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

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

The Heiress and the Baby Boom - Lauri Robinson (HH #1634 - Feb 2022)

Series: Osterlund Saga (Book 2)

From high school enemies
To shotgun wedding!
 
Growing up, heiress Randi Osterlund found the only person who didn't care who her parents were was penniless Jason Heim -- until a bitter exchange left bad blood between them. Now, years later, Randi needs Jason's land for a business venture, but the self-made man refuses to sell. There was always something burning between them, and when their arguing turns into one unforgettable night, the consequences risk adding to the '50s baby boom!
 
Terrific follow-on to Marriage or Ruin for the Heiress. Randi is the daughter of Randal and Jolie from that book and is a chip off both blocks. She is independent, driven, and more than a little stubborn. Rather than go to work for her mother's clothing company, Randi set her sights on her father's Air America airline company. She's worked for Randal for several years and has earned his respect. Unfortunately, she is constantly undermined by a misogynistic, chauvinistic, and generally annoying coworker. With her dad about to start a run for the US Senate, Randi feels she needs to do something big to show him that he can trust her to lead the company. Her idea to build their own plane-washing facility needs the land next to the airport to make it possible. The problem is that the land is owned by Jason Heim, her high school crush - until a misunderstanding turned them into bitter enemies.
 
Jason grew up as the son of a poor man who drank too much. At the age of twelve, Jason started working to pay the bills and keep food on the table. His father had an intense hatred for the wealthy, especially the Osterlunds, and swore they would never get his land. Jason was a bit of a hell-raiser as a youth, racing around in his hot rod and flirting with the girls. Nobody knew that he only had eyes for Randi until the night he got up the nerve to ask her out, and she laughed. Then his attempt to do something for her brother got him sent to reform school instead, and their enmity seemed set in stone.
 
The book opens as Randi takes courage in hand and shows up at Jason's house with a purchase proposal. The sparks fly as he flat-out refuses to sell no matter what she says. They part in anger again, but Randi refuses to give up. Their subsequent encounter starts just as antagonistic, but Jason inexplicably invites Randi to go with him to a little friend's birthday party. With the land purchase set aside, Randi and Jason discover a mutual love of milkshakes and dancing, and suddenly the sparks of attraction overcome those of antagonism. A goodnight kiss turns into a night of passion with unexpected consequences.
 
When Jason finds out about the baby before Randi can tell him, he heads right for her parents' house. There's no way he will be left out of his child's life. I wanted to shake him for how he handled it, as it got their relationship off on the wrong foot. Jason insists on marriage, and Randi goes along with him to prevent a scandal from harming her father's political aspirations. The wedding happens quickly, without Jason and Randi having a chance to get to know each other or talk much about their future. They agree to fake being in love when they are in public to save face for both.
 
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Randi and Jason. They make the best of their marriage, working their jobs, settling into life together. They have their routine of dinner, cleanup, watching shows like I Love Lucy or the Red Skelton Show, or listening to the radio. Their active sex life hides their doubts and insecurities, but eventually, they start to feel the effects. When a fire damages their house, they move in with Randi's parents, and Jason's insecurities hit home. Despite his successful construction business, he feels he can't provide Randi with the life she's accustomed to - even though she shows no interest in that lifestyle.
 
Randi and Jason are deeply in love, but neither dares to tell the other of their feelings, fearing rejection. The fire and moving into Jason's childhood home fuel his insecurities. Randi's unhappiness at Jason's belief that he couldn't be loved led her to take an unexpected risk. I loved the emotional result of that risk and the change it made in their relationship. I loved the ending and the excitement of the baby's arrival. Trust Randi to make it an especially memorable experience. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved seeing how Jason and Randi found their path to making their dreams come true. I'd love to see a book for their kids but the 1970s might be a little too recent for the Harlequin Historical line.
 
Another thing I loved about this book was seeing how Jolie and Randal's story continued. I liked catching up on how they realized their dreams, and their love grew stronger. Their example was a big part of what Randi wanted for herself and hugely impacted Jason and his beliefs about wealthy people. I loved how Jolie and Randal found ways to help Randi and Jason get past their problems by sharing the beginning of their marriage.

I loved the cover with Randi's beautiful red dress and Annette-style hair. Jason's iconic "bad boy" black jacket and red Chevy were the perfect touch to go with them.

Under Suspicion - Bonnie Vanak (HRS #2163 - Jan 2022)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 12)

He'll uncover the truth
No matter the cost…
 
Since losing his family, Detective Harry Cartwright lives for the job. So when he's assigned to investigate the murder of Axel Colton, the hard-boiled cop goes all in… But one distraction stands in his way. Sara Sandoval is the victim's secret illegitimate daughter -- and Harry's prime suspect. Can Harry resist his unprofessional feelings for Sara…and protect her from a vengeful killer?
 
Terrific conclusion to the series. The Colton family has dealt with murders, kidnappings, stalkers, and other problems for the past year. The most recent was Axel Colton's murder and the attempt to frame Nash Colton for it (Secret Alibi). Detective Harry Cartwright was assigned to investigate the case and has his work cut out for him. Everyone is a possible suspect, even (especially?) family members. Then one person jumped to the top of Harry's suspect list.
 
Sara moved to town six months earlier and got a job at the nursery owned by Axel's ex-wife and her husband. She had recently found out that Axel was her father and hoped to use the time to get to know the family before revealing her secret. Axel's death was a blow to her dream of having a real father.
 
Harry and Sara met briefly at the end of the previous book, and the sparks were evident. Harry had no plans to pursue them. The deaths of his wife and son several years earlier still haunt him, and he buries his grief in his work. When he discovers Sara's connection to Axel, his suspicions of her are aroused. That her fingerprints are also on a mug in Axel's house adds to the look of guilt. I could feel Sara's frustration with Harry's aggressive questioning of her after their brief connection when they met. I felt a little bad for Harry, whose suspicions were fighting with his desire for her to be innocent. I liked how Sara stood up to him, refusing to let him believe things that weren't true. As they spend more time together, cooperating in the investigation, the connection and attraction continue to grow. Harry fights hard against his feelings, believing that he can no longer fully give his heart. I ached for Sara when she told Harry how she felt, and she watched him pull away. A life-threatening situation opened his eyes, and a difficult conversation helped him let go of the past. I liked the ending and seeing Harry and Sara come together at last.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. Harry's determination to solve the murder showed in the thoroughness of his investigation. It didn't look good for Sara when her fingerprints were on a mug in Axel's house or when several suspects had connections to her mother, Regina. Regina's disappearance was also suspicious, with another layer of complications added when she was found. An unexpected twist came close to killing Sara but opened up a new path of investigation. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Sara faced an unexpected foe. I was surprised by the number of things this person had their fingers in, though it did tie up some loose ends.
 
I ached for Sara and her desire to know her father's family. I could see how much she wanted to be part of them while she feared what their reaction would be if they knew. Axel's murder accelerated the reveal and increased Sara's worry about their reactions. I liked her courage and determination in revealing the truth and was not surprised by the response she received.

Secret Alibi - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2159 - Dec 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 11)

She'd sworn him to secrecy
But some secrets can kill…
 
When Valerie Yates and Nash Colton reunite, they don't expect that their love could reawaken old demons. Soon after Valerie confesses a devastating truth, Nash is arrested for murder. She's determined to prove his innocence, but doing so means uncovering even more heartbreak and betrayal. Can the former lovers find their second chance…and capture a killer tracking Nash's every move?
 
A very good combination of second chance romance and suspense. Valerie is the niece of Rick Yates, husband of Vita Colton, and stepfather/step-uncle to the younger Coltons. With a dysfunctional family of her own, Rick made sure Valerie spent most summers with him and his family. Spending time with a "normal" family and having good friends in them made it easier to bear the rest of the year. As Valerie got older, one particular Colton became more special than the others. By the time she was in high school, she and Nash had quite the secret romance going on. But after the summer she was eighteen, something happened that pulled them apart, with their separation exacerbated by Valerie's mother's hatred for the Coltons. Heartbroken, Valerie cut herself off from the Coltons for fifteen years until she learned of Myles's son being kidnapped (Desperate Ransom). Determined to support them, she drove from Ohio to Chicago but dreaded seeing Nash.
 
The book starts with a slight overlap between the previous book and this one. Nash is shocked when he catches a glimpse of Valerie, but his mind is on his nephew's kidnapping. We see him confront his Uncle Axel about not volunteering to contribute to the boy's ransom (his grandson!). As we've seen in earlier books, Axel doesn't care about anything that doesn't affect him personally, and this was no different. I could feel Nash's frustration, anger, and disgust as he tried to get Axel to help. He lost his temper and said some things that would come back to bite him.
 
When he got home, Valerie was there waiting for him. She needs to clear the air between them to reduce the awkwardness as she rejoins the family. I felt for both of them as they discovered that each had different memories of the events that pulled them apart. Though initially angry at what they see as the other's lies, eventually, they realize that they had been manipulated. Their confrontation stirred up feelings they thought were long gone, and the sparks of antagonism turned into flames of passion. Fearful of the effect on her mother, Valerie insists that any rekindling of their romance remains secret. A decision that would have consequences further along in the book.
 
Nash is the lead suspect when Axel turns up dead, mainly when the murder weapon is found in his car. Because he's a man of his word, Nash does not provide the alibi that could clear him immediately. I wanted to shake Valerie for her hesitation in doing the right thing. Though she eventually comes through, Nash has already been cleared through his brother Damon's efforts. But it also leaves questions they have no answers to. Who set Nash up and why? And when Nash is attacked in his own home, is it related to Axel's death? Or is it one more attack on a Colton in months of similar attacks on his siblings and cousins? I was glued to the pages as the investigation, and the attacks on Nash continued. Also mixed up in the whole mess is the lawsuit Nash's grandmother has brought against the other Colton family, claiming she and her sons are the rightful heirs. An unexpected revelation led to the identification of the person behind the attacks on Nash. The final confrontation was a nail-biter but solved that threat against Nash.
 
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Nash and Valerie. Though the attraction between them is as strong as ever, both are wary of trusting each other and risking more heartbreak. I liked how they talked to each other and promised there would be no more secrets between them. I especially enjoyed seeing their protectiveness toward each other as the attacks escalated. Unfortunately, trust is not easily repaired, and both Nash and Valerie have moments of doubt. I ached for both of them at the end when Valerie had one big secret she unwillingly kept from Nash. While the hurt was understandable, I wanted to shake Nash for his stubborn refusal to listen to Valerie's explanation. I loved the ending and seeing her confront him with the truth. I liked that they renewed their promise of honesty between them and hoped that their trust was fully restored. The epilogue is excellent and brings the book full circle.
 
With one book left in the series, there are still questions that need to be answered. Will Carin's lawsuit succeed? Who was behind little Jackson's kidnapping? And who murdered Axel Colton? That's a lot to cover in one book, and I can't wait for the answers.

Desperate Ransom - Cindy Dees (HRS #2155 - Nov 2021)

Series: Colton 911: Chicago (Book 10)

They're about to live through every parent's worst nightmare…
 
Myles Colton's marriage is in trouble the moment he takes on a case that puts him in harm's way -- yet again. This time, though, it's his wife, Faith, and their son who become targets. When the little boy is kidnapped, Myles will stop at nothing to bring his child home safe. But is there anything he can do to repair his shattered family?
 
A gripping story that I could not put down. Unlike most romances, here we have a couple that is already married. Myles and Faith have known each other since sixth grade and have been a couple since eighth grade. They've been married for several years and have a four-year-old son, Jack. Faith is a teacher who took time off after Jack was born but is ready to go back to work. Myles is an up-and-coming lawyer with a large law firm. He left his job as a city prosecutor after too many run-ins with disgruntled criminals and took a safer position with a firm that deals with liability cases. However, the group he is working against right now is known for its intimidation techniques.
 
Myles and Faith's marriage is on shaky ground. For the past several years, Myles has worked very long hours to get ahead, leaving Faith feeling like a single parent. As they head out for a rare date night, the tension between them is palpable. As they near the restaurant, a hit-and-run driver T-bones their car. Furious when she discovers the collision may directly result from the case Myles is working on, Faith rips into Myles. Fearful for his family's safety, Myles arranges security for them, basically putting them in lockdown until his case is over. The strain between Myles and Faith continues to grow. I ached for both of them. Myles is doing what he thinks is necessary to provide for his family, but all Faith can feel is neglect and loneliness. Things begin to look up a little when the case is over. Some sound advice from his stepfather opens Myles's eyes to his neglect of Faith, and I loved seeing him take full advantage of what he learned. The scenes from their vacation were terrific, and I could feel them begin to reconnect and share their feelings, dreams, and expectations.
 
Just as things seem to be looking up for Myles and Faith, Faith's fears return when she notices someone watching her and Jack. Myles's reaction is immediate and protective, but Faith can't let go of her fear. I ached for Myles, who bore the brunt of her fear-induced anger. Their worst fears come to pass when Jack is kidnapped. While the local police department and the FBI work to find Jack, Myles and Faith must deal with the effects of the emotional storm. I hurt for Myles and Faith. Myles blames himself and desperately needs to feel Faith's support, but all she can do is blame him. I was so happy to see his cousin Simone, the psychologist, explain what was happening with Faith, enabling Myles to deal with her over-the-top emotions and give her the support she needed.
 
When it became clear that their first suspicions were wrong (I loved the scene at the jail with Anarchy Ink's leader), the effect on Faith was almost immediate. I loved seeing her change and how she and Myles began to support each other. I liked seeing them finally listen to one another when they talked and look to a better future for their family.
 
Meanwhile, the search for Jack continued. The intensity ramped up when a ransom call came in. It was fascinating to see the profiler work and get a sense of the person they were dealing with. The ransom amount immediately raised my suspicions on who was behind the kidnapping. I loved how the entire family came together to help, from agreeing to pool their resources to assemble the ransom to the united front they showed at the press conference. I laughed out loud when Lila and Carter devised the perfect ransom, and Myles used his talents to sell the kidnapper on it. I was on the edge of my seat during the ransom delivery and what happened around it. While Jack was safely recovered, there are still unanswered questions carried over into the next book. 

Marriage or Ruin for the Heiress - Lauri Robinson (HH #1628 - January 2022)

Series: Osterlund Saga (Book 1)

A pretend marriage
A passion that's anything but…
 
The great depression has left heiress Jolie Cramer's family destitute! To save them, Jolie must abandon her dreams of independence and marry wealthy Randal Osterlund. Thank goodness Randal only wants a wife to secure a business deal and shares her feelings about love -- nothing but heartache! Jolie quickly realizes that's not all they have in common, but falling for her charismatic husband wasn't part of their agreement…
 
Terrific book. It's not often you find a romance set during the Great Depression, which made this one even more appealing. Here we have two sides of the Depression. Jolie Cramer's father invested heavily in the stock market, so when the crash came, he lost almost everything. This brought on a fatal heart attack. Jolie's mother, devastated by the loss of her husband and their lifestyle, spends her days either depressed or pretending that they are still rich. Seeing the effect of her father's loss on her mother, Jolie intends never to fall in love or marry. She plans a career in fashion design. That is, until the day her mother informs Jolie that it's up to her to save the family by marrying Randal Osterlund.
 
Randal's family came through the crash in good shape. After he took over the business after his father's death, Randal diversified their holdings, ensuring that they still had income. Randal was raised by a father and grandfather who had high expectations - nothing was ever good enough. Now that he's in charge, Randal wants to make a name for himself through his own efforts. He plans to purchase an airline and start passenger service. But the man who owns the airline he wants to buy will only sell to a married man. Randal has avoided love and marriage after seeing the effect his mother's death had on his father. He doesn't want that kind of pain in his life. He makes a deal with Mrs. Cramer (believing it has Jolie's agreement) that he will pay their taxes, provide for the two younger Cramers, and give Mrs. Cramer an allowance if Jolie marries him.
 
Once she recovers from the shock, Jolie and Randal have a heart-to-heart conversation regarding expectations. They are honest about their anti-love opinions and feel they will do well together. They spend time together getting to know each other. I loved that Randal was Jolie's port in the storm of her mother's controlling behavior. It said a lot about him that he stood up for Jolie's desire to make her wedding dress. They were well on the way to becoming good friends by the time the wedding arrived. The scene with the wedding chase was hilarious and exciting, and I enjoyed how they bonded over it.
 
As Randal and Jolie settled into life together, I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. An unexpected attraction grew between them, leading each to contemplate the future. They had already agreed to take the time to be comfortable with each other before adding anything physical to their relationship. Neither expected the deepening feelings, especially after their agreement that love had no place in their marriage. I loved their continuing support of each other. Randal's pride in Jolie's sewing accomplishments was unmistakable, and I loved the scene at the department store when he took her shopping. Jolie was equally supportive of his airline plans. I loved her joy and excitement when he took her flying. There was a fly in the ointment of Randal's plans, however. The owner of the airline he wants turned out to be Jolie's godfather, and he has very different plans for the airline. I ached for Randal and its effect on him and his belief in himself.
 
There was some conflict near the end brought on by a trouble-making rival of Jolie's. She and Amy were long-time adversaries, and Amy excels at creating trouble. An unexpected encounter between Amy and Randal gives her the ammunition - twisted though it was - to prey on Jolie's fears. While the confrontation between Jolie and Randal was painful, it did end up clearing the air and opening their eyes. I loved the conclusion.
 
I also enjoyed the importance of family to both Randal and Jolie. Randal has a powerful protective gene, and he likes nothing better than looking out for his family. It became clear that he perhaps takes it a little too far when he objects to his sisters and their husbands exerting some independence. Jolie, being outside looking in, has some good suggestions for his sisters and sees nothing wrong with helping them find their way. I loved seeing the sisters get involved with Jolie's sewing endeavors. For her part, Jolie is just as protective of her siblings but is a bit more clear-headed about it. She spent years protecting them from their mother's foibles, but now that Jolie isn't there, her brother and sister become mom's next money-making targets. When Jolie helps them find their own jobs rather than asking Randal to give them money, he feels hurt and rejected. I enjoyed the ending as the various threads came together in one giant tangle and the love, honesty, and communication it took to weave a solid cloth from them.
 
I also enjoyed seeing characters from some of the author's earlier series make appearances. It's always fun to see how their lives are going.