Starlight and the Christmas Dare - Michelle Major (HSE #2948 - Dec 2022)

Series: Welcome to Starlight (Book 7)
 
She isn’t the only one looking for a fresh start…
 
Guardian of his teenaged half-sister, glassblower Chase Kent is determined to steer his sibling onto the right path. But volunteer counselor Madison Maurer knew that he was missing that path by a long shot. So when Chase is injured in an accident right before Christmas, Madi opens her home to both brother and sister. She finds herself falling for Chase—and hoping he might open his heart, if only to discover the family he didn't know he was missing…
 
Terrific book that I could not put down once I started reading it. Though part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. I loved revisiting Starlight and seeing characters from earlier books and was very happy to see Madison get her own story.
 
Chase is a famous glass artist known for being anti-social and grouchy. Because of events from his childhood, he has thick walls around his heart. After the deaths of his estranged father and stepmother, Chase became the guardian of his teenage stepsister, Stella. He feels completely overwhelmed and unsuited to the task, especially when she gets into trouble at school. Then an explosion in his studio leaves Chase badly injured, needing rehab and help.
 
Madison is the chef at Starlight's popular bar and restaurant. She, too, is known for the abrasive personality that protects her heart. She grew up with a negligent mother and the need to protect her little sister, Jenna. She blames herself for failing Jenna when she needed her most. She tries to make amends by helping Jenna with kids in need at the teen center. She connects with Stella, who reminds her of herself at that age. Though Madison takes her life day-by-day, when Stella calls in a panic after Chase's injury, she is there to help.
 
I loved watching the developing relationships in this book. Chase and Madison believe they are terrible people who aren't good for those they care about. Stella is lost after her parents' deaths and needs to feel that someone cares about her. The relationship between Chase and Madison was fun to watch. Chase hates needing her help, and his initial resentment is obvious. Madison doesn't hesitate to call him out on his attitude, and their snarky interactions are amusing. Though neither one believes in love or the spirit of Christmas, they find themselves partners in their desire to give Stella a good holiday experience.
 
I loved seeing the changes in Madison as she grew to love Stella and Chase. I laughed out loud at her coworker's statement that hugging her has progressed from hugging a porcupine to hugging a hedgehog. I loved seeing her open up to her friends and Stella and let them into her heart. Acting like a family with Chase and Stella has her hoping for something she never believed possible - a family of her own. Her feelings for Chase grow stronger when the sparks between them become too much to resist.
 
Chase was a harder nut to crack. He is so convinced that he is incapable of giving Stella the life she deserves that he considers transferring guardianship to another person. His actions show that he loves Stella and wants what is best for her, but he can't see that he is it. The same goes for his relationship with Madison. He'll admit to the attraction but believes that anything more is impossible. I wanted to shake him when he let his fears come between them. It takes an honest conversation with Stella (finally!) for him to see what is really important. An unexpected event adds some drama to the ending, but Chase's big moment with Madison is sweet and adorably awkward.
 
I look forward to future Starlight books and seeing more of these characters.

The Christmas Spirit - Debbie Macomber (Random House - Oct 2022)

Peter Rhinehart and Hank Meyer are best friends, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Peter is a local pastor who is dedicated to his community. He spends his time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang.
 
When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of both bartender and pastor are similar, but much more difficult than either of them expected. As Peter and Hank begin to see one another’s lives in a new light, and each discovers a new love to cherish, their lives are forever changed.
 
This was a fun, heartwarming Christmas story. It opens with a grandmother telling her grandchildren a story, one that starts "in the beginning" instead of "once upon a time." I hadto laugh at her grandson's aversion to anything with kissing, and her promise to warn him so he could cover his ears.
 
The story is about two men who have been best friends since high school. Though their lives are very different, they regularly get together for lunch and to catch up on each other's lives. During this lunch, each comments on the busyness and stresses of their jobs. Hank is the owner and sole employee of The Last Call, a tavern. Peter is the pastor of a nearby church, somewhat overwhelmed with the preparations for Christmas which is only a few days away. Each believes that the other has the easier life, and decide to switch places to prove it.
 
I loved seeing these two confident men get tossed into sink or swim situations. Peter's first night as a bartender was a real eye-opener. The bar is busy and he can't keep up with the orders. The customers get grouchy and Peter worries that he's going to wreck Hank's business. Matters become even more tense with the arrival of a motorcycle gang. They don't take well to Peter's ineptness or his cagy replies about what he does in real life. He's saved from disaster by the arrival of Millie, the waitress from the restaurant where he and Hank have lunch. She also works as a waitress at the local strip club, and knows the motorcycle gang from there. She rapidly defuses the situation and steps in to help Peter with the drinks. Peter offers her a job helping him after hearing her story, and looks forward to getting to know her better. Over the next few days, Peter finds his feet, discovers that his job and Hank's hve many similarities, and gets to know many different types of people he wouldn't have met otherwise.
 
Meanwhile, Hank promptly misplaces the list of duties Peter gave him. After settling in to watch a football game, he's not too happy to get a call from Peter's sister Grace Ann, fussing at him for missing his appointment to collect the donkey for the nativity play. Grace Ann is the church secretary, very uptight, and no fan of Hank. Hank, who had a crush on her in high school, delights in teasing her. When Hank admits losing the list, Grace Ann promises to make sure he doesn't miss anything. His first full day on the job goes south fast when he mortally offends the church's biggest donor. Grace Ann is horrified, Peter is accepting (and a little envious that Hank had the courage to do it), and the finance committee worried. I liked how Hank brought an outsider's fresh look to raising money. Over the next few days, Hank also discovers the similarities of their work as he listens to people's concerns.
 
I enjoyed seeing the romances develop between Peter and Millie, and Hank and Grace Ann. Peter and Millie are fairly straightforward. Millie worries about her past being an issue for Peter's church family. I loved Peter's confidence that everything would be fine, though you couldn't prove it by Grace Ann's initial reaction. Hank had a rougher time with Grace Ann. Since he knew her in high school, she has become uptight and judgmental, very different than the girl he remembers. I enjoyed seeing him call her out on her attitude and deliver some home truths she wasn't expecting from him.
 
The ending was terrific, with a Christmas party that brought together people from both their worlds. I laughed out loud at the description of the bikers singing Christmas carols, and Millie's former coworkers visiting with the missionary ladies from Peter's church. The hilarity continued on Christmas Eve as some of the patrons of the Last Call showed up for the service. The Christmas spirit was alive and well, all thanks to a little job sharing.
 
I liked the epilogue which provided "the rest of the story" about our two couples. It wasn't a surprise, but I enjoyed catching up on some of the more colorful characters.

The Marriage Mandate - Shannon McKenna (HD #2894 - Sept 2022)

Series: Dynasties: Tech Tycoons (Book 2)      
 
“I have a wild idea…
I just need your help.”
 
Tech heiress Maddie Moss must marry or lose the family company. So she chooses the last man her controlling grandmother will accept -- Jack Daly. Her brother's ex-business partner is a thief, a traitor and -- most importantly -- guaranteed to force Gran to relent. But Jack is also impossibly hot. And he'll only play along on one specific condition, which has Maddie questioning everything she thought she knew about Jack…even before she lands in his bed!
 
Good enemies to lovers romance with a bit of mystery. Time is running out for Maddie to comply with her grandmother's demand that she marry before she turns thirty or lose the family company. Maddie is smart, independent, stubborn, and in no mood to comply. Deciding to pick someone so outrageously unacceptable that her grandmother will have to relent, Maddie discovers the perfect partner. A fellow guest at the wedding she's attending is Jack Daly - her family's sworn enemy and her schoolgirl crush.
 
Jack and Maddie's brother Caleb were best friends in high school and college. They started a business together that was poised to make billions until Jack was accused of selling company secrets to the competition. The company crashed, and Jack went to prison, though he was let out early on a technicality, and Jack's reputation was ruined. He's slowly getting it back, but it is a painful process.
 
I loved the first meeting between Jack and Maddie. He noticed the beautiful woman across the room but didn't realize it was Maddie until a few minutes later. She'd changed a lot in nine years, from a teenager to a woman. On the other hand, Maddie recognized him right away. She was horrified to discover that they were both in the wedding party. They did an excellent job of avoiding each other at the rehearsal dinner, but Jack later rescued her from an overzealous suitor. I enjoyed seeing Maddie make her proposal to Jack, though I ached for him and the hurt he felt. I loved his counteroffer - use her forensic accounting smarts to help him prove that he was set up.
 
The chemistry between Jack and Maddie was evident from the start and made their fake engagement believable to those who saw them. Maddie certainly raised a firestorm of reactions when their relationship went public. But a funny thing happened on the way - Maddie discovered that she really liked Jack. He's kind, intelligent, and sensitive. I enjoyed their banter and seeing them get to know each other. It doesn't take long for them to give in to their attraction, which opens the door to stronger feelings. I loved seeing Maddie's belief in Jack's innocence grow.
 
But trouble looms when Maddie receives information that looks very bad for Jack. Then her family gets into the act. I must say that they made me angry with their willingness to cut Maddie out of their lives rather than trust her judgment and her abilities. I ached for both when Maddie's doubts came back, driving them apart. Jack's pain was tough to see. Luckily, something in Maddie still believed, and her brain kept working on the problem. I loved her "light bulb" moment and its results. The truth didn't surprise me, as I'd had suspicions earlier, but I loved watching the fallout. I hurt for Maddie and Jack, who both believed the other wouldn't want them any longer. I loved the ending and seeing the joy they both felt. I also laughed out loud at their discussion of her grandmother's plans.

Their Marriage Bargain - Shannon McKenna (HD #2888 - Aug 2022)

Series: Dynasties: Tech Tycoons (Book 1)
 
From lovers to enemies to…
husband and wife?
 
CEO Caleb Moss needs a business arrangement marriage to keep controlling interest of MossTech. Tilda Riley must prevent a hostile takeover of her family company -- and protect the daughter Caleb has never met. The only solution is for these oil-and-water exes to join forces.
 
Until desire turns a marriage on paper into a hotbed of passion. Their child binds the newlyweds together. But a vengeful enemy bent on their mutual destruction is sowing seeds of doubt and betrayal that could tear Tilda and Caleb apart -- this time forever.
 
Terrific second chance romance with a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure. Caleb has been focused on business for years, giving little thought to his personal life. He is stunned when his grandmother insists that her grandchildren marry before the age of thirty-five for men and thirty for women. That is only two months away for Caleb. If they don't fall in with her plans, controlling interest in the company will go to their uncle. He's even more shocked when Gran brings Tilda Riley into the mix, suggesting he marry her.
 
Tilda returned home to Seattle to help her father prevent a hostile takeover of the family company - by Caleb's company. She and Caleb had been a couple nine years earlier until he broke up with her in a cruelly emotional confrontation. Devastated, Tilda moved to Asia to continue her work and to raise the daughter Caleb knew nothing about. She can destroy his company but finds it more practical to join forces with him instead. But can she protect her heart this time around?
 
I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Caleb and Tilda. From the start, their chemistry is just as strong as ever. I appreciated that they sat down and talked about their past, admitting they'd made mistakes. I especially enjoyed Caleb's admission that he'd been a jerk. They enter into marriage as a simple business arrangement, but that doesn't last. Gran's gift of a seaside cottage gave them a place to get away for a few days and get reacquainted, discovering things they hadn't bothered with years earlier. There were some sweet and emotional scenes as they shared their lives' big and small events. Neither could deny the strength of the attraction they felt, and it didn't take long for them to give in to it.
 
As they returned to their new everyday lives, I loved seeing Caleb and Annika connect. She is an adorable girl, bright, confident, and thrilled to have a father in her life. It was great to see Caleb loosen up from being all-business and enjoy teaching her to cook and helping her with her schoolwork. I loved the whole "project manager" scene with them. It doesn't take long for them to settle into happy family life.
 
But trouble soon rears its ugly head. Caleb's Uncle Jerome is a nasty piece of work and is unhappy about Caleb's marriage to Tilda. The dinner scene at his house was terrible and showed his true colors. When Tilda's father's house is robbed, a file she'd held in reserve to fight the takeover goes missing. Soon after, Jerome told Caleb about the "nuclear option" file, accusing Tilda of plotting against Caleb. Meanwhile, Tilda confronts the man who gave her that file. Both Caleb and Tilda have some trust issues thanks to betrayals in their pasts, and this situation brings those issues to the surface. I ached for both as they saw their happy marriage crumble under the strain. It takes tough love from his sister Maddie to straighten Caleb out, and I loved watching him fight for Tilda. There are some unexpected twists in the process, but love and communication win the day in the end.
 
The secondary characters play significant roles in the story. Caleb's grandmother is a tough old bird. Her methods are questionable but effective. She elicited sympathy from me when she talked about her daughter and how her first sight of Annika had affected her. After looking at what is in store in subsequent books, I can't wait to see how she handles it all. After Annika, my favorite character was Caleb's sister Maddie. She thinks the sun rises and sets on Annika, and I loved seeing the two of them together. Annika brings the fun back into Maddie's life. I also liked Maddie's relationship with Caleb, who she adores but has no illusions about. She is a fun aunt. I also liked their cousin Veronica, who had the misfortune to be Jerome's daughter. I don't like how he treats her. She is engaged, and her fiancé rubbed me the wrong way. I can't wait to see how that goes.

Operation Payback - Justine Davis (HRS #2195 - Aug 2022)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 14)
 
She taught him the meaning of love…
But will his past ruin their second chance?
 
An abusive home drove Trip Callen into crime -- then prison. Only Kayley McSwain recognized the goodness in Trip and stood by him as no one ever had. When Trip and Kayley are targeted by a vengeful criminal syndicate, the Foxworths and their remarkable dog Cutter offer them protection. But can Trip keep Kayley safe and uncover the threat to her life in time?
 
I love the Cutter's Code books, and this was no exception. I love how the author finds new storylines for Cutter and the Foxworths rather than variations on the same theme. In some earlier books, we've learned how the Foxworth Foundation got its start helping people who have been let down by or fallen through the cracks of the justice system. It all started with the theft and recovery of a little girl's locket many years ago. In Operation Alpha, sixteen-year-old Emily brought a friend to the Foxworths for help, and we learned a little more of the story. In Operation Payback, we get the story of the man who stole, and ultimately returned, Emily's locket.
 
Trip has paid his debt to society, and now that he is out of prison, his first thought is to thank the person who stood by him while he was away. Kayley had been his girlfriend's roommate and, unbeknownst to him, had a massive crush on him. They became friends while he dated her roommate, with Kayley seeing a different side of him. When his girlfriend dumped him after his arrest, Kayley stayed his friend. I ached for Trip because of how he ended up going down the wrong path. An abusive home life made him feel accepted by a gang of criminals. Though he willingly participated in the robberies, he reached a point where his conscience started to bother him. That came too late, as he was arrested shortly after that. He never knew that the person responsible for his capture also arranged for other incarceration options.
 
Trip is so lost when he leaves prison that he can't think past seeing Kayley. He knows he doesn't want to end up back in prison. I loved how Kayley took him in and gave him a way to adjust. I loved Cutter's appearance in her yard and how he stood there staring at Trip before leaving. I knew right then that Cutter had found his newest mission. I could feel Trip's shock when he learned who Cutter belonged to and got the story of Foxworth's continued involvement in his life. When Trip discovers that his old crime boss has put out a hit on him, his first thought is to leave to protect Kayley. Kayley has other ideas and immediately drags him to the Foxworths, and the rest is history.
 
I loved watching Quinn and company do what they do best. Quinn and Hayley are out of the picture for most of the book, with Rafe providing most of Foxworth's support. Trip is immediately placed in a sort of protective custody at the Foxworth building, with Cutter in charge of watching over him. I loved Cutter's effect on Trip, from calming to bringing him out of his shell. The suspense builds as Trip and Rafe track down the threats and the person behind them. As the threats intensify, Trip worries about Kayley's safety. When the final confrontation came, I loved Trip's determination, willingness to accept help from Rafe and the others, and Cutter's superb acting and protection skills.
 
As much as I enjoyed the suspense portion of the book, the development of Trip and Kayley's relationship was my favorite. Kayley had always seen the good in Trip, even when he was running with the criminals. Trip doesn't understand why she is so kind to him when he can only see the mistakes he made. She is determined to help him in any way possible, including standing by him as he deals with his troubles. As a reader familiar with Cutter's matchmaking instincts (as are Rafe and the others), it was great fun to see Cutter "nudging" Trip and Kayley together at every opportunity. With them spending so much time together, coupled with Kayley's acceptance of Trip's past, it is no surprise that Trip finally realizes that his friendship with her has grown into more. The problem is getting him to believe in himself enough to accept her love in return. When he does, there is no holding back. In keeping with the Foxworth policy of not accepting payment for their service, only that the recipients pay it forward, I loved the solution Hayley found that would help them both.
 
I loved seeing characters from previous books. Quinn and Hayley appear only briefly, but their presence is always there. Liam and Ria help show Trip that he's safe, and Liam plays a significant role in the investigation and resolution. Gavin de Marco (Operation Notorious) lends his support. It warmed my heart when Emily showed up to see Trip. Rafe plays a central role in this book, as Quinn and Hayley leave him in charge. Rafe has grown and changed since the early books, and I can't wait until he finally gets his own story. There are further hints as to his future, but I suspect he isn't quite ready to face it. 

Steeped to Death - Gretchen Rue (Crooked Lane Books - Sept 2022)

Series: Witches' Brew Mystery (Book 1)
 
Phoebe Winchester’s beloved aunt Eudora has a taste for adventure—and a knack for making magical tea. It’s even rumored that she just might be a witch. So when Eudora passes away and leaves everything to her niece—her Victorian mansion, her bookshop/tea store, The Earl’s Study, and one very chubby orange cat named Bob—Phoebe gets more than she bargained for. And she knows she’s in deep when a dead man is found on the shop’s back step, apparently killed while trying to break in.
 
Two suspects immediately emerge among the townspeople of Raven Creek, Washington. There’s village busybody Dierdre Miller, who seems desperate to buy Eudora’s house, and handsome PI Rich, one of Phoebe’s childhood friends—but how well does she really know him after all these years apart?
 
Phoebe knows she should leave it to the professionals, but as she starts to dig into the underbelly of Raven Creek, she begins to uncover the truth about Eudora. What’s more, her aunt might not have been the only witch in the family, as Phoebe soon discovers she has unique and unexpected gifts of her own.
 
Now, it’s just a matter of putting her newfound power to the test and cast a spell that could catch a killer.
 
What a fun book! I don't think I've read a cozy since Annette Blair's Vintage Magic series and Karen Olsen's Tattoo Shop series, but this was a great reintroduction to the genre. This one caught my eye with its combination of bookstore, tea shop, and magic. It is set in a small town in Washington with quirky residents and interesting shops. As the first book in the series, the introduction of the characters, setting, and situations was done smoothly without feeling like the first few chapters were an infodump.
 
Newly divorced Phoebe has just inherited most of her Aunt Eudora's estate, from her home (and cat!) to her thriving business. Phoebe has fond memories of summers spent with her aunt, hanging out in the bookstore, and learning to mix tea varieties. She's not sure how she'll do now that it's hers, but she's looking forward to the new start. I loved Phoebe's memories of her aunt and the adventurous life she led. I enjoyed seeing Phoebe explore her new surroundings and her puzzlement at some of the things she learned. Not the least was the realization that her aunt's reputation as a witch may have been more literal than the New Age hippy variety that Phoebe initially believed.
 
Her first encounters with some of her neighbors set the tone for the book. First up is Dierdre, who claims to be a good friend of Eudora's but was warned against by Eudora herself in a letter to Phoebe. After first trying to suck up to Phoebe and offering to buy the properties, she quickly turns angry and insulting when Phoebe firmly refuses those offers. Dierdre doesn't give up and shows up later, accompanied by a big brute of a man, still trying to bully Phoebe into selling. Phoebe later meets the man renting the apartment above the store in a scene that made me laugh out loud. You can see an immediate connection between them, one that is explained when it turns out he is her old childhood friend, Ricky (now Rich). Some flickers of attraction also bode well as a romantic touch. She also meets Amy, who owns the bakery next door, and becomes an instant friend.
 
Matters become complicated when Phoebe receives a call from the police about a dead body outside the back door of her store. She's disturbed to identify the body as the man who had been with Dierdre and wonders why he'd been behind her store. Does it have something to do with Dierdre's desire to buy the properties? She's determined to do what she can to find out.
 
This is where some of the magic comes in. Phoebe uses some of her aunt's Truth Be Told tea in a batch of scones, hoping that someone will let something slip after eating one. The first taker is Dierdre, of all people, and the next scene is hilarious. Phoebe decides that maybe she'd best hold off on trying anything else until she's more comfortable with what she can do. Other happenings soon convince Phoebe that Eudora wasn't the only witch in the family. The realization is startling, to say the least, and sends Phoebe looking for answers. Her conversation with Honey at the New Age store was eye-opening and stirred up more questions.
 
As Phoebe delves more into Eudora's life,  she becomes more convinced that she is exactly where she's meant to be. But the questions surrounding the murder stir doubts about whether she can trust her judgment. When she discovers Eudora's long-held secret, she has to decide who she can trust. The final confrontation comes quickly after this discovery. I was on the edge of my seat as Phoebe faced the killer. The resolution was intense, with a unique method of foiling the killer's intentions. The book concludes with a sweet scene between Phoebe and Rick and a hopeful feeling for the future.

Trouble in Blue - Beverly Long (HRS #2174 - Mar 2022)

Series: Heroes of the Pacific Northwest (Book 2)

A top cop's in danger…of losing his heart.
 
In a small tourist town, police chief Marcus Price must be suspicious of strangers -- especially newcomer Erin McGarry. A series of surprise attacks makes him believe someone wants her out of the way. But who has she crossed? What secrets is she keeping? Avowed bachelor Marcus needs to protect Erin yet resist his attraction to her if both are to survive a killer's terrifying plot.
 
Good book with an uncomfortably realistic premise. Marcus is the acting police chief of the small town of Knoware, Washington. He's disturbed when a notification from DHS to all law enforcement says that there is a credible threat of a terrorist attack in the US and to be cognizant of strangers. He's fairly certain his town is safe but it's the height of tourist season so he stays vigilant, which leads him to Erin.
 
Erin arrives in town to take over running her sister's shop while Morgan is on maternity bed rest. Erin is a rolling stone who jumps from job to job, always searching for something. The call for help came at a good time, as Erin had been fired for the first time. There is also a failed relationship in the mix. Helping Morgan will allow her to regroup and decide what to do next.
 
I loved the first meeting between Erin and Marcus. Erin arrived at the shop early, ready to jump in. Unfortunately, Morgan forgot to tell her about the newly installed security system. Erin was startled by the sudden appearance of Marcus, gun drawn and ready for trouble. They quickly resolve the misunderstanding, and Marcus turns a little flirty. I had to laugh at his dismay when Erin didn't immediately accept his dinner invitation and asked for time to think about it. They separate and move on with their day.
 
We then get a look at two men who are searching for Erin. They used her to get something from Paris to the States, and now they must retrieve it before she finds it. The older man is the brains and has the patience to be careful. The younger man is headstrong and impatient but has the skills needed to carry out their mission.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Marcus and Erin. The sparks were there from the beginning, but there were obstacles. Erin doesn't plan to stick around after Morgan has her baby, and Marcus isn't looking to settle down. When strange accidents happen to Erin, Marcus's protective instincts are aroused, even though he also suspects Erin hasn't been entirely honest about her past. I liked the scenes of them getting to know each other but wished Erin would be more open with him. When Marcus invites her to stay with him for safety reasons, the sparks between them grow stronger. I was a little disappointed in Marcus when he allowed his curiosity and suspicions to make a slightly questionable choice that would come back to haunt him later. Their growing feelings for each other hit a road bump when professional requirements force Marcus to keep a big secret from Erin. His lack of trust understandably hurts Erin, but it doesn't take long for her common sense to show her the truth. It takes surviving a dangerous situation for Marcus and Erin to admit their feelings to themselves and then to each other. I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in the next book.
 
The suspense of the story was fast-paced and believable. Erin has no idea that she is an unwitting courier and a target. Her experience at her previous job has left her reeling and wondering what went wrong. Her first encounter with the two bad guys makes her wonder why they look familiar, but it doesn't bother her for long. The second encounter was creepy, but she put it behind her. We get to follow the bad guys with their frustrations over being unable to retrieve their property. The attacks on Erin and others show their desperation. I liked Marcus's protectiveness toward Erin and his suspicions of the two strangers, especially their interest in her. The intensity ramps up with the arrival of the FBI agent. There are some tense moments during his questioning of Erin. I liked that Erin was smart enough to figure out what was going on so that the awkwardness didn't last long. The final confrontation was a nail-biter when the takedown didn't go as planned but ended most satisfactorily.
 
I liked seeing more of Blade and Daisy from the first book and can't wait to read Jamie's story.

The Marine's Reluctant Return - Sabrina York (HSE #2892 - Feb 2022)

Series: Stirling Ranch (Book 3)

She'd been the girl he'd always loved.
 
Until she married his best friend.
 
Now Crystal Stoker was a widowed single mom and Luke Stirling was trying his best to avoid her. That was proving impossible in their small town, especially when Luke learned her young son needed help that only he could provide. The injured Marine was just looking for a little peace and quiet -- not expecting any second chances, especially ones he didn't dare accept.
 
Terrific book. Luke has been back in his hometown for a year after his medical discharge from the Marines. He is doing his best to avoid Crystal, whose husband Brandon, Luke's best friend, was killed in the same IED attack. Luke blames himself for Brandon's death and is sure that Crystal would want nothing to do with him.
 
Crystal's son Jack has changed since his father's death, constantly in trouble at school for fighting. She's at her wit's end trying to get through to him. When circumstances make it impossible for Luke to continue avoiding Crystal, he realizes there is something he can do to help Jack and honor his friend's memory.
 
Luke's school years were miserable because of undiagnosed dyslexia. His home life wasn't much better, thanks to the cruel taunts of his grandfather. It wasn't until Luke left home and joined the Marines that he found out what the trouble was. Thanks to the help he received, Luke found a new way to learn, opening up the world of education to him. I loved hearing about his extensive experiences and the vast difference they made to his life. Unfortunately, recovery from his injuries was a long, slow process, and he still suffers from pain and PTSD.
 
Like Luke, Brandon had had dyslexia, and Jack inherited the issue. Luke tells Crystal he will work with Jack, teaching him ways to work around the problem. It warmed my heart to see the nearly immediate difference that Luke's lessons had on Jack. Because of his own experiences, Luke knew precisely how to reach Jack, and there are some great scenes of the two of them together.
 
The amount of time Luke spends with Jack creates other complications. Luke has always had feelings for Crystal, but she was his best friend's wife. Though Brandon is gone, Luke's guilty feelings make him feel unworthy of her. Crystal was stunned to discover that Luke rouses feelings in her that have been numb since Brandon's death. Too bad that Luke doesn't show any signs of returning those feelings, keeping her firmly in the friend zone. Fortunately, a hint of jealousy when she goes on a date with another man gives her hope. A bit of boldness on her part, and the sparks between them burst into flame.
 
I loved watching them grow closer over the next few weeks, though each was wary of being the first to express their feelings. It takes a frightening accident and Luke's fear of a return of an old injury for them to break through their reluctance. I loved the epilogue and how Luke involved Jack in the planning for his big moment.
 
My favorite scene was when Crystal, a certified massage therapist, finally convinced Luke to let her work on him. I loved seeing him go from skeptic to believer in one session. 

A Firefighter's Ultimate Duty - Beverly Long (HRS #2150 - Sept 2021)

Series: Heroes of the Pacific Northwest (Book 1)

A local hero must put his life on the line in the ultimate mission
 
Firefighter Blade Savick keeps his eyes on his job…not on his white-hot desire for a single mom! Especially when Daisy Rambler insists all she wants is a fresh start for herself and her daughter. Once Blade bonds with Daisy on a level he never imagined, a menace from her past rears its ugly head. But can Blade rescue Daisy…and their chance at a new life together?
 
A terrific blend of romance and suspense. The romance gets off to a quick start when Blade participates in a rescue involving Daisy and her new employer. He is immediately smitten with her, and when he finds the scarf she left behind plans to return it to her personally. While Daisy certainly noticed Blade, her mind was understandably occupied with other things.
 
The reader learns that Daisy and her sixteen-year-old daughter Sophie have just arrived in the small town of Knoware, Washington. Daisy left Denver after breaking her engagement to a man whose controlling actions set off warning bells and who refused to accept her decision. She hopes she's gotten cleanly away but can't relax her guard just yet. Her friend Jane helped her find a new job and home in Knoware. On the other hand, Sophie is decidedly not happy with the move and makes sure her mom knows it.
 
Blade is divorced but still friends with his ex-wife. This makes parenting their sixteen-year-old daughter Raven much easier. Blade is a good guy, liked by his coworkers, and active in his community. He is also, reluctantly, the co-chair of the fire department's spring fundraiser, which currently has no corporate sponsor or second co-chair. Daisy is also the first woman who has stirred his interest in some time, for which he gets some teasing from his friends Marcus and Jamie.
 
Blade's hopes for romance took a bit of a hit when he showed up at Daisy's house the next morning to return her scarf. Daisy was grateful but not particularly receptive to his hints. All thoughts of romance were derailed when Daisy discovered Sophie was gone, along with one of Daisy's credit cards and her car. After determining that Sophie was headed back to Denver, Blade offered to help by getting his friend Jamie to fly them to a spot along the route where they could intercept Sophie. I loved Blade's voice of reason in the crisis, though he did stick his foot in his mouth at one point. They parted on relatively cool terms after finding Sophie, leaving Blade wondering about his chances.
 
Fate isn't through with them just yet. In gratitude for his rescue, Daisy's boss signs on as the corporate sponsor for the fundraiser and assigns Daisy to be the liaison/co-chair. When she discovers that she'll be working with Blade, Daisy is taken aback, but they quickly make peace over their last encounter and move on. Blade hopes to advance his interests, but Daisy reiterates her "friendly cochairs" expectations. I enjoyed seeing them bond over cooking chili for the station and Blade's introducing her to a day in the life of a firefighter. Daisy gets a wake-up call about the dangers Blade faces and realizes she is more interested in Blade than she thought.
 
I liked seeing Blade and Daisy get to know each other over the next few days, but Daisy remains wary, hesitant to trust herself. When a troubling delivery arrives, she tries to hide her unease from him. Blade senses something is going on but doesn't push. When another incident happens a few days later, Daisy is spooked enough and has come to trust Blade enough that she confesses all. Blade's protective instincts are aroused, as is his desire to find Jacob and fix the problem. When circumstances make Daisy unwilling to stay in her house, he insists that she and Sophie stay with him.
 
I liked seeing Daisy and Blade grow closer during this forced proximity. Their attraction continues to build, as do their feelings for each other. Daisy is in denial about her feelings, still reluctant to trust her judgment, but it's getting harder to do. When danger comes calling, Daisy regrets not telling Blade how she feels and wonders if she'll have the chance to do so.  Meanwhile, Blade refuses to entertain any doubts that he will find her in time. I loved his confidence and that it wasn't misplaced. I enjoyed how he got the satisfaction he wanted when he confronted Jacob. He followed it up with an unexpected question to Daisy and a chance for her to follow through on her previous thoughts. The ending was sweet.
 
The suspense of the story was very good. We get the hint of things to come when Daisy thinks about her past and her worries about escaping Jacob. The tension builds as we wait for that first sign of danger, and it's almost a relief when it happens. I loved that both Blade and Marcus (the cop) take her seriously and treat the incidents as the threats they are. The period of no activity ramps the tension up higher because we're sure that Jacob hasn't given up. I wanted to shake Daisy for getting complacent. When the final confrontation came, Jacob knew precisely how to get Daisy to cooperate with him. The things he said to her on their journey were disturbing, and I fully understood Daisy's fear. Blade was fantastic with his logical deduction of where Jacob might be headed. I loved seeing Blade and Jamie take to the skies again. I laughed at their recalling the antics from their younger years and how they used one of those events to stop Jacob. The confrontation with Jacob was great, and I loved seeing him get what was coming to him.
 
I liked meeting the various people of Knoware. They were unique and well-developed as characters, and I look forward to seeing more of them in the following books. I loved both Sophie and Raven. Sophie's actions and reactions were spot-on for her age and the circumstances of their move. I also liked that her relationship with Daisy was strong enough that they overcame their initial problems and built a better relationship. I liked Raven too. Her friendship with Sophie was great. I also liked that she has a strong relationship with both parents, attributed to their excellent parenting. I can't wait to read Marcus and Jamie's stories.

Operation Whistleblower - Justine Davis (HRS #2157 - Nov 2021)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 13)

He'd sacrificed everything to right a wrong…
Now he needs help to do it again.
 
Becoming a whistleblower against his corrupt boss left Parker Ward homeless and jobless. But when a friend needs help proving a kidnapping, Parker teams up with remarkable dog Cutter and Detective Carly Devon. As Parker and Carly face danger together, their incendiary attraction explodes, but can they get justice while keeping themselves safe?
 
Another terrific entry in the Cutter's Code series. The story opens as Parker visits his friend Ray, taking Ray's dog Woof along for a visit. He's stunned when Ray tells him that he witnessed a kidnapping, but no one believes him. I loved that Parker knew Ray well enough to believe him. Unfortunately, the sheriff's deputy who came out to take the report was skeptical. The next morning, while drinking his coffee, Parker saw Woof take off with another dog and ran after them. The dog was Cutter, who led Parker right to Quinn Foxworth with that look that says, "This man has a problem you need to fix." I always enjoy peoples' first impressions of Cutter and his unique abilities, and this was no exception. Quinn's immediate belief in Ray's story surprised Parker, as did his call to the sheriff's office.
 
Detective Carly Devon works with Detective Brett Dunbar (Operation Power Play) and is familiar with Cutter's reputation. She's a bit skeptical until she meets Cutter and suspects the stories are true. I loved how she listened to her instincts and followed up by talking to Ray and visiting the possible crime scene. Her easy way with Ray was sweet, and I loved their banter.
 
I had to laugh when the group that went to visit Ray got back in the car to visit the crime scene. The two Foxworth people, Teague and Laney, were in the front seat, with Parker and Carly in the backseat. Rather than ride in the back, as usual, Cutter got on the back seat, too, pushing Carly up against Parker. Teague and Laney (Operation Blind Date) looked at each other with raised brows because they also have personal experience with Cutter's other talent - he has a 100% success rate as a matchmaker.
 
As is usual with a Cutter's Code book, I was sucked into the story and couldn't put it down until I was finished. Carly is a by-the-book detective and is very good at what she does. But without actual evidence of kidnapping, there isn't anything she can do officially. With the help of Cutter and the Foxworth Foundation, they begin to piece together the clues until they get enough information to go official. There are some interesting twists as they delve further into what happened, and I enjoyed following their investigation. The final confrontation and resolution kept me glued to the pages. The danger created a nail-biting intensity that didn't let up until it was all over.
 
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Parker and Carly. Parker has had a rough go of it lately. The son of self-centered and uncaring parents, he found himself in a tough spot when he took a job they recommended him for. He blew the whistle on the company owner who was running a Ponzi scheme. He also refused to keep any of his earnings, leaving him jobless and homeless. He's very down on himself for not seeing what was happening sooner and depressed over his prospects. Looking after Woof for Ray came at the perfect time. When Parker met Carly, he was immediately attracted to her but felt unworthy of doing anything about it. Carly was just as attracted to him and very impressed when she learned who he was.
 
I loved Carly's support of Parker as she learned more about him and his past. There were quite a few times I wanted to shake him for constantly putting himself down. Even though many people told him what a great thing he did and called him a hero, he refused to see it. One of the things I loved about Carly was the way she'd call him out when he started wallowing in his past. I loved how Parker realized that being around Carly made him happy in ways he'd never felt before. It was entertaining to see Cutter assist in pushing Carly and Parker together. Everyone around them can see what is happening, though Parker is oblivious until Carly fills him in. Once he realizes his feelings, Parker's self-doubts keep holding him back until he gets some good advice from Ray. As the resolution of the kidnapping grew closer, I loved the shifting dynamics as Carly's professional abilities took precedence over Parker's protectiveness. Teamwork won the day though not without consequences.
 
I loved the ending. It was a great wrap-up to the book. I felt for Parker as he faced another trial and loved his realization that this one would be different, thanks to Gavin de Marco (Operation Notorious). The new dynamic of Carly, Parker, and Ray (and Woof) as a family was fantastic, though Parker's future was still a dark spot in his attitude. I loved Cutter's assistance in taking care of that issue. Haley put it best: "You see, Cutter doesn't just demand we fix things. He sometimes shows us how to fix things." "Are you sure that's just a dog?" Ray asked. "Nope," Haley said. "Not at all."

Alaskan Christmas Escape - Juno Rushdan (HI #2041 - Dec 2021)

Series: Fugitive Heroes: Topaz Unit (Book 2)

With a death squad in pursuit…
A fugitive needs the help of a wounded warrior.
 
An elite CIA kill squad has located hacker Zenobia Hanley's Alaska wilderness hideout. With commandos hot on Zee's heels, she's saved from capture by her neighbor John Lowry. Zee has kept her yearning for the SEAL, who has a disability, in check to shield him. But, despite her secrets, John's determined to protect Zee regardless of the risks. Because there's more at stake this Christmas than just their lives.
 
A fantastic book full of non-stop action, many twists and turns, and a terrific romance between two hurting people. Zee is the computer hacker member of Topaz Unit, a former CIA unit whose last mission didn't go as planned. It quickly became apparent that they were set up, and the only questions were who and why? To make matters worse, the CIA sent a hit squad after them, determined to stop them from asking questions. In this book, Zee has settled in a remote cabin in Alaska, where she keeps to herself. The only exception is the wary friendship she's built with her next-door neighbor, John.
 
John is a former Navy SEAL, injured in the line of duty, and medically retired. He has PTSD and prefers to live his life away from people. The Alaskan wilderness suits him perfectly. He first got to know Zee as he helped the city girl learn to deal with the Alaskan challenges. He senses that she has secrets, but he doesn't pry since he does too.
 
The story's suspense was outstanding and kept me hooked from beginning to end. Zee uses her hacking skills to search for what went wrong with Topaz Unit's last mission. As good as she is, a too-long dip into the CIA's system raised flags and gave away her location. The latest kill squad has an unexpected complication. The group leader also has personal reasons for wanting Zee dead, and nothing will stop him. His ruthlessness is evident the first time we see him and his horrific actions at the computer club. The intensity ramps up when John spots the squad as they arrive near Zee's cabin, warns her and immediately jumps in to help her escape. I was on the edge of my seat as I wondered how they would get away, but Zee's abilities and John's SEAL skills made it happen. Though Zee tried hard to push John away to protect him, including a harsh exchange of words, John refused to give up on her.
 
The action never lets up as Zee and John struggle to stay ahead of the kill squad. An added complication came when Zee insisted on retrieving her daughter, Olivia, from her school. The shocking revelation of Olivia's father's identity added to the tension of the pursuit. The twists, turns, and intensity of the killers' intent kept me glued to the pages as each confrontation increased the pressure. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Zee faced off against her pursuer. The conclusion was not unexpected as Zee, John, and Olivia used team leader Hunter's "parachute" to get away. The epilogue indicates that a showdown is coming and that the team is ready to bring the fight to their accusers.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Zee and John. After months of sharing dinners, watching movies, and just spending time together, their attraction continues to grow. Neither one does anything about it because they don't want to risk their friendship. When trouble comes, Zee tries to put distance between them to protect John from those who are after her. However, John refuses to be pushed aside. I loved his protectiveness and how he insisted on helping her. Once Zee accepted that he wasn't going anywhere, their partnership was fantastic. I loved seeing them trust each other enough to share their secrets and depend on each other to have their backs. Burned by a past relationship, Zee resists the feelings stirred up by John. I loved watching John's unwavering care begin to break down her walls. John's instant connection with Zee's daughter, Olivia, also went a long way toward helping Zee trust her feelings for him. I loved the epilogue and seeing how much closer John and Zee are. There's an adorable scene between John and Olivia, followed by an emotional one with Zee and John.