Dockside Danger - Carol Ericson (HI #2116 - Jan 2023)

Series: Lost Girls (Book 3)
 
With innocent lives on the line
Trusting each other is their only chance…
 
LAPD detective Jane Falco knows a recent murder is no open-and-shut case. She doesn’t need FBI agent Tim Ruskin back in her life to complicate the investigation—and reignite still-dangerous sparks between them. But to stop a vicious human trafficking ring, Jane and Tim must gamble on each other—and an endgame impossible to survive…

Terrific continuation of the series. Here we have Jane, a recent transfer into this division of the LAPD. An unpleasant reputation has followed her to her new position, and she is stuck dealing with "domestic" situations instead of sinking her teeth into meatier cases. Having a partner, Damon, who is rarely there, doesn't help. When she suspects her latest case is not the open-and-shut one everyone thinks it is, she's determined to find the truth. Matters become complicated when FBI agent Tim Ruskin intrudes on her investigation.
 
Jane and Tim have a history. They met and had a relationship when he was undercover, and she didn't react well when she discovered his deception. Once someone has broken her trust,  it isn't easy to get it back. But when she learns that her murder victim may be tied to a Russian-mob-backed human trafficking ring, she'll take a chance on working with him.
 
I liked watching the rekindling of the relationship between Jane and Tim. He has missed their closeness and chemistry and wants to be together again, and Jane is wary and prefers to keep him at arm's length. Working with each other to solve the case allows Tim to show Jane how he feels and to earn her trust again. Jane is reluctant to risk her heart on him again, but the sparks between them are hard to deny. It doesn't take long for Jane to realize that her feelings for Tim had never died, despite the betrayal she felt. But they must survive their investigation before they can see what the future holds for them.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. It started slowly as the background developed, but it took off when Jane and Tim began working together. There are questions about whether the victim was a pawn or a player and her link to the trafficking ring. Every clue they uncover seems to lead to more questions and an unexpected development. As their investigation narrows in on the ringleader, the danger to them intensifies. Flying bullets and being run off the road indicate they are on the right track. I liked the teamwork Jane and Tim exhibited and their respect for each other's abilities. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with its twists and turns as they raced against time to save a group of women destined to be shipped out of the country.
 
I also enjoyed seeing characters from previous books make appearances. JMac from the Kyra and Jake series encourages Jane, and Billy also gets his two cents in. I'm looking forward to the final book in this series as Billy finally gets his story and his dearest wish.

Chasing Christmas Eve - Jill Shalvis (Avon - Oct 2017)

Series: Heartbreaker Bay (Book 4)
 
Meet cute...
 
Run for the hills -- temporarily. That's Colbie Albright's plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie's so over it that she's under it. She's also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival. Fortunately, the guy who fishes Colbie out has her looking forward to Christmas among strangers. But she's pretty sure Spencer Baldwin won't be a stranger for long.
 
Make merry...
 
Spence's commitment to hiding from the Ghosts of Relationships Past means he doesn't have to worry about the powerful -- okay, crazy hot -- chemistry he's got with Colbie. Just because she can laugh at anything, especially herself... just because she's gorgeous and a great listener…just because she “gets” Spence immediately doesn't mean he won't be able to let Colbie go. Does it?
 
…and hope for a miracle.
 
Now the clock's ticking for Colbie and Spence: Two weeks to cut loose. Two weeks to fall hard. Two weeks to figure out how to make this Christmas last a lifetime.

Fun trip back to San Francisco and the magical fountain of love. I've been looking forward to Spence's story and loved that he found someone so perfect for him. Spence has a big heart that he hides behind a loner façade. He is a brilliant inventor who gets lost in his work, which has been the death of several relationships. Having decided that love and work don't mix, he has written romance out of his life. His friends are his family, and that's enough for him until he collides with Colbie.
 
Colbie is the famous author of a young adult fantasy series and the glue that holds her family together. When the stress of writing a new book and wrangling her helpless family members gets too much, she runs away from home. Thanks to an unforeseen series of events, she ends up in San Francisco instead of a tropical island. The next thing she knows, an out-of-control dog knocks her into a fountain, and she's pulled out by the best-looking man she's ever seen.
 
I loved seeing the relationship develop between Colbie and Spence. The sparks flew between them from the moment Spence pulled Colbie out of the fountain. She so enchanted him that he acted entirely out of character, from rescuing her from the fountain to renting her an apartment in his building. Colbie was just as attracted to Spence but wary. She's only in town for three weeks for rest and relaxation and to get her writing mojo back. Spence suddenly finds himself willing to put his work aside to help Colbie fulfill her bucket list of things to do while in San Francisco.
 
Neither Colbie nor Spence is interested in a relationship. Colbie has too much on her plate, and she won't be around for long. Spence's aversion to relationships is well known. But nothing says they can't indulge in a fling while she's there and enjoy each other's company. I loved watching Spence come out of hiding and take pleasure in surprising Colbie with various activities. The serious and introverted workaholic becomes a bit more social, and his friends are stunned by the changes they see in him. Colbie has been so immersed in her writing and caring for her family that doing fun things for herself had never been possible until she met Spence. I loved the friendship that grew between them and how easily they understood each other. Neither gets bent out of shape if one gets lost in a project or a moment of inspiration.
 
I loved their time together and seeing them learn to balance their lives. It doesn't take too long to realize they want more togetherness. But neither is ready to risk rejection by saying anything, as each assumes that the other is still in "fling" mode. Then a misunderstanding makes things awkward between them, and Colbie plans to leave early. The scene before she leaves is heartbreakingly emotional as Colbie allows her fears to keep her from admitting what she wants. Just a few days apart, and some kick-in-the-pants conversations with those who love them make Spence and Colbie realize what they've given up.
 
I loved the ending and seeing Spence and Colbie let go of their fears and find joy together. The scene at the pub was fantastic, with not just an emotional reunion but a funny reminder of just how well Spence understands her. The epilogue was terrific, with a surprise from a sweetly awkward Spence.
 
One of the things I love about this series is the close group of friends that it is centered around. Each has their unique quirks and personalities that make them real and relatable. In this book, Elle was one of my favorites. She is very protective of Spence, which makes her suspicious of Colbie, especially considering Colbie's secretiveness about some things. Colbie eventually wins her over just by being herself, and in the end, she and Elle are friends. I liked how accepting of Colbie the whole gang was, especially when they saw what she meant to Spence. I also loved Eddie, the homeless man who hangs out in the courtyard. His advice to the residents is always spot-on. There was a revelation about Eddie and his past that I never saw coming but made his advice to Spence especially poignant.

Lakeside Mystery - Carol Ericson (HI #2088 - Aug 2022)

Series: Lost Girls (Book 2)
 
He'll have to trust a woman who knows too much
To solve his biggest homicide case yet
 
LAPD detective Denver Holt doesn't know what to make of true crime blogger Ashlynn Hughes -- no matter how attracted he is to her. The stubborn writer has inside information that can help him crack his biggest homicide case yet. But as anonymous tips carry them further into danger, Denver wonders if he can keep a target off Ashlynn's back…or if she'll be silenced for good.
 
Good book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Ashlynn is the sister of murdered crime blogger Sean Hughes (The Bait) and is determined to keep his blog going. She receives a tip about a submerged car with a body in the trunk and investigates. When she finds the car where her tipster said it would be, she calls the cops. LAPD detective Denver Holt is the one who is sent to investigate.
 
Denver wants to make the Homicide/Robbery division. He's not too happy to be stuck looking into a submerged car or dealing with the pushy woman who discovered it. But when her insistence that he check the trunk turns up a dead body, he has a lot of questions. Something about her story doesn't add up. When he is assigned to investigate the case, she's the first one on his list to interview.
 
Denver was not happy to discover that Ashlynn is not only a true crime blogger but the sister of Sean Hughes. He and Sean had a history, and he believes Ashlynn is cut from the same cloth. But he also can't help worrying about her safety. Denver follows her when she goes to meet her contact and is there to save her when she is attacked. At that point, they decided it would be best if they worked together. Neither expected the attraction that flared between them. Denver was protective of Ashlynn and frequently frustrated by her fearlessness. They grew closer as they worked together. I liked how Denver began to respect Ashlynn's capabilities and understand what motivated her. I also liked how Ashlynn started to see her actions through Denver's eyes and think about their effects. I enjoyed how Denver caused Ashlynn to think about her future. Though there are no big declarations at the end, there is a clear intention to see where their relationship goes.
 
The suspense in the story was excellent. Most of their leads came from tips from Ashlynn's blog. Her determination and fearlessness make her take chances while investigating those tips. As she and Denver get deeper into the investigation, Ashlynn's actions put a target on her back. There were multiple twists in this story that kept me guessing as to who the murderer was. The final confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was all over.

Deadly Chase - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2184 - June 2022)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 45)
 
A deadly case…
That's purely personal.
 
The Moonlight Killer has robbed LA detective Gabriel Cortland of everything. So when the murderer begins to prey on his new hometown, the lone-wolf cop is hot on the criminal's heels. Dismayed to be paired with unfailingly upbeat Shayla Cavanaugh on this case, Gabriel is surprised to discover how well they work together on and off duty. Together, can they finally bring the terror to an end?
 
Good book that hooked me from the beginning and kept me engaged to the end. Gabriel just transferred to Aurora from LA. He previously worked on the Moonlight Killer case until his wife became one of the victims. After trying to drown his grief, he pulled himself together, determined to find the man responsible. After months of inactivity, Gabriel is convinced that the killer has relocated to Aurora, "the safest town in the state," and it's only a matter of time before he strikes again.
 
Shayla is the youngest of the Cavanaugh-O'Bannon branch of the family and a brand new addition to the detective branch of the Aurora PD. She is well-known in her family for her upbeat personality and tenacity. The first thing she notices about Gabriel is the sadness in his eyes, and she feels compelled to try to help him. She asks the Chief of Detectives to partner her with Gabriel.
 
I enjoyed seeing Gabriel and Shayla together. Gabriel is a loner, consumed by his need to bring the Moonlight Killer to justice and guilt over his wife's death. The last thing he wants is a partner, especially one always so cheerful! Every time he tried to shut her down, she simply changed directions and kept up the positive outlook. I liked watching Shayla wear him down on everything from eating to taking a break and getting some rest. She also knew the importance of their investigation and was with him when work needed to be done. Neither one expected the attraction that flared up between them. Gabriel was stunned to discover that he could have feelings for someone else. I liked that there was no "insta-love" between him and Shayla, just an acknowledgment that they wanted to see where their relationship would go.
 
The suspense was excellent. The killer struck again almost as soon as Gabriel arrived in Aurora. His frustration over the lack of clues was evident as he and Shayla looked at current and past cases. Then one piece of evidence opened the door to a new line of investigation. I was surprised that Gabriel didn't make one significant connection, but I chalked it up to his mind being on another part of their questioning. Shayla caught it, though; she and Gabriel were convinced they had the right guy. The final confrontation was a nail-biter but had a great resolution. I was incredibly proud of Gabriel and his self-control.
 
One of the things I always enjoy about the Cavanaugh books is the closeness of the family. Their love for each other is evident in the teasing and support they provide. With so many Cavanaughs scattered throughout the APD, it is always fun to see a partner's reaction when a Cavanaugh picks up the phone and calls this cousin or that sibling for a quick answer to a question. Gabriel was no different. Also, with Gabriel having no family, he has no concept of what a group such as the Cavanaughs is like. His nervousness as he and Shayla arrived at Andrew's was adorable, and I loved watching him become part of them.

One Night Only - Jayci Lee (HD #2919 - Jan 2023)

Series: Hana Trio (Book 2)
 
Will giving into passion free them from their secret…
Or cost them everything?
 
Making beautiful music is what chamber violinist Megan Han lives for. But one night with a seductive stranger and a surprise pregnancy could jeopardize her hard work. Especially when that handsome stranger turns out to be Daniel Pak, CFO of her father's company. The only choice for these star-crossed lovers is to keep their fling -- and Megan's pregnancy -- a secret. But when passion reignites, will they risk one more sweet symphony?
 
Good book. Megan is dedicated to her music career as a violinist with the local chamber music organization. She also has secretly prepared a more modern electric violin piece. As the book opens, she is on her way to performing it for the first time at a club. Unfortunately, she runs out of gas on the way. She's rescued by a handsome stranger who sticks around for her performance. On an emotional high, Megan gives in to the attraction that flares with her rescuer, and they spend a passionate night together, then part ways.
 
When Megan discovers she's pregnant, she has no way to contact the father. Being a single mother was never in her plan, but with her family's support, she can handle it. I loved how Angie and Chloe were so excited to become aunties. Megan is more worried about telling her father, a very traditional Asian father. That worry intensifies when she meets Daniel, her father's new CFO - and the father of her baby! What will her father do when he discovers the link between his daughter and his protégé?
 
Daniel is stunned when he discovers that the woman he couldn't forget is his boss's daughter. His shock is multiplied when she informs him of his impending fatherhood. He immediately proposes marriage and isn't happy when Megan turns him down flat.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Megan and Daniel. Megan rejects Daniel's marriage proposal because she refuses to marry without love. She had the example of her parents' marriage and won't settle for anything less. Daniel doesn't believe in love. His experiences with that emotion show that it isn't real or doesn't last. His mother abandoned Daniel and his father, and Daniel's college girlfriend left him for his roommate.
 
There is also the issue of revealing Daniel as the father of her baby. Worried about her father's reaction, Megan concocts an elaborate scheme to solidify Daniel's position in the company so that her father won't fire Daniel when they reveal the truth. Complicating matters, the attraction between Megan and Daniel is irresistible. Giving into it is just one more secret to keep.
 
It was hilarious that Megan's father kept playing matchmaker for them. He wasn't subtle about it. Between their stolen times together and forced times together, Megan and Daniel had time to get to know each other. It doesn't take long for Megan to realize that she loves Daniel, but she wants her love returned. It is clear that Daniel is falling for her, too, but he shuts down that train of thought when it happens. He allows his fears to push Megan away. 

After the confrontation with Megan's father reinforced their differing opinions on love, I ached for them both. But all was not lost, as support and advice came from an unexpected source. I liked how Megan and Daniel looked at their own failings and realized they had to fight for what they wanted. I loved how Megan's dad had one more trick up his sleeve, giving them a chance to make things right. I loved the ending and seeing Megan and Daniel finally showing their vulnerabilities while looking forward to a future together.

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

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

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.

Guardian K-9 on Call - Linda O. Johnston (HRS #2182 - May 2022)

Series: Shelter of Secrets (Book 2)

She protects those in need…with her K-9 by her side!
 
When a brutal homicide crosses her desk, K-9 cop Maisie Murran is determined to find the culprit. Evidence points toward an unlikely suspect, veterinarian Kyle Kornel. Maisie suspects that someone is framing the compassionate doctor, and she offers to help him find the real killer. Working together to prove his innocence puts them both at risk -- and makes the heat between them impossible to ignore…
 
Good suspense combined with romance. This animal shelter in Chance is a no-kill shelter that takes in abused and unwanted animals. Unknown to the rest of the town, it is also a shelter for abused women. They are taken in, given a chance to heal while working with the animals, then given new lives elsewhere. The shelter's manager, Scott, is an undercover police officer (Her Undercover Refuge).
 
The newest employee at the shelter is Kyle, a former cop turned veterinarian. He is on-site when K-9 cop Maisie brings her dog, Griffin, in because of an injured paw while she was patrolling near the shelter. The sparks between them were evident from the start, and they made plans to get together.
 
While at the shelter, there is an altercation between Kyle and a pair of women who bring a dog to the shelter. One woman is a local pet supply store owner who displays dogs for adoption while encouraging adopters to purchase supplies from the store. There is some question about the legality and ethics of her actions, and Kyle is not very happy with the resolution of the argument. He finds her body when he goes to the pet store later to talk to the woman and check the situation. He calls the police but is considered the number one person of interest in the murder because of the earlier argument.
 
This puts a crimp in the blossoming relationship between Kyle and Maisie. As a police officer, getting involved with a murder suspect is not a good idea. But they can't stay away from each other despite Maisie's initial questioning of Kyle's guilt or innocence. Their attraction grows as they work together to prove Kyle's innocence. I liked that, though their chemistry was strong, they limited their involvement while the case was ongoing. I liked Kyle's protectiveness toward Maisie after he received a threat that included her, even though he respected her abilities as a police officer. I wanted their chances for a future together after the case ended, and they were free to explore their relationship.
 
The suspense was good. There were questions about the motives and actions of the murdered woman from her first appearance at the shelter. Kyle is a logical suspect even though the reader knows he is not guilty. Reading the book requires some suspense of disbelief as Maisie, a K-9 cop only peripherally involved in the investigation, decides to look into things on her own. She also informs one of the suspects (Kyle) of what she finds. Putting these quibbles aside, the search for the murderer kept my interest. In addition to Kyle, there were other possible suspects in the murder, from the woman's ex-husbands to employees of the store.
 
The intensity increased when Kyle received a threatening text, indicating that the murderer was not happy with his pursuit of the truth. As information about one of the other suspects came to light, the spotlight moved away from Kyle but didn't decrease his desire to find the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as the murderer made their move on their actual target. The face-off was intense as Kyle and Maisie faced a desperate killer bent on revenge. The resolution was neatly done (I loved Griffin and Spike's involvement), though I found the murderer's motive a bit far-fetched. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Canyon Crime Scene - Carol Ericson (HI #2084 - July 2022)

Series: Lost Girls (Book 1)

His sister is missing and only one person can help
 
Cade Larson needs LAPD fingerprint expert Lori Del Valle to help track down his troubled missing sister. But he can't deny the sparks still between them…nor the secret Lori is keeping. When fingerprints link Cade's sister to another missing woman -- and a potentially nefarious treatment center -- Lori volunteers to go undercover. Will their dangerous plan bring a predator to justice or tragically end their reunion?
 
Good mix of second chance romance and suspense. Lori works for the LAPD as a fingerprint specialist. One day she's startled to find her high school boyfriend there to report his younger sister missing. Cade is told it is too soon to report an adult missing, and his frustration is evident. When Lori suggests that she and Cade check Summer's house for clues, she discovers a disturbing similarity to a crime scene she recently worked.
 
Dissatisfied with the police response to the things they found, Lori and Cade begin investigating on their own. I was hooked when Lori decided to go undercover to investigate the questionable drug rehab center that linked the two women. The tension ramped up as Lori risked discovery by searching for the missing women, and Cade met with one of Lori's police friends about the drugs they found. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages as they uncovered the truth about the rehab center and its owner. The underground scene was a nail-biter with a close call for Lori and Cade and a just-in-the-nick-of-time rescue. The epilogue filled in some blanks for a satisfying ending.
 
I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Lori and Cade. They had been high school sweethearts, Cade from a wealthy family and Lori from a poor one. It didn't matter to them, but Cade's family disapproved. When Cade left for college, Lori broke things off, telling him he needed to be free to experience everything. There was another reason also that came out later in the book. When they meet again, it's clear that the sparks between them are still there. I enjoyed seeing them reconnect and realize that the old feelings are still there. Though he respected Lori's abilities, he still felt protective when danger threatened. Lori felt the same protectiveness toward Cade, which led to some of her past choices. There is some angst when she shares her secret, but understanding and forgiveness follow quickly. If they are going to move forward together, Cade has some decisions to make. Those decisions didn't surprise me, as they were hinted at earlier in the book. The epilogue was terrific.
 
I liked seeing some of the characters from the previous series make appearances in this one. Lori made a brief appearance in that series, and Kyra and Jake appear in this book. I'd like to see more of Jake's partner Billy and his search for his sister.

Serial Affair - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2180 - May 2022)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 44)

She'll do anything to catch a killer.
Even use herself as bait!
 
Small-town detective Liberty Lawrence is hot on the trail of a serial killer. And this case is as personal as they come. So when the criminal's body count moves to California, Liberty follows -- and joins forces with lawman Campbell Cavanaugh. With chemistry as explosive as the danger surrounding them, though, the duo is racing against time before the killer turns on Liberty herself…
 
A terrific addition to the Cavanaugh Justice series. The story opens in the small town of Calhoun, Arizona, where detective Liberty Lawrence is looking for the man who killed her foster mother. What she finds is the trail of a serial killer. And when she links the killer's MO to a recent murder in Aurora, California, that's where she goes.
 
I enjoyed Liberty's first encounter with Campbell. She is focused and intense when she tells him about the link between cases. Cam is a little wary initially because he thought she was too obsessed to have been thorough in her investigation. But after listening to her, he realized that she was right. Meanwhile, I could see her frustration at his attitude. I liked that he apologized for not taking her seriously. She isn't used to that, and it threw her off-kilter for a few minutes. Once Cam is convinced, he's all in and proceeds to include her in his investigation.
 
The interactions between Cam and Liberty were fun to watch. Because the case is so personal to her, she is even more intense than usual. Thanks to her early life, she also doesn't trust easily and constantly questions Cam's motives. Cam finds her fascinating and is determined to get past the walls she has erected. His straightforward inclusion of her in the investigation goes a long way toward achieving that goal.
 
As in many other Cavanaugh Justice books, the prevalence of Cavanaugh family members in the Aurora PD surprises the newcomer. I enjoyed how her disbelief turned to wonder as she saw how they support each other, from her meeting with the medical examiner to their conversation with computer guru Valri. Another big shock is usually attending one of Uncle Andrew's family gatherings. It went a little differently this time, with Cam taking Liberty to Andrew's for a meal. It was still an eye-opening experience for Liberty, who was deeply envious of the size and closeness of the family.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Cam and Liberty. There were sparks of attraction from the start, but they buried them in favor of concentrating on the case. I liked how Cam respected her abilities as a detective. I also enjoyed seeing him work to get her to open up to him and how he began to understand what drove her. Liberty was surprised by how quickly she began to trust Cam, but it felt right, which made giving in to their attraction much easier. As they closed in on the serial killer, and Liberty proposed to use herself as bait, Cam's protective instincts took over. I felt his fear when things went south and his relief when it was all over. There was a bit of a hiccup in his expression of his feelings for her, but the Christmas Eve scene made up for it.
 
The suspense of the story was good. Part of that came from spending some time in the killer's head, giving the reader a peek at what Liberty and Cam are up against. I ached for Liberty's link to one of the victims, but it gave excellent insight into what drives her. I liked seeing the cooperation between the two detectives as they joined forces to stop the killer. Taking the work that Liberty had already done and sharing it with Cam and his partner helped move the case along. There was a surprise addition to the information that Liberty had discovered that gave them a new direction to take. The tension ramped up as the killer escalated his attacks, leading to Liberty's decision to bait a trap with herself. I was glued to the pages as Liberty wound up in mortal danger. The resolution was a nail-biter and came way too close to disaster, but it certainly kept me turning the pages. I did not see that particular ending coming, but it was satisfying. 

The Friendship Pact - Jill Shalvis (Avon - June 2022)

Series: Sunrise Cove (Book 2)

Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she's never met, April, for the first time in her life, goes silent. To make matters worse, Tae is dangerously close to broke and just manages to avoid financial meltdown when she lands a shiny new contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.
 
Her first big fundraiser event falls flat, but what starts out as a terrible, horrible, no-good night turns into something else entirely when Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland. She hasn't seen the former Marine since their brief fling in high school, and while still intensely drawn to him, she likes her past burned and buried, thank you very much. Hence their friendship pact.
 
But when April oddly refuses to help Tae track down her father, it's Riggs who unexpectedly comes to her aid. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them find themselves on a wild ride and learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming. Now Tae must decide whether she's going to choose love … or walk away from her own happiness.
 
Good book about two people who have put up walls around their hearts to keep them safe. For Tae, it's been her and her mom against the world her entire life. April was only fifteen when she had Tae, so they sometimes seem more like sisters than mother and daughter. Life has been challenging, but things are finally looking up. April has a good job as a receptionist with Adrenaline HQ, which provides activities/adventures for disabled kids and adults and wounded warriors. Tae has her own event planning company, which is finally taking off thanks to a contract with that company.
 
Tae worries about that contract when she feels her first fundraiser for them is a failure, even though Jake, the owner, is satisfied with the results. Tae is a worrier, and I loved how Jake tried to ease her fears. He tells her to go ahead and leave, and she mistakes another car for her Uber in her rush. To her dismay, the car's driver is Riggs, Jake's brother, and her high school one-night fling. She hasn't seen him since he left for the Marines shortly after that.
 
Riggs has left the Marines and come home for the summer before starting his new job. He's part-owner of the business but leaves it to Jake to run. But Riggs worries about Jake, one of those wounded warriors he tries to help. He's always adored his older brother, who stood between Riggs and his abusive father, and he fears that Jake is putting himself at risk. He promises to stay around for the summer and help expand the company.
 
I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Riggs and Tae. The sparks between them are instantaneous, but neither wants anything to do with them. Riggs is leaving at the end of the summer, and after everything she witnessed with her mother, Tae refuses to give a man any power over her life. So they make a pact to ignore the sparks and keep to friendship only. By keeping the physical out of the mix, they've allowed themselves to get to know each other as adults. I loved the time they spent together helping with the activities and the quieter times when they just talked. It was amazing to see how well they understood each other as both recognized kindred spirits in the self-protection game.
 
The sparks of attraction didn't take too long to overcome the friendship pact. Though they say it's just a fling, neither one wants to admit their hearts are involved. Tae knows she's falling for Riggs and will end up hurt, but she doesn't want to give up a minute of their time together. Riggs is a harder nut to crack. His walls are thick, and his head even thicker. I loved the conversations between him and Jake, who tries to break through Rigg's walls while Riggs fights him (sometimes literally) every step of the way.
 
At the same time all of this is going on, Tae is going through a bit of an identity crisis. For her entire life, April has told her that her father died in the war. But Tae recently encountered someone who claimed to know her father and that he was alive. Tae is hunting for the truth without involving her mother, whom she protects. I ached for Tae and the confusion she felt. Though she's determined to investigate on her own, Riggs involves himself in the search behind her back. While his intentions were good, his execution created the potential for disaster. Tae's feelings of betrayal by everyone were understandable, and I didn't blame her for her anger. There's a lot that goes on surrounding the truth that is revealed. In the long run, relationships change but grow stronger. Tae's anger at Riggs is especially strong as she pushes him away. I liked that he admitted he was wrong. He also finally realized the truth of his feelings for her. I loved the conversation between Riggs and Jake, as Jake tries to make him see what he'll have to do to win Tae back. "Use your words, idiot!" The light bulb moment was satisfying; I liked seeing them finally come together. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up. 

 

When I Found You - Brenda Novak (Mira - July 2021)

Series: Silver Springs (Book 8)
 
Sometimes the biggest emotional risk can reap the best romantic reward…
 
After everything she worked for is destroyed, pediatrician Natasha Gray is determined to build a new life. Divorced, bankrupt and suddenly a single mom, she's ready to start over in Silver Springs -- on her own. She certainly doesn't need help from Mack Amos, the man who's already broken her heart twice.
 
Although Mack has had feelings for Tash since they first met, too many things have stood in the way. He's always given her the support she needs, though, and he'll do the same now. Even if the desire he wrestles with threatens to undermine his intentions…
 
But her heart is not the only reason Natasha wants to keep Mack at bay. More time in her life means getting closer to her son, which could lead to a revelation neither of them is ready to face.
 
Emotional second chance story with complex characters. Natasha's life in LA is upended when her pediatric practice ends in scandal thanks to a criminal nurse, and her husband ends their marriage at the same time. Tash takes a job as a nurse at the New Horizons Ranch in Silver Springs, where she hopes to start over with her six-year-old son Lucas. Helping her move is Mack, her once-upon-a-time stepbrother, and teenage crush.
 
Mack has had feelings for Tash, too, but she was sixteen, and he was twenty-five. He knew that was wrong and worked hard to keep her at a distance. She always held a special place in his heart, so continuing to help her is a no-brainer. The difficulty remains in keeping his feelings under control.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Tash and Mack grow, but it wasn't an easy one. Their history is complicated. When her mom was married to his dad, Anya and JT had a very toxic relationship, leaving Mack and his brothers as the ones watching out for Tash. After what she saw as multiple rejections, Tash couldn't wait to go. A few years later, on a visit back to Whiskey Creek for the holidays, Tash encountered Mack, and the old feelings came rushing back for both of them. But after one night together, Mack's guilty feelings caused him to pull back, breaking her heart once more. While she's grateful for his help now, Tash wants Mack gone before her heart gets involved again.
 
Mack is tired of denying his feelings. Tash is free now, and Mack is determined to show her how he feels. He knows she wants nothing to do with another relationship, and winning back her trust will be a challenge, but he's up for it. I liked Mack's patience as he chipped away at Tash's resistance. He knows her well and manages an excellent blend of pushing and stepping back. The biggest issue is proving to her that he will be there when she needs him. Some sweet scenes show progress there, such as when she was sick and again during an issue with her mother later in the book. I also loved Mack's connection with Tash's son Lucas. He's an adorable kid, and the two of them are sweet together.
 
Tash fights hard against her feeling for Mack. After everything that's happened, she feels that the only one she can count on is herself. Mack says he'll be there, but he's walked away before. However, the longer he sticks around, the harder it is to resist the attraction between them. I got a little frustrated with how she dwelled on the past and refused to see that Mack's attitude changed dramatically. Even when she finally gave in to the sparks, she refused to see their connection as anything but physical. It takes some significant family trauma and drama to break down her walls at last. I loved the ending and seeing them both happy at last.
 
A lot is going on in this book besides the relationship between Tash and Mack. First up, we have Tash's ex-husband, a whiny man-child named Ace. His lack of support for her during the collapse of her practice and his selfishness during the divorce showed how horrible he was. It gets worse when he finds and reads an old diary of hers, and it stirs up suspicions about her son. His actions are childish at best and vicious at worst. Then there's the paternity issue raised in that diary. Mack is hopeful, Ace is furious, and Tash wants it all to go away.
 
Back in Whiskey Creek, more family drama comes home to roost. Years ago, Cheyenne Amos (Dylan's wife) made a decision with questionable ethics. That decision comes to light, and the parties involved must now answer for their choices. When I read that book, Come Home to Me, I was furious with Cheyenne and knew that it would come back to bite her. I ended up being pleased with the handling of the issue, and the relationships came out stronger.
 
At the end, Anya and JT's relationship takes center stage. After years away, Anya returns to JT, and they resume their shenanigans. Both of them abuse drugs and alcohol, which adds to the volatility of their relationship. When JT is found shot, and near death, suspicion immediately falls on Anya. Tash is torn between her feelings for Mack, her belief in her mother's innocence, and Anya's inability to remember what happened. Add in the reaction of the other Amos brothers, and the tension is off the charts. I had no idea which way this one would go, and it kept me turning the pages.

The Baby Trail - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2172 - Mar 2022)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 43)

To find a kidnapped newborn
Detectives must risk everything
 
One desperate task unites detectives Korinna Kennedy and Brodie Cavanaugh: to rescue an abducted infant. As their frantic investigation proceeds, so does the partners' prickly relationship. Only when loner Korinna is drawn into laid-back Brodie's life do they become closer. And as their list of suspects grows, they put their lives and hearts on the line to bring home the missing child.
 
Good book. This book had a different beginning than most of this series, beginning when Kori was eight years old. Her father had just been shot in a hold-up when Brian Cavanaugh (then a captain, now Chief of Detectives) stopped at the store for milk. He was responsible for getting the ambulance for Kori's dad, and rather than turn Kori over to social services, he took her home to his family while her dad recovered. This began a long relationship with the Cavanaughs, leading to Kori becoming a member of the police department.
 
After that emotional prologue, the book moves to the present day. Kori, now a detective, has just lost her partner to sudden retirement. She's surprised to arrive at work to find she's already been assigned a new partner - a transfer from Homicide. In this police department, it's not an unusual occurrence for it to be a Cavanaugh. Brodie Cavanaugh looks forward to helping the living, not just coming in after the fact. Kori isn't sure what to make of the light-hearted Brodie, and their initial exchanges are awkward. Then a call comes in about an infant abducted from the hospital, and they're off and running.
 
Kori is very intense. There is little room in her life for anything outside the cases she works on and takes personally. I liked her determination to find the baby girl and reunite her with her mother, but it felt like she was on the way to burning out. With the example of his large LEO family, Brodie has a good handle on keeping some balance in his life. I loved seeing Brodie's attempts to help Kori find that balance, though she fought him every step of the way. Though Kori wasn't sure about their partnership initially, she couldn't deny they worked well together.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Brodie and Kori. Brodie's laid-back attitude balanced Kori's intensity. I loved his sense of humor and how he used it to break up the tension. Some sparks fly, but both try to ignore them and focus on the case. When Brodie invites Kori to a gathering that includes former missing person cops designed to give them some new ideas to pursue, she does her best to get out of it. It is one of Andrew Cavanaugh's famous get-togethers, and she has been avoiding them for years. I loved seeing Brodie keep after her until she agreed to go. Her reluctance is palpable that day, and Brodie knows her enough by now to call her out on why. He points out that she doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone because she's afraid of losing them.
 
Once again, Andrew's parties provide a catalyst for exploding feelings. I laughed as Kori and Brodie watched her dad and his aunt take to each other. I was a little worried about Kori's attitude and how she was freaking out. Brodie found an interesting way to get her to stop spiraling - he kissed her. Neither one expected the firestorm raised by that kiss, but their chemistry was explosive. Judging by relationships in earlier books, I have to wonder just what ingredients go into some of Andrew's dishes, as his parties tend to have similar results for others. I got a little vexed with Kori's morning after worries, but everything worked out okay. I liked how their relationship continued to grow as the case went on. There was no "black moment" pulling them apart, and by the end of the book, they were ready to see where it would go. The epilogue nicely answered that question.
 
The suspense of the story was good. I ached for the young mother who blamed herself for her baby's disappearance. I liked the team's determination to find the baby and felt their frustration as lead after lead were dead ends. But something that one of the retired cops said gave Kori and Brodie an idea of another path to investigate. I will admit that their new suspect had crossed my mind earlier in the book. I enjoyed seeing their pursuit of this path and how it became more apparent the further they got. I liked the happy ending, including the consequences for the kidnapper.

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.

Summer at the Cape - RaeAnne Thayne (HQN - Apr 2022)

Series: Cape Sanctuary (Book 4)

As the older sibling to identical twins Violet and Lily, Cami Porter was always the odd sister out. The divide grew even wider when their parents split up -- while the twins stayed in Cape Sanctuary with their free-spirited mother, Rosemary, fourteen-year-old Cami moved to LA with her attorney father. Nearly twenty years later, when Cami gets the terrible news that Lily has drowned saving a child's life, her mother begs her to return home to help untangle the complicated estate issues her sister left behind.
 
Navigating their own strained relationship, Cami readjusts to the family and community she hasn't known for decades, including the neighbor who stands in the way of her late sister's dream, while Violet grieves the loss of her twin and struggles to figure out who she is now, without her other half, as the little girl Lily saved pulls her back into the orbit of the man she once loved.
 
Terrific story of family, loss, and love. Told from alternating points of view, I loved seeing how each character processed what was going on around them. The people are realistically portrayed, their feelings and actions believable.
 
When oldest daughter, Cami, was fourteen, her parents divorced. She stayed in LA with her lawyer father, eventually becoming a lawyer herself. Her twin sisters, Violet and Lily, went to Cape Sanctuary with their free-spirited mother, Rosemary. Cami always felt like the odd one out when she visited. Twenty years later, Lily drowned while saving the lives of two little girls in Cape Sanctuary. Rosemary begs Cami to help untangle some complicated issues involving Lily's dream of a glampground on neighboring property.
 
I ached for Cami. She's still trying to process her grief over Lily's death while working long hours at her father's law firm. Though she doesn't know how much help she'll be, getting away to the peace of the beach sounds like exactly what she needs to recharge. As she nears her destination, she stops to help a man wearing a sling with a flat tire. Sparks fly between them, but Cami doesn't expect to see him again.
 
The man is Jon, an archaeologist who has been called home to deal with his estranged father. They haven't spoken in several years, but he gets word that Franklin is behaving oddly. He arrives home to discover his father in the early stages of dementia, tents set up on property that should be vacant, and the suspicion that the neighbors are trying to pull a fast one on his father.
 
Cami's sister Violet, Lily's twin, is a special education teacher in Sacramento. She comes to Cape Sanctuary for the summer to help Rosemary with the glampground. She struggles with the loss of her sister and best friend. She also feels guilty over an argument with Lily that they hadn't made up before Lily died. Complicating matters, she can't avoid running into Alex, her first love, whose daughter Ariana is one of the girls Lily died while rescuing.
 
I loved the intertwining of the various storylines. While Cami would like nothing more than to fix the glampground leasing issue, Jon's first thought is protecting his father. Cami is sympathetic to his problems and finds herself stepping in to help Jon with his dad. At the same time, the sparks between Cami and Jon continue to grow. There were some sweet scenes of the two of them together, with and without Franklin. It's easy to see their growing feelings, but there are also obstacles to a future together.
 
Franklin's medical issues are heartbreaking to watch, but on his good days, he is a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him interact with Rosemary and the glampground guests. I was thrilled to see him and Jon repair their relationship with each other.
 
I ached for Violet and her tortured feelings. She loved Lily, but she also frequently felt like the pale imitation of her vivacious sister. Without Lily, though, she feels as if a piece of herself is missing. I liked seeing Violet and Cami begin to strengthen their bond in their shared grief. The night-time scene on the beach with them and a bottle of wine was emotional, funny, and eye-opening for them. It was also a great start to a new closeness.
 
Violet also must deal with her unresolved feelings for Alex. He makes it clear that he still cares about her and would like a second chance, but Violet is wary of trusting him with her heart again. There are several great scenes where Alex is there when she needs him and helps her work through her grief. I especially enjoyed the scene on the boat when she helped him with the whale-watching trip for the glampers. The question is whether she can let go of the past enough to move forward into the future with him and Ariana.
 
There's a heartwarming scene where the town holds a ceremony to honor Lily and her sacrifice. The kind words of the mayor and the heartfelt speech by Ariana make a world of difference to Lily's family. Cami's dad, Ted, was also there, and he wasn't what I expected. I enjoyed seeing him and Rosemary together. There are some intense moments near the end when Franklin wanders off, and Jon feels overwhelmed by what lies ahead. I loved his surprise at how people came together to help find him and Jon's realization that he's not alone. A moment of clarity in a discussion between Franklin and Jon reveals an unexpected twist in the leasing issue.  I loved seeing Jon and Cami look at exploring their feelings for each other.
 
The epilogue was a terrific look at their lives a few years down the road. There's happiness and heartbreak, love and loss, but above all, the importance of family.