Sniffing Out Danger - Elizabeth Heiter (HI #2067 - May 2022)

Series: K-9s on Patrol (Book 2)

Her first big case…
Could be her last.
 
When former big-city cop Ava Callan stumbles upon a bomb, she seizes the chance to prove herself. Not only to the small-town police department where she's transitioning to become a K-9 handler…but especially to charming lead investigator Eli Thorne. The only thing more explosive than her chemistry with the out-of-town captain? The danger menacing them at every turn…
 
Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. After a personal tragedy back in Chicago, Ava came to Jasper for a new start, but she still feels like an outsider after six months. As the only K-9 handler, she's having trouble connecting with her fellow officers, and the small town also feels closed off. That begins to change when she and her dog Lacey stumble upon a bomb while doing a wellness check.
 
Jasper doesn't have its own explosives expert, so they request help from a nearby town. Eli Thorne comes to Jasper to take the lead on the investigation. He's wary when Ava is assigned to the team investigating because of her aloofness. He's used to being able to charm anyone he meets into working with him, but Ava seems impervious. As they work together on the investigation, Eli breaks through some of Ava's reserve, and they discover that they work well together.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ava and Eli. Though initially cool to each other, their excellent work rapport quickly thaws the ice between them and exposes a simmering attraction. As much as they like the heated kisses they share, they also realize pursuing their attraction could be a dangerous distraction from their investigation. Ava is cautious because of being burned in a previous relationship with a coworker. I loved how Eli made it clear that he wasn't rejecting what was happening, simply postponing his pursuit until the case was over. I loved seeing them grow closer and Ava becoming comfortable enough to share her past with Eli. I liked how he worked to show her that she belongs in Jasper after an unexpected call from Chicago has her thinking about returning. I especially enjoyed seeing Ava's pleasure when Eli's prediction came true, and she finally started to feel part of the community. I loved the ending and seeing them take a chance on the future.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. Eli, Ava, and the rest of the team know that their time is limited if they are going to find the bomber before it's too late. I could feel their frustration at their lack of progress, especially once they identified a person of interest. Matters became complicated as they questioned some of their conclusions following a bombing. An unexpected twist exposed the truth and left Eli and Ava scrambling to stop a potential disaster. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as he raced to defuse a bomb while Ava faced the bomber. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

The Iron Warrior Returns - Michelle Willingham (HH #1647 - May 2022)

Series: Legendary Warriors (Book 1)

A fight to save his people
A kiss to save his heart…
 
To regain his stolen lands and save his people from suffering, Robert of Penrith has returned to marry his enemy’s daughter. To Robert’s surprise, his dearest friend, Morwenna, helps him win the heiress’s hand—despite the danger to them both. The fierce, beautiful miller’s daughter has stood by him throughout his exile. But a single kiss ignites a passion that threatens to upend all of Robert’s plans…
 
Good friends to lovers story. The book opens as Robert of Penrith, his half-brother Piers, miller's daughter Morwenna and her younger brother Brian have all been taken captive after Penrith castle was attacked. They don't know why, but they sense that escape is their only option if they want to live. They pull it off and go into hiding for the next two years.
 
Robert was sickly as a child, so he didn't have the warrior training he should have had as the heir to Penrith. Instead, he was kept indoors and spent much of his time reading. After the attack that killed his father and gave his lands to someone else, Robert felt guilty that he hadn't been able to defend his people. He spent the two years of exile training every day, waiting for his opportunity to regain his lands. He was aided by Piers, with whom he has a strained relationship, and Morwenna, who trained alongside the men. When Robert hears that the new Earl of Penrith will hold a competition to choose his daughter's husband, he sees it as the perfect opportunity to regain his lands.
 
However, this isn't as easy as it sounds. Robert can't just ride up, announce who he is, and join the competition. He disguises himself as a serf and sneaks in to check things out, accompanied by Morwenna. While things look prosperous and well run, he quickly learns that everything is not as it seems. An encounter with a serf who remembers him reveals that the new earl rules with cruelty and an iron fist. He also finds resentment from the others that he didn't stay and fight. Wracked with guilt over what he's learned, Robert swears that he will find a way to rescue his people. He spends a few days undercover before presenting himself under an assumed name as a contender for Lady Gwen's hand.
 
In the meantime, Morwenna wants to do her part, even though Robert has refused her help. She disguises herself as a lady in distress and gains entrance to the castle and access to Lady Gwen. Morwenna tries to push Robert as the best contender, but Gwen has her eye on someone else. Her deception becomes especially dangerous when the new earl suspects she isn't who she says she is.
 
The tension ramps up as unexpected twists put both Morwenna and Robert in extreme danger from the earl. There is nail-biting drama as they barely escape with their lives. Robert still has big plans on winning back his lands and pursues an idea that Morwenna feels has a low chance of success. Meanwhile, Morwenna gets some shocking news about a pendant that belonged to her mother and what it may mean to her future. A final encounter with the earl causes a change in perspective for Robert and presents a different path.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Morwenna and Robert. She has loved him for years and can't help dreaming of the impossible. I loved her strength of will as she trained alongside the men so that she could be near him. I ached for her when Robert started talking about using marriage to Gwen to get his lands back. Robert is blind to Morwenna's feelings for him and treats her the same as the others. That changes when they play their parts at Penrith, and he suddenly sees her for the beautiful woman she is. Unfortunately, he still has tunnel vision regarding regaining his lands and fights his feelings for her. Even rescuing her from mortal danger doesn't derail his plans, though he admits that there's something between them. I ached for Morwenna as she gave up her dreams. Though I mainly wanted to shake Robert for turning his back on love, I also understood his motivation. There are a couple of twists and turns yet to come, where Morwenna and Robert have choices to make that could change everything. I liked the ending and the decisions they made. The epilogue was terrific.
 
The secondary characters are critical to the story. Morwenna's younger brother Brian is protective of her but is only fifteen. There are several scenes where he plays a vital role, but he feels like he let her down. He joins a group on the way to the Crusades as a penance for his failings. Robert's half-brother, Piers, has always resented his illegitimacy and Robert's place as heir. He sees the competition as a way to get what he's always wanted. There is an interesting turn of events involving him, and I liked how Robert stepped up to support him. Lady Gwen turned out to be a bit of a surprise. I thought she'd be one of those spoiled and over-protected types, but she's a kind and compassionate woman with a stronger will than I expected. I liked her immediate friendship with Morwenna, even when she knew the truth. Her appearance later in the book was a surprise, and I loved her part. I hope these characters get their own books because I'd love to see what happens to them.

Surviving the Truth - Tyler Anne Snell (HI #2020 - Sept 2021)

Series: Saving Kelby Creek (Book 3)

An unsolved murder and a cold case are hitting too close to home…
 
When Willa Tate presents Detective Kenneth Gray with a buried box containing evidence of a thirty-five-year-old crime, he knows his newly formed task force will leave no stone unturned to find answers. But it's Willa's life on the line when Kenneth uncovers a connection between the cold case and the unsolved murder of his wife. Protecting Willa and righting past wrongs pits the dogged cop against a killer desperate to silence the truth forever.
 
This is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. The books' common denominator is the town's recovery from "The Flood," a massive corruption scandal involving the town's leaders and law enforcement. In this book, Detective Kenneth Gray has returned to the sheriff's department to help sort out cases that may have been affected by the corruption, including going over cold cases. One of those cases was the murder of his wife several years earlier.
 
Willa Tate works for a construction company. One evening she discovered a partially buried box on one of their sites. After opening it, she believed that it contained evidence of an old crime, but investigating on her own got nowhere. So she took it to the newly formed cold case task force - Kenneth.
 
The first meeting between Kenneth and Willa did not go as she'd hoped. After showing him the box and its contents and explaining her theory, Kenneth remained skeptical of her claims but promised to check into them. After a conversation with the sheriff, he had more questions for Willa. He quickly becomes less skeptical when Willa's home is ransacked, and she is attacked by someone clearly searching for something. Willa had some tense moments as she wondered if she would survive the encounter. I was glued to the pages as they investigated each item they found in the box and drew closer to the person responsible. There were also brief sections from the killer's viewpoint showing his determination to keep his secret. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with an unexpected twist that put Willa in his crosshairs. I loved how Willa kept her head and played a big part in her rescue and solving the mystery. I liked the ending and seeing how everything was intertwined.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Willa and Kenneth. Willa's sunshiny nature made an impression on him from the start, and he had difficulty getting her off his mind. His wife's murder still haunts Kenneth and Willa lights up the dark corners of his life. Willa is equally attracted to Kenneth, who is different from the men she's been involved with before. Kenneth's protectiveness kicked in when Willa was attacked. Their forced proximity gave them a chance to get to know each other and their attraction the opportunity to grow. I liked how Kenneth opened up to Willa about his wife's death, and Willa's compassion was beautifully shown. There were some sweet scenes of them together as their feelings deepened. I liked the ending, and the peace Kenneth found so that he could move on with Willa.

Undercover Couple - Barb Han (HI #2068 - May 2022)

Series: Ree and Quint (Book 1)

This fake marriage could make
“till death do us part” a reality.
 
Legendary ATF agent Quint Casey isn't thrilled to pose as Ree Sheppard's husband for a covert investigation into a weapons ring that could be tied to his past. Feeling guilty over a tragic event, Quint’s determined to do whatever it takes to make things right. But when his impetuous "wife" proves her commitment to the job, Quint feels a spark just as alarming as the dangerous killers he’s sworn to unmask.
 
Good start to the new series. Quint and Ree are ATF agents assigned to work together on an undercover investigation. Quint is infamous for being intimidating, and Ree is a little nervous about working with him. I loved her call to her brother for advice on appearing married. The suggestions were good, and the conversation gave some excellent insight into Ree and her abilities. Her background of having four older brothers comes in handy when dealing with Quint.
 
I loved the first meeting between Ree and Quint. She comes out swinging, setting up a position of strength before Quint can even open his mouth. He isn't happy about working with a partner, especially a woman. He recently lost his partner and best friend, and his guilty feelings over the event pop up at inconvenient times. He and Ree only have a few minutes during the initial conversation, and their tension is palpable. Quint's response to her "rules" leaves them both reeling.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Quint and Ree develop. The sparks between them are real and make their cover as a pair of newlyweds more authentic. However, the attraction is also a complication because they know doing anything about it is a bad idea. I liked seeing them get to know each other as they carried out their mission. Despite his intimidating appearance, Quint has a surprisingly soft side that he keeps well hidden. It was sweet to see how he cared for her after her shifts and the protectiveness he couldn't deny. There's an emotional scene where Quint shares what happened to his partner, and Ree's reaction sets him on the road toward healing. They got quite close after only a few days, but with the quick end to the case, their "marriage" is over, and they go back to their everyday lives.
 
Because this is only the first of four books starring Quint and Ree, the development of their relationship leans on the slow-burn side. At thirty-six, Ree's relationships tend to be short-lived flings rather than genuine relationships. Her time with Quint makes her re-examine her attitude. Quint is forty-two and also sticks to short-term affairs. Their reluctance to part ways is evident at the end of this book, but the door is open for future contact.  
 
The suspense of the story was good and kept me turning the pages. The lead on the weapons trafficking came out of the case that resulted in the loss of Quint's partner, and Quint is determined to shut it down. In an unusual twist from most of these stories, Ree has the most direct action, while Quint mostly does surveillance. I got a kick out of the beginning when Ree deals with Quint's doubts about her undercover skills in a straightforward manner. There were a few worrisome moments when Ree's impatience for results tempted her to push faster than she should, but Quint and her common sense kept her to the plan. Quint's attention to detail helped narrow down the suspects. An unexpected twist precipitates a dangerous confrontation that had me glued to the pages until it was all over. And while this investigation was successfully concluded, there are still some loose ends from the original case. I can't wait for the next book to see where it leads. 

Montana Desire - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Apr 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 3)

No one is guaranteed tomorrow.
 
Grant Carter knows that fact intimately. The shrapnel sitting on his spine from an IED is a daily reminder.
 
But the constant pain won’t stop him from working at the Resting Warrior Ranch, training service and emotional support animals to help people with PTSD—something else he’s intimately familiar with.
 
He’ll fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
 
When his neighbor, shy veterinarian Cori Jackson, is humiliated by her ex-boyfriend for things she’d like to experiment with in bed, Grant is more than happy to show her real men aren’t threatened by an adventurous spirit.
 
The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes the literal girl-next-door is the one for him. And when Cori finds herself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy surrounding the animals she treats, Grant will make sure she makes it out alive.
 
He's a fighter. Was one in the Navy SEALs and still is one today. And he’ll fight for Cori.
 
Even if it costs him everything.
 
This is the third book in the Resting Warrior Ranch series, and like the others, I could not put it down once I started reading. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the experience is richer if you read them in order. This is the story of Grant Carter, one of the former SEALs who own and run the ranch, and Cori Jackson, the local veterinarian. Grant has taken a fair amount of teasing from his friends because of his interest in Cori, but he sticks to friendship because she has a boyfriend. That all changes when he witnesses the end of their relationship and steps up to protect her from Joel's threats.
 
Cori loves her work as a vet, partly because animals are so much easier to deal with than people. She's not getting rich off her work, but she's doing okay. Once she gets access to her trust fund on her birthday, it will get easier. Then she gets a disturbing and infuriating email from her parents. They have never approved of her vocation. Jacksons - ALL of them - are surgeons, and they will do anything to bring her back into the fold. This includes blackmail - changing the rules of the trust so that she gets nothing until she completes medical school. Cori has a lot to think about and receives no support from Joel, who agrees with her parents. The icing on the cake is when he balks at some suggestions she makes, accusing her of terrible things. While Cori is thankful that Grant's presence prevented violence, she's also embarrassed.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Cori and Grant. He is such a gentleman and has a huge protective streak. He's ready to pursue Cori, but he is also sensitive to what she has been through with Joel. He made a terrific start that first night with his offer to watch over her. He plans to take things slowly, but Cori has other ideas. She quickly realizes that what she had with Joel doesn't come close to the way Grant makes her feel. I loved seeing the care and respect that Grant shows Cori and its effect on her. The attraction between them is explosive and brings them even closer together.
 
Both Cori and Grant have obstacles to the future they long to have with each other. Not only does Grant have PTSD, but he also has serious physical issues that hold him back. A piece of shrapnel from an IED is lodged near his spine, frequently causing excruciating pain. There's no guarantee that it won't drastically change his life but being with her also motivates him to look at options. Being with Grant gives Cori the courage to stick up for what she wants until a horrifying discovery forces a heartbreaking choice and puts her in life-threatening danger.
 
The suspense of the story kept me as enthralled as the romance did. Cori stumbles on a mysterious illness affecting some of the horses belonging to a client. Her suspicions are aroused when the owner shows no concern. Cori's investigation uncovers a dangerous conspiracy, and an unexpected betrayal puts her at the mercy of desperate men. I was glued to the pages as I watched Cori fight for her life and Grant and the rest of the RWR race to save her. There were unexpected consequences to the rescue, and I held my breath with the others as I waited to see the outcome.
 
I loved the ending, from Cori's conversation with her sister and parents to Grant's surprise for her at the cabin where it all started. I can't wait to see more of them in future books of the series.
 
One of my favorite things about this series is the importance of friendship. The men of RWR, besides being former SEAL teammates, have deep ties of friendship. They understand the challenges each faces and are equally willing to provide support or a butt-kicking, whichever the situation requires. I laughed out loud at some of the teasing, while some other conversations brought me to tears. I also loved the relationships among the various women. I laughed at some of the antics pulled by Lena, especially when it came to Cori's relationship with Grant. The pre-wedding activities before Grace and Harlan's wedding were hilarious. I can't wait to see who's up next.

A Princess in Naples - Becky Wicks (HMED #1248 - May 2022)

Trading her tiara…
…for a stethoscope!
 
After the very public explosion of her engagement, Princess Adrienne is dedicating every hour of every day to her medical training! Arriving in Naples, she’s ready to learn everything she can from esteemed Dr. Franco. If only it wasn’t so hard to prove that she is so much more than just a “privileged princess” to him! Yet as Adrienne battles for Franco to recognize her talent, she finds herself battling their fierce—and unexpected!—chemistry, too…
 
Good book. After she caught her fiancé cheating on the day they were to announce their engagement, Adrienne decided her medical training was more important. Though it took longer than usual because of her royal commitments, she's now ready for the next step. Though convincing her parents, especially her father, to let her go was difficult, Adrienne is finally in Naples and prepared to learn everything she can from cancer doctor Franco Perretta.
 
I loved the first in-person meeting between Adrienne and Franco. She's trying so hard to be "normal" and ends up in an awkward situation. Franco comes zooming up and whisks her away on his motorbike. Adrienne was surprised to see him there, especially as she had just been thinking of him. I liked her focus on his credentials and work as an oncologist, though there also seems to be a hint of a crush under the admiration. Franco wins my heart later that day when he informs Adrienne that her qualifications and passion brought her there, not her family name. He then goes on to treat her like any other doctor.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Adrienne and Franco. They are drawn together from the beginning, but neither is interested in a relationship. Adrienne is focused on her career while trying to stop her parents' matchmaking attempts. Franco has loved and lost and isn't interested in risking that pain again. However, the more time they spend together, whether work-related or not, the greater their attraction grows. Each of them believes that anything more is impossible. Adrienne knows that Franco is a very private man, and her life is anything but private, thanks to constant media attention. Despite her growing feelings for him, Adrienne attempts to keep him at a distance to protect him. At the same time, Franco knows he's not the type of man her parents want for her. 

There are some sweet scenes of them together, from Franco telling Adrienne about his lost love to their midnight swim later in the book. A misinterpretation of something Adrienne does causes Franco to pull back just as a revealing picture of them becomes public; Adrienne is forced to go home and do damage control. I loved seeing how her time away has given her more confidence and the courage to stand up for herself. The dinner scene with her parents was terrific. I ached for Adrienne, who is sure she's lost Franco just as she's found the courage to go after him. Franco is also unhappy without her. I loved his big scene at the end. Aided and abetted by Adrienne's mom, Franco pulls off a very romantic reunion.
 
I truly enjoyed the romance, but I was also fascinated by the medical side. Franco lost his love to a rare form of cancer and has spent his life since then fighting the disease. Adrienne lost a beloved uncle to cancer, which motivated her to specialize in cancer treatment and research. I enjoyed seeing Adrienne and Marco interact with their patients and their determination to do their best for them. A significant part of the story involves a promising new drug treatment stuck in the approval process, while Franco and Adrienne desperately need it released for one of their patients. Franco follows the frustrating traditional route of approval while Adrienne conceives of another approach. I was fully invested in Adrienne's project and loved seeing it in progress. The results, which I could envision thanks to the author's descriptive skills, were thrilling to see. I loved seeing her get the credit she deserved, and Franco get the tools he needed to continue his work. I loved the update in the epilogue.

Secrets Behind the Billionaire's Return - Rachael Stewart (HR #4805 - May 2022)

Series: Claiming the Ferrington Empire (Book 1)

The man she never forgot…
The feelings she never lost…
 
Sixteen years ago, Felicity fell in love with the boy from Ferrington Manor. But their affair was short-lived when Sebastian vanished and she was left with the secret consequence of their love. Now he's back and his return sends shock waves through Felicity! Will the revelations about Sebastian's departure be enough for Felicity to succumb to the feelings that still draw her to him?
 
Good second chance romance with a bonus emotional punch. Sixteen years earlier, Felicity and Sebastian were teenage sweethearts. They meant the world to each other, or so she thought until he and his mother and brother vanished without a trace. Now he's back, and the revelations are about to shake up their worlds.
 
The story opens as Sebastian arrives at Ferrington Manor for the first time in sixteen years. Even though his grandfather is gone, Sebastian has difficulty facing the memories that await him. He retreats to the local B&B, owned by his first love's family. He wonders if she is still there, just as she appears around a corner. It is immediately apparent that there is still something there between them. However, Felicity's greatest concern is figuring out how to tell Sebastian that he has a sixteen-year-old daughter and vice-versa.
 
I liked that Felicity had no intention of keeping Angel's existence a secret from Sebastian. She may still be hurt and angry over his disappearance, but she won't use that to punish him. I was happy to see that, once he recovered from the shock, Sebastian wasn't angry or disbelieving about the news. They have the maturity to realize that they have a lot to talk about before any decisions are made. But before they can do more than make a few tentative plans, the media gets wind of who Sebastian is and his plans for Ferrington Manor. I liked his decisiveness in dealing with the paparazzi, but it opened a host of other problems.
 
Sebastian plans to whisk Felicity and Angel off to Ferrington Manor for safety and privacy, but that also changes the timeline for revealing the truth to Angel. I ached for both Sebastian and Felicity, who feared her reaction. I liked the realism of Angel's mixed feelings and the effects of those feelings on her parents. I liked seeing Felicity stand up to Sebastian when it came to doing the right things for Angel as he tried to adjust to being a father. She had a hard line to walk between being a responsible parent and coming across as the bad guy.
 
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between Felicity and Sebastian. The sparks were still there, but they are different people than they were back then. Felicity can't contemplate moving forward with Sebastian until he explains what drove him away in the first place. Sebastian hesitates to tell her because he believes he's too broken to deserve her. Because of what happened, Sebastian has kept his emotions under tight control. He nearly drives her away when he can't be honest about his feelings. If not for his brother's advice, he might have lost it all. But a heartrending confession by Sebastian and Felicity's compassion and understanding made a most romantic ending. The epilogue was lovely, too.
 
Secondary characters Bree (Felicity's best friend) and Theo (Sebastian's brother) have some intriguing vibes happening in the background. I can't wait to read their story.

A Little Princess - Frances Hodgson Burnett (Sterling Publishing - July 2015)

At Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, young Sara Crewe enjoys the friendship of her classmates and the staff--much to stern Miss Minchin's disdain. When Sara is unexpectedly impoverished, she is forced to become a servant under Miss Minchin's control. To escape her dreary life, Sara imagines herself a princess, and her experiences soon teach her that being a princess on the inside counts more than any outward expression of royalty.
 
This is one of my favorite books and has been since I was eight years old. I love seeing her overcome the obstacles in her life, usually by sheer grit and determination, and do so without losing her humanity.
 
As the daughter of an Englishman in India during Victorian times, it is expected that at some point, she would be sent home to England for schooling. This is partly because of the prejudices of the time and because they felt that the Indian climate was not healthy for children. The book opens when Sara is seven years old and taken to the London boarding school where she is expected to live for the next decade. She is heartbroken at being separated from her beloved father but puts a brave face on it for him. Having spent all her life around adults, she is rather serious and unusually observant. Her initial take on Miss Minchin is spot-on and proves so throughout the book.
 
During the first part of the book, we see Sara settling into school life and making friends. As something of a misfit herself, Sara leans towards other outcasts like herself. One of her first friends is Ermengarde, a little girl who is overweight and a slow learner. She is bullied unmercifully by other girls and Miss Minchin. I loved seeing Sara take Ermengarde under her wing and find a faithful and loyal friend. Next is Lottie, a very young child who is far too young to have been sent away to school. Lottie has been spoiled by her family and has learned to use her motherless state to get what she wants. I liked the first scene between Sara and Lottie, with Sara's quiet empathy and kindness saving the day. Finally comes Sara's friendship with Becky, the school's scullery maid. Once again, Sara's innate compassion and empathy lead her to befriend a young girl very different from herself but with whom she can also see their similarities.
 
The first four years of Sara's life at Miss Minchin's pass quickly with brief vignettes of her life during that time. Then comes her eleventh birthday and the day her life changed. As Sara and her schoolmates enjoy an elaborate birthday party, Miss Minchin receives a visit from Captain Crewe's lawyer. The man brings the unwelcome news that Captain Crewe is dead of fever and that he died broke and in debt due to a bad investment. Miss Minchin is furious that she is out the money she has spent, adding to her resentment and dislike of Sara. Thinking better of just throwing the girl out on the street, she turns Sara into an unpaid servant.
 
I ached for Sara, whose life was completely upended. She wasn't even allowed time to grieve her father's death before facing the drastic changes in her life. It breaks my heart every time to see her try to hang on to her upbeat attitude while enduring the abuse of others. During this time, Sara's ability to lose herself in the worlds her imagination creates makes her life a little more bearable. It was infinitely satisfying to see Sara's inner strength as she survived the appalling treatment. There were a few bright spots in her life - occasional surreptitious visits from Ermengarde or Lottie, the rat she befriends, and unexpected kindnesses from outsiders.
 
Another bright spot in her life occurs when a new neighbor moves in next door—an Englishman who has been ill and has an Indian servant with a mischievous pet monkey. Sara spotting several items from India through his windows brings back good memories of her life there. An unexpected visit to her attic room by the monkey also introduces her to Ram Dass, the Indian servant, an event that will profoundly affect her life. We get a glimpse into the neighbor's life, Mr. Carrisford, and discover an unexpected connection to Sara. I always love the events of these final chapters. Sara's life goes from immeasurably hard and very close to breaking her spirit to returning her to her previously privileged life. But this time, her experiences give her an added depth of understanding of the world around her and a desire to help others.
 
I've seen others comment that Sara is "too perfect" or Miss Minchin "too awful." When I read it, I consider that this book was written in 1905. At that time, books for children were deliberately written as moral tales, designed to show children the difference between right and wrong. So, while the characters' attitudes may be somewhat exaggerated, there is enough realism to make them believable. I especially enjoyed seeing that Sara knows how to get under Miss Minchin's skin with a simple look and that she isn't too good to lose her temper now and then.
 
I also must add that it's hard to talk about this story without mentioning the films that have been made from it. There are three that I am aware of: the 1939 version with Shirley Temple, the 1986 version with Maureen Lipman (a British TV mini-series), and the 1995 version starring Liesel Matthews. In my opinion, only one of them is worth watching. The Shirley Temple version vaguely resembles the book, with an added romance between two characters who don't exist in the story, an odd dream sequence, and a wholly made-up ending resulting in Sara's father still being alive. The 1995 version changes the time and location from Victorian London to World War One New York and again changes the ending to reuniting with her father. The 1987 version, on the other hand, is a faithful adaptation of the book. I loved seeing some of my favorite scenes come alive, from the French lesson to the bun shop scene to the revelation of Sara and "the Indian Gentleman's" connection. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves the book. (It can be found on YouTube in its original six episodes) 

 

Mountainside Murder - Nicole Helm (HI #2040 - Dec 2021)

Series: North Star (Book 3)

She's hunting a hit man…
Now she and his next victim are targets…
 
North Star undercover operative Sabrina Killian is on a hit man's trail. She doesn't need help from Wyoming search and rescue ranger Connor Lindstrom. But the persistent ex-SEAL is the killer's target -- and soon they are both being hunted. Now they've joined forces to uncover a treasonous conspiracy. But will Sabrina's and Connor's most dangerous secrets even the odds -- or take them out for good?
 
Good book. The beginning of this story takes place concurrently with the previous book, Shot Through the Heart. Sabrina and Holden are assigned to track down a hitman, one in Nebraska and one in Wyoming. Sabrina doesn't want to go to Nebraska, so they flip a coin to see who goes where. Fate clearly has a hand in the decision, as their lives would turn out quite differently had the toss gone the other way.
 
Sabrina successfully tracks her quarry to a hiking trail in the Tetons and plans to use fake police credentials to apprehend him. Instead, she lands in the middle of a search and rescue operation with the hitman as the apparent victim. When she attempts to use her police ID to take custody of him, SAR ranger Connor calls her out on the deception and refuses to cooperate. While Connor and Sabrina argue, the uninjured hitman makes his escape. Neither will give up their position, and both set out after the missing man.
 
Sabrina is an excellent operative who is stubborn, fiery, smart-mouthed, and has a chip on her shoulder regarding her past. If it hadn't been for an injury, she could have been one of the first female Navy SEALs, and she is still bitter about it. So when she encounters Connor, an ex-SEAL, she doesn't react well. Connor left the SEALs under a cloud, accused of something he didn't do. He and his rescue dog live off the grid, where he can do his rescue thing without dealing with the rest of the world.
 
The action picks up here and continues to build throughout the book. Connor and Sabrina clash over who has the greater right to their quarry. Their antagonism turns to teamwork as they race to escape an avalanche, then prepare to continue their search. There is a lot of walking involved, which gives them plenty of time to talk about their pursuit, who the hitman's target is, and their backgrounds. Dodging gunfire sends their thoughts down a different path as they finally realize that Connor is the target. Twists and turns led to near-death injuries and a final confrontation that had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Connor and Sabrina. Their initial antagonism is strong, but underneath it is a simmering attraction that neither wants to acknowledge. It was fun to watch them push back at each other as they fought their attraction until it finally got too hard to resist. I loved Connor's protectiveness even though he was the one in the hitman's crosshairs. They clash over Sabrina's role as protector but eventually come to a tentative balance of power between them. I loved their shock as each realized that their feelings had grown and changed. The ending was terrific, with an unexpected twist involving Connor.
 
I liked catching up with some of the previous North Star characters as they stepped up to help Sabrina and Connor. I'm especially curious about Shay and if something is going on between her and Granger. Hopefully, she will get a story of her own.

Her SEAL Bodyguard - Cindy Dees (HRS #2181 - May 2022)

Series: Runaway Ranch (Book 3)

She is supposed to be in hiding
But his eyes are on her…
 
With her life in danger, operative Gia Rykhof plans to lie low in a small town. A different name, a slight disguise and her years of training should keep her safe. But she’s attracted the attention of Marcus Tate. The muscular stranger claims to be a Navy SEAL. But can Gia trust that Marcus isn't the man sent to kill her?
 
Terrific book that sucked me in from the first page and kept me hooked to the end. The story opens as Gia provides surveillance support to a special operations team on the ground in the Middle East. As the op concludes, she witnesses some suspicious behavior, but before she can report it to the team, her secure location is breached, her computer stolen, and her life threatened.
 
When next we see her, she is hiding in a small Montana town while her boss tries to figure out what is happening after she barely escaped two attempts on her life. She works as a manicurist at the local salon and takes fly-fishing lessons. Her enthusiasm exceeds her skill, and she hooks another fisherman instead of a fish. Marcus, her "giant trout," turns out to be a Navy SEAL, staying with a friend and recuperating from an injury. Marcus is intrigued and attracted to the unusually fit woman, even more so when he senses a hint of fear and wariness. With his protective instincts aroused, he follows her and notices that he's not the only one doing so. Her evasion skills pique his curiosity, as do her non-answers to his attempts to get to know her.
 
Gia is initially leery of Marcus, unsure if he is one of the men trying to kill her. I liked seeing how she figured out he was okay and her tentative trust when she needed help. In the face of Marcus's probing questions, she struggles to keep secret her identity as a member of the Medusas, an all-woman, top-secret special operations unit. When they decide to look for the man following her, it's all she can do to keep quiet during Marcus's somewhat condescending instructions. I laughed out loud as she more than kept up with him.
 
The action and suspense heat up as Gia and Marcus, along with his friends, come together to lay a trap for her pursuer. There were some tense moments as things didn't go entirely to plan. I ached for the person they caught and the reasons for his presence. The intensity ramped up as Gia, and the others realized they needed help to carry out the next step. Some lighter moments relieved the tension as Marcus's SEAL friends were introduced to Gia's Medusa teammates and learned their capabilities the hard way. The team they built was fantastic. The final confrontation was intense, though the outcome was never in doubt. There were a couple of threads left hanging that I hope will be addressed in the next book.
 
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Gia and Marcus. I loved some of the scenes between them, as Gia gives as good as she gets in their interactions. Marcus isn't used to women who push back, and he loves it.  The sparks between them were instant and intense, but both tried to resist them. They are aware of the dangers of being emotionally involved with someone you work with and the distractions it can cause. Despite their initial unwillingness to take that step, the results are explosive when they do. With their determination to continue their careers, I wondered how they would make it work. I hope to see them in future books.
 
Though this is the third book in the Runaway Ranch series and related to the two Medusa series, it worked fine as a standalone. It did, however, make me want to read those books as soon as I get a chance. 

 

Reawakened at the South Pole - Juliette Hyland (HMED #1205 - Oct 2021)

An antarctic adventure
and a reunion of a lifetime…
 
ER nurse Helena Mathews wants just one thing: to show her parents that she's no longer the fragile, premature baby they cradled in the NICU. So her new South Pole-based job is the perfect way to break free! But Dr. Carter Simpson's arrival proves that you can't just erase the past. Her one-time best friend may have left without a trace after a life-altering discovery, but he never left Helena's heart…
 
Excellent friends-to-lovers and second chance romance. The story opens with a prologue where we learn about the characters' pasts. Helena and her twin brother Owen and Owen's best friend Carter have been friends for years. Owen and Helena were preemie twins, with Helena having spent three months in the NICU, then being a sickly child until she was a teenager. Her parents are incredibly overprotective, which frustrates Helena, but she doesn't like to upset them, so she frequently caves to their desires. As the prologue opens, she has just arrived at Owen and Carter's dorm room to talk about how she is finally standing up for what she wants. Rather than her parents' desired art history major (safe!), she has changed her major to nursing, where her passion lies. Owen isn't there, but Carter is, and he gives her quite the pep talk. Some other emotions are simmering, but Owen interrupts before anything comes of it. When she and Owen return to school after the holidays, Carter is gone without a trace.
 
Fast forward fifteen years. Helena succeeded in her plans by becoming a nurse practitioner, distancing herself from her parents, and pushing herself to her limits. She served a tour as a combat medic in the Middle East, where she was severely injured. Furthering the blow, her fiancé broke up with her because of it, and her parents became even more protective of her. So she did the only thing she could think of to save her sanity - she took a nine-month position with a medical unit at the South Pole.
 
Over the years, Helena has often thought of Carter and looked for him at hospitals and in medical journals without success. The last place she expected to find him was at the end of the earth. I loved their first meeting, as Helena is barely off the plane when she encounters her first emergency. I loved her take-charge, patient-first attitude as she dealt with the accident. They are both shocked when they come face to face, but I think Helena handled it much better. I ached for Helena initially as she had to fight Carter's protectiveness and get him to see her as the competent professional she was.
 
Carter was flabbergasted to see Helena and has thought of her often through the years. But the events of fifteen years earlier left him with deep emotional scars and an unwillingness to trust others. I ached to see the changes in the happy and optimistic boy from the prologue. He tries to keep Helena at the same distance he keeps everyone else, but she won't cooperate. During her first week, a viral outbreak on the station pushes Helena and Carter into a closer than expected working relationship, and Carter finds his normal standoffishness falling by the wayside.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Carter and Helena. First, they rekindle their friendship, with their old ease of conversation returning. Then they teamed up on writing a paper about the outbreak, but here is one area where Carter's past comes between them. He has his reasons for remaining incommunicado to the world but doesn't share them with Helena. Instead, they are in their little bubble where nothing interferes with their growing feelings for each other. But when Helena's actions expose Carter to a past he wants to forget; all bets are off.
 
I ached for both as they were forced to face their demons before they had a chance at a future together. I loved that Helena had Owen to help her get through to her parents. It helped that there was a loving relationship as a foundation to build upon. Carter had a more challenging time of it, thanks to the hurtful actions of those he loved. I liked that they each took the time for honest self-examination to see that there was blame to share. A dangerous situation that could have turned out badly delayed their discussion, but the ending was as emotional as I expected.
 
I loved the antarctic setting of the book. Other than the very beginning, there wasn't much about the environment, but there was plenty about the living conditions. I never thought about how small living areas would be in a facility located in such harsh conditions or that there would be no deliveries during that long period. I also liked the realistic look at the effects and stresses of those living conditions. 

Summoning Up Love - Synithia Williams (HSE #2905 - May 2022)

Series: Heart & Soul (Book 1)

A fraud?
Or the find of her lifetime?
 
Vanessa Steele retreats to her grandmother’s beach house to heal after she loses her job and her fiancé. When she finds that Grandma’s enlisted hunky Dion Livingston and his brothers to investigate suspicious paranormal activity, the intrepid reporter’s skeptical of their motives. But her own investigation discovers that Dion’s the real deal. And any supernatural energy? Pales compared to the electricity that erupts when the two of them are together…
 
A good book about two people who are at crossroads in their lives. When Vanessa loses her job as a morning show host in Atlanta and her fiancé dumps her the same day, Vanessa heads to Sunshine Beach and her grandmother. She'll stay in one of Arletha's rental cottages while investigating her options and regrouping. Her reporter suspicions kick in when she hears Grandma hired a trio of ghost hunters.
 
Dion and his two brothers help people identify paranormal activity in their homes. They've developed an excellent reputation and even have a producer interested in filming their work. Dion is the natural leader of their group. When their parents died, Dion gave up his college scholarship to stay home and raise his two younger brothers. He took a job with the city public works department, where he's been for seventeen years.
 
I had a little trouble liking Vanessa at first. I understand that she was protecting her grandmother, but she was flat-out rude in her first conversation with Dion. I felt as though she could have handled things without being so confrontational. On the other hand, I loved Dion. He understands her protectiveness and responds calmly.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dion and Vanessa. Underneath Vanessa's antagonism were sparks of attraction that she tried to resist. Dion felt the same and wanted to get to know her better. I loved his idea to have her tag along on one of their investigations, giving her a chance to know him and see what they do. She made me angry with her disrespectful attitude in front of his clients, and I wouldn't have blamed him if he'd dropped her right there. He's persistent, though, and eventually gets through to her, and she lightens up a bit.
 
There are some terrific scenes of them together as they get to know each other. Vanessa's independent streak gets her in trouble at one point, and Dion comes to her rescue. When their attraction becomes too much to resist, each knows there is an end date but believes they can keep their hearts intact. But as time goes on, those feelings grow deeper. However, both have issues that keep them from believing they can have a future together. Vanessa is actively looking for a new job and knows that it won't likely be close to Sunshine Beach.  She doesn't have much confidence in long-distance relationships. Dion has some significant insecurities. His last relationship ended when the woman left, claiming he was too boring and looked down on him because of his job, but he wants a home and family of his own.
 
Vanessa and Dion's path to a happy future faces a few hurdles. When Vanessa gets hired at a new job and a new town, do they attempt a long-distance relationship or call it quits? When Dion faces disappointment at work, does he stay where it's safe or spread his wings? I ached for Vanessa and Dion when her attempt at encouragement ran against his insecurities, and they exchanged harsh words. I liked that they didn't allow them to fester but confronted the misunderstanding quickly. I loved the surprise that Dion had for Vanessa on Valentine's Day.
 
The ghost hunting aspect of the book was fascinating. I liked the pragmatic approach, using research and science rather than sensationalism to get to the root of the hauntings. Even though it isn't his dream, I liked how Dion supports his two brothers in pursuing the TV show. I loved the section where the trio gets to work on Arletha's house, accompanied by the tv crew. I was glued to the pages as they went step-by-step through the process. The conclusion was terrific and made me cheer for Arletha and the brothers. 

 

A Nun for the Viking Warrior - Lucy Morris (HH #1616 - Nov2021)

Forced to wed the warrior...
Falling for the man…
 
Noblewoman Amée Évreux had pledged her life to God, until her father promised her in marriage to thundering Norseman Jorund Jötunnson. After escaping her overbearing father, Amée vows never to fall under another man's thumb, but her resistance to being Jorund's wife turns to desire as she gets to know her intriguing new husband. For beneath his fierce exterior she's glimpsed an unexpectedly pure heart. If only she can penetrate the fortress that surrounds it…
 
I enjoyed this slightly different take on the classic Viking romance. Amée entered the nunnery believing that she would finally escape her father and gain some peace. After witnessing and experiencing her father's abuse of her mother and her, Amée swore she would never again put herself under a man's thumb. But as the book opens, a group of Vikings batter down the door of the nunnery, its leader there to claim Amée's hand in marriage. Amée is furious, frightened, and unwillingly fascinated.
 
Jorund was awarded the lands of Évreux by his friend and overlord Rollo, aka Count Robert, while the count's wife arranged the marriage to bridge the divide between conquered and conqueror. Jorund looks forward to settling down with a wife, children, and the prospect of peace.
 
I liked Amée and Jorund. She may be tiny, but she can be fierce when defending her people. She has a fighting spirit and refuses to give up hope of finding a purpose in her life. Jorund was a surprise. He is large and intimidating but has a kind and honorable heart. Rather than rule by fear, he leads with insight and perception.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Amée and Jorund. He is willing to give Amée time to get to know him and lets her know it is up to her when to move forward. Amée initially intends to find a way to return to the nunnery and keeps Jorund at a distance. But the more time they spend together, the more they like each other. But each has baggage from their pasts that make it difficult to open up completely to each other. Jorund's early life as a Viking warrior has left him feeling unworthy of her and unwilling to tell her why. Amée's experiences with her father make it challenging to trust Jorund, and her misinterpretation of his relationship with the female warrior Valda compounds the distrust.
 
I loved Jorund's patience and protectiveness as he kept a tight rein on his feelings. It is easy to see how much he wants Amée to be part of the life he dreams of. Amée's feelings for Jorund grew stronger despite her misperceptions, and I liked how she went after what she wanted. A visit by Count Robert and Gisela helps Amée along with that goal. Matters become complicated when Amée's father shows up for an unexpected visit. I ached for Amée as she endured her father's attitude and cheered when she realized she no longer had to accept it. Jorund's protectiveness and suspicions are aroused when Amée is attacked while they are riding. I loved the scene where he confronts the person behind it. The icing on the cake is when he discovers what haunts her and takes steps to end it. I also loved seeing him tell her about his past and how she showed him how it brings out the good in him. The epilogue was terrific.
 
One of the things I liked about this book was how skillfully the author wove in information about the cultural differences between the characters and the history of the conflict that brought them to that point. I loved the slow building of trust between the Vikings and the town's people. It felt realistic in tone and detail. The descriptions of the land and buildings were vivid enough for me to visualize them easily.
 
This was my first book by this author, but it won't be the last.

The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty - Marguerite Kaye (HH #1608 - Oct 2021)

Series: Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters (Book 1)

Unaware of her beauty…
Until he awakens her.
 
Prudence Carstairs knows her scars leave her with no romantic prospects -- instead, she's content revolutionizing her employer's home with her technological marvels. Then he unexpectedly perishes and his mysterious younger brother, dashing Dominic Thorburn, reluctantly takes over. In the new earl, Prudence finally finds someone who meets her gaze without flinching. Might he see the beautiful, intelligent woman beyond her scars?
 
Terrific book about two scarred and lonely people. Prudence's scars are mainly on the outside, while Dominic's are more emotional. It takes trying to help each other see the parallels in their own lives.
 
The story starts in Greece, where Dominic went after the disastrous end of his beloved army career. He spends his days swimming, gardening, and caring for his goats, with trips to the local taverna for coffee and companionship. On one of those trips, the taverna keeper gives him a London newspaper left behind by a tourist. One small notice in that paper changes his life, as he discovers his father and brother are dead, leaving him the new Earl of Bannatyne. Dominic has no interest in the title or anything else, but he can't ignore them either, returning to England. He intends to sell everything as quickly as possible and return to Greece. And then he meets Prudence.
 
Prudence lives in the old rectory with her scholar brother and runs his household. Badly scarred as a child, she only goes out in public wearing a hat and a veil and has given up all hope of love and a family of her own. Instead, she made do with renovating and modernizing her employer's home until he unexpectedly died. Since then, she has continued to care for the house. The arrival of a previously unknown younger brother comes as something of a shock.
 
I loved the first meeting between Prudence and Dominic. The encounter was quite ... revealing. Prudence, who knew nothing of Dominic's existence, thought he was a vagrant making free of an empty home. Her skepticism was understandable, and I enjoyed seeing her put him through his paces to prove his identity. Dominic doesn't know what to make of Prudence, a gently bred woman with great fire.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Dominic and Prudence. After a rough beginning where both need to overcome some misconceptions, they form a deepening friendship. I loved how easily Dominic sees past Prudence's scar to the amazing woman she is. It was incredibly moving that he doesn't ignore it; he accepts that it's there and moves on. As their friendship grows, Dominic shares his family history and the story of his army career, which reveals him to be the brave and honorable man that he is.
 
As the time passes and their friendship develops into something more, Dominic becomes determined to show Prudence that her scars do not define her. I loved the things he did to make her happy, from a trip to the beach to the Exhibition in London. I ached for her when the Exhibition trip went so horribly wrong and loved Dominic's tender care of her. I also liked how Prudence worked to make Dominic see that he could do so much more to help people if he assumed his title and used his influence to help the poor that way, too.
 
I loved seeing them give in to the attraction that grew stronger the more time they spent together, leading to the admission of their love for each other. But while Dominic sees that Prudence is right about how he can do the most good, Prudence still can't get out of her own way to see that she and Dominic belong together. When she's with him, she believes anything is possible, but her fears and insecurities cause her to pull back. I was happy to see her finally consign "Poor Prudence" to the past and embrace a new future. The epilogue was fantastic.
 
I liked the secondary characters that helped round out the story. Prudence's brother Clement can seem oblivious at times, but he loves his sister and is very protective of her. I also enjoyed meeting her sister, Mercy, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage. She is the next book's heroine, and I can't wait to read it. Mercy also has a friend, Sarah, who plays a part in the latter half of this book, and has made a lasting impression on Clement. Hopefully, we'll see more of them in the next book also.
 
I loved the depth of historical detail in this book. Dominic's memories from the Crimean War add depth to the events that caused his discharge and his determination to help those affected. Sewage issues also played a significant role in the story, including Dominic's unique method of courting Prudence.

 
 

A Marriage of Benefits - Makenna Lee (HSE #2898 - Mar 2022)

Series: Home to Oak Hollow (Book 4)

She's buying a husband
And he's buying a…dog?
 
Veterinarian Jessica Talbot wants to build a clinic and wildlife rescue. She could access her trust fund, but there's a caveat -- to get the money, Jessica needs a husband. When she learns Officer Jake Carter needs funding to buy and train his own K-9 partner, Jessica proposes. Jake is shocked, but he agrees -- only for the money. It's the perfect plan -- if only Jessica can avoid falling for her husband…and vice-versa!
 
Good book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Interestingly, this is the second contemporary "marriage of convenience" book I've read this month. I'm used to this trope in historical romance, but not as much in modern-day stories.
 
Jessica left her job with a high-end veterinary practice in Hollywood after a humiliating breakup with her boyfriend. When she ran into the vet from Oak Hollow, Texas, at a conference and learned he was retiring, she decided to go there. She and her dad used to vacation in Oak Hollow, so she has fond memories of the place. And when she learns the ranch they used to stay at is for sale, it seems that karma was finally on her side. The ranch purchase has left her stretched a little thin financially, but she'll dip into her trust fund when she's ready to start building her clinic.
 
On her first day there, Jessica has a flat tire on her way into town. She's just finished changing it when a truck pulling a horse trailer stops. The handsome cop who steps out to see if she's okay is surprised that she managed on her own but respects her abilities. Jessica is a bit grease-stained and disheveled by this time and wishes she'd taken the time to dress better for the trip. When she recognizes the cop as her childhood crush, Jake Carter, she's so flustered that she trips over a root, causing Jake to try to help. They both end up on the ground. Jessica's embarrassed, and Jake leaves quickly to spare her.
 
Fate isn't done with Jessica and Jake. When Jessica gets the disturbing news that she must be married to draw extra money from her trust fund, she goes job hunting instead. Her first "interview" is as a waitress at the local diner, where the owner has her try waiting on a table. She's flustered again when one of the customers is Jake and proceeds to spill three cups of coffee off her tray - right onto his lap. Trouble comes in threes, and the next time she sees him is when she scoops a turtle out of the middle of the road - as he is driving down the street and has to swerve to miss her. Poor Jessica can't catch a break.
 
Jake is intrigued by "Mystery Woman," who looks familiar and can't keep out of his mind. He finally remembers who she is and the summers they knew each other. But as interested as he is, he's been burned in one relationship which took off quickly, and he's not about to make the same mistake. Besides, he'll be headed back to Dallas once the K-9 trainer job he wants opens up. He only came back to Oak Hollow to help his dad recover from his heart attack. He has enough on his mind helping around the house and with the expenses. Jake also dreams of getting a pup he can train as a K-9.
 
It was fun to watch Jessica and Jake reconnect as friends. Jessica is determined to redeem herself from those initial encounters, but those attempts don't go entirely as intended. Then she overhears him talking about the cost of a trained K-9, which the Oakwood PD can't afford, and the bills due from his father's medical expenses. Jessica gets the brilliant idea of proposing a marriage of convenience to Jake. She'll get the money she needs and give him what he needs for his dad and the dog. Jake is aghast at the idea but, on further reflection, sees that it might work - with specific rules in place.
 
I loved that both Jessica and Jake see the potential pitfalls but won't back out once committed because they don't want to mess things up for the other one. I enjoyed the scenes of them spending time together, getting to know each other, and putting on a show to convince others that they were falling for each other. The elopement sequence was sweet and a little steamy as they fought their growing attraction. It only gets worse once they are living together. Jessica's aunt's visit brings the simmering attraction to a full boil. Jessica realizes that she's already in too deep to protect her heart, and Jake begins to believe the same.
 
What happens when the Dallas job opens sooner than Jake expects and he's no longer sure what he wants to do? Then his helicopter mama, who is far too involved in his business as a thirty-year-old man, sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong? I hurt for Jessica, who loves Jake too much to get in the way of his dreams and "helps" him the only way she knows how. Thank goodness for friends who know when not to keep a secret. I loved the ending and seeing them so happy.
 
I loved being back in Oak Hollow and catching up with characters from the earlier books. I especially enjoyed the sweet scenes with little Hannah, Lily, and Cody. Jessica fit right in with the other women, and I liked seeing her renew her childhood friendship with Emma.