On Opposite Sides - Cat Shield (HD #2881 - July 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 3)
 
Their families may be feuding
so they're keeping their enemy very, very close…
 
From the moment he sees her, Nolan Thurston wants to know Chelsea Grandin. He tells himself it's just to gain valuable intel in his family's battle for oil rights. But he knows there's more, and soon his obsession with her threatens to derail his plans…
 
To save her family's ranch, Chelsea is tempted to snare Nolan in a seduction scheme of her own. But when attraction takes over, will her family loyalties fall by the wayside?
 
Good enemies-to-lovers book. Chelsea's family is embroiled in a battle with the Thurstons over the oil rights on the Grandin's land. But when Nolan spots Chelsea from across the street, her name is the last thing on his mind. When the two meet, there is no denying the sparks that fly between them. Despite their feuding families, they go out on a date together. Each of them tells their families that the idea is to pump the other for information that can help in the battle.
 
Chelsea is tired of being underestimated by her father and grandfather. She has devoted her life to the family ranch, but her father intends to leave the running the ranch to her only brother, Vic, because he is a man. It doesn't matter that Chelsea knows more about what goes into it than Vic does. Chelsea's male family members are prime examples of the patriarchal mindset, and it is increasingly evident that Vic can do no wrong. Chelsea believes that if she can acquire information that will save the ranch, her family will have to admit her worth.
 
Nolan left Royal when he was eighteen because he felt unappreciated. Instead, he found his calling doing location searches for production companies. Nolan returned to Royal to support his brother, Heath, and attempt to make amends for leaving to follow his dreams. Nolan doesn't understand Heath's reasons for pushing so hard about the oil rights, though Heath tries to explain.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Chelsea and Nolan. Because each had entered the relationship with ulterior motives, neither believed anything could come of it. This allowed them to be themselves instead of trying to be what the other person wanted. It wasn't long before they ditched the spying plan and enjoyed being together. I loved seeing them get to know each other, especially how Nolan brought out Chelsea's adventurous side. As their attraction intensified and grew into deeper feelings, both struggled to reconcile those feelings with their duty to their families. I rooted for them to find a way to do what was right for them.
 
I almost despaired of that happening when family interference caused a rift between them. Fortunately, they realized the truth of their feelings before it was too late. There was a very emotional scene at the end as they found a way to live their lives apart from their families' conflict. I hope to see more of them in future books, and I can't wait to see how the conflict ends. 

Maverick Justice - Delores Fossen (HI #2085 - Aug 2022)

Series: The Law in Lubbock County (Book 2)
 
She may have broken his heart
But her memory loss has made her the target of a killer.
 
Fleeing the hospital -- and a deadly threat -- Delaney Archer runs to Cash Mercer, the one man she trusts. Except the Clay Ridge sheriff and rancher hasn't seen the public defender in a year, not since Delaney ended their engagement. Someone has tampered with her memory, and they won't rest until Delaney's dead. Can the Texas lawman shield her from a desperate killer…and the explosive truth?
 
Good book that kept me turning the pages. The story opens as Delaney, who has escaped the hospital, drives toward the only person she believes can help her - her fiancé, Cash Mercer. She's terrified that someone is following her. Cash is stunned to see her, since she broke their engagement a year earlier. He recognizes that something is wrong and puts her to bed. Though she's regained her memory by morning (after some awkward moments), she is still convinced that someone wants her dead.
 
Cash is wary of Delaney and her story. She broke his heart when she left and doesn't intend to risk it again, but he can't help feeling protective of her. He'll do his best to keep her safe but keep his heart guarded while he does so.
 
The suspense was great and kept me hooked from start to finish. I could feel Delaney's fear from the first page, and her relief when she reached Cash. Cash can tell that she believes she is in danger, while others tell him it is all in her mind. But it isn't long before the threats to her life become obvious. Then it's a matter of figuring out who it is. There are several suspects, from the escaped murderer who blames her for his conviction to her own father, who disapproves of Delaney's relationship with Cash. The author excels at making each suspect look like the guilty one with logical motivations and ease of opportunity. I was on the edge of my seat as the attacks increased in intensity the closer Delaney and Cash came to finding out who it was. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as the three top suspects converged on Cash's ranch. Several twists occurred before the real bad guy was figured out and the threat stopped.
 
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of Delaney and Cash's relationship. Cash's wariness was understandable but resisting the sparks between them was impossible. Delaney had had her reasons for breaking their engagement and still feels guilty about how she hurt him. She still loves him but staying away is the only way to keep him safe. I ached a bit for Delaney because everyone keeps warning Cash against her. The more time they spend together, the harder Cash fights his feelings but it is a losing battle. There are obstacles to overcome, such as their fathers' feud, but this time love has a better chance of winning if they can stay alive long enough. I loved the ending and seeing love win. 

Hotshot Hero Under Fire - Lisa Childs (HRS #2186 - June 2022)

Series: Hotshot Heroes (Book 5)
 
He's everyone's hero.
Can she let him be hers?
 
Returning to her Michigan hometown, Courtney Beaumont still feels nothing but hatred for hotshot firefighter Owen James. The former bad girl blames him for her mother's death -- and for mistreating her. But after saving him from several murder attempts, Courtney finds herself falling for the local hero. Until she realizes the real reason he's getting close to her…and the high-stakes peril he's put her in.
 
Good enemies-to-lovers story. Courtney has recently returned to her hometown after swearing she would never come back. Her mother died the year before, and she was estranged from her twin sister. Moving back will allow her to repair that relationship. She is also opening a clothing store that will sell her designs - a chance to show the town that she made it despite them. Courtney was ostracized and bullied in high school because she was different from her popular sister, Serena. The offender who got to her the most was Owen. Later, he was the EMT on the scene when her mother died, and she blames him for that, too.
 
Owen was one of the school's golden boys - athlete, intelligent, popular, and boyfriend of the head cheerleader. But rather than admit his admiration of Courtney's individualism, he joined in the bullying. After graduation, he spent some time in the Marines before coming home and becoming a hotshot firefighter and EMT. He feels terrible about his treatment of Courtney and would like to make amends, but she isn't interested.
 
As the story opens, Owen witnesses the death of a good friend and fellow firefighter in a tragic accident. But was it an accident? The head of the hotshot team, Braden, suspects that the "accidents" plaguing the team professionally and personally aren't accidents, but he has no proof. Those suspicions become more certain when Owen suffers several more accidents then out-and-out attempts on his life. Courtney gets involved when she inadvertently saves his life a couple of times. There were some interesting developments as Courtney briefly became a suspect. The intensity ramped up with each attack until the final confrontation took a twist I didn't see coming. A few threads are left hanging, so I can't wait to read the next book.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Courtney and Owen, but it frustrated me at times, too. I understood Courtney's grudge over the way Owen treated her in school. That kind of treatment can affect you for a long time. I had trouble with how Courtney blamed Owen for her mother's death. Owen wasn't the only first responder there, but she held him responsible and treated him like dirt. But when she sees his grief and self-blame for his friend's death, she can't help but make him feel better. As she starts to let go of her anger toward him, it opens the door for the attraction she can't deny. Owen is also surprised by the feelings Courtney stirs up in him. There is a lot of back-and-forth between the two as they give in to their attraction and then back away when the intensity freaks them out. But when danger comes calling, they realize that they belong together and the baggage of the past needs to be let go of. I liked their big moment at the end and look forward to seeing more of them in future books. 

Stranded in the Mountains - Geri Krotow (LI - May 2022)

 

Series: Love Inspired Mountain Rescue (Book 6)
 
They survived the crash…
Now can they escape the wilderness?
 
Part-time treasure hunter Daniel Sturges's secret assignment was simple -- find a wrecked WWII B-17 and recover the artifacts inside. But now he's stranded with fellow crash survivor Cassie Edmunds, who's searching for the same plane, and they'll have to trust one another with their lives. With temperatures falling in treacherous terrain, will they risk everything for the missing wreckage or discover something more valuable between them? That is, if they can stay alive...
 
Good book that kept me hooked from start to finish. Cassie was on a trip from Pennsylvania to a remote area of Canada, looking for information about her great-grandmother. Great-grandma Eugenia was a WW2 WASP who crashed in the wilds of Canada when Cassie's grandmother was just a baby. Cassie hopes that the wilderness tour she signed up for will lead her to some answers to help her 85-year-old grandmother know more about her mother. The last leg of the multi-flight trip is by helicopter, where another traveler joins her.
 
Daniel is a high school history teacher who works as an Indiana Jones-like treasure hunter during his summer breaks. His current search is for a wrecked B-17 reputed to carry some Russian royal jewels. His job is to find the plane and hopefully the jewels so they can be returned to their country of origin.
 
There was a connection between Cassie and Daniel from the moment they met. I liked how Daniel tried to ease Cassie's fears while on the helicopter. That became very important when the flight ran into trouble and crashed into a lake. With their pilot dead, Daniel and Cassie were on their own to find their way to the nearest settlement. Thankfully, Daniel is very experienced in wilderness survival. Cassie has some hiking experience (local trails back in Pennsylvania) but would be in real trouble without Daniel. I liked that Daniel was patiently amused by Cassie as she got acclimated to their situation. Cassie impressed me with her determination to keep up with Daniel and not be a hindrance.
 
I was glued to the pages as the pair made their way through the wilderness. There were some funny parts, usually involving wildlife sightings, and some tense parts, such as coping with a snowstorm. I liked seeing Daniel and Cassie get to know each other, sharing stories about their lives and faith. I loved hearing Cassie tell Daniel her great-grandmother's story and her hope of finding more information. Daniel was a little more cautious about sharing everything, but the more he got to know Cassie, the more he was willing to share. It was easy to see that their feelings for each other grew stronger, but they didn't think anything would come of it. They lived on opposite sides of the state, and both had settled lives there.
 
I was on the edge of my seat, hoping they would find the plane before the weather forced them to give up. There was also the problem of making it safely to the settlement. Help arrived unexpectedly, and I was relieved to see their rescue carried out. I enjoyed seeing the people they met and the unexpected twist one of the older women provided. I ached for Cassie and Daniel when they parted ways without any mention of their feelings or future.
 
I loved the ending as we see Cassie at Grandma's birthday party, celebrating her life and that of Eugenia. As happy as Cassie was, there was a bit of sadness because she missed Daniel. I loved his sudden appearance and the surprise he had for Cassie. It was an emotional scene and a perfect ending for the book. 

Newlywed Assignment - Barb Han (HI #2075 - June 2022)

Series: Ree and Quint (Book 2)
 
For these undercover agents
“Together forever” may be short-lived…
 
Hardheaded ATF legend Quint Casey knows he's playing with fire asking Agent Ree Sheppard to re-up as his undercover wife. To crack a ruthless Houston weapons ring, they must keep the mission -- and their explosive chemistry -- under control. But Quint's determined need for revenge and Ree's risky moves are turning the heat up even more and putting everything on the line…
 
Good book. This is one series that should be read in order. The series follows both a suspense arc and Ree and Quint's developing relationship. At the end of the first book, Ree and Quint parted ways. The mission was finished, and they didn't expect to work together again. As this book opens, Ree has been home for a few days and is at Sunday dinner with her parents and siblings. Their picking at her has her ready to go home when Quint shows up with a new mission for them. Since their parting after the last case was less than warm and fuzzy, Ree is slightly reluctant to take it on. But now that she has some experience working with Quint, she has some conditions to her agreement. I loved seeing her call him out on those things that concerned her and how Quint admitted she was right.
 
This case sends them to Houston, still newlyweds, looking for information on a weapons dealer. While Ree works behind the bar at a trendy nightclub, Quint is still posing as a computer student/geek. Her job is to get close to Lola; a bartender believed to be dating the weapons dealer. I loved seeing Ree work - her instincts are terrific, and she does a great job learning about Lola and her life. They also have several lucky breaks that help them learn more about the dealer.
 
Matters get complicated when they get word that another agency is also working on the same case from the drug trafficking side. This sets Quint off because the death of his former partner happened when multiple agencies worked on a case and didn't fully cooperate/communicate. It doesn't help that the head agent from the other agency isn't cooperative and is obnoxious. There are some tense interactions between Quint and the other agent, with the "partnership" saved by the two level-headed women in the teams. The case resolution was intense and action-packed, keeping me glued to the pages until it was over. This investigation had a successful conclusion, but some loose ends will continue to drive the series.
 
I enjoyed seeing the progress of Ree and Quint's relationship. The sparks that fly between them in the first book intensify in this one but both of them have baggage that holds them back. For Ree, she sticks to short flings, more interested in her career than in anything long-term. For Quint, the guilt over his partner's death has left him feeling that he doesn't deserve happiness. He also finds his protective instincts kicking in at inconvenient times, and I enjoy seeing Ree call him out on it when she needs to. Neither Ree nor Quint knows what to do with their growing attraction or the feelings that come with it. It was fun to see their random public displays of affection, done to maintain their cover, get away from them. It will be interesting to see how things progress in the next book. 

Be Careful What You Wish For - Elizabeth Bevarly (HSE #2927 - Aug 2022)

Series: Lucky Stars (Book 1)
 
A million-dollar wish comes true
With twins thrown in the bargain!
 
Chance Foley wished on Comet Bob as a teen. Now, when the niece and nephew he never met show up on his doorstep with Poppy Digby, their starchy but sexy caretaker, his wish is granted. Chance will receive a million dollars as the children's guardian, but first he must enlist Poppy's continued support raising these handfuls! And maybe he has ulterior motives where Poppy is concerned, but will she ever let her guard down? Sometimes, all it takes is the stars -- or maybe a passing comet -- aligning just right…
 
Terrific start to the new series. Chance's small town is famous for the comet that appears every fifteen years. Legend has it that if you wish on the comet, it might come true. And if you were born during a Comet Bob year, your chances were even better. So when fifteen-year-old Chance wished for a million dollars (the reason is heartbreaking), he never expected HOW it would happen.
 
Fifteen years later, Chance finds out that his estranged older brother has died and left the guardianship of his twin children to him. The children are brought to him by their mother's cousin, Poppy, a self-proclaimed cold, ruthless lawyer. The terms of the guardianship fulfill the wish, but Chance is more shell-shocked by the prospect of raising two children. His introduction to Finn and Quinn does nothing to lessen the shock.
 
Poppy planned to deliver the children and return to Boston the next day. She has an important case coming up, and winning that case will cement her chances of making partner. But she is not quite as cold as she thinks because when she misses her flight, she gives in to the children's pleas to stay a few more days. With no hotel rooms available because of the Comet Bob Festival, Poppy ends up staying with Chance and the children.
 
Neither Chance nor Poppy expected their intense attraction for each other, though both tried to ignore it. I loved seeing their relationship develop as they worked together to settle the kids into their new lives. I loved seeing Chance introduce Poppy to the joys of small-town life, so different from her high-powered life in Boston. From boating and swimming on the river (and rescuing a puppy!) to shopping in local stores, Poppy lost some of that cold, ruthless veneer with every passing hour. And with Poppy's help, Chance finds the family he didn't know he needed.
 
I ached for both when they gave in to their attraction, but Poppy was still fixated on the plan she'd followed all her life. I could feel Chance's pain as he said goodbye to her. It was also evident that Poppy was forcing herself to leave. I was glued to the pages as I waited to see how long it would take her to see where she belonged. I loved when she hit that breaking point; the scene with her mother, brother, and sister was terrific. I loved her reunion with Chance, and the whole cocktail glass thread made me laugh out loud. The epilogue was fantastic, though I would have liked to read about Thanksgiving dinner with her family.
 
Finn and Quinn were fantastic characters. I thought they were portrayed realistically as six-year-olds who had lost their parents. Poppy's depiction of their lives with their parents goes a long way to explaining their behavior at the beginning of the book. I loved how Chance immediately stepped up, and his new normal changed his life and theirs. Chance's reaction to their first hugs broke my heart for what it said about his life. I loved the changes in Finn and Quinn once they settled into their life with Chance.
 
I liked meeting Chance's best friends, Max and Felix. They have been friends their whole lives. The cookout scene was good as they tried to see what Chance was wound up about. I liked how Chance turned the tables on them when they started teasing him about Poppy. We learned a little more about Felix when Chance told Poppy about Felix's restaurant and awards. The dinner scene at the restaurant was great. I can't wait to read their stories.

The Wife the Marquess Left Behind - Ann Lethbridge (HH #1660 - July 2022)

The marquess has returned
To claim his marchioness!
 
Venetia has made a quiet life for herself without any help from the man she married five years ago. They were both trapped into marriage, but he abandoned her. So when newly titled Marquess Everett Lasalle returns unannounced, expecting his wallflower wife to step into the role of society lady, she won't make it easy! Even if he does seem a changed man and is sparking a desire worth waiting for…
 
I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to a disastrous attempt by Venetia to protect her sister, combined with a cruel trick played by Everett's brother, she and Everett were forced to marry. Everett was furious, believing that Venetia had trapped him on purpose. He abandoned her right after the wedding, leaving on his planned voyage to India. Venetia lived a quiet, impoverished life on one of his brother's estates for five years.
 
Everett had no plans to return to England until he received word that his brother had died, making him the new Marquess of Gore. He knew he would have to see Venetia again and make their marriage work. He returned to London, expecting to find her there enjoying life as a society lady, and was stunned that she wasn't there. It took some time to track her location. Venetia was shocked when Everett showed up, as she had no idea his brother was dead.
 
Their first meeting was an antagonistic one. She is furious over his neglect and abandonment, while Everett believes she is lying about receiving no support. Venetia isn't happy when he insists that she return with him to London to take her place as his wife. She is happy where she is and has found a calling in helping abused wives escape their husbands. I loved seeing Venetia stand up to Everett and refuse to accept his demands, making him work for her cooperation.
 
Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them, and they weren't pleased about it. Venetia still remembers his cutting remarks on their wedding day, and Everett doesn't trust her. But as they are forced to spend time together, their relationship changes. I loved that Everett felt guilty about what Venetia went through because of his neglect, especially after discovering the truth. I liked his protectiveness when he saw how her father treated her and began to understand how their marriage happened. Venetia sees that Everett has changed in the five years he's been gone and begins to hope that their marriage may work out.
 
I liked seeing Venetia and Everett get to know each other and discover they had much in common. I loved the scene where they waltzed together and his patience with her insecurities. That patience was evident when they gave in to their attraction, with Venetia surprising herself and Everett. There is also a fantastic scene at Almack's that made me laugh out loud. But when Venetia is needed to help another abused wife, she can't bring herself to confide in Everett. To return alone to her previous home, she picks a fight with him. I ached for both of them because they were clearly in love but too proud to risk rejection.
 
I ached for Venetia's heartbreak, though she brought it on herself. At the same time, Everett copes by getting wasted, then rescued by his brother-in-law. I loved that he decided to go after her and ended up walking into the middle of a problem with her latest rescue. He won significant points with Venetia and me, as he immediately stepped up to help. I enjoyed seeing the plan he came up with and how it worked out. With no more secrets between them, they were able to break down the last of the barriers keeping them apart.
 
Though we didn't see much of him, I loved Venetia's brother, Paris. He and Venetia protected each other from their father as best they could. I felt for him when he talked about the woman he loved and thought he couldn't have. I liked how he took care of Everett and later asked Everett's advice about India. I would love to see him get a story of his own.

Staking a Claim - Janice Maynard (HD #2869 - May 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 1)
 
It's a Lone Star matchmaking twin swap!
 
As a favor to his identical twin, Joshua Banks agrees to pose as his brother. The switch is supposed to last for just one “date” with Layla Grandin, their childhood friend. But dinner soon leads to much, much more. Trust is everything to Layla -- she's been burned before and secrets are destroying her ranching family. If Joshua stands any chance of staking a claim on relationship-wary Layla, the Texan has to confess so much more than his true identity. And risk losing more than he ever imagined…
 
Excellent book. I've been reading this series out of order, so I was happy to finally read the first book. It opens with the funeral of Layla's grandfather, a man she adored despite his old-fashioned views. During the reception, Layla is approached by her father and one of his friends, who manipulate her into accepting a date with one of the man's sons. It is especially embarrassing because Layla used to have a massive crush on Jordan. Layla hung out frequently with Jordan and his twin brother, Joshua, when they were kids, but they'd grown apart as adults. She reluctantly accepts the date.
 
Segue to Jordan, who was also manipulated into the date. He's not happy about it because he already had plans for that night. So he asks his brother, Joshua, to take his place. Josh has recently returned to the ranch after leaving his job in Dallas and divorcing his wife. He agrees but feels guilty about the deception.
 
I loved that scene of Josh arriving to pick up Layla and pretending to be Jordan. Layla hasn't spent time with Jordan in at least four years, so she is initially confused about her first reaction to him. Josh is uncomfortable pretending to be Jordan, and his awkward responses to Layla's conversation muddle things further. It doesn't take long for Layla to realize that she is with Josh, not Jordan, and wonder why the deception. She doesn't call him out on it right away but plays along. Once Josh relaxes a little, he and Layla get along great. Also immediately apparent is the intense attraction both feel, though they don't act on it. Going against "the plan," Josh makes another date with Layla, determined to come clean and be himself.
 
That second date was terrific. I loved seeing Josh stumble a bit over his confession, then be surprised that Layla had already figured it out. With that out of the way, they were free to explore what was between them. With both coming off failed relationships, neither expresses any interest in anything more than enjoying each other's company. But neither can they stop thinking about each other and wanting to be together. I loved seeing Josh's support of Layla as she dealt with her grandmother's illness and the other family turmoil. It isn't long before both realize they want more than a friends-with-benefits relationship. 

However, both Josh and Layla have insecurities that throw up obstacles to the future. Josh has been waffling about what he wants to do now that he's back in Royal. Josh makes the mistake of keeping his plans secret until he feels everything is perfect. Layla's trust issues cause her to react badly to something she hears. I ached for Josh in the ensuing confrontation and wanted to shake Layla for not asking for the truth. It takes some time, but I loved seeing him confront Layla about what she said and why. Once the lines of communication are open, it doesn't take long for each to see their mistakes. I loved seeing them come together and realize that they belong together. The epilogue was great too. 

During Layla's grandfather's funeral reception, the family is served with papers claiming that the oil rights to their land and that of the Lattimores had been given to a woman and her daughter. This is the first time anyone from either family is aware of such a  promise, and no one wants to believe it. Oil drilling on their land would destroy what they have, and both families are determined to prove the claim false. We briefly meet the claimants, who do not make a good impression. Some secrets are revealed, but the truth of the claim is under investigation. It will be interesting to see how the pieces come together as the series continues.

Million-Dollar Consequences - Jessica Lemmon (HD #2879 - June 2022)

Series: Dunn Brothers (Book 2)
 
From pretense to pregnancy…
things just got real!
 
Scoring an interview with actor Isaac Dunn is a dream come true for podcaster Meghan Squire. But when he asks her to be his pretend girlfriend, she has to pinch herself to see if she's dreaming! The arrangement is just for a while. Just to keep the press at bay. Easy enough. At least until their attraction proves anything but fake and results in a pregnancy. Suddenly the million-dollar question is if they're ready to make a real commitment…
 
This was a good fake relationship story. At the end of the previous book, Million-Dollar Mix-Up, Isaac tried to save face by claiming a secret girlfriend. A few months later and he is getting pressured to produce that girlfriend. He's starting to worry about what will happen if he doesn't when the perfect candidate practically drops in his lap.
 
When Isaac and his twin brother, Max, were kids, they starred in a sitcom, sharing the role of the son, Danny. When the series ended ten years later, Max couldn't wait to get out of Hollywood, while Isaac wanted to continue his career. This caused a split between the brothers, which is finally starting to heal. But Isaac's career was pretty lackluster until he was asked to star in a reboot of the old show. He's counting on the show to give his career a boost, hopefully into movies. He can't afford any negative publicity.
 
During dinner with his brother and his brother's girlfriend, Isaac's agent, Isaac meets Kendall's younger sister Meghan. Meghan is a podcaster whose shows deal with the tv programs that were popular when she was a kid. Her favorite was Isaac's show, and she had a massive crush on him then. She is excited to meet him and ask him to be on her show.
 
Meghan has a reputation in her family for being a bit flighty and irresponsible, so she isn't taken very seriously. Kendall tends to be a heavy-handed older sister, handing out advice and creating tension between them. They are just starting to repair that relationship, though Kendall is still a little slow about remembering that Meghan is an adult. Complicating matters, Meghan just left a relationship with a man who constantly put her down, affecting her self-confidence.
 
When Isaac and Meghan meet, their attraction is instant and intense. Isaac wastes no time asking Meghan if she'd be interested in pretending to be his girlfriend for a few weeks. He insists it would be good for both their careers. He would have that question of his girlfriend resolved, and she would have access to him and the other stars for her podcast - a win-win situation. The icing on the cake is their attraction will give it authenticity, and they can enjoy themselves together.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Besides their off-the-charts chemistry, they discover that they honestly like each other. They have a lot in common and enjoy spending time together. But the longer they are together, the harder it becomes to remember that the relationship isn't real. Isaac goes so far as to expect Meghan to uproot her life on the East Coast and follow him to California. He lost some points with me because he was a self-centered jerk. I didn't blame Meghan for being angry with him. I liked seeing her stand up to him.
 
Matters become complicated when Meghan discovers she's pregnant. By this time, she's realized she's in love with Isaac but has no idea how he feels about her. Once again, his reaction lands on the jerk side, with him seeming more concerned about the effect on his life than what it means for Meghan. Things fall apart when his attempt to make things right goes very wrong. I hurt for Meghan, who was hoping for his heart, not his head. I loved seeing the sibling discussions that helped the unhappy pair find their way back together. Isaac's big moment was sweet and emotional, and I liked seeing him finally get his priorities straight. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up for the series. I liked seeing both couples a few months down the road.
 
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was seeing more of Kendall and Max. They were a terrific example for Meghan and Isaac; if only they could see it.

A SEAL's Surrender - Tawny Weber (HB #739 - Mar 2013)

Series: Sexy SEALs (Book 2)
 
Subject: Lieutenant Commander Cade Sullivan
Status: On leave
Mission: He's home to take care of some family business.
Obstacle: Eden Gillespie. The girl who always lands in trouble...has landed in his bed!
 
Lieutenant Commander Cade Sullivan is the job. His commitment to the Navy SEALs is absolute-almost. Worse still, he's been summoned home, where his privileged family is the town royalty and women vie to be one of Cade's conquests. One of them in particular...
 
Ever since they were kids, Cade has been rescuing Eden Gillespie. Now she's decided she owes him one heck of a thank-you-one that involves a bed, naked bodies and sweet satisfaction. But when their sexy trysts are discovered, Eden becomes a bit of a town sensation-and not in a good way. Can she convince her SEAL to risk one last rescue operation?
 
Terrific friends-to-lovers story. Cade and Eden grew up next door to each other. Cade is the only son of a wealthy family, handsome and athletic, and all the girls wanted him. Eden's family used to be rich, but they are comfortable now. She was the quiet, klutzy girl next door that always seemed to need rescuing. Cade was her hero, her crush, and the source of her fantasies, then and now.
 
As the story opens, Eden is celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday and making the same wish she makes every year - Cade and her together. Instead, she gets a notice from the bank that her flighty mother took out a loan against the house Eden bought from her (long story), and the bank is calling in the loan. She recently opened her vet practice but doesn't yet have the clientele to produce the money in a month. Instead, she steels herself to try to get the local country club set to use her for their vet services. An uphill battle, as she and they don't have the best relationships.
 
Meanwhile, Cade, who left town the day after graduation to join the Navy and escape his controlling father, became a Navy SEAL. He recently lost one of his best friends in the line of duty and is struggling with his grief. His uncle, a trainer, sees Cade's struggle and tries to help, but Cade refuses to accept what his uncle suggests. Before Cade can escape his uncle's presence, he receives word that his father has had a heart attack and he's needed at home.
 
I liked both Cade and Eden. She is intelligent, kind, and can laugh at herself. She is also somewhat insecure in that she always felt like she was on the outside looking in, never belonging. But she has no trouble going after what she wants when given the opportunity. Cade is a good man who knows what he wants and goes after it. He has a reputation with the ladies but never leads anyone on.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Cade and Eden. They have a long history as friends, especially with Eden's penchant for needing rescuing. But on this trip home, something changed. I loved seeing Eden once again stuck in a tree, with Cade coming along just as he's needed. This time, however, Cade sees Eden as more than the girl next door, and his sudden attraction to her freaks him out. I loved seeing Eden ask him out for a drink "to say thank you." His head tells him to say no, but he finds himself saying yes, with no idea what's in store for him. Seeing Eden step outside her comfort zone and put the moves on him was fun.
 
Over the next couple of weeks, they can't keep their hands off each other, but what they have is more than just physical. I loved seeing their connection grow as they spent time together. Several scenes had me laughing out loud. Cade's attention gains Eden the attention and acceptance she wants, but her ability and kindness make the biggest difference. Some terrific scenes of her with people and animals show her true self. Her biggest fear is losing her heart to Cade, which seems inevitable. Cade is shocked by how much he enjoys just spending time with Eden. He's always kept a distance between himself and the women he's with, but he can't do that with Eden. It gets more complicated when she sees past his flirty façade to the hurt and confusion he hides from everyone.
 
When a secret Cade has been keeping from Eden comes out, she feels hurt and betrayed. She thought they'd moved past the damsel in distress needing the big strong man stage. Learning that Cade is questioning his future sends Eden on her own rescue mission. But their lack of honest communication drives them apart, each thinking they know what is best for the other. I loved the epiphany that Eden had and what she did about it. The epilogue was terrific.

Beauty - Robin McKinley (Open Road Pub - Nov 2014)

A strange imprisonment
 
Beauty has never liked her nickname. She is thin and awkward; it is her two sisters who are the beautiful ones. But what she lacks in looks, she can perhaps make up for in courage.
 
When her father comes home with the tale of an enchanted castle in the forest and the terrible promise he had to make to the Beast who lives there, Beauty knows she must go to the castle, a prisoner of her own free will. Her father protests that he will not let her go, but she answers, "Cannot a Beast be tamed?"
 
I love this book.  It is one of my favorites, and I try to reread it every couple of years.  When his business went under, Beauty's father moved his family to the north with his future son-in-law.  The area they moved to is on the edge of a haunted forest.  When Beauty's father must return to the city, he gets lost on the way home and ends up in the forest, which leads him to an enchanted castle.  When he takes a rose to give Beauty, a Beast tells him he must bring one of his daughters to the castle to live with him.  Beauty volunteers to go.  She is afraid at first because the Beast is large, and the castle appears deserted.   She does get the feeling that she is not truly alone.  She finds that the time she spends with the Beast shows her that he is not the terrifying monster she thought he was.  Beauty discovers they have a lot in common and enjoys spending time with him.  After a while, she starts hearing the voices of the enchanted beings in the castle.  When Beauty learns the fate of her sister's fiancé, she asks the Beast to let her go home and tell the news.  He tells her she has a week, but if she is gone longer than that, he will die.
 
I liked how Beauty's family was such a loving family, not the poor little girl abused type of family.   I loved Beauty and her independence.  She seemed very adaptable and handled her time at the castle very well.  I also loved the way that she was able to look past the surface of the Beast and see who he was.  I loved the enchantments in the castle and how real all of it felt. The library was incredibly awesome.  There were some entertaining parts, like the argument between Beauty and the "breezes" over the silver dress was great. The ending was a perfect fairytale. 

Escaping with Her Saxon Enemy - Sarah Rodi (HH #1652 - May 2022)

Series: Rise of the Ivarssons (Book 2)
 
Her tempting enemy
Is a chink in her armor!
 
Viking shield maiden Svea Ivarsson would far rather face Saxon warriors than be on the run with the fiercely captivating Lord Ashford Stanton, protector to the Saxon king. Reaching Ash's family castle, Svea must swap her chain mail for life as a lady. She can wield a sword like an expert, but no training has prepared her for craving the touch of her greatest enemy…
 
Terrific enemies-to-lovers story. Svea is Brand's sister (The Viking's Stolen Princess). She is shown as a fierce warrior equal to any of the men. She plays a large part in the resolution of that story's conflict. But a thread is left hanging when the Saxon king's right-hand man, Lord Ashford Stanton, prevents Svea from killing her enemy. This book picks up immediately after the previous one. Svea attends her brother's wedding and, afterward, makes her feelings about Ash's actions obvious during the feast. The next day, Svea accompanies Ash and the king's party as they leave for home, tasked with guiding them through the marshes. Neither of them expects their group to be ambushed and to be the only ones who escape capture. Now they must work together to effect a rescue.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Ash and Svea. Svea is a fierce warrior, driven by her past traumas, and keeps everyone at a distance, especially men. She is not interested in romance or relationships and is surprised by her attraction to Ash. She sees him only as the enemy, a Saxon who got his position because of his birth and is disturbed by the feelings he stirs in her. At the same time, Ash keeps himself under iron control. He has a secret in his past that makes him fear what could happen if he allows the "monster" inside loose. Svea puzzles him with her warrior's bravado and feminine appearance. He's impressed with her skills but bothered by his attraction to her.
 
During their journey to his family's castle, Ash and Svea discover that they have misjudged each other. They have more in common than either expected, and I liked the tentative beginning of their friendship. Each realized that there are good and bad people on both Saxon and Dane sides. I loved their arrival at Braewood and seeing how they handled the chaos they found there. As their attraction toward each other grew, Svea had to decide if she trusted Ash enough to let down her guard, and Ash had to exercise great control not to rush her. Unfortunately, once they have given in to that attraction, Ash's protective streak overcomes his confidence in Svea's fighting abilities, and he makes a boneheaded move. I ached for Svea and her feelings of betrayal and anger.
 
The final confrontation at the king's stronghold was intense. Both Svea and Ash learn important lessons during that battle. I hurt for Ash, who finally comes to terms with who he is but thinks he is no good for Svea. Meanwhile, Svea is battling her pride and a broken heart. I loved how Brand set her straight and made it possible for her to go after her heart's desire. I loved seeing Ash's reaction to Svea's arrival and seeing their emotional reunion. All that is left is to find out Ash's fate regarding Braewood. The epilogue was fantastic. I can't wait to see what is next from this author.

Her Hometown Man - Shannon Stacey (HSE #2882 - Jan 2022)

Series: Sutton's Place (Book 1)
 
She has many reasons to leave
He's the best reason to stay
 
Summoned home by her mother and sisters, novelist Gwen Sutton has made it clear -- she's not staying. She's returning to her quiet, writerly life as soon as the family brewery is up and running. But when Gwen's lifelong crush, Case Danforth, offers his help, it's clear there's more than just beer brewing! Time is short for Case to convince Gwen that a home with him is where her heart is.
 
Terrific start to the new series. Gwen is a writer who left her small town behind as soon as possible and rarely returned. But with her father's death six months ago, her mother and sisters called her home to help finish the brewery and pub that was his dream. Gwen complies but makes it clear she's returning to her solitary writer's life as soon as possible. She's working on a new book and is running behind on finishing it because of various issues. She never expected her girlhood crush on her sister's ex-boyfriend to be as strong as ever.
 
Case has lived across the street from the Suttons all his life. He owns a tree-cutting service with Lane, his cousin and best friend, and loves his life in Stonefield. Gwen was the quiet sister of his high school girlfriend. He's surprised by his sudden attraction to her and unsure what to do about it.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Case and Gwen. Case has always been a friend to the Suttons and, after David's death, pitched in to help with anything they need. As Lane is also a partner in the fledgling brewery, Case has added incentives to ensure the brewery is successful. He spends much of his free time helping out, which puts him near Gwen. Gwen resists the pull at first with the idea that you don't date your sister's ex. But after a toe-curling kiss with Case and a hilarious conversation with her sister, she gives in. She remains clear that she doesn't plan to stay in Stonefield past the brewery's opening, but Case finds himself hoping to change her mind.
 
I liked Case and Gwen though she did frustrate me at times. Because she's spent so much time away from Stonefield, her relationships with her family have suffered. She's not as close and sometimes comes off as self-centered. However, I felt her grief over her father's death and guilt over missing so much time with him. Part of Gwen's problem with her hometown is her awkward relationship with the townspeople since the publication of her first book and its movie adaptation. Though she and her family regain their closeness as they work together, Gwen remains fixated on her goal of returning to Vermont. Case is an all-around nice guy. He has a big heart which shows in his relationship with the Suttons and with the townspeople. He has an adorable dog named Boomer, who tends to steal the scenes where he appears. Case is ready to settle down and pictures a life with Gwen.
 
As the summer progresses and the brewery comes together, Case and Gwen grow closer. I loved seeing how observant Case is regarding Gwen's moods and the steps he takes to help her through them. He is very good at seeing what she needs and trying to see that she gets it, which creates some delightful scenes between them. But Gwen has some decisions to make when the brewery opening is done. Does she return to her old life or take a chance on staying home? I ached for her and Case as she wrestled with this question. The ending was terrific, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
 
Sutton family dynamics were a large part of this book. Each woman deals with her grief in her own way while helping to bring David's dream to fruition. Gwen has to deal with the family's pressure for her to stay. Mallory, the middle daughter, is a single mother of two who lives with her mother and helps with the family store and the brewery. Evie is the youngest, a rolling stone, who is also the ex-wife of Lane, the brewmaster and co-owner of the brewery. Evie had no idea of that partnership until she came home and was not happy to be blindsided by it. Ellen is the driving force behind the completion of the brewery for many reasons. She is the glue that holds the family together while trying to find a way to make peace with David's death. An emotional scene involving Ellen and some glassware illustrates the scope of her grief.
 
I loved the brewery/pub setting and seeing how everyone worked together to make it happen. Lane is an interesting character, and I look forward to seeing more of him. An emotional scene involving him and some special beers at the brewery opening illustrate the bond between him and David.

From Feuding to Falling - Jules Bennett (HD #2852 - Feb 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Fathers and Sons (Book 4)
 
Falling for his fake fiancée wasn't part of the plan!
 
Securing the fortune owed to the Texas Cattleman's Club is a top priority for its new president, Carson Wentworth. But to get there, he needs to win over rival Lana Langley and unify their feuding families. What better way than through a wedding…or at least a fake engagement? It might even be fun.
 
Lana has her doubts. They've been battling each other so long, how can they make their charade believable for one full month? Perhaps the key is the chemistry raging between them -- which could also be their downfall!
 
Good enemies-to-lovers story combined with a fake engagement. Lana and Carson are among the younger generation of two families that have been feuding for a hundred years, though no one can recall how it started. Each family's members have been raised to hate the other side, though the younger ones are ready to move on. Most recently, the feud has been front and center because Lana and Carson ran against each other for the presidency of the Texas Cattleman's Club. The race is over, with Carson coming out on top, but Lana refuses to melt into the background. The story opens as she approaches Carson with her proposal for a dedicated area for the women of the TCC.
 
Carson has plans for the TCC, and Lana's proposal falls far down the list. Both are stubborn and determined, and neither is willing to give in. The sparks of attraction between them are pretty obvious under the antagonism. When circumstances cause them to visit Carson's great-grandfather, Harmon, together, he mistakes a moment between them for something entirely different. He wants the feud between the families to end and believes what he witnessed is Carson and Lana's precursor to announcing their engagement. With his promise of a large donation to the TCC in celebration, Carson and Lana decide to fake an engagement until the money is safely handed over.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Carson and Lana. They are so much alike that it is no wonder that they constantly butted heads, though neither was willing to admit it. But now that they are working together, they can no longer deny the similarities or the attraction. Their conversational back and forth is fun to watch. Their chemistry is explosive, and giving into it is irresistible. Carson and Lana agree that it's only for the duration of their engagement, and no emotions will be involved (HA!). The more time they spend together, the more it feels right, but the guilty feelings over the deception start to weigh on them. I loved how everyone around them could see they belonged together, but Carson resisted the idea. It takes a conversation with Harmon for Carson to see the light. Lana also has fears that hold her back from admitting her feelings. I liked Carson's big moment at the end and how he helped Lana overcome her fears.
 
Two mysteries have been running through the series. First is the question of who the father of baby Micah is. He is known to be a member of the TCC, but that is all. This mystery is briefly addressed when the DNA results clear one of the members. The other thread has been Harmon Wentworth's search for the identity of his birth mother, which may be linked to the origins of the Wentworth-Langley feud. A journalist has been busily investigating, but the answers come from an unexpected source.

Steeped to Death - Gretchen Rue (Crooked Lane Books - Sept 2022)

Series: Witches' Brew Mystery (Book 1)
 
Phoebe Winchester’s beloved aunt Eudora has a taste for adventure—and a knack for making magical tea. It’s even rumored that she just might be a witch. So when Eudora passes away and leaves everything to her niece—her Victorian mansion, her bookshop/tea store, The Earl’s Study, and one very chubby orange cat named Bob—Phoebe gets more than she bargained for. And she knows she’s in deep when a dead man is found on the shop’s back step, apparently killed while trying to break in.
 
Two suspects immediately emerge among the townspeople of Raven Creek, Washington. There’s village busybody Dierdre Miller, who seems desperate to buy Eudora’s house, and handsome PI Rich, one of Phoebe’s childhood friends—but how well does she really know him after all these years apart?
 
Phoebe knows she should leave it to the professionals, but as she starts to dig into the underbelly of Raven Creek, she begins to uncover the truth about Eudora. What’s more, her aunt might not have been the only witch in the family, as Phoebe soon discovers she has unique and unexpected gifts of her own.
 
Now, it’s just a matter of putting her newfound power to the test and cast a spell that could catch a killer.
 
What a fun book! I don't think I've read a cozy since Annette Blair's Vintage Magic series and Karen Olsen's Tattoo Shop series, but this was a great reintroduction to the genre. This one caught my eye with its combination of bookstore, tea shop, and magic. It is set in a small town in Washington with quirky residents and interesting shops. As the first book in the series, the introduction of the characters, setting, and situations was done smoothly without feeling like the first few chapters were an infodump.
 
Newly divorced Phoebe has just inherited most of her Aunt Eudora's estate, from her home (and cat!) to her thriving business. Phoebe has fond memories of summers spent with her aunt, hanging out in the bookstore, and learning to mix tea varieties. She's not sure how she'll do now that it's hers, but she's looking forward to the new start. I loved Phoebe's memories of her aunt and the adventurous life she led. I enjoyed seeing Phoebe explore her new surroundings and her puzzlement at some of the things she learned. Not the least was the realization that her aunt's reputation as a witch may have been more literal than the New Age hippy variety that Phoebe initially believed.
 
Her first encounters with some of her neighbors set the tone for the book. First up is Dierdre, who claims to be a good friend of Eudora's but was warned against by Eudora herself in a letter to Phoebe. After first trying to suck up to Phoebe and offering to buy the properties, she quickly turns angry and insulting when Phoebe firmly refuses those offers. Dierdre doesn't give up and shows up later, accompanied by a big brute of a man, still trying to bully Phoebe into selling. Phoebe later meets the man renting the apartment above the store in a scene that made me laugh out loud. You can see an immediate connection between them, one that is explained when it turns out he is her old childhood friend, Ricky (now Rich). Some flickers of attraction also bode well as a romantic touch. She also meets Amy, who owns the bakery next door, and becomes an instant friend.
 
Matters become complicated when Phoebe receives a call from the police about a dead body outside the back door of her store. She's disturbed to identify the body as the man who had been with Dierdre and wonders why he'd been behind her store. Does it have something to do with Dierdre's desire to buy the properties? She's determined to do what she can to find out.
 
This is where some of the magic comes in. Phoebe uses some of her aunt's Truth Be Told tea in a batch of scones, hoping that someone will let something slip after eating one. The first taker is Dierdre, of all people, and the next scene is hilarious. Phoebe decides that maybe she'd best hold off on trying anything else until she's more comfortable with what she can do. Other happenings soon convince Phoebe that Eudora wasn't the only witch in the family. The realization is startling, to say the least, and sends Phoebe looking for answers. Her conversation with Honey at the New Age store was eye-opening and stirred up more questions.
 
As Phoebe delves more into Eudora's life,  she becomes more convinced that she is exactly where she's meant to be. But the questions surrounding the murder stir doubts about whether she can trust her judgment. When she discovers Eudora's long-held secret, she has to decide who she can trust. The final confrontation comes quickly after this discovery. I was on the edge of my seat as Phoebe faced the killer. The resolution was intense, with a unique method of foiling the killer's intentions. The book concludes with a sweet scene between Phoebe and Rick and a hopeful feeling for the future.

The Body in the Wall - Rita Herron (HI #2072 - May 2022)

Series: Badge of Courage (Book 2)
 
This place had been her home
Now it was a crime scene
 
The sooner Special Agent Macy Stark can sell her childhood home, the sooner she can escape her small town and shameful past -- until she discovers a body in the wall and her childhood nightmares return. Handsome local Sheriff Stone Lawson joins the cold case to help Macy locate her missing mother and uncover a dark web of secrets about both her parents. But someone's willing to kill to keep the past hidden…for good.
 
Good book with intense suspense. Macy returned to her hometown for a school reunion and to dispose of her childhood home, hoping to put her past behind her once and for all. The book opens as Macy enters her home for the first time in years, determined to clear it out. Her mom clearly let the place go before entering a psychiatric facility for her mental issues. Macy tears through the house like a whirlwind, bagging things for disposal while fighting off the memories of her painful childhood. I ached for Macy as she remembered Lynn's volatility and abusiveness.
 
When Macy was a child, she was forbidden to go into the basement, but now it is one more place to clear out. I could feel her trepidation as she unlocked the door and went down the steps. The author's description was so vivid that I could almost smell the mildew and mustiness. And despite the book title, I nearly jumped out of my skin when Macy saw that bony hand sticking out of the wall. She quickly realizes that her departure will be delayed with the house now a crime scene. Recalling her childhood nightmares, she is also concerned that her mother may be a murderer.
 
As sheriff, Stone is first on the scene when she calls him. He and Macy worked together to solve the mystery in the series' first book, and he respects her abilities as an agent. He is also drawn to her as a person. He is slightly concerned about how she'd handle an investigation that involves her mother. When they arrive at the facility to question Macy's mom, they discover that she has disappeared. Finding her and getting answers becomes a high priority.
 
I was intrigued by the twists and turns of their investigation into past events. From identifying the body to tracking Lynn's activities all those years ago, each new revelation only created more questions. The intensity ramped up when someone knocked Macy out and set fire to the house with Macy in it. Stone's timely arrival saved her life but left her wondering if her mother tried to kill her. As Macy and Stone delved deeper into Lynn's past, an unexpected connection sent them on a new path. The final confrontation had one last twist and a revelation that would alter Macy's relationship with her mother.
 
I liked seeing the development of Macy and Stone's relationship. The sparks were there early, but with Macy due to return to her FBI post and Stone staying in Briar Ridge, neither planned to pursue the attraction. I loved Stone's kindness and compassion as he learned more about Macy's childhood and the protectiveness he couldn't help feeling. Macy is so used to burying her memories and feelings of her childhood that she isn't sure how to handle her reactions to his care. When everything was over, Macy had to decide whether to return to her old life or take a chance that Stone cared about her as much as she did him. I liked the scene with the rocks at the end.

Foothills Field Search - Maggie Wells (HI #2074 - June 2022)

Series: K-9s on Patrol (Book 3)
 
An officer and his K-9
Stand between a mother and her worst nightmare…
 
When two kids are kidnapped from plain sight, Officer Brady Nichols and his intrepid canine, Winnie, spring into action. Single mother Cassie Whitaker thought she'd left big-city peril behind -- until it followed her to Jasper. Brady and his K-9 are on the case, but can they protect Cassie from a stalker who won't take no for an answer?
 
Terrific book that sucked me in from the first page and kept me hooked to the end. I love stories with K-9s and their partners; this series has been excellent. The book opens as Brady and his K-9 partner, Winnie, arrive at the training academy for a celebration. Just as he gets Winnie out of his vehicle, he draws the attention of a little girl named Jilly. She is fascinated by Winnie, who returns the attention. The next moment, Jilly's mother, Cassie, is frantically calling her name. I liked that Cassie and Brady turned the encounter into a teachable moment regarding working dogs without stomping on Jilly's enthusiasm. Brady also meets Jilly's older sister Brook and follows the three into the academy grounds. Brady is intrigued by Cassie but isn't looking for the complications of getting involved. But when the two girls disappear during the fun, Brady and Winnie are front and center of the search.
 
I could feel Cassie's fear, especially when they discovered the girls had left with an unknown man. I could feel Brady and Winnie's determination to find them and their frustration when the trail went cold. I loved Brady's kindness and empathy with Cassie as they worked to figure out who took them. It didn't take long for Cassie to produce the logical suspect. I laughed out loud at her confrontation with Brady the following day as she insisted on going along when the search resumed. The search scenes were intense, and while the girls were found safe, the kidnapper got away.
 
I loved seeing the relationship develop between Brady and Cassie. He feels very protective of the three of them and invites them to stay at his house to keep them safe. Seeing the little girls wiggle their way into his heart and his life was fun. It doesn't take long for him to feel like they are a family and to wonder if it is possible. Cassie is a little warier, having had two disastrous relationships, but it doesn't take long for her to trust Brady. There are some sweet scenes of the two together as they get to know each other. There are a couple of clashes as Brady's protectiveness runs up against Cassie's independence, but they handle them with communication rather than hurt feelings. When everything is over, they must decide if what they feel results from the circumstances or their feelings for each other are real. I loved the ending, especially the two girls' reactions.
 
The suspense was terrific and kept me reading well past my bedtime. Cassie could not shake the man who wouldn't take no for an answer. His mind games were disturbing, but with Brady's help, Cassie could be more mad than scared. As the threats escalated, I could feel their frustration at not being able to find the guy. The final confrontation was intense. Winnie was amazing, and Brady arrived at the perfect time. My favorite part was seeing Cassie tear into her stalker - don't mess with mama bear's cubs!