Vanessa's Guardian - Josie Jade, Regan Black (Calamitte Jane Pub - Jan 2023)

Series: Never Too Late for Love (Book 1)
 
Some people wait their entire life for their ship to come in, not realizing they’re standing at the airport.
 
At least that’s how Vanessa Hamilton feels when it comes to romance. In her late 40s and divorced, she’s decided the traditional happily-ever-after route just isn’t for her. And she’s perfectly fine with that.
 
When her doctor suggests a vacation to help her de-stress and get her blood pressure under control, she decides on the remote island of Heartbreak Key off the coast of Florida. Just her, the beach, and a bunch books...what could go wrong?
 
Stumbling onto drug runners? Check.
Tropical storm? Check.
Hoss, the gruff former Navy SEAL who definitely does not help her blood pressure settle? Triple check.
 
Trust hasn't come easy for Vanessa since her divorce, but Hoss—despite his scars and tragic past—is showing her heroes do still exist. Maybe her ship was just a little late coming in.
 
But it’s never too late for love...

Terrific book that caught my attention from the beginning and kept me hooked to the end. At just over one hundred pages, it was the perfect length to make a short flight go by even faster. I loved that the main characters are older (late forties and early fifties), showing that love and adventure aren't just for the young.
 
Vanessa is a successful real estate agent who has been ordered to take a vacation by her doctor. She needs rest and relaxation to destress and lower her blood pressure. Heartbreak Key should be the perfect location with its lack of internet and cell service, and she plans to lie on the beach and read. Almost falling off the boat as she arrived was not the start she wanted, but being rescued by a good-looking bystander wasn't so bad.
 
Hoss is a former SEAL who retired to Heartbreak Key after his last mission went horribly wrong. He's haunted by the memories of his lost friends and tends to keep to himself. He's unexpectedly drawn to the tourist he rescued and isn't too happy about it.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Hoss and Vanessa. The sparks were there from the moment they met and grew even stronger when they shared a dance later that evening. But Vanessa is wary and pulled back before it could go any further. Her life becomes more complicated when she witnesses some drug traffickers at work, and she suddenly finds a target on her back. Hoss is in the right place at the right time to save her life, and they take refuge in his house while a tropical storm batters the island. They know the bad guys are still out there, and Hoss is determined to keep her safe. While trapped together during the storm, the sparks between them burst into flame, and they give in to their attraction. They grow closer as they deal with the danger, and when it's all over must decide if they want to end things or see where their blossoming relationship goes. I loved their drama-free discussion and frank talk about what they each wanted. The ending was terrific, and I loved their big moment.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. Stumbling over the drug traffickers was terrible luck, and trying to do the right thing got her into even more trouble. I felt her fear as she tried to escape from the men determined to kill her. I loved how Hoss happened to be there when she needed to be rescued. There were some tense moments as they evaded the gunmen and took refuge in Hoss's house. They had to wait out the storm while they figured out how to get Vanessa off the island safely to report to the authorities. The intensity ramped up after the storm, and I loved how Hoss and Vanessa worked together. The twists and turns of their escape kept me on the edge of my seat as I watched them struggle to make their getaway. The final confrontation was a nail-biter.
 
Hoss's friend and fellow SEAL Cameron plays a significant role in the book. I loved how he teased Hoss about Vanessa and gave him some good advice. I liked how they used their SEAL experiences to work together during the trouble. I'm looking forward to getting to know him better during the next book.

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. 

 

Wyoming Winter Rescue - Juno Rushdan (HI #2108 - Nov 2022)

Series: Cowboy State Lawmen (Book 1)
 
What was more treacherous—
Confronting a killer or her ex-boyfriend?
 
Having to do the unthinkable to stop a murderous patient has consumed psychotherapist Lynn Delgado with fear and guilt. And because of his dangerous job, she’s ended her relationship with lawman Nash Garner. But when a serial killer targets Lynn, she must overcome her resistance to protection. As she flees the killer in a raging blizzard, Nash follows, risking everything to save the woman he's falling for.
 
This was an intense, action-packed story from start to finish. Lynn is a psychotherapist in a relationship with Nash, an FBI agent. In the ten months they've been together, Lynn has been waiting for Nash to lose his closed-off attitude and talk to her. His inability to open up to her convinces her they have no future together, and she breaks off their relationship.
 
Nash knows what she wants, but between his childhood and his time in the military and FBI, he has learned to shut down and compartmentalize his feelings. He believes he can learn, but it is a difficult step for him to take. So he heeds her wishes to stay away from her but can't stop watching over her.
 
The book opens as Lynn is confronted by a patient who blames her for all his problems. He is determined to kill her. After hearing the gunshots, Nash arrives just in time to see Lynn shoot and kill the man. I ached for Lynn, who blamed herself for failing her patient and then killing him. I also hurt for Nash, who wanted to help Lynn deal with the aftermath but was pushed away.
 
This goes on for several weeks until, once again, Lynn is in danger. Not only is she receiving threatening letters, but she is also kidnapped at gunpoint as she leaves work. I felt her fear as she looked into the eyes of a cold-blooded killer and knew she would die. I loved watching her draw on her inner strength and the things she's learned from Nash and others to find a way out of the situation. Though she was safe, it looks like she is now the target of a notorious serial killer.
 
I was glued to the pages as I watched Nash and other law enforcement officers do their best to identify and find the killer. I could feel their frustration as they ran into dead-end after dead-end. Meanwhile, Lynn and her best friend leave town for a weekend getaway, believing they'll be safe. She never expected to be followed and have to escape into a blizzard. I was awed by her strength and determination as she struggled to get away. Only Nash's timely arrival brought the bad guy down.
 
But just when you think everything is sorted out, they discover that not everything is as it seems. The complexity of the plot against Lynn and the motivation behind it blew me away. Some intense scenes involved negotiations and surprise revelations before the true culprit was uncovered. The ending was a nail-biter with yet another life-threatening twist.
 
Their differing communication styles complicated the relationship between Nash and Lynn. Nash has difficulty talking about his feelings, but showing her has never been a problem. As the danger around Lynn grows, Nash realizes the depth of his devastation if he loses her and vows to make an effort to be what she needs. While I understood Lynn's need for Nash to talk to her, I got a little frustrated with her refusal to see his unspoken language and how she kept pushing him away. I loved when the dam broke, and Nash started talking. His confession of his reasons for not opening up before broke my heart. Lynn made me happy with her reaction and understanding. I hope to see more of them in the following books in the series.

The Christmas Cottage - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2941 - Nov 2022)

Series: Wild Rose Sisters (Book 3)
 
“Do it now…”                                                                          
And change everything!
 
By the book success story Alexandra Herrera’s got it all mapped out: partner at a law firm, high-powered career. But when her birth father leaves her an unexpected inheritance—prompted by a random fortune cookie—she impulsively walks away from her entire life! And now that she’s snowed in with West Wright, she learns that lightning really can strike twice. So much, in fact, that the sparks between them could melt any ice storm…if only they’d let them!
 
I sat down to read this book and barely moved until I turned the last page. Alex and her workaholic life caught my attention in the first two books, and I wondered how anyone would break through that mindset. She has her life planned, and nothing will derail her. Then the birth father, that was barely in her life, died and left his entire estate to her. Suddenly all that effort has been negated, and she has more money than she knows what to do with. In the end, it wasn’t a who, but a what - a simple fortune cookie with the message “Do it now.” So she walked into her boss’s office, said, “I quit,” and left for the family farm that day.
 
It was fun to see everyone’s shock that Alex would do such an uncharacteristic thing. Even Alex herself is still stunned. She plans to sit around in the farm’s guest cottage and read, binge-watch television, and chill out while she decides what to do next. Then she finds out that her brother-in-law’s twin brother needs a place to stay while he’s visiting for the holidays, and she has the only empty bedroom on the farm. But Alex and Weston have a history that the rest of the family is unaware of - a passionate one-night-stand after their siblings’ wedding a few months earlier. They promised each other the next morning it would never happen again.
 
Right there, we know what’s going to happen. Sparks that strong are not going to disappear just because they say so. Sure, neither one is interested in a relationship. West is happily playing the field, having been burned once already. He’s not against falling in love and getting married; he’s just not interested right now. Alex feels her life is too unsettled even to consider getting involved with West.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Alex and West develop. They are determined to stick to their promise, but their connection and chemistry are too strong. They discover they have a lot in common and are surprised to find that *gasp* they actually like each other. What would it hurt to indulge in a little holiday fling? They’re both adults and promise to keep it casual.
 
I enjoyed seeing the time they spent together. There is lots of family time, illustrating that both have excellent relationships with their families. Sometimes it may feel like they are a little too close, such as when West gets unsolicited advice from his brother Easton or Alex’s sisters warn her of West’s playboy ways. But the love is unquestioning, and support is only a phone call away if needed.
 
I liked the time Alex and West spent with each other. Outside of the bedroom, they spend time talking about many things. I loved how West supported Alex in her decision to leave her job. He reminds her that she’s an intelligent, capable woman who will figure out her path when the time is right. I liked his sensitivity to her moods and his ability to help her through them. West is stunned when he realizes that he has fallen in love with Alex despite their “fling” status. But when he confesses those feelings to Alex, she freaks out. I ached for them both as Alex’s fears kept her from admitting her feelings. It takes some well-meaning interference from various family members to bring these two back together. The ending was terrific, and I loved seeing Alex open herself up to the feelings she had buried for years. The epilogue was an excellent wrap-up for the book and the series.
 
I can’t end the review without mentioning Alex’s decision to get a puppy. I had to laugh at how she had the “perfect” dog in mind when she and West headed to the shelter. She won my heart when she wandered past all the cages, spending time looking at each animal, and stopped at the one holding a small, scruffy, older dog. The immediate bonding between the two was fantastic, and with the name “Cookie,” they were clearly fated to belong to each other. I loved that she ended up with an older dog because those are so often passed over. 

Montana Storm - Josie Jade and Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Oct 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 5)
 
Kill first, ask questions later.       
 
It's the instinct former-SEAL Jude Williams must fight every time someone touches him. His six months being tortured in an enemy prison camp may be long over, but he's got scars -- all over his body and mind -- keeping that time at the forefront of his psyche.
 
So how could he even consider giving in to the desire he has for the town's coffeehouse owner?
 
Lena Mitchell has big gray eyes and a bigger smile -- she's full of life, right down to her purple and teal streaked hair.
 
There are so many reasons Jude should stay away from her. So many ways he's bad for her. But when danger shows up on Lena's door, keeping his distance is no longer an option.
 
He'll protect her from any threat.
 
But who will protect her from him?
 
Whew! Another RWR book sucked me in from the first page and didn't let go until I turned the last page. At least this time, I started the book early enough in the day that I finished it before midnight! Jude and Lena have been dancing around each other since the guys started the ranch. Everyone from the ranch to the town can see that they have it bad for each other.
 
Like the other men of the RWR, Jude has PTSD. He spent six months in an enemy prison camp being tortured and hearing his friends being tortured. One was rescued early, and the other was rescued after Jude. He feels terrible guilt over the latter's extended torture and later suicide. Jude has daily nightmares that leave him screaming and fighting ghosts, to the detriment of his bedding and walls. The violence of his dreams keeps him from pursuing Lena because he fears hurting her. That doesn't stop him from wanting what he won't allow himself to have.
 
Lena is the proud owner of the town's coffee shop, Deja Brew. She bakes all the goodies she serves herself and provides custom orders. Lena is cheerful and friendly to everyone, but Jude holds a special place in her heart. She wants him and is pretty sure he wants her too, but she doesn't know what is holding him back. In the first book of the series, Montana Sanctuary, she was kidnapped along with her friend Evelyn and has had nightmares about her experience ever since. Lena is the kind of person who makes other people feel better and hesitates to share her problems. She always thinks others have it worse, so she buries her feelings. Then her car breaks down near the kidnapping spot, and she has a panic attack. The first person she thinks of to call is Jude, and he comes running. But when she takes her courage in hand and kisses him, he shuts down and leaves. Leah is devastated by his rejection.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Leah and Jude finally take off. Jude has been so afraid of hurting Leah that he is miserable. His friends have tried to help, but he's caught up in his fears. I loved how Daniel gave him a metaphorical kick in the pants, giving Jude a different perspective. When he witnesses a special moment between a friend and his lady, Jude finally realizes he can no longer fight his feelings. I loved seeing him take a chance and go to Lena. As he explained his actions and what was behind them, the rawness of emotion was heartbreaking. I loved Lena's reaction and immediate support and understanding.
 
Once Jude decided to take a chance, he was all in. After three years of friendship and flirtation, the ease of their connection was fantastic. I loved how perceptive Jude was when it came to Lena and how he could always tell when something bothered her. Communication was a vital part of their relationship, and I loved how open and honest they were with each other.
 
I ached for Lena when she started having problems at her business. For someone who cares so much about the people around her, having her baked goods suddenly go wrong was devastating for her. The first incident with the cookies could be chalked up to an accident, but the episode with the pies said something else was going on. The answer was not what I expected, and I felt Jude's fear for Lena when he figured it out. The situation with Lena at the bakery was terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat until she was safe. The final confrontation was fantastic. The epilogue was a great wrap-up for this book, and I loved seeing the changes in Lena and Jude.
 
I love the close friendships among the men of the RWR. Because of their shared experiences, they know when to get involved and when to back off. There is some hilarious teasing back and forth, especially when Jude and Lena finally get together. The women's friendships are also tight. Lena and Evelyn are especially close due to their shared trauma. It's fun to see the ladies get together and share the joys of their relationships but also get support when things don't go so well. I can't wait to read Daniel's and Liam's stories. 

 

Eagle Mountain Cliffhanger - Cindi Myers (HI #2105 - Nov 2022)

Series: Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue (Book 1)
 
A fight for survival in the snow
While on the trail of a killer
 
Responding to the reports of a car accident, newcomer Deputy Jake Gwynn finds a murder scene instead. Search and rescue paramedic Hannah Richards tried to care for the likely suspect before he slipped away -- and now he's gone from injured man to serial killer on the loose. Jake hadn't planned to put down roots in this quiet little town, but his need to protect Hannah may be more than just professional…
 
Terrific start to the new series focusing on Eagle Mountain's Search and Rescue unit members. The book started with a rush and kept me hooked to the end. Hannah, an EMT with the SAR unit, was the first arrival at the scene of an accident. A white box van had gone over the edge of the road into a ravine. As she called down to let them know help was coming, she saw an injured man climbing up. But when she looked away to see a deputy arrive, the man disappeared. When the rescuers climbed down to the van, they discovered both remaining victims were dead - with one obviously murdered. They later found out the man she saw was an escaped serial killer.
 
Jake is new to the Eagle Mountain Sheriff's Department. He plans to get experience there before moving to a larger department. He has handled everything from speeders to stray animals, but a manhunt for a serial killer is new. I loved the scene of Jake trying to catch the stray dog. I was not surprised by what happened with the dog, though I laughed out loud at the scene in the jail. Also new is his interest in the pretty EMT.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. From the moment Cutler escaped, the race was on to catch him. The process is complicated by Cutler's military experience with extreme weather. I could feel the frustration of the sheriff's department as they always seemed to be a step behind him. The search hits particularly close to home when it becomes evident that Cutler has fixated on Hannah as his next victim. The intensity ramps up as Cutler taunts his pursuers by showing how close he can get without being caught, even causing an avalanche. As the threats against Hannah grow, Jake is determined to keep her safe. The final confrontation is a nail-biter involving weather, a hair-raising rescue, and a fight on the side of a cliff.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jake and Hannah. Hannah was a little wary at first because she knew Jake didn't plan to stay in Eagle Mountain, and she had no interest in leaving. But they have a lot in common, and their attraction is undeniable. Besides spending time together and getting to know each other, they frequently work together at accident scenes. I loved that Jake was protective yet respectful of Hannah's capabilities. I liked seeing their feelings for each other deepen. Hannah dreamed of a future together but worried about what would happen if Jake got a job offer that would take him away. The ending is perfect and shows a bright future for them.
 
I loved the setting of a Search and Rescue unit in the Colorado mountains. Each member has a unique personality, and I look forward to learning more about them. The rescue situations portrayed in the book felt realistic and kept me interested in their actions. I also liked Hannah's father and found his backstory as a competitive climber intriguing. His willingness to help Jake at the end was critical to the successful resolution of the confrontation.

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

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

Montana Mystery - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamittie Jane Pub - July 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 4)

Some nightmares you don’t wake up from.
 
Noah Scott spent two months in an enemy prison camp but made it out alive—unlike most of his SEAL team. He’s one of the lucky ones but doesn’t always feel that way with his scarred body and daily fight against PTSD.
 
Working with the animals at the Resting Warrior Ranch helps. So what if he trains service dogs, fosters a couple of kittens, and has an alpaca as one of his best friends?
 
He’ll take whatever holds back the darkness.
 
When beautiful Kate Tillbeck arrives at the Resting Warrior Ranch neck-deep in danger, Noah knows he can’t stand by silently. Especially when the threat centers around a dog fighting ring—and some of the pups he trained may be involved.
 
But to save the animals he loves and the woman he can’t get out of his mind, Noah will have to embrace the darkness he’s pushed down for years.
 
And hope he doesn’t lose himself in the process.
 
Another fantastic Resting Warriors Ranch book that hooked me from the first page and kept me turning the pages long into the night. 
 
Kate is an independent woman who owns a successful business. She has a younger brother, Brandon, who returned from his time in the military suffering from PTSD. She's done her best to help him, but he resists her efforts. As the story opens, she receives a call from the hospital that Brandon is there, badly beaten and covered in dog bites. While looking through Brandon's clothing to find a clue about who did this to him, she finds a piece of paper with Noah's name and number. She is certain that Noah is responsible for Brandon's condition, so she rushes off to confront him.
 
Noah and his SEAL buddies started the RWR as a place for them to heal from their wartime experiences. They've expanded the ranch and opened it up to help others who need healing. Noah, who spent two months as a captive, finds the most peace while working with the animals on the ranch. They train everything from dogs to horses to alpacas to be service animals. For him, the darkness of his memories is never far away. Noah is stunned when Kate arrives and accuses him of being behind Brandon's injuries. He remembers Brandon, who came to the ranch but stayed only a few days before leaving. Though he has no idea what Brandon was involved in, he promises Kate he will look into it.
 
I liked watching the relationship between Noah and Kate develop. The sparks of attraction were there from the moment they met, despite the confrontational attitude. Noah couldn't imagine NOT helping her, but his initial investigation turned up nothing other than a possible link to dogfighting. Kate was embarrassed by her accusations, so when Noah came to fill her in, she thanked him but let him off the hook rather abruptly. But when she returned to her apartment that night, she found it had been broken into and trashed. She also narrowly missed being caught by the perpetrators. The first person she thought of was Noah, so she packed a bag and drove to the ranch. Noah's protective instincts were aroused, and he promised to help and keep her safe.
 
As they worked together to get to the bottom of what happened to Brandon, their attraction grew stronger. Noah tries to keep Kate at an emotional distance, reluctant to expose her to his issues. Thanks to her experiences with Brandon, Kate isn't scared off by exposure to Noah's episodes. I loved how she stuck by him, giving him warmth and support when needed. The scenes after the fight he took on and later the "family" dinner showed her strength and understanding. Their chemistry is fantastic, but Noah stubbornly resists admitting his growing feelings for Kate. I loved how the other guys saw the truth long before he acknowledged it and teased him about it. Kate knows how she feels but refuses to push Noah into something he isn't ready for. It isn't until he nearly loses her that Noah can admit his feelings. The emotional ending had me crying and laughing as they looked to their future together.
 
The suspense of the story was terrific. I could feel Kate's fear during the apartment break-in and her anger as she learned what led to Brandon's injuries. The men of the RWR's anger as they discovered what was happening near their ranch and their determination to stop it was evident in their actions. Noah's fear for her as Kate purposely put herself in danger led him into a situation that had me glued to the pages as it played out. I could feel the frustration as their efforts to stop the bad guys were constantly thwarted. The tension was incredible as I waited for the bad guys to resurface. When they did, Kate's life was in extreme danger. I loved seeing her keep her head and hold on to her faith that Noah would save her. I was on the edge of my seat, watching Noah and the others race to find her. The final confrontation was heart-poundingly intense with an excellent resolution. A couple of threads are left hanging, so I suspect they will turn up in a later book.
 
I loved seeing more of the couples from the previous books, as well as the unmatched men. With every book, we learn more about each of these incredible characters. I love the camaraderie, as well as the support these men give each other. With shared experiences, they know when someone needs sympathy or a kick in the pants. But as much as I love the RWR guys, in this book, my favorite secondary characters were the kittens, Garfield and Salem (loved the names!). They were adorable, and I loved how sweet Noah was with them - tough SEAL with a marshmallow heart!
 
I can't wait to see what's next for these incredible warriors.

Summer Nights with the Maverick - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2917 - July 2022)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Brothers and Broncos (Book 1)

He's a hero in spurs
But just for tonight
 
Ever since rancher Weston Abernathy rescued waitress Everlee Roberts at Doug’s bar, he can’t get her off his mind. But the spirited single mom has no interest in a casual relationship, and Wes isn’t seeking commitment. As the temperature rises, Evy feels the heat, too, tempting her to throw her hat in the ring regardless of what it might cost her heart…
 
Terrific start to the new series. I was sucked into the story immediately and stayed up way too late finishing it. I laughed in some places, cried in others, and closed the book with the satisfaction I always feel when I read this author's books. I loved Wes and Evy and their romance, but little Lola stole my heart.
 
Wes has been drawn to Evy since he first saw her a year ago. After being shot down in his first few attempts to ask her out, he backs off but can't get her off his mind. He'd like to get to know her better, but she resists until the night he saves her from a rock thrown through the bar window. He finally talks her into an outing by including Lola on the date.
 
Evy is the single mother of four-year-old Lola. They live with her dad, and Evy works nights at Doug's Bar while saving to start her own business. Her college boyfriend dumped her when he found out she was pregnant and had no interest in being a father. She noticed Wes's interest but didn't need the distraction. But something changed the night he saved her from a serious injury.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Wes and Evy develop. Wes had been burned in love a decade earlier and has sworn off commitment ever since. Evy has no interest in getting involved with another rich guy with commitment issues. But when he saves her from the thrown rock, there's no denying the sparks between them. When Wes wears her down, and she finally agrees to go out with him, she suspects she will regret it.
 
I loved watching the two of them together. They agree to keep things casual, but it quickly becomes evident that casual didn't last long. Right from the start, Wes is sucked into Evy's life. Lola enchants him, and I love watching her wrap him around her little fingers, such as when he adopts the puppy, Archie. The more time Evy and Wes spend together, the closer they become, and their attraction grows stronger. Evy admits to herself that she's falling for Wes and hopes he feels the same way.
 
Meanwhile, Wes's brothers and friends warn him that he risks hurting Evy if he isn't serious about her. He reminds them and himself that they agreed it was casual. I wanted to shake Wes several times because he was clearly lying to himself about his feelings. When Evy tells him how she feels, Wes freaks out and withdraws, leaving Evy with a broken heart and Lola missing her buddy. I wanted to shake Wes for being so stubborn that he refused to see the truth. I loved seeing Wes's friend Maddox's advice, and Wes's conversation with Evy's dad was fantastic. I cheered when Wes finally faced the truth. I was also happy to see that Evy made him work a little to get back in her good graces, while Wes's scene with Lola was sweet.
 
There is some mystery attached to the empty chair at Doug's Bar. The rock thrown through the window had a cryptic note attached, and at the end of the book, we see the cowboy who threw it. I suspect we'll see more of him throughout the series and discover his connection with the empty chair.

Code Name: Libra - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - May 2022)

Series: Zodiac Tactica: Rescue Unit (Book 3)

My code name is Libra. The stars say I'm charismatic, intelligent, charming.
 
The one with the easy smile.
 
Zodiac Tactical has been the biggest part of my life for the past three years. We guard, protect, rescue...eliminate the threat when nobody else can. And I've always been at the front lines -- first to help in whatever way was needed.
 
Until I took a bullet to the chest.
 
Now everybody's worried about me. So I'm sent on what's supposed to be an easy mission -- gathering intel about some potential bad guys while on a tropical island for a wedding. Lay low, blend in, catch a little tan while getting the job done. Can't be too hard.
 
Until I defend the bride's adorable sister against some cruel cattiness and the next thing I know I'm mentioning I'm her fiancé.
 
Surprise.
 
When the mission takes a turn for the much more dangerous, and my fiancée finds herself in the middle of it, I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. My wounds may have knocked me down, but a Navy SEAL, even a former one with a couple extra bullet holes, always gets back up.
 
My code name is Libra. Don't let the easy smile fool you.
 
Another stellar entry in the Zodiac Tactical constellation. I really must learn to start these books early in the day, because once again I started reading after 9 pm and couldn't stop until I finished the whole thing at 4 am. Like the others, it is told from dual first-person perspectives - Landon and Bethany. It can be read as a stand-alone, but the experience is richer if you read them in order.
 
This book begins six months after Landon nearly died from a point-blank shot to the chest (Code Name: Virgo). He's been on desk duty ever since getting out of the hospital, and he is champing at the bit to get back in the field. Fortunately, a request comes in for an intelligence-gathering mission at a wedding on an island resort. He has the skills to go undercover as the baker's assistant for the bride's sister. It should be an easy assignment.
 
Bethany is the black sheep in her wealthy family. Rather than live off daddy's money, she started her bakery and works for a living. She is petite and curvy and frequently catches grief from her mother because of it. Bethany is also aware that her father's business practices aren't always ethical and maintains her distance because of it. But when her sister calls and begs her to provide the wedding week treats, she can't say no. It will be a chance to showcase her bakery and drum up some needed business. She never expected her trusted handyman cake-stand builder to bail on her and send a stranger to take his place.
 
I loved the first meeting between Landon and Bethany. He is known for his handsome face and charming ways, and he lays it on pretty thick when he meets her. Bethany is wary, but his easygoing way gets past her defenses, while his skills as a carpenter earn him a place on her team. The sparks between them are evident, but Landon is mission-focused, and Bethany isn't interested in a fling. Landon finds himself unexpectedly protective of Bethany when he sees how she is treated and cuts off some catty remarks when he claims to be her fiancé. It was unplanned, but being her fiancé opened some unexpected opportunities for his undercover work.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Bethany and Landon develop. Between being dumped by her previous boyfriend and the negative attitudes of the people around her, Bethany's self-esteem is pretty low. She has difficulty believing that Landon a) likes her for herself and b) is honestly attracted to her. Landon has difficulty keeping his eyes and hands off her, but his mission must come first. He feels guilty about deceiving her and does his best to maintain control of his actions until his task is completed. There are some terrific scenes of their time together, both working and when Landon coaxes her into relaxing. When they finally give in to their attraction, their chemistry is explosive. But an unexpected problem with his mission plays havoc with their developing relationship, and Landon fears she'll never trust him again. A couple of twists bring them back together in some heart-pounding circumstances, and honest communication solidifies their relationship.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from beginning to end. The most important was Landon's mission to acquire information on two human traffickers. Landon is on his own except for some minimal backup from fellow ZT Tristan. I liked their scenes together, which were intense with risk. Most of the time, Landon must depend on quick wits and charm to create his opportunities. He made me laugh with his Dodgers hat ploy. His scenes with his quarry's security guards were nail biters. I was on the edge of my seat as Landon's last chance came down to the wire. I loved how Bethany saved the day. The tension wasn't over, though, as Bethany became the target of a vengeful man. I loved seeing Landon call on his SEAL abilities and go from charming to deadly in the blink of an eye. While Landon's mission was successfully completed, some lingering issues will carry on into the next book.
 
Bethany's sister went against her mother's wishes when she insisted Bethany be given the wedding week pastry job. I loved her confidence in Bethany and her support of Bethany's dream. I wanted to shake their mother for her confidence-busting comments. It was disheartening to see that some people believed Bethany would mess up or purposely do something to ruin the wedding. My heart broke for her when her nightmares became real the night before the wedding. I loved Landon's support and how he helped get her past the shock and into recovery mode. The culprit did not surprise me, nor did their idiotic actions that reveal the truth. The unexpected outpouring of love and help she got was heartwarming and encouraging for the future.
 
The epilogue was fantastic. I loved catching up with Ian and Wavy, Sarge and Bronwyn, and seeing the progression of Landon and Bethany's relationship. I liked the lead-in to the next book and can't wait to see Tristan again.

Amish Cradle Conspiracy - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #965 - June 2022)

Series: Amish Country Justice (Book 13)

To protect an Amish community…
She'll make herself a target.
 
After a pregnant Amish woman and her toddler are abducted, police sergeant Nicole Dawson charges in to save them. But when the kidnapper escapes with the child -- and thinks Nicole can identify him -- she becomes his new obsession. Determined to protect his ex-fiancée, FBI special agent Jack Quinn joins the case. But the clock is ticking in their race to uncover the baby-trafficking ring before another innocent is taken…
 
Terrific second chance romance. I was hooked from the moment I started reading and didn't stop until I was finished. The Sutter Springs PD is dealing with a terrifying problem. Someone is kidnapping pregnant young Amish women, stealing their babies, killing the women, and selling the babies. When Nicole and her partner get a lead on one of these missing women and her toddler, they rush to the scene. When backup arrives to help, Nicole is dismayed to discover her ex-fiancé is one of them. Though they rescue the pregnant woman, the kidnapper escapes with little Leah - and targets the officer who saw his face.
 
The action in this book started immediately and never let up. Jack, an FBI agent, and his partner join the SSPD to help when they discover there is a link between the case they are working on and the kidnappings. They must move fast because the traffickers could move little Leah out of the state or the country at any time. As Jack and Nicole follow every lead, it sometimes feels like the killer is one step ahead of them. His ruthlessness is evident as the bodies pile up, and the attempts on Nicole's life intensify as she and Jack close in on him. When they identify another Amish woman in danger, Nicole goes undercover to protect her. The intensity ramped up as Nicole and Adele fled for their lives, and Nicole ended up in the killer's clutches. I was glued to the pages as the final confrontation came within inches of costing Nicole her life. The resolution was fantastic as the local and larger cases were successfully concluded. I loved seeing Jack with little Leah.
 
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of Nicole and Jack's relationship. Nicole broke off their engagement three years ago when Jack's undercover work came between them. She couldn't or wouldn't understand that there were things he couldn't tell her, which ran up against the issues caused by her father's lying and deceit. Jack was heartbroken and left town to continue his work with the FBI. Then his sister was murdered, leaving him as guardian to her daughter, Chloe. I loved seeing how important Chloe was to him and how good he was with her.
 
It's a shock to both Jack and Nicole when they are assigned to work together. It is quickly evident that their feelings for each other are as strong as ever. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow. Neither has forgotten what drove them apart, but their hearts know what they want. I loved Jack's protectiveness and desire to care for and comfort Nicole when she needed it. Nicole can still read Jack's body language and knows when something bothers him. But can Nicole stop projecting her father's actions onto Jack when it comes to his job? Nicole has some serious soul-searching to do before she can see a future with Jack. I loved the ending and how both took steps to resolve their past issues so they could look toward a future together. The epilogue was terrific and showed what the power of love could accomplish.

Unraveled - Amy Knupp (Lake House Books - May 2022)

Series: Dragonfly Lake (Book 1)

A marriage of convenience can test even the best of friends.
 
Holden Henry is every girl's dream -- kind, funny, outgoing. A catch in every sense. Despite my wrong-side-of-the-tracks upbringing, he's been my friend forever. He has no idea I've had more-than-friends feelings for him for years, and I intend to keep it that way.
 
When I'm forced to return to the small town where we grew up, I'm faced with a big, fat problem. Being a good pal, Holden offers me a too-tempting solution: a marriage of convenience. It's a crazy plan…but I'm desperate enough to try it. Besides, he's not just saving me; we'll be helping each other.
 
The catch? We have to stay married for a year. But once I inherit the company of my dreams and Holden launches his own start-up, we can go back to being just friends, right? Except…what if he figures out that I've been in love with him forever? Worse, what if I have to choose between the career I've always wanted and the man I can't live without?
 
Terrific friends-to-lovers romance. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The story is told from alternating points of view, switching back and forth from Chloe to Holden. I enjoyed this method because of the insight into the main characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and this was no exception.
 
Chloe grew up in Dragonfly Lake. She was a shy girl from what many called the wrong side of the tracks. Bullied by some of the "mean girls," Chloe had one person she considered a friend - Holden Henry. Chloe couldn't put Dragonfly Lake behind her fast enough after graduating, but she and Holden remained friends. They kept their friendship going through texts, emails, and his occasional visits to Nashville. Now the Executive Vice President of a boutique hotel company, Chloe ends up back in Dragonfly Lake supervising the construction of a new hotel.
 
Holden also grew up in Dragonfly Lake except for a few years in middle school when his family moved away. He went back to live with his grandparents and finished high school there. He reconnected with Chloe, and it was as if they'd never been apart. Holden runs Henry's restaurant with his two brothers, Cash and Seth, but he has bigger dreams. He and his friend Kemp want to build a brewery to complement the restaurant. They've done the research and have the building but lack the start-up funds they need.
 
Chloe's life takes an unexpected turn when her boss is diagnosed with cancer and sets up a competition between Chloe and a coworker to see who will be named president and heir to the company. She then sets up specific stipulations, including requiring that Chloe put some balance in her life (she's a workaholic) by showing that she's in a successful relationship. Who else can Chloe turn to for help but Holden? I loved Holden's immediate willingness to step up and be her "fake boyfriend."  When her boss, Angelica, exhibits skepticism about the relationship, Holden dives into the deception and claims they just got engaged. I loved how Chloe and Holden sat down and talked about the decision to get married and the ramifications for each of them. Chloe worries that Holden is sacrificing too much for no gain, so she offers to invest in his brewery. She also insists on an expiration date for the marriage, believing that one year should be enough to seal the deal.
 
Chloe's biggest concern is coming out of their deal with her heart intact. She's been in love with Holden for years, and living with him will cement those feelings. Holden is utterly clueless about Chloe's feelings for him and still sees her as his friend. That is until he sees her in her wedding dress and suddenly notices what a beautiful woman she is. Holden's off-hand comment about wishing the wedding night was real gets Chloe thinking about not missing out on what she's been dreaming about for years. This step is the first in a journey that takes Chloe and Holden where they never expected to go.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Chloe and Holden develop. Though they've been friends for a long time, being married exposes their fears and insecurities. Holden is aware of Chloe's feelings of inferiority from her childhood but doesn't realize how deep those feelings are at first. I loved his support of Chloe and her dreams and how he encouraged her to let go of her fears and reach out to others. Meanwhile, Holden feels that he's not pulling his weight in the family business without having his brewery up and running. With Chloe's commitment to supporting his dream, he finally feels like a full partner. It was great to see how the deception began to feel real and right as they spent time together as husband and wife. But each of them is reluctant to risk their friendship by confessing the change in their feelings.
 
Then comes betrayal and disaster. The confrontation with her boss broke my heart for Chloe, but I loved how she stood up for herself and gave Angelica an earful. However, the whole scene did a number on Chloe's belief in herself. I ached for her as she pushed Holden away though I also wanted to shake her for not accepting his comfort and support. I hurt for Holden, who finally realized the depth of his feelings for Chloe. I liked Chloe's realization of her mistake, her self-examination, and the advice she got from her friend Presley and what she did with it. The twist at the end was unexpected, and I loved what it meant for her future. Her big scene with Holden was emotional and romantic.
 
The epilogue was terrific. It was sweet to see how Chloe surprises Holden. I'm also intrigued by the short scene with Seth and suspect that it is the lead-in to the next book. I can't wait!
 
I liked the secondary characters of Holden's brothers, Seth and Cash. I'm looking forward to reading their stories. Cash seems wound a little tight, so it will be interesting to see who loosens him up. I'd also like to see Holden's partner Kemp get a story. He impressed me with his cautions to Holden regarding his marriage - he could see the pitfalls. I also enjoyed seeing more of Hayden (Holden's sister) and Zane from True Hero. I loved that couple, and it's neat to see how they are doing.

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

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 3)

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

Grizzly Creek Standoff - Cindi Myers (HI #2064 - Apr 2022)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Search for Suspects (Book 4)

When her daughter's threatened…she fights back.
 
When police deputy Ronin Doyle happens upon stunning Courtney Baker, he can't shake the feeling that something's not right. And as the lawman's engulfed by an investigation that rocks their serene community, more and more he's convinced that Courtney's boyfriend has swept her -- and her beloved daughter -- into something sinister. If Ronin's hunch is right, he must help Courtney before it's too late for them all…
 
Terrific conclusion to the series. This is the story of Courtney Baker, Lauren Baker's sister-in-law, and the subject of a missing person search in the first book of the series (Disappearance at Dakota Ridge). She ran off with Trey Allerton, a man who claimed to be friends with her late husband, and talked about building a ranch to help disadvantaged kids. Over the first three books of the series, we saw increasingly suspicious activity from Trey and worrisome events involving Courtney.
 
As this book starts, Courtney realizes that Trey is not the man she thinks he is. She attempts an escape but is caught by Trey. He threatens to harm her daughter Ashlyn if she tries to leave him again. Right after he makes these threats, Deputy Ronin Doyle stops to check on her because the situation looks suspicious. With Trey's threats fresh in her mind, Courtney tells him everything is fine. Ronin doesn't buy it, but there's nothing he can do right now.
 
I ached for Courtney, who came so close to breaking free from Trey, only to find her life become even more difficult. But she now desires to try again, and when Trey slaps Ashlyn, she has the motivation to do so. Her desire to learn some of the things he's kept hidden from her leads her to discover some gold bars he's hidden away, and she takes a few for later use. When he finds the hidden bars and the papers she concealed, Trey drags them off and locks them in an abandoned mine. She's terrified they'll die there until help comes from an unexpected source.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Courtney and Ronin. Ronin couldn't forget Courtney even though she was "taken." His instinct that something was off also kept her on his mind and caused him to stop by her trailer several times. Courtney was drawn by his kindness and the compassion she saw in his eyes. She kicked herself after each visit for not having the courage to ask for help, but her fear was too great. I loved when Ronin took her the photography book and its effect on her. Their feelings had a greater chance to grow after the rescue at the mine allowed them to spend more time together. I loved the realism at the end, where Courtney and Ronin make an intelligent decision about their relationship.
 
The suspense of the story was complex, with several layers. First was the situation with Courtney and the increasingly abusive Trey. I was invested in seeing how she was going to escape. The second was the ongoing question of the youth ranch and whether it was real or a scam. All indications during the series said "scam," but there were a few instances where it seemed legit. Then there was the addition of a detective from a nearby town who is looking for youth-related drug activity. The elusive Bart Smith remains a person of interest in that search. Detective Fletcher also seems inordinately interested in Trey. The storylines come together in an intense confrontation that had me glued to the pages until it was all over.