn't make any progress either. As the book neared the end, I suspected the source of the threat and the reason. However, I never saw the twist that came along with the final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was over and loved how it happened.
 
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the prominent part the animals played. I loved meeting the various critters and how they had their own personalities. My favorites were Spike and Baby. It was sweet to see how Nella connected with them. I also liked the attention paid to their training and the vetting of the potential adopters. I enjoyed getting to know the human residents and look forward to seeing more of them in later books.