The Sergeant's Matchmaking Dog - Carrie Nichols (HSE #2850 - July 2021)

Series: Small-Town Sweethearts (Book 5)

Let love -- and a puppy -- lead the way!
 
Former Marine Gabe Bishop is focused on readjusting to civilian life. So the last thing he needs is the adorable kid next door bonding with his dog, Radar -- and the boy's guardian butting in. Addie Miller is afraid of dogs, so why does she keep coming around and making his heart melt? Soon, Gabe finds himself teaching Addie about the beauty of the human-canine bond…and becoming her shoulder to lean on. Could his new neighbors be everything Gabe never knew he needed?
 
Good story about a hurting man, a young woman and her little brother, and the dog that brings them together as a family. After leaving the Marine Corps, Gabe recently returned to his hometown and is slowly readjusting to civilian life. With him is Radar, the dog his buddy Tom befriended in Afghanistan, and Gabe helped train. Gabe moved into one side of a duplex owned by friends and discovered Addie and her little brother Teddy occupied the other half.
 
Addy is a young woman who took over caring for her seven-year-old half-brother, Teddy when their drug-addicted mother no longer could. She is in the process of obtaining permanent custody of Teddy. Addy worries about whether she is doing a good enough job and tends to be overprotective.  
 
Thanks to Addy's fear of dogs, Gabe and Addy's relationship got off to a rough start. Gabe is walking Radar when Teddy (who LOVES dogs) gets off the bus and rushes over to pet Radar. Addy freaks out and says some things she later regrets. But when she goes over to apologize later, Gabe is a bit of a jerk thanks to his issues, and they do not part friends. No matter what she does, Addy can't keep Teddy away from Radar, and it isn't long before Gabe and she start spending time together.
 
Both Gabe and Addy suffer from overactive guilt complexes. Gabe suffers from survivor's guilt, blaming himself for his friend Tom's death. Those feelings, and his memories of his unhappy childhood, keep him from believing that he can ever be in a healthy relationship, so he tries to keep Addy and Teddy at a distance. Radar seems to know what Gabe needs better than Gabe himself and drags Gabe into the land of the living ins spite of himself. There are some sweet scenes with Gabe and Teddy as Gabe rethinks his stance on relationships. Meanwhile, he and Addy get closer as he helps her overcome her fear of dogs.
 
Addy spent most of her childhood taking care of herself. Her mother had addiction problems and would get wrapped up in her latest relationship and ignore Addy. When Teddy came along, it fell to Addy to make sure he was taken care of when her mom couldn't. There were occasional stretches when her mom would be clean and sober, but that only happened when Addy kept after her. After an extended good period, Addy went away to college. But it wasn't long before her mom fell off the wagon, this time with tragic consequences for Teddy. So Addy quit school and went back home to resume caring for them. But now, she blames herself for Teddy's injuries and goes a little overboard in worrying about his safety. Spending time with Gabe and Radar helps her let go a little and begin to trust herself.
 
I liked seeing Gabe and Addy grow closer. It was interesting to see them work to convince the other that their feelings of guilt were unnecessary while clinging to their own. At the same time, they began to feel that together they made a good team and that maybe a future would be possible. There was a speed bump in the road to that future when a misunderstanding revived Addy's fears, and she exchanged some harsh words with Gabe. I ached for Gabe, who didn't deserve it, and the blow to his feelings of self-worth was severe. Fortunately, Teddy and Radar stepped in to bring the two stubborn adults back together.
 
I loved Teddy and Radar. While he wasn't a trained service dog, Radar was very good at sensing Gabe's moods and pulling him out of them. He also did well with Addy during their sessions, always careful around her. Teddy was adorable. Perhaps a little too serious/mature for seven, but his life had affected him deeply. I loved seeing the little boy in him come out when he played with Radar.
 
This is the first time I've read one of this author's books, but it won't be the last. I will add the previous books in the series to my tbr list, as some of the other couples mentioned in this book sound like they also have intriguing stories.

Cold Case Witness - Melinda Di Lorenzo (HRS #2154 - Oct 2021)

One shocking moment threatens two lives
 
What Warren Wright accidentally sees one night -- armed men exhuming a body -- could cost him his life. Worse, he inadvertently endangers his favorite barista, Jeannette Renfrew, in the process. Their only option? Go on the run and try to save themselves. As they become targets of a manhunt, they stumble upon a cold case with eerie connections to a murder…and Warren's past. Do Warren and Jeannette dare fall in love as a deadly force tries to silence them?
 
Good suspense story with a terrific romance. I enjoyed reading a book with slightly more "mature" characters. Warren is forty-one, a self-made man who put a troubled youth behind him and went from construction worker to owning his own contracting business. He lives alone and has never married. His longest "relationship" is his daily exchange of pleasantries with the barista at his favorite coffee shop.
 
Jeannette is thirty-six and in the midst of her own life-makeover. After a failed relationship, she moved to town, found a place to live, and went back to school to get her teaching degree. She works at the coffee shop with younger coworkers and often feels much older than they are. She looks forward to Warren's daily visits and has developed a crush on him.
 
The story opens with a rush as a disgruntled Warren returns to the latest construction site to retrieve his forgotten cell phone and discovers two men digging up a body on the property. In fleeing the two armed men, Warren takes refuge at Jeannette's coffee shop, unfortunately placing her in danger. This was a nail-biter of an opening, as Warren and Jeannette barely escaped with their lives. I was very impressed with Jeannette's calmness in the crisis and how she kept her head. The action is non-stop from here, as Jeannette and Warren struggle to stay ahead of their pursuers. Complicating matters, Warren discovers an unexpected link to his past - and the guilt that has weighed on him since the disappearance of his high school girlfriend.
 
I enjoyed the suspense of this story as Jeannette and Warren put their minds to finding out what was going on. Each new bit of information they uncovered led them closer to the truth and closer to danger. I was glued to the pages as the final confrontation pit Warren's protectiveness against Jeannette's stubbornness and both of them against a psychopathic killer. While I was happy to see them come out on top, I was a little disappointed that so little was said about what happened to the bad guy and his enablers.
 
I liked seeing the development of the relationship between Warren and Jeannette. They've known each other for a couple of years, so it isn't insta-love, but they haven't spent much time together either. Thanks to his past, Warren tends to hold himself back from getting too close to anyone, but he can't deny his fascination with Jeannette. He doesn't intend to do anything about it because he feels he isn't good for her. He spends a lot of time apologizing to her for getting her involved in the mess. I had fun watching Jeannette stand up to Warren's protectiveness (aka machismo or misplaced chivalry). She isn't a fragile flower and makes sure he knows it. I liked seeing them get to know each other and trust each other enough to share their pasts. The intensity of their situation also leads to a rapid escalation of their attraction and the deeper feelings that develop with it. I loved the ending and seeing them look forward to a future together.
 
I can't end the review without mentioning how much I loved Jeannette's neighbor, Rosie. The feisty octogenarian was a hoot. She was quick-witted and fearless in her protectiveness, and I laughed out loud at her antics. Warren and Jeannette owed their lives to her.

K-9 Patrol - Julie Miller (HI #2034 - Nov 2021)

Series: Kansas City Crime Lab (Book 1)

He promised to keep her safe…
Without crossing any of his self-imposed lines.
 
K-9 officer Aiden Murphy always kept things strictly platonic when it came to KCPD criminalist Lexi Callahan out of respect for her family's having taken him in years ago. Then Lexi is attacked during a crime scene investigation, and Aiden and his dog, Blue, step right in, making their relationship even more complicated. Keeping Lexi safe is his priority. But resisting the woman who's never been far from his thoughts will be his greatest challenge this holiday season.
 
Terrific friends-to-lovers romance with fast-paced suspense. Lexi is a bright, intuitive criminalist with the KCPD crime lab. As the story begins, she's just been promoted to supervisor of her team and is a little nervous about her ability to do the job. On the other hand, her coworkers are thrilled with her promotion after dealing with her predecessor. Among those who believe in her is K-9 officer Aiden Murphy, a good friend, and pseudo-brother. The problem for Lexi is that her feelings for Aiden are anything but sisterly.
 
Aiden grew up near Lexi and her brother Levi. Thanks to an abusive father and other parental issues, his family life was terrible. When their parents took him in and made him part of their family, it significantly impacted his life. It is a testament to their care and example that he turned out to be the good and honorable man that he is. Aiden is in love with Lexi but is convinced he is no good for her. While his best friend Levi is deployed, Aiden promises to keep her safe - even from himself.
 
I loved watching the development of Aiden and Lexi's relationship. When Lexi is attacked during a crime scene investigation, Aiden moves into her house, where he and his K-9 Blue can watch over her. They have been friends for a long time, and it shows in the ease of their interactions. I loved watching Aiden take care of her while trying to keep his distance. He doesn't know that Lexi feels the same way about him and is ready to push for more. I ached for her as she ran up against Aiden's fear of losing the only family he has if something goes wrong. I loved her understanding of his feelings and willingness to give him the time he needed but also felt her frustration as she wanted to step things up. The connection between them when she finally broke through his walls was fantastic. Aiden's only worry was Levi's reaction when he came home for the holidays. That scene was hilarious and was the perfect ending for the book.
 
The story's suspense sucked me in and kept me hooked from start to finish. When Lexi's first case after becoming supervisor goes south because of the attack on her, it creates a bit of self-doubt and the determination to solve the crime as quickly as possible. I loved seeing her mind work and how she motivated her team to give their best. An attack at her home and two more similar murders, with another attack on Lexi, makes the case feel personal. As she unraveled the clues, she made a horrifying discovery. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation as Lexi walked into a trap and had to fight for her life. I loved the faith that kept Lexi going and how it all worked out. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

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.

Montana Sanctuary - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Jan 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 1)

Sometimes the worst wounds can't be seen.
 
Lucas Everett knows that firsthand. It's why he and his former Navy SEAL brothers created the Resting Warrior Ranch.
 
They aren't doctors, but they can offer the healing freedom of their Montana range. And they specialize in training service and emotional support animals to help soothe even the worst emotional scars.
 
Usually, soldiers show up at their door. But this time it's Evelyn Taylor—a soldier in a very different kind of war.
 
She's as skittish as one of the horses Lucas gentles. But he's learned how to be patient with animals, and he's more than happy to be patient with this quiet beauty too.
 
When Evelyn's past nightmares show up in Montana, she thinks she has to run again, but Lucas isn't going to let that happen. He's protected his country against the worst types of threats, and he'll protect her too.
 
She's met the rancher, but now she's about to meet the SEAL.
 
Fantastic start to a new series about a group of retired SEALs and the ranch they started to help others who also have PTSD. This collaboration between newcomer Josie Jade and veteran author Janie Crouch sucked me in from the first page and didn't let me go until I turned the last one. I've been looking forward to this book since Janie introduced the Resting Warrior Ranch in her latest book, Code Name: Virgo, and I was not disappointed.
 
Five years earlier, Evelyn was young and in love. She had no idea that the handsome, wealthy, and charming Nathan West was a psychopath until she ran afoul of his obsessive jealousy. After what he did to her, she was fortunate to escape when she did, but she has spent the last four years running. The book opens as Evelyn receives a delivery that shows he's found her again. Once more on the run, Evelyn ends up in Garnet Bend, Montana. When she shows up at the ranch holding a year-old advertisement for a job, Lucas immediately recognizes the fear and desperation in her eyes. He offers her a house on the ranch and finds her a job in town at Deja Brew, all while attempting to harness his protective instincts.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Lucas and Evelyn develop. They are immediately drawn to each other, but like the horses he gentles for the ranch's therapy use, Lucas realizes that Evelyn needs time, space, and patience to heal and believe in her safety. Those scenes as Evelyn slowly learns to trust Lucas are intensely moving. And when her past comes calling, that trust allows Evelyn to stop running and let Lucas and the others help her.
 
The twists and turns of this story kept me reading long into the night, unable to put it down until I swiped through the last page. Lucas's caring and support gave Evelyn the strength to stand her ground and trust the guys to stand between her and Nathan. The emotion ramped up as Nathan's actions escalated in intensity. The ending had me on the edge of my seat as Evelyn faced her worst nightmare, Lucas fought to prevent his greatest fear, and the men of Resting Warrior Ranch came together to help one of their own. A final twist provided an intense finale, and Evelyn and Lucas looked toward a brighter future.
 
The vivid descriptions of everything from Evelyn's injuries to the Montana landscape to the ranch and its activities gave the story an extra layer of realism. I also enjoyed meeting and getting to know Lucas's co-owners and Evelyn's new friends, Lena and Grace. I can't wait to read the next book and learn more about the source of the tension between Harlan and Grace.

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."

Christmas Bodyguard - Rachel Lee (HI #2038 - Dec 2021)

Series: Conard County: The Next Generation (Book 46)

They'll bring a criminal to justice
If an assassin doesn't kill her first
 
Security expert Hale Scribner doesn't get personal with clients. Ever. But Allie Burton isn't his standard low-risk charge. She has evidence that could put away a notoriously shady CEO for good. But with an assassin trailing them 24/7, there are few places to hide in a small Wyoming town. Not from the danger…or their undeniable attraction. They'll need a Christmas miracle to survive both.
 
Good book. This one is a little different than most Conard County books in that our hero and heroine didn't start there. Allie is an accountant in California, working for a large international company. When she found a mistake, she brought it to the attention of CEO Jasper Ellis; he told her not to tell anyone about it, and that "bad things can happen." She thinks nothing of it until she tells her dad's old friend Max about it. Max is a detective whose department has been investigating Ellis for years, and he immediately tells Allie she is in danger and needs a bodyguard. Allie takes a lot of convincing, but she eventually agrees.
 
Hale is a former Marine who now owns his own security company. He and Max are good friends, so he comes immediately when Max calls him. Hale is a tall man with an intimidating air. As soon as he knows who Allie is up against, he knows he has his work cut out. He's adamant about taking Allie and going on the run until he "can take care of the threat." Allie is horrified by Hale's rules but knows she has no choice.
 
I ached for Allie, who was way out of her depth. Hale is the only thing standing between her and an assassin's bullet. While she's afraid, it doesn't stop her from trying to stand up to Hale and his demands. I felt bad for Hale because he kept having to remind her of the trouble she was in.
 
The suspense built over the next few days as Hale and Allie stayed on the move. He has a second-in-command who works with him, keeping Hale informed via coded conversations. Hale's frustration grows when he can't seem to shake some of their followers. He worries about a mole in his company, undiscovered tracking devices, and where the assassin is. Meanwhile, sparks of attraction grow between Hale and Allie. They do their best to resist, not needing the distraction, and there's no future in it. Max's life hasn't lent itself to believing in love, and Allie isn't the type for a fling. There are several emotional scenes when they talk about their pasts.
 
It isn't long before Allie starts getting under Hale's skin. Besides his care to keep her safe, there are some sweet scenes where he does little things to make her more comfortable. When Hale decides it's time to change tactics, they hole up in a small Wyoming town for a few extra hours. Allie decides she's reached her limit and tells Hale she isn't leaving. It's almost Christmas, and the small town's celebrations call to her. I loved this look at Conard City from an outsider's perspective. I liked seeing past characters as Allie made friends and her joy in approaching something normal. On the other hand, Hale's frustration with her stubbornness was understandable, and his fears for her safety were more than job-related.
 
The tension ramped up as the bad guys closed in. A not-so-chance encounter with Sheriff Gage Dalton eventually led to a closer conversation. I loved Allie's determination to take a stand and how she dragged Hale along with her. I could feel Hale's pride in her strength and his fear for her safety. The final confrontation was terrific. I loved seeing some familiar faces lend a hand and stayed glued to the pages until it was all over. The epilogue was excellent, with a wrap-up of the suspense. I also loved the Christmas present Hale gave Allie and the declaration that went with it.