Finding Fortune's Secret - Allison Leigh (HSE #2911 - June 2022)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book 6)
 
"We need to get married."
 
Stefan Mendoza has found Justine Maloney in Texas more than a year after their whirlwind Miami romance. Now that he's learned he's a father, he wants to “do the right thing.” But for Justine, a child of divorce, marriage without love is a deal breaker. Her handsome baby daddy is still sticking around, though. And simmering below the surface is a family secret that could change everything for them both -- forever…
 
Good conclusion to the series. Justine was a secondary character in the previous, frequently hanging out in Kirby's Perks. At the end of that book, she had a strong reaction when the Fortunes mentioned the town of Chatelaine, Texas. I had a feeling she would be important. Justine is a single mother of a seven-month-old baby boy. She doesn't talk about his father until the day Stefan Mendoza shows up in Rambling Rose.
 
Stefan works with his brothers, doing marketing for the family winery. He has bigger things on his mind and is partnering with a friend and his craft brewery. Stefan enjoys his bachelor life but hasn't been able to forget last New Year's in Miami.
 
Stefan and Justine met and had a weekend fling, never expecting to see each other again. When Justine found out she was pregnant, she didn't try too hard to find him; she just went on with her life. She left her small town, moved to Rambling Rose (not much bigger), and became a virtual personal assistant while raising Morgan and attending school. Justine was shocked when she encountered Stefan at Kirby's, but that was nothing compared to Stefan's realization that he had a son. I loved that he never hesitated to acknowledge that Morgan was his and that he wanted to be involved in Morgan's life. He did go a tad overboard with his demand that he and Justine get married. She, of course, made it clear that they could co-parent without having to marry.
 
I ached a bit for Stefan as he tried to get to know his son. Morgan doesn't take to strangers, and it takes a while for him to begin to warm up to Stefan. Justine is wary about getting too close to Stefan, worried about losing her heart to him. When she loses the lease on her apartment, Stefan invites her to move into his house, clearly hoping that proximity will help him win his battle. There is a bit of dancing around each other as they work to hide their feelings and protect their hearts. But living together does bring them closer, both in attraction and feelings. Unfortunately, Stefan gets a little ahead of himself and plans a surprise that doesn't go well. I ached for both because a little honest communication would have prevented several days of heartache. Some heartfelt advice from a friend gave Justine the courage to go after her dream, even if she didn't think Stefan shared her feelings. A stunning revelation at the wedding cleared up the misunderstanding between Stefan and Justine and solved the puzzle of the mysterious gifts.
 
Following the mystery of the gifts from the first book, I wondered how it would be resolved. Each book had another clue, but no one could figure out how they were connected. I was as surprised as everyone else at the wedding by the secrets that came to light. There was one thread left hanging, and I can't wait to read next year's Fortunes series to see how that works out.

A Fortune in the Family - Kathy Douglass (HSE #2906 - May 2022)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book 5)
 
There's something brewing between them…
 
Contractor Josh Fortune is happy to be Kirby Harris's Mr. Fixit. Repairing the roof of Kirby's Perks is a cinch, but healing her heart is a trickier process. For three years the beautiful widow has been doing everything on her own, and she's afraid to let down her guard. She thinks Josh is too young, too carefree -- and way too tempting for a mom who has to put her kids first…
 
Good book. Josh is the youngest in this branch of the Fortunes. He moved to Rambling Rose from New York to be with his siblings but also for a new start after a relationship ended. He could have joined his brothers' construction business but prefers to be his own boss. He set up his own contracting business and often takes on smaller jobs that his brothers don't want to deal with. One day he gets a call asking him to do repairs on the leaking roof at Kirby's Perks, a local coffee shop.
 
Kirby is a single mom of two girls, Lily (5) and Violet (7). Since her husband's death three years earlier, her daughters and work have been the center of her life.  While she isn't against the idea of loving again, she doesn't see it happening any time soon.
 
Josh felt like he'd been struck by lightning when he arrived at Kirby's Perks. Kirby is a beautiful woman with a warm smile and an outgoing personality. Josh has the reputation in his family of falling in love at the drop of a hat and rushing his relationships. He promised himself he would change his ways and take his time with any new relationship but finds it hard to stick to his resolution. Kirby is just as attracted to Josh but is wary. He's younger than she is and a carefree bachelor, while she has two children to think about.
 
I loved watching the development of their relationship. Josh sticks to his resolution, though it is difficult when he's never felt this strongly about a woman before. Kirby isn't sure what to make of the feelings Josh stirs in her. I loved watching them get to know each other, with and without the girls. It was fun to see Josh find ways to spend time with Kirby, from helping her paint to building a playset for the girls. Josh is convinced that Kirby is the one for him and can see himself as part of the family.
 
Kirby is more cautious. She's aware that her feelings for him are growing stronger, but she's not the only one she must consider. Lily takes to Josh right away, but Violet is more standoffish. I loved Josh's patience and acceptance of Violet's feelings. He doesn't try to force anything, leaving Violet to adjust in her own time. I ached for him when Violet's attitude became an obstacle in his pursuit of Kirby. Both he and Kirby have some soul-searching to do, and each gets some good advice to help them along the way. I loved their big moment at the end and the subsequent revelation of the fear at the root of Violet's attitude.
 
In keeping with the overarching mystery in the series, another mysterious gift shows up. This time, a package for Josh is mixed up in Lily's birthday party gifts. He receives a travel book about Texas, with instructions to pay close attention to a specific chapter. Showing the book to his family members in the epilogue reveals another clue that adds to the mystery. I look forward to the next book and discovering what it all means.

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

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

Anyone but a Fortune - Judy Duarte (HSE #2893 - Mar 2022)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book 3)
 
“You say my name like it's a dirty word.”
 
Self-made woman Sofia De Leon has heard enough about the old money Fortune family to know that Beau Fortune is not to be trusted. He might be tall, dark, handsome and rich, but he's so not her type. And now that they are competing for the same business award, he is also her rival. It is just a hot Texas minute, though, before ambition begins warring with attraction…
 
A good book about two people from vastly different backgrounds competing for the same business award. Sofia is a self-made woman from a poor family. She worked hard through school and setting up her financial planning business. She watched her mother and grandmother struggle to make ends meet as she grew up while watching those with more money have all the advantages. Then she suffered through the betrayal of her wealthy college boyfriend, who disrespected her because of her past. This left her with a bad taste for anyone with money. At the top of the list are the members of the Fortune family, who seem to be taking over the town of Rambling Rose.
 
Beau Fortune and his brother Draper have opened a branch of Fortune Investments in Rambling Rose. They work hard to give their clients the best service possible. Rather than living in the exclusive section of town, they rented a house in a "normal" development. Beau is aware of his advantages growing up but hasn't let them go to his head.
 
At the end of the previous book, A Soldier's Dare, Beau and Sofia had a brief conversation at the Valentine's Day dance. As she was there with someone else, Beau backed off when the other man seemed to have a problem with him. But he has never forgotten the beautiful woman in the red dress. At the beginning of this book, they meet again while dog walking and quickly connect though still without exchanging names. Beau's subsequent encounter at the dog park is with Sofia's grandmother, who, after a not-so-subtle interrogation, invites him to Sunday dinner. In the meantime, Sofia and Beau are notified that each has been nominated for a prestigious business award. But in an awkward scene, Beau overhears Sofia complaining to a friend about how those prosperous Fortunes seem to walk away with all the accolades because of their unfair advantages. That puts a damper on the budding relationship between them. Complicating matters further, as part of the competition, they are assigned to work together on a project to benefit their community.
 
At this point, I wanted to give Sofia a good, hard shake. She is such a reverse snob, looking down on anyone who hasn't had to struggle to succeed. Beau is hurt by her attitude but doesn't let it get to him. He is determined to do his best in the competition and let his actions speak for themselves, while Sofia takes every chance to take potshots at his job, background, and lifestyle. I loved the project they decided on - teaching high school seniors about financial responsibility. They covered budgeting, saving, taxes, loans, and even investing. (I wish my school had offered something like that!) I loved watching the students get involved in the subject and seeing how Beau and Sofia brought their personal experiences into play. I liked seeing how Sofia and Beau learned a little about each other during those classes.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Beau and Sofia develop. Beau is a great guy, down-to-earth and good-hearted. He is attracted to Sofia and ready to show her that he's nothing like she thinks. Something proves her wrong whenever she thinks she has him pegged as a spoiled rich guy. I got to the point where I couldn't wait to see which preconception got blasted next. I especially enjoyed seeing her reaction when she discovered that he and Draper clean their own house, cut their grass, and make their meals. I liked how Beau and Sofia came to respect each other and their abilities during their time together. I was initially not very happy with the judging for the award but felt the judges redeemed themselves with their creative solution.
 
Their relationship is also helped by Sofia's grandmother, Maria, and her mother, Camila. From the moment she met him, Maria was sure that Beau was The One for Sofia. I loved her first meeting with Beau and her not-so-subtle interrogation before inviting him to dinner. She takes every opportunity to throw them together. She's a source of great advice for both characters when trouble arises. I ached for both Beau and Sofia when the mysterious delivery of a pink baby blanket brought Sofia's fears and insecurities back to the surface, driving a wedge between them. I felt like Sofia had earned her misery but hurt for Beau. I loved watching Beau try to find a way to show Sofia that she could trust him, but none of the "grand gestures" that other people suggested felt right. I loved the one that finally hit him as just right because of the way it showed how much he respected and admired her. I also liked that Sofia realized how wrong she'd been and that her issues, not his actions, caused the problems. I loved seeing Sofia face up to her mistakes and her scene with Beau. The ending was terrific.
 
The book has a secondary romance between Beau's friend, Dan, and Sofia's mom. I loved seeing them meet and experience an unexpected attraction to each other. Both have painful pasts, and I liked seeing them take their time to get to know each other. Maria is over the moon with happiness at having helped with two successful relationships.
 
In this third book, another mysterious gift is given to a Fortune. The first book had a sculpture; the second was a picture and a pink baby blanket in this one. No one has any idea who sent them or what they mean. I'm looking forward to reading the other books and solving the mystery.

A Soldier's Dare - Jo McNally (HSE #2887 - Feb 2022)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book 2)

“You said you're not scared. Prove it.”
 
When Jack Radcliffe dares Belle Fortune to kiss him at the Hotel Fortune's Valentine's Ball, he thinks he's just having fun. She's a pampered Southern princess newly moved to Texas, and she's interested in someone else. In other words, she's “safe.” From the moment their lips touch, however, the former military man is in trouble. The woman he shouldn't want challenges him to confront his painful past -- and face his future head-on… 
 
Good book. Belle Fortune is a recent transplant to Rambling Rose, working as her brothers' office manager while they set up the new office. The book opens at the beginning of February when Belle is surrounded by all the trappings of romance and feels very alone. She has her eye on a certain man she thinks is perfect for her, and even though they don't know each other, she plans to change that. While cheering herself up with shopping therapy, she's bowled over by a runaway dog and rescued by the man trying to catch the dog. After a few awkward moments and the discovery that her cousin is married to his sister, Belle offers to help Jack with some purchases he needs to make.
 
Jack arrived home in Rambling Rose after leaving the army. He feels guilty for missing his sister's wedding and the birth of her little girl, hence the need for shopping assistance.  He's still thinking about Belle the next day but reminds himself he's in no position to think about dating anyone. He has no job, and the things he's seen and done have left him feeling undeserving of happiness.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Belle and Jack. Their subsequent encounter is at the Valentine's Ball, where Belle hopes to catch her crush's eye. That encounter doesn't go too well, and Jack offers to pay attention to her in hopes of making him jealous. Instead, the kiss they share knocks them both for a loop, and Belle quickly forgets about the other man. Belle and Jack begin spending more time together. I loved the effect Belle has on Jack as he discovers that being around her eases the strain he feels.
 
I liked how Jack sees Belle as an intelligent and capable woman. As the youngest of seven, Belle suffers from being looked at as the baby of the family and not taken seriously. She has big plans for her future, and Jack's support gives her the courage to move up the timeline. I also liked seeing her stand up to her overprotective brothers, who love her but tend to forget that she's a grown woman.
 
I liked watching Jack and Belle grow closer while their attraction grows stronger. Jack appears to be settling in well with his new construction job, the rental house he is renovating for his boss, and his adoption of the dog that brought him and Belle together. But underneath the surface, Jack is being eaten by the guilt he brought home from his last deployment. Those feelings throw up a barrier between Jack and Belle because he refuses to discuss it with her. Belle wants to help Jack, but he won't let her in, so she starts digging on her own. Trouble happens when she comes on a little too strong, and Jack gets angry over her interference. I loved that Belle had the strength to stand up for her needs and refused to settle. I hurt for Jack,  who knew he'd been a jerk but was afraid of her reaction if he told her everything.
 
It takes a phone call from Jack's past and a bit of a butt-kicking from the caller for Jack to see the truth. I loved seeing him finally take the needed steps to deal with his issues and their effect on his outlook. I liked his big moment with Belle and their agreement that they can handle anything as long as they are together.
 
I enjoyed the scenes of Jack with his three-legged pittie named Sarge. The dog had a significant impact on his life and his future. Jack's idea of matching older/special needs animals from the shelter with veterans was beautiful. I especially enjoyed seeing Jack match his friend Marcus with the black cat named Diva. I hope to see more of Pets2Vets in later books.
 
There was a little more about the series' overarching story of the mysterious gifts from the big wedding. In this book, Belle has a framed rose picture with a verse and the initials MAF. How is it connected to the previous book's horsehead statue and safe deposit key? I can't wait to follow along and find out.
 
My only quibble with the book was pretty minor. Jack is twenty-five years old but stated that he was a captain in the army. He quit college after two semesters to work construction, then joined the army. He would not have gone in as an officer without a college degree. Becoming an officer from the enlisted ranks isn't easy or quick, and you still need to have a college degree by the time you are commissioned. The average age of a captain who enters service after graduating college is twenty-seven. This did not hinder my enjoyment of the book, though it did pull me out of the story for a few minutes.

Their New Year's Beginning - Michelle Major (HSE #2881 - Jan 2022)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book 1)

At the stroke of midnight,
A stranger's kiss changes everything…
 
Brian Fortune doesn't think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother's New Year's wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he's stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor -- and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she's also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit -- and he's really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he'll do anything to stay at Emmaline's side -- for good…
 
Good book. Brian Fortune was in Rambling Rose on New Year's Eve to celebrate a multi-couple family wedding, including his twin brother Brady's (An Unexpected Father). He shared a stunning New Year's kiss with a beautiful woman who quickly disappeared, leaving him unable to forget her.
 
Brian is the only one of his siblings still living in New York. The rest have found their way to Texas and are working with their Texas cousins. Brian, whose job as an advertising exec allows him to work remotely, promised to stay in Rambling Rose until his sister-in-law has her baby. He also promised to watch Brady's twins while he and his wife were on their honeymoon.
 
Brian is the quiet twin when compared with the outgoing Brady. He often feels at a disadvantage around his brother. Brian portrays himself as a lone wolf and perennial bachelor who doesn't commit ever since his college sweetheart broke his heart. It also hides the vulnerabilities caused by Tammy's parting words. Brian thinks he doesn't have what it takes to be a husband and father.
 
Emmaline took over her grandfather's antique shop after his death. She is also preparing to be a single mother after her ex-boyfriend made it clear he has no interest in fatherhood. She hasn't revealed her pregnancy, worried about the reactions of her friends and neighbors, thanks to her mom's experiences as a single mother. Emmaline is very independent and determined to depend only on herself.
 
Brian and Emmaline meet again when he shows up at her shop investigating a mysterious wedding gift received by Brady and Harper. He's stunned to see that Emmaline is six months pregnant and more so to discover that it doesn't matter to him. He's still interested in getting to know her better, even though he'll be leaving in a few weeks. Emmaline isn't interested in a relationship as the shop and her baby are her priorities. Still, she has nothing against spending some time with Brian while they research the horse sculpture.
 
I liked watching Brian and Emmaline spend time together. Despite their initial plan to have some fun together, it doesn't take long for stronger feelings to develop. Brian is protective of Emmaline and unexpectedly invested in her life. But Brian is convinced that he cannot be what she needs, despite evidence to the contrary. The scenes of Brian with his nephews were adorable, and his ability to relate to them as a twin himself helped a lot. There were times when I wanted to shake Brian for his refusal to admit that he'd changed since coming to Texas.
 
Emmaline has almost as much tunnel vision as Brian. Because of past disappointments, she refuses to allow herself to depend on anyone else. But the more time she spends with Brian, the more she is tempted to lean on him. I liked Emmaline's support of Brian and how she tries to show him that he underestimates himself. When she finally realizes the depth of her feelings for a man who won't commit, she does what she must to protect her heart.
 
I ached for Emmaline and Brian.  Each was too stubborn to open their heart and risk rejection rather than take a chance. Even Brady had trouble getting through to Brian. It took a scare involving Emmaline for Brian to overcome his fears. I loved the emotional scene at the end and seeing both Brian and Emmaline get the future they wanted.
 
The mystery of the horse sculpture is intriguing. The information they have uncovered reveals a little bit of the sculpture's history but still nothing about who it is from. An unexpected twist at the end opened the door to more information that I expect will be revealed during the rest of the books in the series. I can't wait to see the story behind it.