Looks That Kill - Amanda Stevens (HI #2092 - Sept 2022)

Series: Procedural Crime (Book 3)
 
She’ll uncover the truth of her childhood
even if it gets her killed
 
Private investigator Avery Bolt has secrets -- and not just about the attempted murder she witnessed. But revealing her true identity to prosecutor Max Winter could cost her the information he has that she desperately needs. Max has no idea their investigation into a cold case kidnapping victim will lead to Avery herself. Or that the criminals are still targeting the woman he’s falling for…
 
Good conclusion to the Procedural Crime trilogy. While it can be read as a stand-alone, reading the previous books gives an added depth to understanding events and motives. Also note: in the cast of characters in the front of the book and the book's blurb, the female main character is called Natalie. However, in the book's text, her name is Avery, which is how she is referred to in my review.
 
Avery is a private investigator from Houston. She came to Black Creek looking for answers about her childhood. She gets caught up in an attempted murder and saves the life of ADA Max Winter. When she discovers he's investigating the same cold case kidnapping that drew her attention, she proposes working together. Max is a by-the-book prosecutor known for his winning record. He isn't sure he trusts what Avery tells him, but something about her draws him in.
 
I enjoyed following their investigation. Avery is more of a risk-taker than Max and gets into some tense situations though she always manages to get out of them. Max is more restrained, but as a local, he is more familiar with the subjects of the investigation. There are some interesting twists as Max and Avery uncover long-held secrets, not the least of which is a link to Avery herself. The intensity increases as it becomes clear that someone doesn't like their attention. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that I didn't see coming.
 
The romance between Max and Avery was mainly in the background. There was a connection between them from the moment they met, though trust took a little longer. Along with the connection was an attraction neither could deny, though they agreed to put it on hold until their investigation was over. I liked seeing Avery trust Max with the reason she came to Black Creek and Max's belief in her. The resolution of that reason was emotional and believable. I liked that there were no insta-love declarations between Avery and Max but a good solid plan for future time spent together.

Jordan - Lori Foster (HT #798 - Sept 2000)

Series: Buckhorn Brothers (Book 4)
 
Jordan Sommerville, healer of helpless animals, rescuer of strays, a man who could seduce a woman with his voice alone. Yet he didn't use that power often. His brothers kidded that he was holding out for a paragon of virtue...and not many in Buckhorn qualified. But then he met Georgia, and broke all his own rules.
 
Georgia Barnes supported herself and her kids as a dancer -- an exotic dancer. If Jordan Sommerville didn't like it, he could take a hike. So what if he was the most caring, gentle, desirable man she'd ever known -- he was still a man like all the rest.
 
Surely he couldn't be as perfect as he looked...or could he?
 
Good book about the last of the four brothers to find love.  Jordan has always felt a little different than his (half)brothers. His father was no prize, and Jordan has spent his life consciously ensuring that he's nothing like his old man. He doesn't drink, lie, or lead women on. Even as a kid, he was sensitive to animals, so it's no surprise he became a vet. He's active in the community, and that volunteerism is what got him where he is as the book opens. With several other townspeople, he arrives at a seedy bar just over the county line to ask the bar owner to limit the number of drinks he serves to people. Their town has had trouble with the drunks causing problems and damage there. But Jordan is distracted from his mission when a dancer appears on the stage.
 
I admit that I thought Jordan was extremely judgmental when he saw the dancer, making assumptions about her character and virtue. That didn't stop him from being attracted to her and envisioning what he'd like to do with her. Despite his attitude, he intervened when he saw her being accosted by a drunk customer after her dance. This started a brawl that ended with the police being called. With Jordan and the dancer from Buckhorn, their police chief was called to take custody of them. While waiting for the chief, who is Jordan's older brother, Jordan continues his judgey attitude in comments to her. It doesn't go over well.
 
Georgia is beyond angry with Jordan. She copes with the customers all the time without any problems. Thanks to Jordan, this night was a disaster. I loved seeing her blast him for his judgmental statements and set him straight about his interference. Georgia is a single mother who waitresses and dances to support her children and mother. She is fiercely independent and refuses to rely on anyone else. The home she bought is a fixer-upper, and the process is slow. She doesn't need to deal with Jordan's attitude, too. Complicating matters is her intense attraction for him, thanks to his gorgeous looks and sexy voice.
 
I laughed out loud at Jordan's teasing from his brother Morgan when he arrived to take custody of the two miscreants. It was fun to see Morgan's opinion of the sparks between Jordan and Georgia and Jordan's outright denial. Morgan and Jordan won points with me when they helped Georgia deal with the crisis waiting for her when she got home. In the process, Jordan realized he'd been a complete jerk and tried to make things up to her. There were sweet and fun scenes at the hospital as Georgia's kids took to Jordan and Morgan, and Jordan's nephew Casey also became part of the mix. Jordan's gentler nature comes out in his unexpected need to take care of her, which freaks him out more than a little.
 
I loved watching Georgia get absorbed into the entire family's lives, as everyone found a way to help her. Georgia is overwhelmed by the kindness and attention and doesn't know what to make of it. She isn't used to that sort of thing. The more time she spends with Jordan, the harder it becomes to resist him. At the same time, Jordan discovers that while his attraction is still just as strong, he also finds himself wanting more. His growing feelings are frequently expressed in bouts of overprotectiveness which rub Georgia the wrong way and become a huge distraction. It takes time and his brothers pointing out the obvious for Jordan to realize the truth of his feelings, but he isn't sure of Georgia's feelings. A conversation with her mother helps Georgia face the truth of her feelings. There's no dark moment that pushes them apart, only the satisfaction of seeing them confess those feelings and look to the future together. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up.
 
Jordan's family is a big part of the book. Their love and support of each other easily spill over to Georgia and her family. Morgan comes across as this big tough guy, but his inner marshmallow is evident whenever he talks about his wife and child. I loved how Sawyer, the doctor, made himself available if Georgia's mother had more health issues. Young Casey was my favorite. He's only eighteen, but you can see his father's and uncles' influence on him. I loved his kindness and compassion for the teenage girl, Emma, and how Georgia's kids adored him. I also loved how Jordan's sisters-in-law quickly became friends with Georgia. My favorite scene with them was when they showed up at the bar to see Georgia dance - without their husbands. Jordan's horror made me laugh out loud.
 
Reading this book reminded me that I still have a few from this series that I haven't read yet. Must remedy that.

John Doe Cold Case - Amanda Stevens (HI #2053 - Feb 2022)

Series: Procedural Crime Story (Book 2)
 
A shocking discovery just turned a cold case red-hot.
And for one detective, it strikes way too close to home...
 
The discovery of skeletal remains in a Florida cavern sends cold case detective Eve Jareau on a collision course with her past. Concealing the truth from her boss, police chief Nash Bowden, becomes impossible when the spark between them reignites. And now a killer hell-bent on keeping decades-old family secrets hidden forever is lying in wait…to bury Eve and Nash alive.
 
Good book. The suspense was excellent though I felt it was a little light on the romance aspect. At the end of the previous book in the series, Little Girl Gone, a set of remains was found in a cave. The remains were determined to be those of an adult male, and police detective Eve was assigned the case.
 
I liked Eve. Her early life was rough because the father she adored abandoned her and her mother when Eve was five years old, leaving her mom struggling to make ends meet. He left Eve with a good luck memento and the visual of him getting into a car with two other people. Other than a few postcards at the beginning, she never heard from him again. She grew up having a close relationship with her mother and an independent spirit. Eve has had feelings for her boss since she started working for him six years ago, but except for one kiss has kept those feelings under wraps.
 
Nash is still reeling from the events of the previous book. He never expected to discover that his ex-wife was capable of kidnapping a small child. He's plagued by guilt for not realizing what she was up to. He's attracted to Eve but feels he's not a good bet for a relationship because of that guilt and the PTSD he still suffers from his time in the military. He's never forgotten their kiss but buries his feelings deep.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. The autopsy of the remains revealed a stunning link between the body and Eve, but she kept that information from Nash. She told herself she wanted to be sure first. When she and Nash are sideswiped by a car on their way home from the autopsy, they first write it off as bad driving. But as they delve deeper into their investigation, both receive warnings to stop. Each step of the investigation was fascinating, though Eve did some things I found questionable, especially for an experienced cop. I was glad when she finally came clean with Nash. There were some exciting twists in the investigation, including an almost deadly visit to the cave where the remains were found, culminating in a confrontation I did not expect. The mystery of the bones in the cave was solved. The series question of what happened to little Maya Adams became a little clearer, but there are still unanswered questions.
 
The development of the relationship between Nash and Eve didn't occupy much space in the book. Because of their work relationship, they already know each other very well. Eve feels sympathetic toward Nash and longs to comfort him but feels the attention would not be well received. But as they work together on the investigation, the feelings that have simmered under the surface come boiling up. Eve's secretiveness creates a bit of a trust issue with Nash, but they get past that once she comes clean. They acknowledge their growing feelings for each other while putting off acting on them until after their investigation is finished. Even then, their big moment is quiet rather than overtly emotional.

Immovable Objects - Marie Ferrarella (SIM #1305 - July 2004)

Series: Family Secrets: The Next Generation (Book 2)
 
Subject: Telekinetic Elizabeth Caldwell.
Family history: Like her siblings, she has powers people would kill for.
Deepest secret: She walks just this side of the law.
 
Relishing her newfound freedom from a domineering brother, Elizabeth wanted only to control her destiny, her power, her heart. Like a bird set loose from its cage, she tested her wings with Cole Williams. But was the Philadelphia billionaire too hot for her to handle on her first solo flight? Retrieving his priceless piece of stolen art was easy, but the man was dangerously sexy. Despite her desire for independence, she couldn't help giving in to temptation -- and passion -- with Cole. But then she learned that someone from her past was hell-bent on finding her -- and Cole was the only one who could keep her safe. Could she give herself over to his protection...without risking her body and soul?
 
Good suspense story with a paranormal element and fast-paced romance. One of a set of triplets with unique gifts, Elizabeth's early life was traumatic. After their mother's murder and father's disappearance, they bounced around foster care until they were thirteen, then went out on their own. They were later taken in by a businessman who treated them like his own children. They went to work for him as adults, specializing in retrieving stolen items.
 
Elizabeth's brother, Anthony, is super-protective of his two sisters, causing them to feel smothered. In this book, Elizabeth sets off on her own after a big argument with him, looking for some freedom. On her first night, she attends a showing at an art gallery where one item draws her attention. Something about it strikes her as wrong, but she can't get close enough to be sure. Determined to confirm her suspicions, she made an unauthorized visit to the gallery later that night. I loved seeing her use her intellect,  training, and gift to gain access. It was intriguing to see how she managed it. The one thing she didn't expect was to find the gallery owner, Cole, waiting for her.
 
Cole is a very wealthy man who prides himself on his honesty in both his personal and professional lives. He was horrified and angry to discover that the centerpiece of his upcoming art show was stolen. With the help of a contact, he could open the show as scheduled but with a twist. The night of the show, he noticed a beautiful woman paying great attention to the sculpture. After a brief conversation, he was even more intrigued by her, but she also raised his suspicions.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Cole and Elizabeth develop. I loved their interactions when he caught her with the statue. Elizabeth is confident and unflappable, while Cole is suspicious but intrigued, especially when she claims she can find and retrieve the real statue. I loved their back and forth as they negotiated their partnership. Simmering under their banter is an attraction neither can deny. As they prepare to retrieve the stolen statue, the sparks between them grow stronger, but there are obstacles to doing anything about it. Cole is still somewhat suspicious, but his growing feelings for her lead him to trust her. However, he fears for her safety, and there are some signs of jealousy. Elizabeth finds Cole's protectiveness irritating and reminiscent of Anthony's control issues, leaving her wary of getting too involved with him. It takes facing danger for them to admit their feelings to themselves and each other. One of the things that impressed me was Cole's respect for Elizabeth and her abilities and his promise not to interfere in her work. I like the outlook for a happy future together.
 
The mystery of the statue was well done. It didn't take long for Elizabeth to figure out the culprit. She also had other suspicions that Cole disagreed with. I loved watching them plan their operation and carry out the steps. Their quarry was sufficiently creepy to be completely unsympathetic, and I enjoyed seeing Elizabeth thwart his advances. I laughed out loud when Elizabeth demonstrated her camera-placing technique to Cole, leaving him stunned. I loved their teamwork on the statue retrieval, which went well until suspect number two showed up. The confrontation was intense but had a great ending, thanks to Elizabeth.
 
The story arc of this series is that someone knows about Elizabeth and her siblings and their unique abilities. He wants control of them for himself and will stop at nothing to get it. In this book, their adoptive father, Jeremy, becomes a target. He is saved thanks to an intense scene involving Elizabeth and Anthony. I'm looking forward to tracking down and reading the rest of this series.

The Hawaiian Quilt - Wanda E. Brunstetter; Jean Brunstetter (Barbour - Sept 2016)

Series: Hawaiian Quilt (Book 1)

Join Mandy Frey as she and three friends leave their Amish community in Indiana for the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. But when Mandy and one of her friends miss the cruise ship after a port of call on Kauai, how will they adjust and get back home?
 
Good book with an unusual setting for an Amish book. Mandy has been fascinated with Hawaii since her cousin visited, so she talks her three best friends, Ellen, Sadie, and Barbara, into taking a cruise to the Islands with her. All four young women are still in their "running around" years before joining the church, so their families and church leaders permit the trip. Of the four, only Mandy has a boyfriend, Gideon. He wants to marry Mandy and isn't very happy about her trip.
 
We get to know the girls a little bit on the days it takes the ship to get from California to Hawaii. All are excited about visiting Hawaii as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I enjoyed seeing them experience life on the cruise ship, from Ellen's unfortunate seasickness to their enjoyment of the variety of foods. But as the days went on, I felt that Mandy was questioning her commitment to the Amish faith. Unlike her three friends, she is in no hurry to take the final step to join the church.
 
Once they reached the islands, the girls paired up, each touring something different and telling the others about their experiences. I thought this was a terrific way to maximize their time and get the most out of their trip. I enjoyed the descriptions of their tours of Oahu. Ellen and Barbara went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, looking forward to learning about the history and culture. Meanwhile, Mandy and Sadie visit the Arizona Memorial, as both are interested in WW2 history. I could feel their sadness as they contemplated the events of that day. It made a deep impression on both. Their next stop was Kauai, where Barbara and Sadie paired up to tour Waimea Canyon, and Mandy and Ellen decided to strike out on their own. Unfortunately, Mandy lost her phone and, taking time to look for it, she and Ellen missed the ship's departure. Their dismay and worry were evident. Fortunately, they were rescued by a couple who took them to a local B&B.
 
Here is where suspension of disbelief comes into play. Mandy and Ellen immediately latch on to the idea that they are stranded and must wait for the next cruise ship to resume their trip. In reality, there are multiple flights from Kauai to the Big Island each day. If they don't want to fly, there is also a ferry between the islands. They could have taken either option and met up with their ship the next day. But that would have made for a very short book! Instead, they stay with Luana and Makaio at the B&B while they wait for a ship. I liked how easily Mandy and Ellen connected with their hosts. With no luggage, Mandy and Ellen end up purchasing some non-Amish clothing. While Ellen is uncomfortable in the strange clothing, Mandy discovers she likes the freedom of the muumuu she bought.  She also meets Ken, a young man she had encountered the previous day, who works on his parents' chicken farm, surfs, and plays ukulele at their church.
 
When Makaio is badly injured, Mandy and Ellen offer to extend their stay and help Luana run the B&B. I loved their willingness to help in a crisis. During their extended stay, Mandy and Ellen have the opportunity to see more of the island. Here we begin to see some differences crop up between Mandy and Ellen. Ellen is always conscious of the requirements of their faith. She frequently speaks of home and how she misses it. Mandy is fascinated by everything she experiences, from the lush gardens and plant life to the vastly different lifestyle. She spends more and more time with Ken, who shows her around the island, teaches her to swim, and is quite charming. Mandy begins questioning her feelings for Gideon as her feelings for Ken grow but has no idea if Ken feels the same way about her. Ellen sees all this happening and worries about her friend's commitment. Her interference causes Mandy to question herself right before they return to Indiana.
 
Upon their return, Mandy tries to settle back into her old life, but she's been changed by her experiences in Hawaii. The more she tries, the more she realizes that she no longer fits in her community. I felt her heartache as she remembered her time in Hawaii and yearned to return. When a stunning discovery sends her back to Hawaii, she finds she has unexpected options for her future. I loved how it worked out and enjoyed seeing Mandy's happiness.
 
The book's point of view flipped back and forth between the girls and the people back in Indiana. Much of the Indiana viewpoint is that of Gideon. He misses Mandy and often thinks of their plans to join the church and get married. I didn't care for the way he was against her trip as it felt a little controlling to me. I felt terrible for him when he would call the B&B and Mandy would be away, often with Ken or just too busy to talk. Barbara and Sadie returned from the trip without Ellen and Mandy and picked up their regular lives. But Barbara's sympathy for Gideon becomes more, and Sadie worries about the wisdom of that friendship. What will happen when Mandy finally comes home?
 
The title of the book, The Hawaiian Quilt, comes from Luana's story about a quilt she owned. Her mother had made a beautiful quilt for Luana and Makaio when they first married. But the quilt was lost when they moved from the Big Island to Kauai to open the B&B. The quilt's story has an inspiring ending, and I love how it fits into the book.

The Spirit of Second Chances - Synithia Williams (HSE #2932 - Sept 2022)

Series: Heart & Soul (Book 2)

Who says you can't go home again?
 
Single mom Cierra Greene is determined to achieve success in real estate to support herself and her young daughter. Too bad her most lucrative property for sale is…haunted? Reluctantly, she seeks out her one-time crush, Wesley Livingston, for help. Now the cohost of a popular paranormal-investigation show, he is as appealing as ever. Cierra and Wesley try to ignore their unfinished business, but when old feelings resurface, things get complicated…
 
Good second chance romance between two people whose high school crushes on each other never went anywhere because of outside interference. Cierra is a recently divorced single mom trying to make a go of her real estate business. She leaps at the chance to sell the DeWalt property - and then finds out it may be haunted. Her only option is to contact Wesley, her high school crush and current co-host of a ghost hunter show, and ask for help.
 
Wesley is surprised to hear from Cierra. Though he and his brothers have had their dream come true with their television show, Wesley has a little trouble adjusting to the accompanying fame and change in circumstances. Older brother Dion (Summoning Up Love) has moved away to be with his girlfriend and his younger brother, Tyrone, is constantly on the road promoting the show. This leaves Wesley taking care of the family home by himself and feeling left behind.
 
A lot is going on in this book. First and foremost is the developing relationship between Wesley and Cierra. They get off to a rough start because of unresolved feelings over the end of their high school friendship. However, the attraction between their adult selves is undeniable, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. Cierra is hesitant to get involved with Wesley as she is still recovering from her unhappy marriage and messy divorce. But in the course of solving the mystery behind the haunting, the time they spend together allows them to get to know each other again. Some sweet scenes include Wesley showing up at Cierra's house with home-baked treats and Wesley's care of her after her first experience with a ghost. There are some steamy scenes as the attraction builds between them. And there are rough spots when remarks by others stir up insecurities and make them doubt each other and themselves. I liked that their dark moment didn't last long and that common sense and communication made for a happy ending.
 
There are complicating issues for Wesley and Cierra. Wesley spent years serving as the peacemaker between his two brothers and feels unappreciated. A suggestion from a neighbor that Wesley sell the house since no one lives there any longer motivates Wesley to talk to Cierra about it. But it doesn't go well when he broaches the subject with Dion and Tyrone. However, it finally gives Wesley the chance to make his brothers understand how he feels, and the resulting scene does much to clear the air between them.
 
At the same time, Cierra is dealing with a PITA ex-husband. Even after three years, Troy still harps on how Cierra's reactions to his actions were unreasonable and that her place is back with him. He uses passive-aggressive methods to make his point, which frustrates Cierra. Troy is selfish, narcissistic, and manipulative, and I enjoyed seeing Cierra shut him down. A terrific scene late in the book is when Wesley calls Troy out on his attitude. Her years with Troy made Cierra reluctant to get involved with Wesley, but his caring and supportive attitude went a long way toward easing her fears.
 
A fascinating part of this book was the investigation into the haunting of the DeWalt manor. I got goosebumps when I read the description of Wesley and Cierra's experiences in the house's kitchen. I was intrigued by the heartbreaking information they uncovered and loved how it was handled. I especially enjoyed Cierra's solution about the sale of the house.
 
The supporting characters added extra depth to the story. Wesley's brothers came across as clueless and unthinking at the beginning, and it took Wesley losing his temper to open their eyes. But once that happened, the brothers' closeness was re-established and strengthened. I look forward to Tyrone's story. Cierra's mother loved her, but her constant support of Troy rather than Cierra ticked me off. Then for her to suddenly latch on to Wesley because of his "celebrity" status made her look shallow, topped off by her insinuations that Cierra was using him for her business. My favorite of the secondary characters was Cierra's daughter Aria. She was adorable, and I loved how she connected with Wesley immediately. Her "Hi, Mr. Wesley!" always made him feel good.

Their Surprise Safari Reunion - Ella Hayes (HR #4822 - Sept 2022)

Will the truth…
…finally give them forever?
 
When travel blogger extraordinaire Maddie is invited on a safari, she can't get her foot on the private jet fast enough! It's the perfect way to escape London and her painful past. Until, to her astonishment, Maddie finds Kaden Barr waiting for her in the bushveld. He's the guy Maddie never got to say goodbye to and the mystery owner of the Masoka game reserve. Maddie's spent her whole life running… This time, will she stay with Kaden?
 
Good second chance romance. Years earlier, Maddie and Kaden were high school sweethearts planning their future together. Then Maddie's father became the center of a political scandal. Maddie's mother sent her away to protect her and refused to allow her to contact Kaden to explain or say goodbye. Afraid of what would happen if she were recognized, Maddie changed her name and looks. She became a famous travel blogger, never allowing herself to spend long in any place. When the book opens, she has received an invitation to review a luxury safari venue in Africa.
 
Kaden was devastated by Maddie's disappearance. After learning she went to Paris, but not where he followed and wandered the streets hoping to spot her. Eventually, his father convinced him to give up, but he never forgot her. Kaden refused to join the family business and went to vet school instead. There he made friends with Fran, and after graduation, they took their vet degrees to Africa, where they became vets at a safari animal park. Eventually, they bought the park and turned it into a luxury destination. But Fran wanted more than Kaden could give her and left before the travel writers arrived for their tours.
 
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Maddie and Kaden. Maddie was shocked to discover that the venue she would review was Kaden's, while he was stunned to see her. Maddie still feels guilty over the way she left, but fear of rejection kept her from trying to find him later. Kaden never got over the hurt he felt at her disappearance. Though they initially agree that leaving the past in the past is their best option, it quickly becomes evident that their connection is still there. I liked that they were mature enough to talk about what happened and realize that the years have changed them.
 
I liked seeing them get to know each other again. Maddie's travel blog gives Kaden the excuse he needs to spend time with her. I loved the vivid descriptions of everything from the wild dogs to the giraffes to those nosy impalas. I laughed out loud at Kaden's description of treating the bull elephant and Maddie's reaction to it. Maddie's joy in each experience was contagious and brought her and Kaden closer. When the sparks they feel burst into flame, it's almost as though they've never been apart. But they each have insecurities, and when Maddie's past catches up with her, flight is her first thought. I loved seeing Kaden show her how far he'll go to prove they belong together. The ending was terrific, and the epilogue had an unexpected twist.

The Welsh Lord's Convenient Bride - Lissa Morgan (HH #1658 - June 2022)

A wedding between enemies
A marriage to heal their scars
 
Hiding a disfigurement, Eleanor de Vraille is already lacking confidence when she arrives at her future husband's cheerless Welsh castle. And Rhun ab Owain's open disapproval of her does nothing to make her feel at ease. Their union is to seal peace between their families, nothing more. But Eleanor's heart rebels -- is she a fool to hope for any affection from this strong-willed nobleman with the dark glittering eyes?
 
Terrific book. I loved the medieval Wales setting. I have Welsh ancestry and enjoyed learning about Wales's turbulent history. Rhun and Eleanor were an excellent illustration of that history. They were betrothed as children (he was fourteen, she was nine) to ensure peace between his Welsh father and her English father. Both have reason to resent the commitment as the years pass, but they will honor it.
 
I liked Rhun and Eleanor. Both have vulnerabilities they try to hide as they attempt to make the best of their marriage. It gets off to a rocky start as Rhun's resentment of Eleanor's father spills over onto his treatment of her. He is cold and dismissive in their early interactions. Eleanor arrives at the castle and immediately feels the isolation. Rhun's scorn is evident, she doesn't speak the language, and her only friend is her maid.
 
I enjoyed the slow-burn development of the relationship between Rhun and Eleanor. There is antagonism at the beginning, mainly from Rhun, as his feelings about the marriage affect how he looks at Eleanor. But underneath the antagonism is a growing attraction that scares him. As he spends more time with her, Rhun realizes she is innocent of her father's actions, and he softens a little in his treatment of her. Eleanor also earns his respect with her healing abilities and occasional standing up to his unreasonable attitudes. Meanwhile, Eleanor sees Rhun's vulnerability and wants to help him while fearing his reaction to her secret. It takes time for them to learn to trust each other, and that trust isn't fully realized until trouble comes to their door.
 
When war between the Welsh and English looms again, Rhun must decide whether to abide by the alliance with his father-in-law or risk treason by fighting on his country's side. I loved Eleanor's support of Rhun's decision, especially her confrontation with her father. I could feel Rhun's fear for Eleanor while he was gone. He had a solution for keeping her safe, but it didn't go as planned. I loved how Eleanor grew into her role as lady of the castle during his absence. Their reunion is emotional, with a heart-wrenching scene where Rhun finally faces his past. I loved how Eleanor's understanding and support put him on the road to healing without providing an unrealistic insta-cure. The epilogue was terrific with a peek into their future.
 
Eleanor's maid, Alice, was my favorite secondary character. Her down-to-earth attitude was an excellent foil for Eleanor's fears and insecurities. Her advice to Eleanor is usually spot-on, even if Eleanor doesn't want to admit it. I liked how their relationship changed from mistress and maid to friends. Alice's pursuit of Huw, Rhun's steward, was also fun to see and was an interesting contrast to Eleanor and Rhun.
 
I look forward to reading more from this author.

How to Woo a Wallflower - Virginia Heath (HH #1671 - Sept 2022)

Series:  Society's Most Scandalous (Book 1)
  
He could have any deb
Except his best friend's sister…
 
Jasper, the Earl of Beaufort, hasn't seen Lady Harriet Fitzroy since her serious riding accident. She has grown into a kind, spirited woman, whose sinful smile plays havoc with his jaded emotions! Hattie's family disapprove of Jasper's rakish past, but when she risks her reputation to help him, the least he can do is pull her from the wallflower chairs and out of the shadows…
 
This is a terrific friends-to-lovers/best friend's sister book. There are several obstacles between Hattie and Jasper and their HEA, and I loved seeing them overcome each.
 
Hattie dreads the upcoming Season. The riding accident that left her with a permanent limp means she cannot dance, which means she will be relegated to the wallflower chairs with the rest of Society's misfits. It doesn't help that her overprotective brother, Freddie, plans to introduce her to as many single men as he can. She's already been subjected to one who is interested in her for her connections and has made it plain that she's lucky to have his attention. Hattie would much rather spend her time at the children's hospital, helping the doctor who saved her life and leg. On the way to one of these visits, she encounters Jasper, her brother's best friend.
 
Jasper is a man with a scandalous reputation. Jasper opened a gentlemen's gaming club when his family fell into financial straits. The Reprobates' Club has done very well, and Jasper is now a wealthy man. He also has a reputation with the ladies. So much so that Hattie's brother, Freddie, who is Jasper's best friend, warns him to stay away from Hattie for fear of Jasper's reputation ruining her. When Jasper sees Hattie for the first time since her accident, he is stunned by her beauty and kindness. He knows he should stay away from her, as his reputation would do her no good. But when she comes to his rescue after devastating news turns his life upside down, his honor demands that he help her, too. This began a slow-burn romance that started as friendship and grew to be much more.
 
I loved the development of the relationship between Jasper and Hattie. Both are nurturers/protectors and bond quickly over their efforts to help each other. Their banter is fun, and their chemistry is obvious. One of my favorite things is that Jasper sees Hattie for the beautiful, kind, and intelligent woman that she is. He knows her handicap, but it doesn't define her in his eyes. I enjoyed his growing respect for her as he got to know her. There are multiple scenes where his eyes are opened to situations that he would never have noticed without her pointing them out. I adored his protectiveness toward her and his ways of demonstrating it. Seeing him run interference with men like Lord Boreham was fun, and his formation of the Wallflowers of 1813 Club was inspired. He did mean to keep their relationship to friends, but the more time they spent together, he realized he wanted more. But with the scandal about to break over him, he doesn't want it to rub off on her, so he tries to distance himself from her.
 
Hattie had a crush on Jasper when she was younger but put it behind her after her accident. Those feelings are resurrected when they meet again, but with her handicap, she doesn't expect anything to come of it. I loved seeing her step in to help the overwhelmed Jasper deal with Izzy's arrival. I loved that she didn't judge him and saw how hard he worked to overcome past mistakes. She sees the caring, intelligent, and honorable man beneath the scandalous reputation and does everything she can to support him in his efforts. I loved the shopping scene with Jasper's cluelessness and Hattie's amusement at his panic. When the expected scandal broke, I laughed out loud when Hattie faced down a pair of gossipy, judgmental women with an excellent rebuttal. She didn't shy away from blunt language, and it was a pleasure to see her lay into them.
 
I loved the ending and seeing Hattie lay waste to Jasper's attempts to protect her rather than make her part of the solution. Her anger and hurt were understandable, and I loved seeing Jasper realize his mistake. Unfortunately, Freddie's interference created another hurdle, but Jasper overcame that one quickly with his emotional response to Hattie. I also loved their decision to embrace the scandal rather than hide from it. I wish there were an epilogue, but I hope to see more of them in the following books.
 
I loved how Hattie's family supported her during her recovery after the accident. Unfortunately, they have become overprotective, and it drives her nuts. They also judge Jasper because of his past and don't look past his reputation at the man he is. Freddie was incredibly frustrating, considering he's supposedly Jasper's best friend. There appears to be some scandal attached to his romance/marriage, and I'd love to know if he has his own story.
 
I loved the two children in this story. Izzy is adorable in her love for Jack and how she took to Hattie immediately. I enjoyed seeing how she brought out the softer side of Jack. Young Jim was just the opposite. In the hospital with the same type of injury, Hattie had, his fear of his future causes him to lash out at everyone. Hattie's determination to help him runs up against his stubbornness and fear. It was interesting to see what broke the stalemate between them. I also loved how Jack's feelings for Hattie spilled over onto Jim and the solution he devised.

A Nordic King - Karina Halle (Karina Halle - Sept 2018)

Series:  NordicRoyals (Book 3)
 
A widowed father of two little girls.
The beautiful nanny he's hired to raise them.
A forbidden romance unlike any other.
 
When I first applied for the job I thought it would be like all the others: working as a nanny for an aristocratic family.
Then I got the job and found out how wrong I was.
 
Now I’m the new nanny for two adorable little girls who happen to be princesses.
 
Their father is the widowed King of Denmark.
And my new home? The royal palace in Copenhagen.
Adjusting to my new life isn't easy but the hardest part hasn’t been the girls who still grieve over the loss of their mother.
 
It’s their father.
 
Cold, mysterious and moody, with an icy stare that seems to penetrate your soul, King Aksel may have hired me to take care of his daughters but he wants as little to do with me as possible.
 
Yet the longer I share these palace walls with this man, the more that I’m drawn to him. His chiseled face and sexual swagger are only part of the package. It’s in the long, intense glances at the dinner table, the way we’ll brush up against each other in the halls, the rare glimpses of the man deep inside, like the sun passing through clouds.
 
But no matter how I feel about him, we can never be together.
 
You think it's bad enough being in love with your boss?
 
Try falling in love with a king.
 
Good book told from the alternating points of view of the two main characters. It is sometimes sweet, sometimes steamy, sometimes funny, and sometimes heartbreaking. It is also a story of healing and hope. Aurora is an Aussie woman who has lived in Europe for the past seven years, working as a nanny for various wealthy families and leaving her painful past behind. When she leaves her current post because of a handsy employer, her contact at the placement agency has a new position for her to apply for. All Aurora knows is that it is for a high-ranking Danish family. She doesn't know until she arrives in Copenhagen for her interview that she'd be caring for two Danish princesses. Her first meeting with the girls was sweet and heartbreaking as they quickly burrowed into her heart.
 
Widower King Aksel struggles to handle his duties as king and his life as a single father. He also feels intense guilt over the death of his wife. The book opens with the events that made him a widower, so the reader knows why Aksel is the mess he is. First impressions show him as brooding, intimidating, and rude but devoted to his daughters, Clara and Freja. They have him wrapped around their tiny fingers.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Aksel and Aurora develop. Their first meeting did not go well. Aksel took an immediate aversion to Aurora, mostly because she stirred up feelings he didn't want. He spent less than five minutes with her, told her that she was unsuitable for the job, and that was it. But he was forced to change his tune in a terrific scene when Clara and Freja let him know that Aurora was their only choice for a nanny. Nothing he said would change their minds, so he caved. His second meeting with Aurora wasn't much better. He was dismissive of her qualifications and ensured she knew she wasn't his choice. I loved seeing Aurora push back and call him the jerk he was.
 
Aurora settles in as the nanny, and her relationship with Clara and Freja is wonderful. There are terrific scenes of them together as Aurora brings light and laughter back into their lives. Her relationship with Aksel is still strained, though it doesn't stop her from letting him know when she thinks he's messing up. Under the antagonism, the sparks of attraction flare in both. Aurora, of course, knows that nothing is possible between them. She is the nanny, and he is the king, and that is that. Aksel is still burdened with guilt over his wife's death and feels undeserving of happiness. It doesn't help him that he's never experienced the feeling of being loved by anyone.
 
The relationship between Aurora and Aksel is a slow burn. They first must get past the antagonism, which happens slowly. Because both are devoted to doing the best for Clara and Freja, they first connect over issues involving them. Aurora doesn't hold back giving any of her opinions which often takes Aksel off guard. It isn't too long before they form a solid friendship. But each of them is hiding the fact that friendship isn't enough. The girls' acquisition of a pet is hilarious in their choice and how they got it. It lightens some darker moments and shows how much Aksel wants to make them happy. A lost pet moment is the catalyst that breaks through Aksel and Aurora's resistance to each other. Aksel wants more though he fights hard against his growing feelings. They disturb him, and he doesn't know how to deal with them. When Aksel finally decides he wants to see where those feelings can go, he runs up against his insecurities. There is a painful scene where he pulls a dirty trick to find out if Aurora feels the same way. It was cruel and unnecessary, though I understood what made him do it that way. I loved that Aurora called him out on it.
 
That confrontation opened up the next stage of their relationship. The emotions stirred up exploded into a passionate encounter, and from then on, they could barely keep their hands off each other. They also spend more time together, with and without the girls, getting to know each other. I loved the trust that built between them and how they were each able to share the painful parts of their pasts. The relationship progresses very well, with them looking toward the future. Then a bombshell drops about Aurora’s past, catching them all off guard. Aurora is mortified and ready to disappear out of their lives, but Aksel has different plans. I loved how he dealt with the publicity, the backlash, and the person responsible. He was every inch the king but also a father and a man in love. I loved when he told Aurora, "I've waited forty years for my heart to have a home," he says softly. "I've waited for you." The press conference was terrific and redeemed his earlier jerk status. The follow-up epilogue was fantastic. 

 

Nurse's Outback Temptation - Amy Andrews (HMED #1267 - Sept 2022)

The right temptation…
…at the wrong time?
 
When nurse Chelsea lands in Australia, her plan is simple: to leave the heartbreaking reason why she can't call London home anymore on the plane and start over. Yet when Chelsea is introduced to far-too handsome flight doctor Aaron, it's clear that her “new start, no romance” vow is already at risk! All Chelsea wants is a summer free from her painful past… But could a summer of love with Aaron be what she really needs?
 
Good story about leaving the past behind and starting fresh. Chelsea left her London life behind to take a post as a flight nurse in the Australian Outback. Widowed three years earlier, she found out later that her husband had been a serial cheater. After three years of being faced with the results of his infidelity every day, she knew she had to get away. She's determined to take the opportunity to focus on healing and avoid any romantic entanglements. That vow is in jeopardy from the moment she meets flight doctor Aaron.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Chelsea and Aaron. Their first meeting was funny but awkward when he burst into her temporary lodging, not knowing she was there. The sparks between them were instant, but neither wanted a relationship. Chelsea doesn't trust her judgment after discovering her husband's betrayal. She was also left feeling that she wasn't enough for him. Aaron has watched too many people come to the Outback and then leave after deciding it's not for them. He won't get involved with an "outsider" who may cut and run.
 
After an explosive kiss stuns them, Chelsea and Aaron decide they'd do better to stick to friendship. That doesn't mean either of them has forgotten the kiss, just that they are trying to resist the attraction. It takes a few days to get past the awkwardness, but they soon settle into an easy camaraderie and working relationship. It was fun to see Aaron introduce Chelsea to life in the Outback, from sheep shearing to emergency medicine. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the attraction that pulls them together.
 
It was fun seeing them spend time together, getting to know each other. I especially enjoyed seeing Chelsea get comfortable enough with Aaron to tell him about what dove her to Australia. I loved his support of Chelsea and his utter disgust with her late husband and in-laws. I also loved the teasing Chelsea and Aaron received from their friends and coworkers, who could clearly see what was happening between them. Just as things looked very promising, Chelsea's past ran against Aaron's fears. I loved her sudden epiphany regarding the hold her in-laws had on her and what she did about it. Her emotional reunion with Aaron was outstanding as they finally put their troubled pasts to rest.
 
I enjoyed the closeness of the Outback Aeromedical crews. Their respect and affection for each other show in everything they do. The portrayal of the rigors of life in the Outback added depth to the story and made me feel as though I was there. I loved the vivid descriptions of everything from the sheep shearing (bloody flies!) to the wonder of the star-filled skies. The medical emergencies reminded me why they were there and the importance of the role they play.

Cinderella Next Door - Nancy Robards Thompson (HSE #2899 - Apr 2022)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book 4)
 
All that's missing is the glass slipper…
 
High school teacher and aspiring artist Ginny Sanders knows she is not Draper Fortune's type. Content to admire her fabulous and flirty new neighbor from a distance, she is stunned when he asks her out. What would the superwealthy, superhandsome Fortune want with her? Draper is charmed by the sensitive teacher, but when he learns why she doesn't date, he must decide if he can be the man she needs…
 
Good opposites attract story. Ginny and Draper appeared in the previous book, Anyone but a Fortune. Draper is Beau Fortune's brother, and they shared a house while building their investment business. Ginny is their quiet next-door neighbor.
 
This book opens as Ginny witnesses the vocal breakup of Draper and his latest girlfriend. Ginny watches, slightly embarrassed and somewhat amused, as Draper is clueless about the woman's motivation. Draper is also embarrassed that Ginny witnessed the whole debacle. While they've been neighbors for a few months, there hasn't been much interaction other than polite chit-chat. Now dateless for an upcoming art fundraiser, Draper asks Ginny if she'd like to go with him.
 
Ginny is an artist who recently returned to painting after a traumatic experience in college silenced her desire to paint. As a new year's resolution, she decided she would finish a small painting daily. After getting home from her teaching job each day, she heads to her porch to work on that day's painting. I loved her determination and the reawakening of the happiness she gets from it. She's stunned that he asked her out but steps outside her comfort zone and agrees.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Draper and Ginny. Draper is well-known as a ladies' man. He leans toward women who are beautiful and part of his world but never stays with any woman for long. He doesn't understand why he is so drawn to Ginny, who is opposite his usual date. It was lovely to see how he took an interest in her art and wanted to help her. As they spend more time together, the attraction they feel grows stronger, though Ginny's past throws a road bump into their developing relationship. I liked Draper's sensitivity in not pushing her and Ginny's realization that she trusts him.
 
While Ginny feels herself falling for Draper, he freaks out about his growing feelings for her. It all comes to a head when he takes her to New Orleans to a gallery showing that includes some of her work. Ginny feels like a fish out of water among the wealthy attendees. A feeling that isn't helped when women from his past are all over Draper. But Draper's fears have him behaving like a jerk until Ginny has had enough. Her anger and hurt were understandable, and I loved seeing her stand up for herself.
 
Draper earned every bit of the misery he felt. He behaved horribly, and he knew it. It took some serious soul-searching for him to realize what his problem was. He was determined to win Ginny back. I had to shake my head as his first few attempts showed that he still didn't get it. It took some outside advice to open his eyes. I had a good idea of what his big moment would include, and I was happy to see I was right. He still had to work for Ginny's forgiveness, but he redeemed himself very well in the end.
 
There is a little progress in the overarching series question of the mysterious gifts. Counting from the first book, there was a figurine with a key inside it, a painting, a pink blanket with an F on it, and now a record with an old song. I liked seeing the various members of the Fortune family work together to figure it out. I'm looking forward to seeing how the latest discovery works out.

Code Name: Pisces - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Publishing - Aug 2022)

Series: Zodiac Tactical (Book 4)
 
My code name is Pisces. The stars say I’m independent, wise, and intuitive.
 
Still waters run deep.
 
I’m the leader of Zodiac Tactical’s guardian unit. We’re the bodyguards—the ones who stand toe to toe with danger and refuse to give any ground. We protect people who need it most.
 
But what if who needs it most is a spoiled diva?
 
I don’t normally take on movie stars. I don’t have time for the drama nor their self-centered lifestyle. If they don’t take their safety seriously, how can I?
 
But there’s something different about Alyse Peterson. On the outside America’s Glamor Princess is everything I want to avoid. But behind her perfect smile and sapphire eyes is a heartbreak she’s hiding from everyone.
 
She has secrets. And a stalker willing to kill to get to them.
 
My code name is Pisces. And anybody who wants to get to her, will have to go through me.
 
Once again, Janie Crouch has written a book that grabbed me from the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end.  The story opens as Alyse prepares for a modeling job. We immediately see that she is uncomfortable with the number of people around her and must work at being the person everyone expects to see. Matters go from bad to worse when she receives a "gift" from a stalker. Her fear was palpable, and I loved that her manager, Jared, knew exactly who to call - Zodiac Tactical.
 
Tristan oversees the protection division of ZT. It is the perfect place for him as he is a protector by nature. He has a few control issues, thanks to an event in his past. He's not happy when the request comes in to provide security for Alyse. He has a very poor opinion of movie stars, thanks to previous experience, but Alyse is a special case. Tristan did a job for her father years earlier and owed the man for his influence that helped establish the business.  He still hopes to steer her toward another firm for her security needs.
 
The first meeting between Tristan and Alyse doesn't go well. Tristan goes in with preconceived ideas about Alyse and her life, and Alyse is clearly on edge.  Tristan does not expect the immediate swell of protectiveness he feels toward her, despite his beliefs about her. His action with the food is sweet but freaks him out by being very out of character for him. He then overcompensates by being harsh and judgmental. I ached for Alyse, who was barely holding it together. His demand to have someone staying in her house was the last straw. Her home is her sanctuary and the only place she could be herself and maintain her sanity. Tristan's parting words were obnoxiously rude and uncalled for, but Alyse got the last word. I loved his friends'/coworkers' reactions.
 
I loved seeing the relationship between Tristan and Alyse develop. It doesn't take too long for Tristan to realize that Alyse's perfect image is carefully cultivated and used as armor against the outside world. As he catches an occasional glimpse of the real Alyse, he becomes determined to break through that perfect veneer. Meanwhile, Alyse's compulsion to maintain that image around Tristan gets harder to sustain. The author did a stellar job of showing how the events of her past drove Alyse's fears and insecurities. I loved Tristan's patience and gentleness as he tried to break through that wall. I cheered when it finally came down and loved Tristan's immediately stunned and positive reaction. With the dropping of that barrier, the attraction that both had been fighting was unleashed.
 
There are many sweet and moving scenes of the two getting to know each other and growing closer. I loved seeing Alyse blossom under Tristan's attention, though she still hid her authentic self from the public. As the stalker's actions escalate, Tristan becomes more determined to stop him. Unfortunately, this leads him to make a boneheaded decision that makes sense security-wise but leaves Alyse feeling betrayed. I ached for them both - Alyse, whose entire life was upended by what happened, and Tristan, who realized what a terrible mistake he'd made. It also opened the window for the stalker. Tristan's fear for Alyse leaped off the page, as did his love and desperation to save her. There was no doubt about their love for each other when it was all over.
 
The bonus epilogue, which takes place in Oak Creek, Wyoming, showcases the close ties between the Linear Tactical and Zodiac Tactical characters. I laughed out loud at the conversation as Gavin, Baby, and Ian gave Tristan a hard time about his feelings. Tristan's scene with Alyse and the end was sweet, romantic, and - dare I say? - perfect.
 
The suspense of the story was gripping. From the first moment of the stalker's appearance to the final confrontation, there wasn't a minute that I wasn't glued to the pages. The audacity and creepiness of his actions oozed off the pages. I could feel the frustration of Tristan and the rest of the team as the stalker was scary smart and seemed to be one step ahead of them at all times. I liked the inclusion of Callum Webb, the Omega Sector operative who is so good at getting inside the bad guys' heads, and the insight that helped them identify the stalker. Unlike some stories where it's easy to figure out, this one kept me guessing to the very end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with the stalker seeming to have every advantage. The resolution was fantastic.

Forever, Plus One - Wendy Warren (HSE #2930 - Sept 2022)

Series: Holliday Oregon (Book 2)
 
Rescued…
by the brother of the (ex-)groom!
 
Nikki Choi loves the boisterous family she was adopted into as a baby. But dreams of her own happy-ever-after are dashed when her fiancé suddenly calls off the wedding. Leave it to her BFF to come to her rescue! Evan Northrup is the perfect faux beau, offering support and making no demands -- making her feel loved. But the single dad seems intent on keeping things pretend, while Nikki is shocked to be falling wildly, deeply for her old friend…
 
Good friends-to-lovers story. Nikki and Evan have been best friends for years. When her fiancé calls off their wedding, Evan steps in as a pretend boyfriend. It's easy and logical and perfectly innocent - if it weren't for that one night they spent together at the beginning of their friendship!
 
I liked the friendship between Nikki and Evan. It's based on shared interests and being secure in each other's company. But as close as their friendship is, there are still things they keep to themselves. At thirty-seven years old, Nikki feels her chances of having her own family slipping away. The end of her engagement makes that feeling worse. Evan is a single father whose son Noah is the center of his life. He never talks about his marriage or his ex-wife, nor does he date anyone for longer than a month. He has commitment issues thanks to that marriage and his father's parade of stepmothers throughout Evan's life.
 
After reading about Nikki's ex-fiance, I was glad she didn't go through with the marriage. I think his focus on her weight and fitness was emotionally abusive, and she was lucky to get away from him. Once out of his influence, she began working to be happy with who she was. Evan was a big part of that journey, as he'd always liked her just as she was.
 
I liked watching the development of Nikki and Evan's relationship. They've been friends for a while, so they know each other well. But simmering under that friendship is the attraction that caused "that night." Afraid of messing up their friendship, Nikki had insisted that it never happen again. Evan would have pursued it, but Nikki began dating his brother Drew a short time later. I liked how Evan seized his chance when he stepped in to help after Drew bailed on Nikki. But I was also disappointed in him because he knows she wants a family of her own, and he still avoids commitment. Spending time with Evan as he acts like a boyfriend resurrects the attraction she has been suppressing. As her feelings for him grow, she isn't sure whether to risk their friendship by asking for more or leave things as they are.
 
Evan and Nikki must confront their fears before they can hope for a future together. Nikki has an eye-opening talk with her mother, including being told that her and Evan's feelings for each other were obvious to everyone around them and had been since the beginning. Mom's advice came roundabout but gave Nikki the confidence to "jump in." In a surprisingly emotional scene, Evan has a long overdue conversation with his father. I liked his dad's blunt opinion on Evan's problem and agreed with him. Evan had some ground to make up with Nikki, but his big moment was worth waiting for.
 
Evan's son Noah was adorable. Evan is a wonderful, loving dad, which shows in Noah's happy attitude. Some sweet father-son moments melted my heart. I also enjoyed Noah's connection with Nikki. Her attendance at his special school event was heartwarming to see. I also enjoyed Nikki's family and their support of each other. The relationship between Nikki and her sister Gia was terrific and showed in Nikki's decision about her wedding plans. Evan's family was entirely different. Though his dad redeemed himself a little at the end, the relationship between the two is still awkward. Evan's half-brother, Drew (the ex-fiancé), is a horse's arse. He is selfish, judgmental, insensitive, and a cheater. 

The Rake's Daughter - Anne Gracie (Penguin - Aug 2022)

Series: Brides of Bellaire Gardens (Book 2)

Recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must find Clarissa a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half-sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. Her lowly birth makes her quite unacceptable in London's aristocratic circles.
 
However, the girls are devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal if Izzy's parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. To Leo's frustration, nothing will convince them otherwise. Even worse, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact.
 
Called away to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Izzy and Clarissa have launched themselves into society -- with tremendous success! There's no going back. Now Leo must enter society to protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, and try not to be driven mad by the sharp-witted, rebellious, and intoxicating Izzy.
 
I loved this book, with its tight bond between Clarissa and Izzy and the unlikely romance between Leo and Izzy. The book opened with the heart-grabbing introduction between Clarissa and Izzy and didn't let go until I'd read the last page.
 
Clarissa was the lonely and neglected daughter of the notorious rake, Sir Bartleby. One day a carriage appeared on their estate, carrying the illegitimate Izzy to become her father's responsibility. He intends to dump her in an orphanage, but Clarissa hides her away. Having discovered that Izzy is that coveted being of a sister, she flatly refuses to give her up, thwarting every attempt Sir Bartleby makes to separate them. Ten years later, upon their father's death, Clarissa finds herself the ward of Leo, Earl of Salcott. Though no provision was made for Izzy, Clarissa still refuses to be separated from her.
 
After a year away from England, Leo is horrified to discover he is Clarissa's guardian. He's even more horrified that Clarissa expects her half-sister to participate in the Season with her. Despite his predictions of scandal, and his attempt to buy off Izzy, nothing will convince them that it can't be done. He takes them to his aunt, Lady Scattergood, because they can't live with a bachelor, who informs him that she won't launch them into Society but will watch over them. In frustration at their stubbornness, he leaves for a few days at his estates after instructing them to stay home and behave.
 
Neither Clarissa nor Izzy has any intention of doing so. They came to London to find husbands, so they took matters into their own hands. I loved that they were fully aware of the risks but determined to do things their way. By the time Leo returned to London, the two women had successfully launched themselves. Leo was furious but could only hope to get both married before the scandal broke.
 
I loved the relationship between Izzy and Clarissa. Izzy is fully aware of her situation but loves Clarissa too much to abandon her. Clarissa is on the shy side and having Izzy with her gives her the confidence to handle Society's challenges. Whatever happens, they are there for each other, and the rest of the world can live with it - or not.
 
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Leo. I was disappointed that Leo's opinion was influenced by a letter left by the girls' father in which he said terrible things about Izzy. Leo is rude and judgmental to her rather than paying attention to her actions. I loved seeing her stand up to him and push back against his attempts to separate her from Clarissa. Underneath the antagonism that characterizes their early encounters are sparks of attraction that neither wants to admit.
 
Leo and Izzy know that a relationship between them is impossible. Her illegitimacy makes her ineligible to be the bride of an earl, and she knows it. Leo's attitude is also driven by past experiences with his parents and relationships with other women that leave him doubting his marital future. He and Izzy must overcome their insecurities before they can open themselves up to a future together. I loved their interactions and seeing them grow closer despite their battles.
 
I loved the scene where their attraction pushed them over the edge. Neither one expected the intensity of their connection and what it meant for them. Leo made the expected offer, being an honorable man but made a terrible mess of it in his nervousness. I ached for Izzy and her feelings of hurt and disappointment. Her reaction was precisely what I expected, leaving Leo stunned and uncertain. I loved his "uh-oh" moment when he realized his mistakes, and his subsequent meeting with Lady Scattergood was fantastic. He knew what he needed to do but not how to make it happen.
 
At a ball that evening, a friend of their father's made offensive remarks about Izzy. I loved Leo's protectiveness and how he jumped to her defense. Everything he said was true but ambiguous enough to sow doubt. But the clear winner in the race to protect Izzy was Clarissa. Her staunch and unique way of doing so was excellent.
 
It was fun to see Leo's attempts at making amends with Izzy get thwarted as circumstances seemed to keep them apart. I loved seeing him finally break through the wall of support around her and get to say his piece. I thought he groveled quite well and earned his happy ending. Izzy also finally believed that she could have that future she dreamed of. The final chapter and epilogue were terrific. I can't wait for the next book - I hope it is Clarissa and Race's story!