The Gentleman of Holly Street - Lotte R. James (HH #1694 - Dec 2022)

Series: Gentlemen of Mystery (Book 3)
 
Will this Christmas…
Change their lives again?
 
After self-made gentleman Freddie Walton rescued penniless Philomena Nichols at Christmas eight years ago, he never imagined that he would build his empire with her. Yet whilst they have created a life together as friends, Freddie can't let their special connection become more than that. Not when his dangerous past continues to haunt him… But what happens when Freddie's feelings for Philomena also refuse to stay hidden?
 
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the story of two people who came from nothing and built a successful business together. Freddie was taken in as a youth by a man who educated and mentored him. As the book opens on a cold winter night, Freddie is ready to start his shop of intriguing items from around the world. As he enters his newly acquired building for the first time, he pictures how it will look. When he steps back outside, he encounters an emaciated young woman hiding out in his courtyard. Unable to send her away, he invites her inside for the night for warmth and food, fully intending to send her on her way in the morning. Instead, he asks her to stay, paying forward the help he received.
 
Philomena, or "Mena," never forgot the night Freddie took a chance on her. Over the past eight years, she has worked hard to be worthy of his confidence. Not only does she run his business when he is away, but she has also branched out on a project of her own. I loved seeing Mena's passion for her vision and pride in how it progresses. The only problem is that she has kept it secret from Freddie and doesn't know how to tell him about it.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Mena and Freddie. They are friends, first and foremost, living and working together. Both are survivors, having come through unpleasant pasts to where they are now. However, neither one talks about what they've been through, afraid of what the other would think if they knew. Over the years, Mena has fallen in love with Freddie but believes she is unworthy of him. She plans to leave, clearing the way for the relationship she thinks he deserves.
 
Freddie is oblivious to Mena's feelings. He appreciates their friendship and partnership and always looks forward to his return home after his voyages. However, on this return after his final voyage, he suddenly realizes that Mena means much more to him. He fights against naming these new feelings because he knows nothing about love. He also believes that his past makes him unworthy of love.
 
There are multiple bumps in the road to their happy ending, the greatest of which are their insecurities. While they long for the other's love, they continually try to push the other away. The other big obstacle is Mena's project. She is so proud and happy about its progress and that she has done it on her own using the skills she learned from Freddie. She feels guilty about keeping it from him and wonders the best time to tell him. When Freddie finds out about it on his own, he doesn't react well. I wanted to shake him for his selfish attitude. I could understand being hurt by not knowing about it, but how he lashed out at Mena was uncalled for. I was also frustrated by how Freddie knew he was hurting Mena with some of his actions but did them anyway. It takes Mena stepping in and saving Freddie from his past to finally let go of his insecurities and believe in Mena's love. Meanwhile, Mena gets some advice that helps her past her fears.
 
My biggest problem with the book is that there was an excessive amount of inner monologue. I skipped pages every time Mena or Freddie started in on how unworthy they were. They were frequently repetitive, and I just wanted to get back to the story. I much preferred seeing them interact with each other and their friends and coworkers.

Canyon Kidnapping - Cindi Myers (HI #2110 - Dec 2022)

Series: Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue (Book 2)
 
Can the search for a missing child
Lay the ghosts of their past to rest?
 
Haunted by tragedy, Search and Rescue volunteer Sheri Stevens is determined to help find a missing child she saw moments before she was taken. Erik Lester, lead detective on the case -- and Sheri's ex-husband -- is also dedicated to bringing the little girl home. As reigniting passion forges an even deeper bond between Sheri and Erik, a cold trail suddenly turns red-hot. Will history repeat itself or is this a second chance to vanquish the ghosts of the past?
 
Terrific combination of second-chance romance and emotional suspense. Sheri moved to Eagle Mountain to start over after the death of her daughter and the end of her marriage. As a teacher, Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue Team member, and avid competitive climber, keeping busy helps her deal with her grief. As the book opens, she witnesses the kidnapping of a little girl, though she doesn't know it at the time. While speaking with the sheriff and the parents about what she saw, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation detective appears, looking for the suspected kidnapper. Sheri is shocked to see her ex-husband, Erik.
 
Erik is hot on the trail of an embezzler who jumped bail to avoid his trial. He didn't expect to find his quarry involved in a kidnapping. He's surprised when he arrives in Eagle Mountain and sees Sheri for the first time in two years. He notices the changes in her immediately and is just as drawn to her as he was when they were married.
 
This book hooked me from the first chapter with its complicated suspense and second-chance romance. Because of the tragedy of losing her daughter, Sheri is fully invested in helping to bring young Dawn home. I loved watching her and Erik work together, combining her area knowledge with his detective skills. As they spent time together, their worry about Dawn helped them talk about and work through the issues that ended their marriage. I liked how their rekindling attraction opened their eyes to the love they never lost. However, there is still a little wariness on both their parts until a dangerous situation reminds them that you never know how short your time together might be.
 
The suspense of the story was outstanding. From the moment Dawn disappeared, everyone was intent on finding her as soon as possible. There were twists and turns, from the intentionally wrecked car to their disappearance, leading law enforcement to believe the kidnapper wasn't working alone. I could feel their frustration as time passed, and they still couldn't find her. An unexpected development changed everything and quickly led Erik and the others where they needed to be. The final confrontation was tense and emotional, though in some unexpected ways. I loved how it made Sheri and Erik realize the truth of their feelings and that they were ready to try again.

In the Arms of the Law - Deborah Fletcher Mello (HRS #2208 - Dec 2022)

Series: To Serve and Seduce (Book 5)
 
To get to the truth,
Will he mix business with pleasure?
 
When his brother is accused of murder, attorney Ellington Black vows to prove his innocence, even as he comes up against force-of-nature investigator Angela Stanfield, who suspects there's more to the story. But Ellington needs evidence, so they team up to find out the truth. Working with this irresistible woman is more than challenging…and it might just land Ellington high on a killer's hit list. 
 
Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The intensity and urgency are apparent as defense attorney Ellington is called to the home of his brother Parker. Parker, a Chicago police officer, is accused of murdering his partner and lover, DA Jonathan Wyler. The scene there is intense, with Parker devastated and in shock, the violence of the murder, and the attitudes of the responding officers.  Ellington is determined to prove Parker's innocence.
 
Because Parker is part of the Chicago police department, headed by Jerome Black, Parker and Ellington's father, the mayor assigns a special investigator to the case. Angela is a take-no-prisoners kind of investigator. She is unbiased, intelligent, and doesn't suffer fools gladly.
 
The book was a terrific mixture of suspense and romance. Ellington and Angela connected the first time they met and quickly realized that both wanted to find the truth. Thanks to Angela's attention to detail, I enjoyed the deeper-than-usual look at the investigative process. I loved that she was suspicious of the accusation from the beginning, and watching her tear a strip off the lead detective in the case was a pleasure to see. The realization that something is fishy is reinforced when the mayor turns around and fires Angela when she refuses to go along with his preferred scenario. Determined to see the truth exposed, Angela joins Ellington, and they combine forces on their investigation.
 
The story intensified with each new piece of information they uncovered. There is evidence of corruption and cover-ups; the closer they get to the truth, the more danger they are in. They also discover that there is a personal element to the setup that comes as a shock to everyone. I loved seeing the unquestioning support of all family members for Parker. Their brother Mingus, the private investigator, plays a significant role in uncovering vital information. When the person behind it all makes his move, Ellington's mother and Angela are in extreme danger. The twists and turns of the resolution had me glued to the pages until it was all over. The stunning end was not what I expected, and it will be interesting to see its long-term effects in the next book.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ellington and Angela. They are alike in their pursuit of the truth, and working together allows them to get to know each other. I like how well they connected and how easily they talked about anything. Their attraction is evident from the start and continues to grow throughout the book. I liked that neither one fought their feelings and that they were able to express them. I also loved that Angela had such a realistic view of what it takes to have a good relationship. I have no that she and Ellington will stay together, but she is determined to take it slowly enough to be sure. Her conversation with Ellington at the end was great.
 
I loved seeing more of Ellington's family. The relationship between his parents is an excellent example for the entire family. The teasing and snarkiness among the siblings were hilarious to watch, but it all stops when it comes to supporting a brother or sister in trouble. I can't wait to see what is in store for sister Vaughan.

A Valentine for Christmas - Reese Ryan (HD #2913 - Dec 2022)

Series: Valentine Vineyards (Book 1)
 
A red-hot romance between a career-focused woman and a determined younger man? Doctor's orders!
 
Dr. Julian Brandon is too charming, too sexy and too young for Chandra Valentine. But after the successful bachelor rescues her -- twice -- she owes him. Still reeling from life-changing family revelations, Chandra somehow agrees to pose as Julian's girlfriend. And now the irresistible Julian has plans that start with seduction under the mistletoe and end with their fake relationship erupting into a scorching affair. Now Chandra's questioning everything she believed about love…
 
Good story about love and family. Chandra is the oldest of the six Valentine siblings, intently focused on her career in San Diego. When her father calls a family meeting in the small town of Magnolia Lake, Tennessee, the request is odd enough that she drops everything to go. Chandra is a nervous flyer in small planes, and the last leg of the trip is on a very small plane. A fellow passenger, "JB," provides the distraction she needs to make it through the flight.
 
JB, Julian Brandon, is headed home to Magnolia Lake to keep a promise. Years earlier, local billionaire, Joe Abbott promised to pay for Julian's schooling if he committed to spending four years as the town's doctor when he finished. Julian dreads his return thanks to unhappy memories attached to his hometown.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Chandra and Julian. They connected quickly on the flight to Magnolia Lake. Julian's calm demeanor and easy conversation soothed her fears. The sparks of attraction were there, but neither expected to see the other again. Fate intervened when Julian came to her rescue after she drove off the road. Their third encounter was an eye-opener for Chandra when she discovered that her sexy rescuer was none other than the town's young new doctor. I had to laugh at this meeting. Chandra is aghast that she's attracted to a man years younger than she is, while Julian is thrilled to have the opportunity to see her again. Very conscious of the age difference, Chandra shoots down his invitation for a date.
 
However, that isn't the end. Chandra soon has the chance to repay Julian's kindness by helping him. Poor Julian has become the quarry of nearly every single woman in town. During a party given by the Abbots, and at the instigation of her sister Naya, Chandra rescues Julian from his pursuers by implying they are a couple. Julian jumps on the idea as a way to spend more time with Chandra and show him as more settled to the people in town. As Julian finds every opportunity possible to be with Chandra, the sparks between them continue to grow. She is willing to enjoy the attraction but, with her looming return to California, has no interest in a relationship. Julian hopes to change her mind.
 
A change in circumstances at her job in California motivates Chandra to take a hard look at her plans for the future. I loved how Chandra stood up for herself and didn't allow them to take advantage of her. Her return to Magnolia Lake allowed her to explore the feelings she was just beginning to admit. An unexpected complication pushes them closer together, while Chandra's fears have her resisting the truth. Meanwhile, Julian must face his past before he can move forward into the future he wants with Chandra.  The scene at the poker game was a hoot, and I loved Julian's big moment. The epilogue was terrific, and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
 
The overarching theme of the series is the establishment of the Valentine Vineyards. Stunning family revelations redirect patriarch Abbott Valentine's interests and passions in a new direction. His actions shock his children even as he indicates his desire for their involvement in the new enterprise. It was interesting to see their reactions, good and bad, and how they handled the news. I can't wait to follow the progress.

A Second Chance in Valentine Valley - Emma Cane (Oliver Heber Books - Nov 2022)

Series: Valentine Valley (Book 6.6)
 
Steph Brissette is inching back to life after losing her high school sweetheart husband in a tragic accident. Between her family, her work at the Sugar and Spice Bakery, and helping the Valentine Valley widows save an historic schoolhouse, her days are full. It's only in her dreams that she revisits the accident - one that she can't quite convince herself was not her fault. That is, until Jeremy Chen comes back to town.
 
Jeremy left Valentine for medical school and has now returned to take his place as the town's new doctor. He first knew Steph as the bratty little sister of his best friend. Then, in one heartbreaking moment, she became the woman he saved - and the widow of the man he couldn't help. Still searching for his new place in town, Jeremy now sees Steph as a desirable woman. But can she ever look at him without seeing everything she lost? The only certainty is that in a town called Valentine, love is always worth a second chance.
 
This was a short and sweet second chance story. Steph is a young widow who lost her husband in a terrible skiing accident. Her recovery from the loss has been slow, as she believes the accident was her fault. She stays busy by working at the bakery she co-owns with her sister and helping the local widows' group raise the funds to save an historic schoolhouse. She's not looking for a new relationship; she believes she's had her one shot at love.
 
Jeremy grew up in Valentine Valley and returned after he finished medical school to replace the retiring town doctor. He remembers Steph - first as his best friend's bratty little sister, then as the widow of the man he was too late to save during an avalanche.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Steph and Jeremy. He's noticed her more as a woman in the last few months, to the point where he refuses to accept her as a patient. He'd rather date her than doctor her but his own guilty feelings keep him from pushing the issue. Fortunately for them, the local widows' group also has matchmaking tendencies. They push Steph and Jeremy into working together to solve a mystery involving the town's historic schoolhouse. As they spend time together, each shares their memories of that terrible day, clearing the way for healing to begin.
 
I loved following their search for the schoolhouse's past. Along the way they discover that Jeremy's family has a connection to the schoolhouse. They uncover a secret that piques their interest. If it is true, it could mean a big change for the town. I loved what they found, what they did with it, and the stunning surprise that awaited them. The ending was sweet and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books. 

 

Once Upon a Royal Christmas - Teri Wilson (Hallmark - Nov 2022)

She pretends to be a princess at children’s parties.
 
But can she melt a real prince’s frosty heart?
 
“I’m Prince Nicolas of San Glacera. Oh, you’ve never heard of us? Well, you’re not the only one. Our country relies on winter tourism, but we’re attracting fewer and fewer visitors. I admit it’s a problem. I don’t think the solution is an American who likes to dress up.
 
You see, while I was away on a trip to honor our military, the palace talked my family into holding a contest. The winner gets to play a character in our annual Ice Village festivities and accompany our royal family to holiday events.
 
And did they at least choose an accomplished actor? Hardly. Gracie Clark runs a children’s party business and performs as—I kid you not—‘Princess Snowflake.’
 
Of course, I do respect the fact that she volunteers at children’s hospitals. I suppose to some, she might have a certain charm... But the whole cheap spectacle is beneath our dignity.
 
I’m not going to shirk my duty to my kingdom. I’ll go to every event with her. At least, once Christmas is over, she’ll be gone…”
 
This was a fun, festive, and heartwarming Christmas story. Gracie runs a business where she and others dress up as princesses for children's parties and hospital visits. She is anxious to expand her business and give her employees the benefits she feels they deserve. Unfortunately, getting a bank loan has proved to be impossible. So her cousin and business partner, Clara, enters her into a contest with the royal family of San Glacera. The winner gets $30,000 and spends a week with the royal family during their Christmas festival. Gracie has no confidence that she will win and is stunned when she does.
 
Meanwhile, in San Glacera, Prince Nicolas is not happy that they will be entertaining "Princess Snowflake." He agrees that their winter tourism needs help but thinks Gracie is not the way to do it. Nick has the reputation of being a grump, thanks to an old girlfriend, and has done nothing to disabuse people of it. His initial impression is that of a humorless stick-in-the-mud, and only his sister Emilie can get past it.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Nick and Gracie develop. Neither knows who the other is when they first meet, and they hit it off. I loved seeing Nick show Gracie around the Christmas Village and how he saw things through her eyes. The blinders come off later that evening, and Nick behaves like a complete jerk. Each is furious as their preconceived ideas about each other appear to be correct. But a commitment is a commitment, and both agree to follow the program set out for them. For the first event or two, Nick and Gracie are stiff and uncomfortable together. Then Nick realizes that his people have taken her to their hearts, and he starts to see the warm-hearted woman beneath the over-the-top princess dress and tiara. Gracie soon sees that Nick's icy exterior hides a soft heart and deep love for his country and its people.
 
I enjoyed every event that Nick and Gracie did together. Each one was described so vividly that I felt as though I was there with them. Nick warmed my heart with the candy cane scene and won it entirely with their time at the animal shelter. Gracie made me laugh out loud during the snowball fight, and I loved how she helped Nick lighten up and learn to have fun. They also worked together to help the visiting princess with her puppy problem. All the time they spent together getting to know each other contributed to the feelings growing between them. But Nick is an actual prince, and Gracie is a pretend princess, and both are wary of expressing those feelings.
 
I ached for Nick because he was so caught up in his responsibilities as a prince that he'd forgotten how to live until he met Gracie. It takes a kick in the pants from his dad and his sister to make him realize what he has to lose. Gracie believes there is no way for them to be together and is ready to take her broken heart home. I loved the surprise he arranged for her and how it made her feel. The biggest event of her time in San Glacera is on Christmas Eve, and she is very nervous about it. I loved how her time with Nick gave her the confidence to overcome those nerves. I loved that scene and seeing Nick pull off the biggest surprise of all. The epilogue was the perfect wrap-up.

The Sandcastle Hurricane - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Nov 2022)

Family, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown's inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.
 
Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change. Running their aunt's beachfront bed-and-breakfast in Sandcastle, Texas, is just the thing to shake things up…though their lives spin out of control in more ways than one when a hurricane barrels into the coastline. It's a miracle it didn't carry them off to Kansas. Not so lucky are the assisted-living center and a small eclectic group of local folks who take shelter with the cousins.
 
Two estranged sisters, rowdy as a circus, need a referee for a battle that goes back decades. And a pair of veterans, best friends for years, hash out bittersweet old times. There's also handyman Alex LaSalle and his business partner, Ricky, experts at repairing the hurricane's damage -- and at making Tabby's and Ellie Mae's hearts beat a little faster.
 
As unpredictable, crowded, and stormy as it gets, the Sandcastle B and B is still the perfect harbor for healing past wounds, finding romance, and making up for lost time. Add in Tabby's homemade pecan pie, and the Texas shore feels like a little slice of paradise.
 
A heartwarming story of family, friendship, and love that brings together a diverse group of people, young and old. Tabby and Ellie Mae are cousins who are more like sisters. As children, they spent summers with their Aunt Charlotte in Sandcastle, Texas. Both women experience grief and loss and are at crossroads in their lives because of it. In serendipitous timing, Aunt Charlotte decides to retire from running her B & B and move to Colorado, leaving Tabby and Ellie Mae to run the business.
 
They've only been there a few weeks when Hurricane Delilah sets her sights on Sandcastle. The book opens as the women make preparations for the storm. Aunt Charlotte calls to tell them she's sending help in the form of handyman Alex LaSalle, who will stay at the house and take care of the generator and repairs. She also tells them that he will bring four local assisted living center residents with nowhere else to go. The hope is that they will be able to return to the center after the storm, but the reality becomes quite different.
 
The four oldsters are Chloe, Maude, Frank, and Homer. Chloe is a woman who has lived life on her terms. She ran off and joined a carnival as a teenager, met and married her husband there, and ended up owning the whole shebang. She is fun and full of life and loves pushing the buttons of a fellow resident, Maude. Maude is an uptight and bitter woman who can't seem to find a nice thing to say about anyone, especially Chloe. It isn't until halfway through the book that we learn of the connection between the two and what has caused their enmity. Frank and Homer are childhood friends and veterans who went to Vietnam together, then built a business together after their return. They are kind-hearted, reasonable men who provide a sense of calm around their more volatile friends.
 
Alex is a longtime friend of Aunt Charlotte's who has helped her during previous storms. He also has a history with Tabby, with whom he shared a first kiss when they were teenagers. Alex is an all-around nice guy who fits in well with the rest of the crowd. He is also an excellent cook and shares kitchen duties with Tabby. They are initially wary around each other, but it doesn't take long for their old friendship to reassert itself. It is quickly apparent that Alex has feelings for Tabby, but she's still struggling with the death of her daughter.
 
Ellie Mae struggles with the recent loss of her best friend, Sam. Despite their different sexes and races, they had been best friends and roommates for many years. Having the B & B gave Ellie Mae a purpose to keep her from wallowing in her grief. I liked watching her throw herself into the repair work after the storm, keeping her mind and hands busy. When Alex brings in his friend Ricky to help with the work, Ellie Mae finds a gentle and sympathetic listener for her Sam stories. I liked watching her grief ease as she got to know Ricky.
 
The story is full of laughs and tears as these eight people (plus a stray dog, a mama cat, and her kittens) learn to coexist and cooperate to meet a common goal. There are stories and secrets shared over pie and glasses of sweet tea, advice given and taken along with milk and cookies, and a family forged over shared meals and work. I loved the contrast between the forged family and the blood family. Tabby and Ellie Mae come from families whose members are more interested in appearances than genuine caring. When those families descended on the B & B for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, they got more than they bargained for. I laughed out loud as I watched Tabby and Ellie Mae turn the tables on their obnoxious families and send them running for cover.
 
With the assisted living center destroyed, our four seniors propose paying Tabby and Ellie Mae to live at the B & B permanently. Several twists led to a change in plans, and I loved watching their vision come to fruition. I loved seeing the changes in everyone by the end of the book. The epilogue was excellent, and I enjoyed seeing the results of their hard work, physically and emotionally.

Counterfeit Courtship - Sinithia Williams (HSE #2952 - Dec 2022)

Series: Heart & Soul (Book 3)
 
Their romance has an expiration date.
 
When a kiss at a reality TV wedding is caught on camera, there's only one way to save his reputation and her career. Now paranormal promoter Tyrone Livingston and makeup artist Kiera Fox are officially dating. But their fake romance can't go on forever. Is Tyrone the "love 'em and leave 'em" player portrayed by the media? Or can a relationship with an agreed-upon end date turn into a real and lasting love?
 
Good conclusion to the series. Tyrone is the youngest Livingston brother and the one who was most interested in taking their ghost hunters show to the next level. He is outgoing and charming and has quite a reputation as a ladies' man. Because a family-oriented channel picked up their show, Tyrone has been careful to dial back his activities. When an impulsive kiss with makeup artist Kiera is caught on camera, Tyrone has to think fast or watch his career crash and burn. He quickly claims that they are dating.
 
Kiera is a makeup artist who has earned a reputation for quality work. She'd like to add a few more clients to her portfolio to increase her income and prove to her family that she can earn a good living doing what she loves. The last thing she needs is a scandal involving the notorious Tyrone.
 
I enjoyed watching this relationship develop. Both Tyrone and Kiera have some confidence issues dating from their teen years. Tyrone battles his feelings of being the "screw-up" little brother who created problems for his oldest brother and his need for Dion's approval. Kiera was a bullying victim, leaving her with the need to use makeup as armor against those who looked down on her. When Tyrone came up with the idea of the fake relationship, he pitched it to Kiera as being good for both of their careers. Tyrone kept the show from being canceled, and Kiera was hired to do the brothers' makeup. Neither expected the show's producer to make their relationship, and those of his brothers, part of the show.
 
In the beginning, neither is interested in a real relationship. Tyrone isn't ready to settle down, and a cheating boyfriend recently burned Kiera. But as they get to know each other, they realize they also like each other. I liked seeing Tyrone's surprise as he discovered that other women no longer caught his attention. It freaks him out initially, but he starts thinking about making their relationship real. Kiera is a harder nut to crack. She fights her growing feelings for Tyrone, unable to make herself believe she is enough to keep his attention from eventually wandering. I ached for them both when Kiera turned down his suggestion that they keep going. With Tyrone's reluctance to commit and Kiera's fears, both had some self-evaluation and growing to do. I loved that Tyrone gave Kiera the space she needed, though it took a kick in the pants from his brothers to boot him out of his self-pity. Meanwhile, Kiera had an enlightening conversation with her mom that helped put her fears to rest. I loved the ending with a fun reconciliation scene.
 
Throughout the series, I enjoyed the brothers' ghost-hunting experiences. Each showed their sensitivity to the homeowners and the subjects doing the hauntings. This book had an especially disturbing haunting that left the brothers shaken. I liked how their significant others were attuned to the effects on their men and took steps to help them. I would have liked an epilogue to show them a few months or years in the future.

Mistletoe and Magic for the Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett (Boldwood Books - Oct 2022)

Series: Cornish Midwives (Book 6)
 
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
 
But for single mum and busy midwife Nadia, it’s quickly turning into her worst Christmas ever.
 
Her marriage is over, and whilst her husband has moved on, Nadia finds herself back home, squashed into her mum’s spare room with her two small children. They might not be a perfect family anymore, but Nadia is determined to make this Christmas special for them.
 
Dr. Hamish Spencer totally understands Nadia’s pain. As a fellow single parent, he’s struggling to cope with a rebellious teen daughter and a precocious six-year-old! Perhaps if he and Nadia join forces, they could make this Christmas slightly more memorable for everyone?
 
The last thing Nadia wants is a new man in her life, but she’d definitely like lovely Hamish as a friend. But Christmas has a way of melting the hardest of hearts and maybe a kiss under the mistletoe could change everything?
 
Good book. This was my first experience with the Cornish Midwives series, and though I haven't read the others, this book can easily be read as a standalone. This isn't just a romance; it is also a peek into the lives of a group of midwives and their patients. It is heartwarming, funny, sad, and uplifting all in one story. The main characters are Nadia, a midwife who has recently returned to Cornwall, her mother, Frankie, a midwife trainee, and Dr. Hamish Spencer, a widower.
 
Nadia brought her two children home to Cornwall from New Zealand after the end of her marriage. She and the two kids, Remi and Mo, currently share her mom's two-bedroom apartment above a bakery. Her ex is more interested in his new girlfriend than maintaining contact with or supporting his children, but Nadia is determined to give them the best Christmas possible. The last thing she is interested in is a new relationship, but it is hard to deny the sparks between her and the new doctor.
 
Hamish is a widower with a teenage daughter, Saffron, and a six-year-old daughter, Daisy. He is still grieving the loss of his wife six years earlier and feeling guilty over aspects of her death. His girls are the center of his life, and he has no plans to add a relationship to the mix, which is just fine with his vehemently protective teenager.
 
Meanwhile, Frankie is concentrating on her studies and enjoying a special friendship with Gus. Unfortunately for her, her tradition-minded mother and her son are vocal in their disapproval. She has to decide whether to stand up for her wishes or cave into their judgment. Gus is a sweetheart and so supportive of her. I loved his patience with her fears. There were some times when I wanted to shake Frankie and encourage her to tell mom and Hari to butt out, it's her life. I was happy that she had Nadia's full support. I liked seeing Frankie finally put herself first.
 
I loved seeing the relationship between Nadia and Hamish develop. The sparks between them are evident from the start, but both are wary of relationships. With their daughters Remi and Daisy being best friends and work situations happening, they find themselves frequently thrown together. An agreement to be friends takes the pressure off but doesn't reduce the attraction they feel. There are some terrific scenes of them together, from events with the girls to time alone. Some made me laugh, and others made me ache, but it was clear that their feelings grew stronger. There are ups and downs as each suffers doubts, and interference from Nadia's ex and Hamish's daughter complicate matters further. It wasn't easy, but they eventually found their way to a future together.
 
Daisy and Remi aren't the only things that push Nadia and Hamish together. Nadia has a patient, Ginny, whose situation entails a difficult choice. Hamish plays a significant role in providing the information and support she needs. I loved seeing Hamish and Nadia come together to help her. Some of the scenes are heartwrenching, while others are full of hope and optimism.
 
I enjoyed getting to know the other midwives in the group. Though their stories may have been told in earlier books, enough information was given that I never felt lost. It does motivate me to put those books on my want-to-read list. My favorite was Gwen, the older woman with no filter when talking. She is also an avid dancer and competitor; those scenes were a lot of fun.

Dragonflight - Anne McCaffrey (Ballantine - July 1968)

Series: Dragonriders of Pern (Book 1)
 
On a beautiful world called Pern, an ancient way of life is about to come under attack from a myth that is all too real. Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a strong young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. But when an ancient threat to Pern reemerges, Lessa will rise—upon the back of a great dragon with whom she shares a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Together, dragon and rider will fly . . . and Pern will be changed forever.
 
I was introduced to this series by a friend in high school (the late 70s) and have been a huge fan ever since. I have read the early books several times and was long overdue for a reread when I picked it up again. It didn't take long for me to become immersed in the world of Pern once more. I've read several reviews that complain about behaviors and attitudes, but I look at it through the eyes of when it was written (1968).
 
People from Earth colonized the world of Pern, but over the years, Earth forgot about them. The early colonists had modern technology to help them settle into their new world. This technology became vital when the planet was attacked by organisms the settlers called "Thread." The bioengineers bred fighting beasts called dragons, creatures with strong telepathic links with their riders. Over the centuries, the dragons protected the planet and its inhabitants from the every two-hundred-years incursions. Also, modern technology broke down over the years, and life on Pern began to resemble a feudal society. I loved the descriptions of life on Pern, both in the Weyr and the holds. The small details of daily living and the larger ones of significant events make the world real and believable.
 
As this book opens, it has been four hundred years since the last attack of Thread. Many believe there will be no more Thread and resent the requirement to support the dragonriders. The current leadership, R'gul, at the only surviving weyr, Benden, believes it is best to make as few demands as possible, keeping the dragonriders out of the public eye. He, too, believes that there is no more Thread. A younger dragonrider, F'lar, is confident that R'gul is wrong and that a new attack is imminent. With a new queen egg about to hatch, F'lar is one of several bronze dragon riders who goes on Search for candidates for the new queen. This eventually brings him to Ruatha Hold and Lessa.
 
Lessa is the only surviving member of the family who held Ruatha. Ten years earlier, a neighboring Holder invaded and murdered her entire family. Lessa, age eleven, barely escaped and has been living disguised as a drudge, waiting for her chance at revenge. Lessa is clever, intelligent, and occasionally ruthless in her methods. F'lar's arrival sets in motion a series of events that will change her life forever. Even though I know how it turns out, I am caught up in the intensity every time I read the book. F'lar's belief that Lessa is exactly what Pern needs is convincing.
 
I felt for Lessa as she was swept from the only home she knew to the strangeness of the Weyr. She knew nothing of what was happening, and F'lar refused to explain more than the barest details. When it came time to Impress the new queen, I loved seeing Lessa stand back, observe for a bit, and learn from others' mistakes. When she acts, she does so decisively, and her Impression of Ramoth is described in emotional detail. Here we get the first inkling of the depth of the connection between dragon and rider. But this is only the beginning. As the new Weyrwoman, Lessa must now undergo intense training. A naturally impatient person, she is frustrated by the pedantic instruction provided by R'gul. As convinced as F'lar about the coming Thread, she doesn't understand why he doesn't do anything about the issue because, once again, no one tells her anything of importance. In her frustration and ignorance, Lessa makes some choices that could have ended badly but for a fortunately timed mating flight.
 
Said mating flight changes everything. The description of the flight is vivid and intense. I loved seeing it through the eyes of the linked Lessa and Ramoth, which gave it extra depth. F'lar's Mnementh became the queen's mate, which caused a change in leadership for the Weyr. I loved watching F'lar take charge and shake things up. He is the firm leader that the Weyr and Pern need, but even he can't magically fix the neglect of decades. I loved watching him gather together the brilliant minds of the time to collaborate on ways to protect the planet. One of my favorite scenes involves Masterharper Robinton and his eloquent smackdown of the skeptics and vocal support of F'lar.
 
I could feel F'lar's desperation as he worked to prepare for Thread's arrival. The clock is ticking, and he has only a few dragons to use instead of the necessary hundreds. The first encounter with Thread is both terrifying and exhilarating. I felt his pain at the subsequent consequences and despair that they won't prevail. At the same time, Lessa comes into her strength as Weywoman, her early life allowing her to see what must be done. Her belief in the fate of the five missing Weyrs led to a stunning solution. I loved this section with F'lar's fear for Lessa, his hope for her survival, and his reaction to her return. I loved F'lar's surprise for her, and R'gul's reaction was very satisfying.
 
The relationship between F'lar and Lessa is challenging to describe. At times it feels almost Pygmalion-like as F'lar molds Lessa into his concept of a Weyrwoman. He admires her intelligence, resilience, and determination but is frequently frustrated by her impulsiveness. He tends to be domineering at times which aggravates her stubbornness. Lessa is frequently torn in her feelings for F'lar. She is attracted but wary, a feeling reinforced by the mating flight's results. There are times when she seems to antagonize him deliberately. She also respects his belief in the traditions that herald the imminent arrival of Thread and supports his efforts to bring the Weyr and Holders into line. Though they never overtly state their feelings, by the end of the book, it is clear that they do love each other.

 

Christmas Ransom - B.J. Daniels (HI #2109 - Dec 2022)

Series: Colt Brothers Investigations (Book 3)
 
Could a second chance at forever become a ransom demand?
 
Former rodeo star Davy Colt traded his competition spurs for a PI license. But even after years away, he never stopped loving hometown sweetheart Carla Richmond. A robbery and hostage situation at the Lonesome bank leaves the loan officer injured and shattered. With the escaped culprit still at large, Davy will ransom his heart to the hilt to avert a deadly Christmas for Carla and their long-overdue reunion.
 
Good book, but let me start by correcting some things from the synopsis. Davy is NOT a former rodeo star. When the book opens, he has come home to spend the holidays with his brothers before returning to the rodeo circuit. Nor has he gotten a PI license. It is correct that he never stopped loving his high school sweetheart, Carla.
 
Ten years earlier, after graduation, Davy told Carla he was going on the rodeo circuit rather than going to college with her. He wanted her to marry him and come along. But Carla didn't want to give up her dreams either and gave Davy an ultimatum: her or the rodeo. Both were broken-hearted but went their separate ways. After college, Carla returned to Lonesome to take care of her mother and took a job at the local bank. After her mother's death, Carla stayed on, choosing her career and stability.
 
Fast forward to the present day. Carla has never forgotten Davy and her feelings for him. She sometimes wonders what would have happened if she'd gone with him. When she runs into one of his brothers, she asks about Davy, which gets back to him. This motivates him to pay her a visit at the bank, hoping they may try again. Unfortunately for Davy, the meeting doesn't go well, as Carla is still entrenched in place, and he is still a rodeo cowboy. It looks like history repeats itself, as neither one seems interested in compromising. That changes when Carla is injured during a bank robbery, and Davy is determined to protect her.
 
The story's suspense is a little different than usual, as we know who the bad guys are from the beginning. The villain's motivation is clear, as well as how desperation leads to stupid decisions. The villain's psychotic girlfriend complicates matters. Carla sees something during the bank robbery that puts a target on her back, and Davy is determined to keep her safe. Carla is at a disadvantage because the FBI agents investigating the case believe it was an inside job and fixate on Carla as their prime suspect. Despite the information she provides the agents, they seem uninterested in pursuing any other line of investigation.
 
While Davy's PI brothers go to work looking into the information Carla knows, Davy and Carla set out to do some investigating of their own. The villain's girlfriend is incredibly determined to stop Carla permanently, and the number and intensity of the attacks on Carla escalate throughout the book. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that kept me glued to the pages until it was over. I admit that I would like to have seen the FBI agents with egg on their faces over their incompetence, but they seem to get off easy.
 
I liked seeing the rekindling of Carla and Davy's relationship. Davy freely admits to his brothers that he never stopped loving Carla. Unfortunately, Carla fights her feelings from the start. She feels guilty about how she treated him back in the day but is still convinced there is no future for them. Davy won my heart with his tender and determined care for her, while I wanted to shake Carla for being so stubborn. But when it was time for Davy to return to the rodeo, Carla had a decision to make. Does she go with Davy or play it safe? For Davy, is it time to quit the rodeo or stick it out a few more years? Each battles pride and heart before realizing that love is the most important thing they have.
 
The series mystery involves getting to the truth behind their father's death. They suspect a cover-up by the former sheriff but have no proof. Very little was addressed in this book. The final brother, Willie, joins the sheriff's department at the end here, putting him in a position to investigate further. 

 

Code Name: Outlaw - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Nov 2022)

Series: Zodiac Tactical (Book 5)
            LinearTactical (Book 15)
 
Months trapped in the clutches of a madman made Jenna Franklin a shell of the woman she once was. All she can do now is use her computer genius from inside the safety of closed doors.
 
Even two years later, going outside = blood-freezing panic.
 
She’s made herself a haven in the only place she’s felt safe since her captivity: Oak Creek, Wyoming—home of her Linear Tactical friends. They don’t realize the extent of her emotional trauma, but at least she knows she can trust them.
 
Only one person knows the truth about the fragile mental state she’s hiding: Zodiac agent, Mark Outlawson—code name: Outlaw.
 
He’s witnessed her panic firsthand. Knows what it does to her.
 
When info on a human trafficking group—one connected to her own captivity—comes to light, it’s clear only Jenna’s expertise can stop them. Mark will have to prove Jenna can trust him—to keep her secrets, to protect her, to help fight her demons.
 
He’ll prove this outlaw is a hero.
 
Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down - not unusual for a Janie Crouch book! Code Name: Outlaw is a crossover story between the Linear and Zodiac Tactical books. Mark Outlawson, code name Outlaw, works for Zodiac Tactical and helps the team at Linear Tactical when needed. Almost two years earlier, he had participated in taking down a human trafficking ring, which is where he met Jenna Franklin. He has never forgotten her.
 
Jenna is a brilliant bioengineer and computer genius. She was kidnapped, tortured, and forced to create a method of chemical subjugation and gene editing. Since her rescue, she has suffered from debilitating PTSD and agoraphobia to the point where she can't leave her home. Even her Linear Tactical friends in Oak Creek don't know the extent of her suffering as she never talks about it. Jenna feels her condition is worsening after her fears were brutally used against her. She has begun to question her sanity.
 
The story begins when the FBI sends one of its agents to Oak Creek to request help from Linear Tactical and Jenna. A new human trafficking ring is using Jenna's methods in a new and deadly way, and they need Jenna's help to stop them. I loved this scene, as the LT team doesn't care for this agent and gives him an especially "warm" welcome. Dorian and Ray made me laugh out loud with their pointed attention. I ached for Jenna as she forced herself out of her safe haven to the Eagle's Nest to deal with the issue.  As terrified as she is to get involved, Jenna knows she has to help, or she won't be able to live with herself.
 
Over the past year and a half, Mark has become friends with Jenna. He understands her fears after seeing her condition when she was rescued. Over time, his feelings for her have deepened, but he knows she isn't ready to hear it. When he learns what is required of her, Mark is determined to give her all the support she needs. I loved seeing the depth of his caring as he took extraordinary steps to help Jenna with her fears. Using a mobile lab and command center provided by Mark's boss at Zodiac Tactical, Mark and Jenna race against time to unravel the clues, stop the deaths, and prevent a terrorist plot.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Jenna and Mark. His love for Jenna is evident from the get-go, and his patience and understanding won my heart. Jenna realizes that her feelings for Mark are deeper than friendship but believes that Mark would grow to resent the severity of her agoraphobia. I loved watching him chip away at her fears with his understanding. Mark also has his demons to fight, ones that mean the end of the life he has now. We see his fears and frustrations as he struggles to keep his problems from impacting their mission. When everything was over, I loved how Mark's vision helped Jenna see the possibilities of a future together. The two epilogues were fantastic, and I loved the look at their future happiness.
 
The suspense of the story was intense from start to finish. From the moment that FBI agent Callum Webb shows up in Oak Creek, we get a roller coaster of emotions as Jenna struggles to find the formula to stop the deaths. She and Mark crisscross the country looking for the clues that will put her on the right track. Right on their heels are those who want to stop her from finding the antidote and force her to complete the project to their satisfaction. The twists and turns kept me glued to the pages through the final confrontation. I felt Jenna's terror when they were captured; she had to choose between helping the bad guys and seeing them kill Mark. I loved her ingenuity in finding the perfect solution. There were some scarily intense moments before it was all over, but it was all worth it.
 
While the Linear Tactical series has now come to its official end, I expect we will continue to see various characters in other books. The LT and ZT teams are such good friends (and being intermarried) that it would be hard to separate the two completely. I'd also like to see Callum get his own story. 

 

The Captain's Christmas Homecoming - Lauri Robinson (HH #1688 - Nov 2022)

Can real life compare…
To the love in their letters?
 
When Emma first used a pseudonym to write to Captain George Weston on the front line, it was because she felt responsible for his broken engagement. Yet his letters became a light in the darkest hours, and she shared more of her desires than she ever dared before, never imagining they'd actually meet. Now that he's home for Christmas, she longs to see him, but that means revealing who she really is…
 
I loved this sweet holiday story set immediately after World War One. It was a nice change of scenery from the Regency and Victorian historicals more frequently published. The author did a terrific job of setting the scene, pulling me into a period I'm not as familiar with. I liked the attention to detail, such as the mentions of the pandemic and its effects, and little things, such as popular Christmas gifts of the time.
 
The story opens as George is about to arrive back in Albany after eighteen months of serving in the war. He feels very fortunate to have survived the war unscathed. He looks forward to finally meeting the woman whose letters meant so much to him and his fellow soldiers. His mind conjures up a young woman who could be the perfect wife for him, so imagine his dismay when the lady who meets his train is old enough to be his grandmother! But George is a kind and honorable man and treats Beverly Buttons with the utmost respect and gentlemanliness. He invites her and her young friend to the welcome home party his parents are giving him.
 
Unbeknownst to George, Beverly's friend Emma is the author of the letters he received. Emma is a relative newcomer to Albany and cousin to the woman George was engaged to at the start of the war. But Martha jilted George and eloped with a man who had come to Albany looking for Emma. Emma felt guilty about the broken engagement and started writing to George to make amends. She used a fake name so he wouldn't connect her with Martha. She never expected she would meet him.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between George and Emma. Though told that Beverly was his correspondent, it is Emma that he is drawn to. He makes his interest in her known, but as much as she would like to return it, her guilt keeps her pushing him away. Though he tries to abide by her wishes, Fate (and Beverly) keeps pushing them together. It doesn't take long for the little things to start adding up and for George to suspect that Emma was the one who wrote to him. I liked that they settled the truth early and didn't drag it on, though Emma left out her connection to Martha. That left them free to spend time together.
 
However, there is a fly in the ointment. Emma's Aunt Jill (Martha's mother) is a mean-spirited woman who actively despises Emma and her family. She constantly disparages Emma's father and denigrates their lifestyle. After her parents' deaths, Emma moved to Albany to escape New York City's poverty and start a new life. Jill continues her poor treatment of Emma, which comes to a head when she discovers that George and Emma are spending time together.
 
I loved George's immediate support and protectiveness of Emma. His solution to the issue was unorthodox but effective. There were some lovely scenes of them together. I especially enjoyed seeing George tell Emma about his plans for the family company and her appreciation of his efforts to help returning soldiers. The plans to help the city's children brought them even closer together. But Aunt Jill has another nasty trick up her sleeve, and this one nearly drives them apart. Thankfully, each realizes the depth of their feelings for the other which gives them the strength to fight for what they want. The scene in the train station was sweet and emotional. George's love and support for Emma remain evident in his calm but forceful interactions with Jill and Emma's boss. I loved the epilogue and catching up with them a few years later.
 
My only quibble with the story is that Aunt Jill got off far too easily for everything she did. I understood Emma's desire to put the past behind them, but she and her sister deserved better. Jill should have had to face some consequences for her actions. 

The Outlaw's Claim - Brenda Jackson (HD #2905 - Nov 2022)

Series: Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws (Book 5)
 
From friends to lovers to…
having a baby?
 
Maverick Outlaw is a man who knows his own mind—and he knew from the beginning that a fling with longtime friend Sapphire Bordella would be more than just sizzling, mind-blowing sex. That is, until Phire says they should go back to being just friends—and then announces that she’s pregnant with Maverick’s child and her father expects her to marry someone else! Maverick may not be ready to give his heart, but nothing will stop him from claiming what’s his…
 
Good friends with benefits story. Maverick and Phire met when he was on a business trip to Paris. Their attraction was immediate and intense, and they had a successful arrangement for two years. Neither one was interested in anything serious. Maverick enjoys his freedom too much to settle down, and Phire was burned by love and doesn't want to risk her heart again.
 
Then Phire told Maverick she wanted to end their arrangement. She said she was ready to look for love and settle down. In truth, she had fallen in love with Maverick and needed to get out while she still could. I liked that Maverick respected her wishes but wanted to shake him for not recognizing his feelings. Instead, he spent the following months missing her.
 
When Maverick gets a call from Phire asking to meet with him, he drops everything to do so. He's stunned to hear that her father has forced her to return to Texas from Paris and is trying to force her to marry the man of his choice. Simon uses a ruthless method of blackmail to ensure Phire's cooperation. Phire informs Maverick that she will not be able to talk to him any longer, but they indulge in one more passionate night together. They believe that is the end until Phire ends up pregnant.
 
Once Maverick learns of Phire's pregnancy, he becomes determined to claim Phire for himself. Phire resists because she loves him and believes he does not return her love. Maverick frequently frustrated me with his oblivious attitude and focus on the baby when he should have been concentrating on Phire. I understood her resistance to his marriage demands - she wanted to be desired for herself, not the baby she carried. I was happy when he finally had that "aha" moment. Unfortunately, he and Phire make their problems last longer by not talking about their feelings. The week they spent together on his cousins' ranch was wonderful and heartbreaking because of it.
 
Phire's father, Simon, is a piece of work. Controlling and abusive, he uses Phire's love for her aunt against her. I could feel Phire's fear for her aunt's welfare every time Simon made one of his threats. His choice of groom intrigued me as Jaxon appeared to be too nice a man to go along with Simon's plans. As the book continued, Simon became more desperate to force her hand. He finally went too far, and I loved seeing what happened to him. I especially enjoyed the intricate plan hatched by Maverick and the others.
 
The question of Outlaw patriarch Bart's vehement opposition to admitting their connection to the Westmorelands has run through the series. None of the family could understand why he refused to acknowledge something so obviously true. A stunning revelation from an unexpected source puts an end to the mystery. I laughed out loud at the significant effect this had on Maverick.
 
I loved the ending and seeing Maverick and Phire finally get the future they wanted. The ending was terrific, with a couple of teasers for future books. I can't wait to see what is in store for the Outlaw sister, Charm.

His Christmas Guardian - Cindy Dees (HRS #2205 - Nov 2022)

Series: Runaway Ranch (Book 4)
 
Trained to be enemies…do they dare become lovers?
 
CIA Agent Alex Creed's mission is to take down a deadly criminal before Christmas…and only Nick Kane stands in his way. The black ops agent claims he's after the same target and that working together is the best plan. Never before has Alex been so attracted to someone he shouldn't trust. Especially knowing Nick has a bit of a death wish, while Alex envisions a future together…
 
Good book that started with a rush and kept me hooked to the end. Nick is a government black ops operator tracking a fellow operative who went rogue. He used to work with this operative, and the betrayal he feels has made the search personal. After following Gray to an art gallery and planting a tracking device on the man's limo, Nick walks casually away. A few minutes later, he is attacked by a man who is easily as good, if not better, at hand-to-hand fighting as he is.
 
Alex is a CIA agent whose job is to go after operatives who have gone bad. Gray and his team are suspected of stealing valuable international artifacts and murdering US military personnel. His first impression is that Nick is one of Gray's men, and he wants to capture and question him. He did not expect to encounter someone who could fight him to a stalemate.
 
Alex and Nick agreed to a wary truce as they worked out who each other was and why they had a mutual interest in Gray. These men have worked in the shadows for so long that neither of them trusts easily. It was sad and amusing to see how each was constantly looking for signs of betrayal, even once they figured out they were on the same side. Deciding to work together was logical, but there was still some struggle for control until they got past their trust issues.
 
Matters are complicated by the attraction Nick and Alex feel for each other. Each tries to ignore it while concentrating on their mission, but it is always there, simmering under the surface. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and discover their differences and similarities. I found it interesting that Alex, the "fixer" who has dished out so much death, has dreams of a peaceful retirement. Nick expects to die in the line of duty which lends itself to some reckless behavior on his part. I liked Alex's determination to get Nick to stop seeing himself as expendable.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Nick and Alex develop. It was fast, helped along by the intensity of their situation. Each felt protective of the other, which had the potential to create some problems while they were working. There were some fun parts, such as their differing views on Christmas. I loved watching Alex try to bring a little Christmas spirit into Nick's life, from the Christmas tree with its unique decorations to the snowball fight. Alex's sensitivity is unexpected, given his vocation, and I enjoyed seeing it come out in his desire to help Nick. Both have some insecurities regarding relationships, but their love for each other overcomes them in the end. I loved the ending and their plans for the future.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. The backstory of Gray and what he did are explained as the story goes on but can be read in more detail in the previous book in the series (Her SEAL Bodyguard). The tension remained steady as Nick and Alex looked for clues about what Gray had stolen, then planned ways to draw him into a trap. The intensity ramped up when they found the stolen crate and what was in it (WOW!). I was glued to the pages as they prepared their trap and set the bait. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Nick and Alex were significantly outnumbered.