Grave Danger - Nichole Severn (HI #2051 - Feb 2022)

Series: Defenders of Battle Mountain (Book 1)
 
She escaped a killer's clutches once
Now this medical examiner needs to follow the clues to put him behind bars…
 
Even changing her name hasn't helped Dr. Chloe Pascale feel safe. And when a young woman is discovered buried alive, the Colorado ME knows the relentless serial killer she barely escaped has found her. To stop him, she must trust police chief Weston Ford with her darkest secrets. But getting too close is putting their guarded hearts at risk -- and leading into an inescapable trap…
 
This was an incredibly intense book from start to finish. It opened with our heroine, surgeon Chloe Miles, caught in the clutches of a madman determined to bury her alive, and he'd already succeeded in doing so to one of her colleagues. She is determined to live and fights her way free, but she knows he won't give up. So, she runs.
 
Three months later, Chloe changed her name and became the coroner in the tiny town of Battle Mountain. She's prepared to run again if necessary but likes it there. The people are friendly, know her name, and the work isn't difficult. Then she gets a call from the police chief, Weston, about a dead body, and her blood freezes. The killer she tried to escape found her, leaving this new victim as a message. Chloe is ready to run again until Weston convinces her that together they can stop him, but to do so, she must trust him.
 
Weston was a mine worker until the mines shut down, and he lost his job. His wife died of cancer, leaving him wallowing in grief. When the former police chief was forced to retire after a heart attack, Weston's father convinced him to take the job. Raised to put other people's needs before his own, Weston found solace in looking after the people of his town. Though he is a one-person police department with no training, he's determined to protect Chloe and stop the killer.
 
The action and suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages. From the moment the body is discovered, we know that Chloe is in the crosshairs of a relentless killer. As they close in on his identity, the killer widens his reach to include anyone who helps her, especially Weston and his family. A heart-wrenching loss added impetus to Weston's determination to put an end to the killer's actions. Then an unexpected twist turned everything they had learned upside down. I ached for Chloe, whose guilty feelings over the killer's actions sent her running - right into his clutches. The intensity ramped up as Chloe fought for her life again, and Weston raced to reach her in time. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over, and I could breathe a sigh of relief.
 
The development of the relationship between Chloe and Weston happened quickly. They'd had a good working relationship since Chloe arrived in town, but neither was looking for a relationship. Chloe knows she could have to run at any time, so starting anything wouldn't be fair to either of them. Weston loved his wife and had no intention of risking his heart again. Weston's protective instincts are aroused, and in protecting Chloe, he discovers she has found her way into his heart. Chloe also realizes she has fallen for Weston, making it impossible to leave Battle Mountain when the trouble ends.
 
I am intrigued by Weston's brother, Easton. A former special forces soldier, he isn't dealing well with the loss of his men during his last mission. After spending months holed up in his cabin and avoiding everyone, he emerges to help Weston. I ached for his losses and the guilt he felt. It takes some harsh words from Weston to break through the wall of grief he's built up. In the epilogue, we get a glimpse of the recovering Easton. I can't wait to read his story.

Murder on the Rocks - Allyson K. Abbott (Kensington - Aug 2013)

Series: Mack's Bar (Book 1)
 
Mack's Bar is one of those nice, friendly places where everybody knows your name. That's great when someone's buying you a round, but not so hot when you find yourself atop a list of murder suspects--with your fingerprints on the bloody knife!
 
Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton is a Milwaukee bar owner with a nose for trouble--literally. A neurological glitch has left her with extra perceptive senses. So when she stumbles upon a dead body in the alley behind the bar--the same spot where her own father was shot eight months earlier--she can tell right away there's something fishy in the air. The lead detective thinks there's a link between the two deaths, and he'll need Mack's help to sniff out the murderer amid the crowd of eccentric regulars. But when all the evidence points to her as the most likely culprit, it could be an early last call for Mack--and celebratory cocktails for a killer.
 
This was a fun book and introduction to the Mack's Bar series. Mackenzie "Mack" owns the bar she inherited after her father's murder a few months earlier. Matters become even more complicated when she finds a dead body in the alley behind the bar, and the victim is her father's former girlfriend.
 
Mack's life has not been an easy one. Her mother was involved in an accident when she was pregnant with Mack and kept alive until Mack's birth. The trauma inflicted on Mack left her with a neurological disorder called synesthesia. This condition causes short circuits or crossed wires in her senses so that she sees smells, tastes sounds, smells colors, etc. It is something she's learned to live with, but it can be overwhelming in times of stress. Since her father's death, several problems have caused Mack to lose money, putting her in a difficult financial situation.
 
Duncan Albright is the lead detective on the murder case. He is intrigued by Mack's condition and suspects that it could help solve Ginny's murder. Because many of the leads point to Mack as the chief suspect in the murder, he needs to keep an eye on her. But she is not the only suspect, as any of her employees or patrons also had motive, means, and opportunity. He believes there is a link between her father's and Ginny's murders. Duncan talks Mack into letting him go undercover as a bartender so he can observe and investigate. The only drawback is the attraction that flares between them and distracts them from their goal.
 
The employees and patrons of the bar are a diverse and quirky group. Their personalities are well-drawn and varied enough to keep them straight. I enjoyed getting to know them and seeing where each fell on the list of suspects. Most of them have known Mack for a long time and don't believe she is guilty. I loved seeing them come together to clear her name and their own.
 
I also liked the inclusion of the history of Milwaukee and Al Capone. It added a little uniqueness to the setting, which otherwise could have been any city. Mack's discovery of her father's interest in Capone caused her to wonder if there was a connection between that interest and his murder.
 
I loved following the investigation. It was a little surprising that Duncan shared so much information with Mack since she was a primary suspect in the murder. However, his instincts tell him that she is innocent. There is another person that moves up the list when secrets about his life come to light, but I felt that he was a little too obvious to be a real contender. The tension continued to build as Duncan tried to narrow down the suspect list, and Mack attempted to sort out her synesthetic reactions to the clues they found. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Mack stumbled on a secret room and the murderer. I was on the edge of my seat as Mack fought for her life. While the culprit was not a surprise, the motivations were interesting.
 
I liked Duncan's proposed partnership with Mack as a "consultant" on future cases. I'm looking forward to more time spent at Mack's, intriguing cases, and perhaps more about the chemistry between Mack and Duncan. 

The Marquess and the Runaway Lady - Samantha Hastings (HH #1712 - Mar 2023)

Will this disheveled runaway…
Become the diamond of the Season?
 
When the Marquess of Cheswick -- Wick -- takes in a mysterious woman, he's shocked to discover she is Lady Louisa, an heiress who's escaped her cruel aunt! Grieving the loss of two siblings, Wick avoids opening his heart to anyone else and stays away from the marriage mart. But when Louisa needs a husband in order to claim her inheritance, Wick's determined to help -- even if it means stepping back into his worst nightmare: the Season!
 
Fun Cinderella-style story. Louisa is an heiress who has been kept under the thumb of her cruel aunt and uncle since she was ten years old. Upon learning that they plan to marry her to their ne'er-do-well son, Louisa runs away, hoping to take refuge with her other uncle and finally get the London Season she's dreamed about. But she's waylaid on the way by a gentleman who believes she is his sisters' governess.
 
Wick is the head of his family while his parents are away, leaving him in charge of his three younger sisters. The girls are quite mischievous and have driven away several governesses. Wick takes his responsibilities very seriously and is often overwhelmed by their antics.
 
I liked both Wick and Louisa. Louisa's aunt has done a number on her self-confidence and belief in her own worth, but she has enough spunk to escape when she learns of her plans. Louisa is a kind soul who only wants to love and be loved. I loved how she was taken in by the Stringhams and made to feel like part of the family. As she experienced life away from her aunt, her self-confidence and worth grew. By the end, she had the strength and independence to stand up for herself. I especially enjoyed the friendship that developed between her and Wick's sister, Mantheria, something she'd never had before.
 
Wick is a good man but a little too wrapped up in responsibility. He is still grieving the loss of two of his siblings ten years earlier. He believes their deaths were his fault, even though the circumstances were beyond his control. I loved his relationships with his sisters and brother. There is a great deal of love there, which shows in their interactions. Seeing how the girls tried his patience was fun, yet he always had their backs.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Wick and Louisa. The attraction was there from the moment they met, but Wick fought hard against it. Louisa initially had a strong case of hero worship, but as she got to know him, those feelings turned to love. There are some sweet scenes between them, from balls to walks with his sisters. Wick can't deny his attraction but vehemently argues that he isn't in love. Because of those guilty feelings from the past, he believes he is not worthy of love. When a run-in with her cousin risks Louisa's reputation, Wick steps up to do the right thing. But Louisa doesn't want a marriage based on duty, not love. It takes some time with his sisters to finally let go of the past and believe in a future with Louisa. I loved the ending.
 
The secondary characters were great. I loved Wick's sisters. They are quirky, fun, and loving. Each has a unique personality, and I would love to see more of them. I ached for Mantheria and her heartbreaking situation. I also adored Wick's friend, Sunny. I liked how he supported Wick but also called him out when Wick denied his feelings for Louisa. The housekeeper was terrific and made me laugh out loud in the scene with the snake.
 
Meanwhile, Louisa's relatives were awful. The aunt and uncle who raised her were downright criminal in their treatment of her. Their son was even worse and deserved every bad thing that might happen to him. The other aunt and uncle were unsympathetic creatures, more concerned with their status than helping Louisa. 

Designs on a Rancher - LaQuette (HD #2929 - Mar 2023)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: The Wedding (Book 2)
 
She's willing to give him everything in bed
But will she risk her career for passion?
 
Keely Tucker knows designing a showstopping wedding dress for a movie starlet is the career-making opportunity of a lifetime. But Jacob Chatman has sent her focus into a tailspin! When a blackout leaves her stranded with a rancher she can't resist, their passion practically sets the sheets on fire. Jacob admires her drive…but is their hookup worth Keely risking her hard-earned ambitions for a life in Texas?
 
Good book about two seemingly opposites who have more in common than they expect. I enjoyed this city girl meets country boy story.
 
Keely was born and raised in the Brooklyn projects. She took the drive and ambition she learned from her parents and applied it to her dream of a career in fashion. Her business is everything to her, and she puts it first in her life. After years of hard work, she will take her business to the next level with her custom-designed wedding dress for movie starlet Ariana. When the power goes out in her hotel and most of the town of Royal, Ariana finds a new place to stay.
 
Jacob is a rancher and horse trainer who is married to his work. He has no time to make nice with some city woman but agrees to let Keely stay in his guest cabin. He plans to ignore her, but that idea disappears when he meets her.
 
The sparks flew between Keely and Jacob from the moment they met. Some of those sparks were antagonism, but most were attraction. Fighting it doesn't work, and since neither is interested in a relationship, they decide to go for a short-term friends-with-benefits arrangement. Two or three weeks should be enough time to get it out of their systems.
 
I liked Keely. She knows what she wants and doesn't beat around the bush when going after it. She's confident in who she is, and her backstory adds depth to how she got there. I loved her focus, determination, and creativity evident in her collaborations with the other vendors.
 
I also liked Jacob. His goal of being a top-rated trainer is within reach, and nothing will get in the way of making it happen. He's driven but not obnoxious about it. He has a good relationship with the people who work for him, and it's obvious that they respect him.
 
I enjoyed seeing the development of their relationship. Keely and Jacob go into their affair with the clear understanding that their work comes first, and they aren't interested in anything permanent. Though they see themselves as opposites because of the city vs. country thing, they have more in common than they realize. I enjoyed some of their time together as they shared meals, rides, life stories, and fantastic chemistry. As they spend more time together, each realizes they want more than they agreed to.
 
A dinner engagement with a significant potential customer brings out Jacob's nerves, and he talks Keely into coming along for moral support. But that dinner opens their eyes to their growing feelings, which sends Keely scrambling to put distance between them. I ached for Jacob, who had no idea what had happened, and I liked how he called her out on it, leaving her to do some soul-searching. The ending was good as they realized that loving each other wasn't the hindrance they feared but a chance for their dreams to come true.

Hotshot Hero in Disguise - Lisa Childs (HRS #2221 - Mar 2023)

Series: Hotshot Heroes (Book 8)

His carefully crafted identity…
Is about to go up in flames!
 
After an attempt on his life, Jonathan Canterbury IV chose to let the world believe he was dead. Then Tammy Ingles discovers that the firefighter she knows as Ethan Sommerly is really the heir to an epic fortune. He doesn't know what scares him more: the fact that his new lover can expose his secret, or the intensity of his need for her…
 
Very good mix of romance and suspense. The story opened with a bang, as the firehouse stove exploded when Ethan turned it on. He is injured and taken to the hospital, where he finds out that his long hair and bushy beard have protected his face from severe burns. However, the flames have destroyed said hair and beard and need to be trimmed/shaved. Ethan only trusts one person to do it.
 
Tammy owns the only salon in town. She isn't surprised when Ethan shows up to have his hair and beard taken care of, and she doesn't expect to recognize the face under all that hair. Why is the heir to billions hiding out in the backwoods of Michigan and using someone else's name?
 
I liked Ethan and Tammy. Ethan has been the quiet one in the previous books in the series. He works as a forest ranger in the deep woods when he isn't fighting fires. When unexplained accidents happen to the hotshots, Ethan wonders if the team is the target or if someone has figured out who he is. We learn that Ethan walked away from a plane crash that killed other hotshots and used the chance to make the world believe he was dead. He'd had several close calls in suspicious accidents and thought someone was trying to kill him. If he can remain undercover for a few more weeks, his family can declare him dead, and he will be clear to live on his terms. But when a journalist in town recognizes him and publishes his picture, Ethan's life becomes much more complicated.
 
Tammy is a popular and vivacious woman with a reputation as a flirt. After years of bullying at school because of her looks, she took control and is now happy with who she is. She flirts because it's fun, but she has no interest in any relationships, preferring to protect her heart. Ethan is one of her favorite targets because he plays along. Tammy refuses to admit that she has had a crush on him for years, insisting they are just friends. But her heart feels otherwise when she hears of his injuries.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ethan and Tammy. Discovering his true identity threw her for a loop and made her question his motives. When Ethan discovers she knows who he is, he fears that she will expose him. Instead, the sparks of attraction that have simmered under their flirting burst into flame. But there are obstacles to any chance of a future for them. Now that she knows who he is, Tammy feels that he's way out of her league. Ethan fears that being around him puts Tammy in danger. But both feel stronger when they are together than when they are apart. Matters become even more complicated when Ethan's family shows up in town. I fully understood why Ethan put distance between them and himself. There were some interesting interactions, many of which fed the idea that one of them was behind the attacks on him. I liked that Tammy had an outsider's perspective and helped Ethan look at them differently. I was pleasantly surprised by the scene with Ethan's mom and Tammy and laughed out loud at their antics.
 
As the attacks on Ethan escalated, Tammy could no longer deny her feelings for him, but she still believed nothing could come of them. I wanted to shake her when she tried to push him away, hoping to protect her heart and his life. Ethan worried that being around him was dangerous for her, but he couldn't stop wanting to protect her. I ached for his hurt when she tried to send him away and was glad that he didn't give up on her. When everything was over, Ethan had to decide whether to stick with what and who he loved or return to his old life. It was no surprise to see which one he chose.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. The stove explosion was one more unexplained accident in the litany that has plagued the hotshots for months. After an anonymous note claimed that one of them "wasn't who you think they are," hotshot captain Braden worries that the saboteur is one of them. But when Ethan's identity emerges, the attacks are suddenly more focused. One episode after another makes it clear that Ethan's life is in danger, but who is behind it? There are several prime candidates, and the tension ramps up as Ethan and the others try to figure it out. 

The final confrontation comes when the bad guy abducts Tammy as bait to finish Ethan off for good. I cheered as Tammy didn't wait around for rescue and took things into her own hands. The resolution was well done and solved the mystery of the attacks on Ethan. However, the problems plaguing the hotshots are still unsolved, and the crew is left waiting for the next shoe to drop. I can't wait for the next book to see if the mystery is finally solved.
 
I'm intrigued by the tv reporter whose arrival in town kicked off Ethan's troubles. She did not make a very good first impression with her pushiness. Someone has been feeding her information about the attacks, and she is determined to learn more. However, as the book went on, her attitude softened a little. Her support of Tammy surprised me and earned a little respect. She plays a vital role in resolving the attacks on Ethan, but the initial story has her staying around. She has an unexpected connection to the hotshots outside whoever her source is, and it will be interesting to see what comes of that.
 
I loved the closeness of the hotshot team. Because of the danger of their work, there is a special feeling of family among them. I loved the teasing that goes on between the various members. The revelation of Ethan's deception could have torn them apart, but they had his back instead. But they are all on edge because of the sabotage and wondering who it could be.

Lady of Fortune - Mary Jo Putney (Zebra - Mar 2023)

 A countess turned servant . . .
 
Forced to escape the French Revolution, resilient young Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle flees to London. But when she finds herself unexpectedly penniless, Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. . . . Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress’s husband and her lover gets Christa cast into the street—directly into a hero’s arms . . .
 
A Royal Navy commander . . .
 
After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position . . .
 
The heart of a household . . .
 
With her warmth, charm, and surprisingly refined intellect, Christa soon wins the hearts of all the Kingsleys—especially Alex. And while their mutual attraction deepens to something more, the gap in their social stations seems an impossible obstacle. Only when Alex and Annabelle become the targets of fortune hunters, will the truth about Christa have a chance to be revealed. But will it mean a chance for true love to triumph?
 
This book is a reprint of one of the author's earliest books, written in 1988. It is a wonderful character-driven story of a young French émigré who finds herself working as a lady's maid in the household of a Royal Navy captain. Their journey to a future together is not easy, with social expectations, secrets, and miscommunications to overcome.
 
Christa began life as the daughter of a French comte and his wife and a comtesse in her own right. But the French Revolution ended the aristocracy and cost her father his life. Christa and her mother, Marie, led a simple and quiet life until they learned their lives were also in danger. Christa's English half-brother, Charles, Lord Radcliffe, came to France to smuggle his mother and sister to England. Unfortunately, they ran into trouble, and Christa was the only one to escape. She went to Charles's uncle, the new Lord Radcliffe, mourning her losses for a year. When the year was up, she vowed to live as they wanted her to and made plans to go to London Society. However, Lord Radcliffe told her that her fortune was gone thanks to the revolution, and she was penniless. He offered to marry her himself, which Christa found unacceptable. She ran away to London, planning to find a job as a governess, but ended up as a ladies' maid when that was all that was available.
 
Christa was a unique young woman. Her parents raised her to be self-sufficient, emphasizing the importance of being able to do anything she asked of her people. She was very well educated, especially for a woman. Her first post as a ladies' maid was short-lived, as the lady of the house was mean-spirited, and her husband was lecherous. When Christa was forcibly ejected from the house after fighting back against his advances, she landed in a passing stranger's arms.
 
Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has just returned to England after fifteen years serving in the Navy. He is on medical leave, and after learning of his mother's death decided it was time to take his place as head of the household. He's worried about his younger sister, Annabelle, and younger brother, Jonathan, who he left in the hands of their cruel, selfish, and narcissistic mother. I ached for him and his worry about how they would feel about him after all these years. I loved their reaction to seeing him, but he was horrified to see the damage that their mother caused to their confidence. He's thinking about what he must do when he finds his arms full of the woman thrown from the house he's passing. I loved his concern for her and his swift action when he discovered her circumstances.
 
Christa has undoubtedly ended up in the perfect household for her. Alex, Suzanne, and Jon are not your typical high-society aristocrats; they are warm and loving with each other and respect and are respected by those who work for them. Christa has a lot of freedom when interacting with the Kingsleys and soon finds herself fast friends with Annabelle. I loved how she used the skills she learned as a popular young comtesse to help Annabelle gain self-confidence. There are fun scenes as she assists Alex and Jon in learning to dance, teaches Annabelle how to flirt, and encourages Jon to share his dreams with his brother, all without doing anything inappropriate. Christa is equally at home below stairs and makes friends with the Kingsley servants, especially their French cook.
 
Neither she nor Alex expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them. Both are conscious of the social divide between them and do their best to ignore their feelings. They mostly succeed, limiting themselves to a cautious friendship. That friendship plays an important role when Annabelle is targeted by an unscrupulous fortune hunter who tricks her into eloping with him. The pursuit scene was outstanding, and I loved the confrontation.
 
Unfortunately, Annabelle is not the only target of a fortune hunter. We get a good look at a young woman determined to capture Alex for herself. After spending all his adult life at sea, Alex has no idea what he is up against and finds himself compromised into offering for the young woman in question. I ached for him because she was the worst possible choice for him, but honor won't let him back out.
 
The feelings between Alex and Christa continue to grow, but neither believes anything can come of it. Forced proximity and irresistible attraction have them taking a step neither anticipated. But the social divide is still there, and Christa refuses to ruin his life by giving in to her dearest wish. Secrets and a lack of communication send Christa running while Alex finally realizes his feelings. But obstacles remain the same in keeping them apart.
 
A surprising development changes Christa's life in ways she couldn't have imagined, but her heart is still broken. Alex is still stuck with his fiancée and resigned to his fate. But Annabelle wants Alex to be happy and finds a willing co-conspirator to help make it happen. I loved watching the drama play out to free him, then reconnect him with Christa. Their reunion first must get past a misunderstanding where Alex makes a total idiot out of himself. Being locked in a room together is a unique way to make it happen, but you can't argue with success. I loved that Christa didn't stand back and take it and gave as good as she got. I loved how that storm cleared the air between them, and all the truth came out. Alex's reaction is fun to watch as he processes what he's learned and is finally able to put words to his feelings.
 
The secondary characters were well done. The two schemers were more selfish than evil, and I had to laugh at what became of them. Annabelle was a sweet young woman suffering from the effects of an emotionally abusive mother. Her transformation into a confident young woman was a believable journey orchestrated by Christa. I loved her close relationship with Alex. We don't see as much of Jonathan, but his changes are also evident. I liked the teasing between him and Alex regarding the superiority of the navy versus the army. Uncle Lewis creeped me out initially but redeemed himself somewhat at the end. 

Texas Bodyguard: Luke - Janie Crouch (HI #2129 - Mar 2023)

Series: San Antonio Security (Book 1)
 
She’s seen too much
And he’s running out of time to save her…
 
The last person security expert Luke Patterson ever expected to see again is in desperate trouble. Claire Wallace witnessed her boss’s murder…and the killer is tearing her quiet life apart to find her. Luke will do anything to protect the childhood friend he never forgot. But as their secrets become an inescapable trap, will they survive to have any future?
 
Fantastic start to the new series. The San Antonio Security series is about four men, adopted as youths from the foster care system, who form their own security company. The adoptive parents who raised them are a fantastic couple, and I enjoyed meeting them all. This book focuses on Luke and the girl he never forgot. After Claire was sent to another home and Luke was adopted, they lost track of each other. Luke leans on the introverted side of the spectrum and is least likely to be asked to deal with their customers. He's gruff and grumpy (especially when it's his turn to deal with the paperwork) but has a talent for reading people that has served the company well. He has a great relationship with his brothers and his parents.
 
Claire has been an introvert all of her life, preferring to live her life and do her job with as little attention as possible. A computer genius, she has a job writing software and apps for a big company. When she and her boss, Julia, figure out that the CEO plans to use the app Claire has been working on to steal personal and financial information from its users, they know what they must do. As Julia gets the proof they need to stop him and sends it to Claire, she is murdered, and Claire witnesses it all on the video link. She knows she is in danger and goes to the only person she can trust for help - Luke.
 
I liked the first meeting between Luke and Claire. Luke never forgot the sweet girl he nicknamed "Kitten" and protected from the bullies at their foster home. He is determined to protect her and clear her name when she comes to him. He doesn't expect the burst of attraction he feels for her or the stirring up of emotions he's buried for years. Claire discovers that even after years apart, Luke is still her hero. I liked seeing them get to know each other as they worked together. I loved seeing Claire soften Luke's rough edges and laughed out loud at his brothers' teasing. At the same time, Luke's belief in Claire, her intelligence, and her strength gave her confidence and helped bring her out of her shell. I loved the scenes with Luke's parents, their unquestioning love and acceptance of Claire, and its effect on her.  I loved the ending and seeing them come together.
 
The suspense of the story was outstanding. The intensity never let up from the minute Claire connected with her friend and boss. When Claire finds out her boss plans to do something illegal with the program she wrote, she is more than willing to help get the information to the authorities. She was not expecting to witness her friend's murder and find herself the next person in the crosshairs. She knows she's in danger, which is driven home when she goes home to get her cat, Khan, before going on the run and barely escapes the thugs sent after her. She runs to Luke for help. 

I was on the edge of my seat as she and Luke barely stayed a step ahead of the men after them. The bad guy's influence and resources enable him to do anything he wants to stop Claire from exposing him. But Luke and Claire aren't in it alone. I loved seeing how his brothers had his back and worked with him. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as it looked like the bad guy might succeed in his quest. But not only is Claire smarter than he is, she also has a secret weapon that saves her life. I loved seeing it all go down, and the resolution was excellent.
 
One of my favorite secondary characters was Claire's Maine coon cat, Khan. He is a large cat and acts more like a dog than a cat. It was fun to see other characters interact with him. I loved the moral support that Khan provided Claire, as someone she could confide her fears and dreams and who kept her company in her lonely life. I liked seeing his antics as a guard cat-dog, plus he was an excellent judge of character.
 
I liked Luke's brothers. From what has been revealed so far, it sounds like all four men had rough lives in the foster care system. Luke's story was heartbreaking. The book's prologue was an emotional look at what it meant for him to be adopted by the Pattersons. I can't wait to read the stories of the other brothers. 

Irish Knit Murder - Peggy Ehrhart (Kensington - Feb 2023)

Series: Knit & Nibble (Book 9)
 
St. Patrick’s Day takes an unexpected turn for crafting magazine editor Pamela Paterson and the members of her knitting club when a member of a prominent New Jersey family is found dead…
 
The Listers have been part of Arborville society for generations—though seventy-something Isobel Lister doesn’t fit the role of upper-crust heiress. She’s always been a colorful character, and her fun-loving spirit is on display at the senior center celebration as she performs some beloved Irish songs. But just minutes later, her body is found backstage.
 
It’s hard to imagine who’d target such a harmless eccentric, but Pamela finds herself suspecting everyone. There’s the Wiccan who thought St. Patrick wasn’t so saintly; the woman upset about cultural appropriation who feels the commercialization of shamrocks is a sham; the two men Isobel was seeing, who could have been green with jealousy—and old friends and family who may have feared Isobel would spill their secrets. But Pamela’s on the case, and that means for the killer, the jig will soon be up...
 
This is the first book I've read in this series or by this author. As a knitter and a lover of all things Irish, I couldn't help picking this one up when I had the opportunity. The story opens as Pamela, a widow and craft magazine editor, and her friend Bettina, a reporter for the local paper, attend a senior center St. Patrick's Day luncheon. Bettina is there to cover the event for the paper. The fun and fellowship are evident, and the "Irishness" ramps up when local singer Isobel Lister arrives to perform a series of Irish songs. Not everyone enjoyed the performance, including at least one who walked out. Shortly after she finishes her performance, Isobel is found dead in the back room.
 
Pamela, Bettina, and the others in their knitting group have earned a reputation for solving mysteries. Pamela and Bettina are determined to figure this one out. I haven't read the others in this series but I wasn't very impressed with their methods. One or the other would seize on a possible suspect; then they would create some wild scenario that led up to the murder with no objective evidence for their suspicion. Then they would talk to the suspect, realize they had it all wrong, and move on to the next suspect. Rinse and repeat. I never got the feeling that they knew what they were doing. A second death threw everything they thought into turmoil, leaving them scrambling for answers. The eventual solving of the deaths felt anti-climactic.
 
I enjoyed getting to know the variety of characters. Bettina is a fashionista, and her outfits are described in detail. She is a woman with a big heart and a talent for drawing people out - a good thing for a reporter. She and her husband, Wilfred, are an adorable couple, and we hear all about the fantastic meals he cooks. Pamela is a widow with a grown daughter. Her husband has been gone for fifteen years, and she has begun dating again. Pamela is the editor of a craft magazine, and I am intrigued by the articles she is editing for it, especially the Civil War story.
 
The Knit & Nibble group members are introduced, and each has a unique personality, so it is relatively easy to keep them straight. I liked hearing about the projects they worked on. There were some upsides to Pamela and Bettina's focusing on suspects, and that was watching them "question" them. There was one character who was angry about the "misappropriation" of the Irish culture and dropped a few tidbits that were interesting to read. There was the Wiccan who wasn't happy about some of the conflation of various holidays. I liked seeing Pamela and Bettina learn about Ostara and its influence on Easter. I already knew this as I have a family member who is Pagan, and I'm always happy to see a little education slip into a story.
 
There are a few romantic elements. There's the end of one romance, a hint of a missed opportunity in another, and a new man that shows promise. I liked the new man, who clearly understands who he is after losing sight of what is important.
 
There were a few irritating things about the book. Most of it deals with repetitiveness. Every time Pamela gets a plate, bowl, or cup, we are told it's her wedding china. It's meant to be used, not saved for a special occasion, or so we are constantly reminded. The food is always described in detail, as are Bettina's outfits. It almost felt like the descriptions were needed to make up the word count.
 
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but I'm not sure I'm invested enough to seek out the other books. 

His Majesty's Forbidden Fling - Susan Meier (HR #4815 - Aug 2022)

Series: Scandal at the Palace (Book 1)
 
Can the king resist…
His temptation?
 
Widower King Jozef has been a recluse since he lost his wife five years ago. So he's reluctant at first when Rowan Gray is employed to reform his image. But Rowan makes him feel things he's never felt before -- not even for the convenient wife he came to love. A forbidden fling with the American PR expert is one thing…but can he ever hope to make her his queen?
 
I enjoyed this book. Since the death of his wife five years earlier, King Jozef has steadily turned over most of his public duties to his two grown sons. Though their marriage began as an arrangement between friends, they grew to love each other very much. But Jozef's withdrawal worries his people, so his sons and the castle administration collude to bring him out of his self-imposed exile. To that end, they hire Rowan, an American PR expert, to reform his image.
 
Rowan suffered a terrible humiliation when her fiancé eloped with her best friend a week before the wedding. Rowan left her hometown, going first to New York, then to Paris, where she was in high demand for her ability to repair images. She's almost ready to set up her own business, and a successful outcome here will be a feather in her cap. She has no room for distractions in her plans.
 
I loved the first meeting between Jozef and Rowan. Jozef was "encouraged" to attend the opera with his sons as a way to appear before his people. But Liam and Alex sent Rowan instead - without informing Jozef. He was blindsided by the arrival of the beautiful young woman and did not react well. His immediate attraction to her sent him running from the theater before the show started - and reinvigorated rumors that he was in ill health. Jozef was furious and planned to speak with his sons and staff the next day, only to find out that the team who had hired her refused to fire her. Their worries about him gave them the courage to stand up to him and make him see the effects on his subjects. Jozef isn't happy but agrees to go along with the plan.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Jozef and Rowan. Jozef is only forty-five and a fit and handsome man, and Rowan finds him immensely appealing and can't deny her attraction to him. Part of the plan is to set him up on dates with three suitable and high-profile women. It is easy to see Jozef's frustration with having his social life micromanaged, but he handles himself well, and you can see him begin to accept that he must make changes. The problem is that he is more interested in Rowan!
 
I enjoyed the time that Jozef and Rowan spent together. She is very forthright and understanding of the pressure he is under. Jozef finds it very easy to relax and be himself when he is with her. The sparks between them don't take long to burst into flame.  Both know that nothing can come of their time together, so they agree to a no-strings fling with an expiration date of the end of the "project." There are some terrific scenes of them together, and I loved seeing how happy they were when they could be themselves. Though their feelings for each other grow deeper, each sees obstacles keeping them apart. Rowan sees that he's a king and she's a commoner with some ugliness in her past. Jozef mainly focuses on their age difference - he's forty-five, and she's thirty, and that's too much. He also doesn't want to put her through the media frenzy that would happen if they took their relationship public.
 
But Rowan allowed herself to dream, and when she tells Jozef of her feelings, she doesn't get the reaction she'd hoped for. Heartbroken, she leaves, and Jozef is left to figure out how to go on without her. I loved seeing him work his way through his misery until that "aha!" moment that opened his eyes to the possibilities of the future. I loved the ending and the shock that Rowan received. Jozef's surprise was terrific, and the epilogue was outstanding.
 
I enjoyed meeting Jozef's sons, Liam and Alex. I especially enjoyed Alex's more relaxed attitude as the "spare." He's very observant, intelligent, and fun, and I liked his interactions with Rowan. I look forward to reading his story, as well as Liam's.

 

Hometown Reunion - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2966 - Mar 2023)

Series: Bravo Family Ties (Book 62)
 
Once in love with a Bravo…
 
Only a lucrative contract could get Hunter Bartley back to Medicine Creek, Wyoming, after all these years. That and seeing Jobeth Bravo again. The TV star hadn't expected to find Jobeth with a baby, single and as beautiful as when he'd broken her heart. But though old feelings were igniting new emotions, Hunter couldn't forget what had driven them apart. Jobeth was a hometown girl. He was a wanderer. Maybe it would take his long-avoided return for Hunter to realize that everything he'd ever wanted was right here at home…
 
I really should know better than to start a Christine Rimmer book at night. I could not put this one down until I finished it around 4 a.m.; it was that good! This book is about Jobeth Bravo, who first made her appearance as a little girl in Practically Married (May 1998 - Silhouette). Now she is all grown up and ready for her own HEA.
 
Sixteen years earlier, Jobeth and Hunter were high school sweethearts. But Hunter couldn't wait to leave Medicine Creek and escape the memories of his home life, leaving town right after graduation. He wanted Jobeth to go with him, but she refused to leave her home and family behind. Hunter is now the successful host of a home improvement show and has brought that show to his hometown for a summer of filming.
 
Jobeth doesn't know how she feels about Hunter's return. Though she was heartbroken when he left, surely, she is over him by now? They've both been married and divorced, and she's recently adopted a little girl. So, when her dad asks if it would bother her if Hunter stayed at the ranch house, she swears it would be fine. Only it wasn't. Even after all these years, she couldn't forget the pain of her heartbreak, so she tried to avoid him - not easy with him living in her parents' house.
 
Hunter was wary of his return to Medicine Creek. His memories of his life there are wrapped up in his mother's death, his father's drinking, and his perception of how the town looked at him. The best memories are those he made with Jobeth, except for his regret over how they parted. He looks forward to seeing her again. He knows rekindling their relationship isn't possible - their lives are still too far apart. But he'd like to feel as though they could be friends again.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Hunter and Jobeth's relationship. Jobeth spent the first week or so doing everything she could to avoid seeing him. Hunter didn't let that go on for long, eventually showing up on her doorstep. I liked that they cleared the air over their past, each admitting to some regrets. Underneath the tentative renewal of their friendship was an attraction that was even stronger than it had been when they were young. Though they tried to ignore it, eventually, it became too much. They believe they can indulge themselves for Hunter's remaining time there without risking their hearts because they know nothing can come of it. Of course, we all know how that is going to go.
 
There are some wonderful scenes in Wyoming. I loved seeing Hunter with little Paisley and his encounters with people who "knew him when." I loved seeing how distance and maturity changed his perception of those people. Hunter also talks Jobeth into visiting LA with him and introduces her to his life there. I loved seeing Hunter embrace his growing feelings and sensed a determination in him to find a way to make it work. But Jobeth panics over her feelings for Hunter and pushes him away. I ached for both as they faced the prospect of history repeating itself. Their struggle is heartbreaking, and I was rooting for them to find a way to overcome their obstacles.
 
The ending was terrific, though a piece of Jobeth's past created some unexpected drama. Seeing her and Hunter realize that anything is possible if they put love first was great.
 
I liked seeing more of Starr Bravo Tisdale (Fifty Ways to Say I'm Pregnant) and how her life has progressed since her story. I look forward to more stories of the next generation of Bravos. I got quite a chuckle from Jobeth explaining her extensive family connections to one of Hunter's friends.

Amy's Guardian - Josie Jade, Regan Black (Calamitte Jane Pub - Feb 2023)

Series: Never Too Late for Love (Book 4)
 
Beau Brennan's new job as the sheriff of Heartbreak Key is a far cry from the big cities he's worked in his whole career. But he likes the quiet and solitude of island life—it's a chance to heal from losing his law enforcement partner.
 
Alone is the way Beau operates best.
 
He definitely wasn't expecting someone like Amy Young—here on the the island for treasure hunting of all things. In her mid-40s, downright beautiful, and finally out from under the thumb of her narcissist ex-husband, her big personality and even bigger smiles are drawing him in.
 
And Beau doesn't even think he wants to resist. Especially when he finds out Amy's smiles hide insecurities about herself he's more than willing to prove wrong.
 
And when treasure hunting fun takes a deadly turn, this gruff sheriff will stop at nothing to keep Amy safe. And make her his.
 
She thinks the best years of her life are already gone? Hell no. Because it's never too late for love.
 
Good addition to the series. After twenty years in an emotionally abusive marriage, Amy is finally free to pursue her dreams. She came to Heartbreak Key to continue her aunt's treasure hunt. On her first day out, she runs into a problem with a crocodile and is later arrested for trespassing. Sparks fly between her and Beau, the new sheriff of Heartbreak Key. The encounter is amusing, as Amy doesn't go quietly, and Beau's fascination with her has him stumbling over his words.
 
Beau came to Heartbreak Key after losing his partner and best friend in the line of duty. The quiet, low-key life gives him a chance to heal. He never expected to run into someone like Amy, who has stirred up feelings he's never had before.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Beau and Amy. The sparks that fly during that first encounter are a mix of antagonism and attraction. Amy feels attracted, but she's not about to get involved with someone who wants to control her actions. Beau is wondering if he can trust the beautiful newcomer who is clearly hiding something. When Amy's backpack, with her aunt's journal inside, is stolen right out of the sheriff's office, Beau feels honor bound to help her. It also gives him a chance to get to know her.
 
Their relationship progresses quickly thanks to their chemistry and time together looking for the treasure. However, it is not without its obstacles, as each tends to step on the other's insecurities. Amy sees Beau's protectiveness as another way to control her. Beau, who still carries some guilt over his partner's death, lets his worries over her fearlessness overcome his sensitivity to her past. Meanwhile, Beau's tendency to stumble over his words around Amy causes misunderstandings. Fortunately, they can talk it through and come out stronger.
 
The suspense of the story was good. Amy is determined to find Aunt Jo's treasure, and nothing will stop her. Her backpack with the journal is stolen early in the book, and it isn't hard to figure out who is behind it. A couple of too-convenient appearances raise suspicions and lead Amy to make a risky attempt to retrieve the journal. A confrontation with the thieves could have ended badly but for Amy's quick thinking and Beau's fast action. The search for the treasure ended quite differently than I expected, but I liked it. The epilogue was great.

The Devine Doughnut Shop - Carolyn Brown (Feb - 2023)

Three women are torn between traditions of the past and unexpected new beginnings in a warmhearted novel by Carolyn Brown about family, romance, and the best pastries in Texas.
 
For Grace Dalton, her sister, Sarah, and her cousin Macy, the Devine Doughnut Shop is a sweet family legacy and a landmark in their Texas town. As the fourth generation to run the Double D, they keep their great-grandmother’s recipe secret and uphold the shop’s tradition as a coffee klatch for sharing local gossip, advice, and woes. But drama brews behind the counter, too.
 
Grace is a single mother struggling with an unruly teenage daughter. Heartbroken Sarah has sworn off love. Macy’s impending wedding has an unexpected hitch. And now charming developer Travis Butler has arrived in Devine with a checkbook and a handsome smile. He wants to buy the shop, expand it nationally, and boost the economy of a town divided by the prospect.
 
With the family’s relationships in flux, their beloved heritage up for grabs, and their future in the air, it’s amazing what determination, sass, a promise of romance, and a warm maple doughnut can do to change hearts and minds.
 
Carolyn Brown excels at small-town stories involving people whose lives feel like they could be yours or your neighbor's. This is a story of love, family - by blood and of the heart, and dreams. Two sisters, Grace and Sarah, and their cousin Macy are the fourth generation of women who have run the Devine Doughnut Shop. The doughnut recipe is a cherished family secret, and the shop is the center of the town's information-sharing community. Drama abounds on both sides of the counter.
 
Grace is the oldest and the mother of sixteen-year-old Audrey. She had Audrey while she was young, with a man who bailed when he found out he would be a father. With the support of her family, Grace manages single parenthood well. But as the story opens, she's ready to send Audrey to boot camp or a convent. Audrey has been caught with contraband cigarettes and alcohol on school property and refuses to say where it came from. Grace believes in accountability, and Audrey isn't happy to find she's expected to work in the shop from 3 a.m. to noon every day during spring break. I love Grace's down-to-earth attitude and parenting style.
 
But Audrey isn't Grace's only problem. Three of their oldest customers have invited a younger friend to try the doughnuts, with an eye to buying Grace and the others out, building a factory, and taking the pastries national. Travis is a handsome and charming man who doesn't give up easily, no matter how often Grace tells him they won't sell. Complicating matters are the sparks that fly between them.
 
Sarah has never been married and wants a family of her own. She's spent a lot of time looking for love and finally found a man who checks all her boxes. Everything comes crashing down when she discovers that he hasn't been truthful with her. Brokenhearted, she wonders if she'll ever have the family she longs for.
 
Meanwhile, Cousin Macy busily prepares for her upcoming wedding to Neal. They have big plans for her cousins to buy her out while she and Neal wait for him to be promoted to manager at the hotel where he works. Then an unexpected encounter shows that he isn't what he claims to be, and Macy joins her cousins in the love-lost ranks. And though Macy is the more spiritual of the group, she has no trouble playing the part of an avenging angel on his sorry hide. I laughed out loud at that scene and cheered her on.
 
Audrey is one of those teens who must learn things the hard way. She wants to be popular and has ditched her old friends to hang out with two of the school's queen bees. She has blinders on when it comes to those two and doesn't see that she is being used. Grace gets nowhere when she tries to point that out and suspects there will be trouble when it finally happens.
 
One of Audrey's former friends, Raelene, comes to Grace looking for a job. The grandmother who raised her has died, and her mom has left town with a boyfriend, leaving her behind. Grace's big heart steps up, giving Raelene a job as a housekeeper for them and inviting her to move in. I loved Raelene. She is a young woman who has had to grow up fast and has a good head on her shoulders. But things going on in her life could upend everything she's worked for.
 
Travis is an intriguing man. The head of his company, he has a talent for selecting people who share his vision. His best friend, Calvin, and oldest employee and friend, Delores, round out the trio that keeps Butler Industries growing. Travis is a workaholic whose marriage crashed when he and his equally workaholic wife grew apart. Grace had his attention from the moment he walked into her shop and offered to buy her out. She turns him down flat, both for the sale and for a date, but he isn't one to give up easily. What he must decide is whether he is interested in buying her out for the business or as a way to spend more time with her.
 
I enjoyed watching the fun as Audrey learned her lesson the hard way. I liked the effect having Raelene around had on her once she got over her snit fit. Once Audrey's eyes opened to her "friends" true natures, she got that look in her eye that didn't bode well for them. I laughed at Grace's sense of impending doom because she knew her daughter well. And when that moment of reckoning came, it was a doozy. I loved how it turned out, thanks partly to Raelene's intelligent actions.
 
Small towns being what they are, the gossip was out of control after this. I loved seeing the three ladies decide it was the perfect time to take the vacation they'd never had. Within hours the whole family was on their way to Florida, and two weeks of rest and relaxation. Grace never expected Travis to follow her down there, nor that she'd be so happy to see him. Travis won my heart by including everyone in his plans while he was there. He's a good man, and it shows in everything he does. But Grace is wary of rushing into anything and is honest with Travis about her concerns.
 
I loved how the two weeks away gave each person a new perspective on their past, present, and future. The two teens are given an opportunity that could change the futures they thought they had in ways they'd never imagined. The doughnut shop is no longer the be-all and end-all of the three ladies' lives now that they've seen what a little life balance adds to their lives. And Sarah and Macy discover it's never too late for love.

I always enjoy the variety of characters that populate the author's books. The three older men who come into the shop every day for their doughnut and coffee fix would fit in any small-town gathering place. Beezy, the honorary grandmother was a hoot with her joy of life, adventurousness, and sense of humor. I also liked her support for the family. The two so-called friends were spoiled brats and bullies, and I loved seeing them get their comeuppance. Their mothers were even worse. I liked what little I saw of Brock and Jimmy.
 
The epilogue was a grand wrap-up to the story. I loved seeing where they were a year later. Some things were surprises, and some weren't, but I loved them all. 

The House on Blueberry Lane - Brenda Jackson (HQN - Aug 2022)

Series: Catalina Cove (Book 6)
 
The biggest mistake of Jaye Colfax's life was letting Velvet Spencer leave him. For three years, they were together exclusively -- and it was great. But Jaye wouldn't commit to anything more. He just didn't believe in falling in love or marriage. When Velvet left him without so much as a goodbye, Jaye realized he'd been too foolish to see he loved her. But it was too late. His stubbornness had cost him the love of his life.
 
It took Jaye two years to find where Velvet had gone. Now he's come to Catalina Cove to prove his love and win back her heart -- but will Velvet have him?
 
Terrific second chance love story. Jaye and Velvet knew each other very well back in Phoenix. They were in a three-year relationship there, where Jaye was upfront about his unwillingness to commit to anything more than a physical relationship. Despite his frequent reminders of that position, Velvet fell in love with him anyway, hoping he would change. When she finally realized it wasn't going to happen, she left him and left Phoenix without telling him where she was going.
 
I cheered for Velvet, happy to see her stand up for her needs and dreams. She moved to Catalina Cove at the invitation of a family friend and became a ninth-grade algebra teacher. She has good friends and is content with her life now that she's gotten over her love for Jaye. The last thing she expected was to have him show up in the Cove as the bank's new owner.
 
It didn't take long after Velvet left him for Jaye to realize that he'd made a huge mistake. He had allowed his past to color his beliefs, but it was too late. However, Jaye is a stubborn and resourceful man, and though it took two years and the help of a private investigator, he finally found her. Now he must prove his love and win back her heart and trust.
 
I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Jaye and Velvet. Jaye has his plans all set. He's bought the bank, which will keep him in town for at least six months. He's arranged to rent the other part of the duplex she lives in, and he is determined to convince her of his love. One thing in his favor is the attraction that is still as strong as ever, but he wants more than that. Meanwhile, Velvet decides that since she doesn't love him any longer, that leaves the door open to resume their sex-only relationship. It was undoubtedly karma-like for Jaye to be on the other side of that coin and see him realize that he didn't like it.
 
Most of the attention is on Jaye's attempts to show Velvet that he's changed. In their previous relationship, he kept her at a distance, separating their relationship from his personal and professional lives. They rarely did anything together outside of the bedroom. Now, he waits for her to initiate any intimacy, asks her to jog with him in the mornings (previously his "alone" time), talks about his day at work and asks about hers, and involves her in his life in a myriad of ways. I especially liked the rocking chairs on the back deck and their quiet time together. His favorite thing to tell her was, “Whatever you want, Velvet, I will give it to you. No matter what it is.”
 
Velvet fights hard against the realization that she still loves Jaye. Her constant reminders to herself that she doesn't love him any longer feel like a case of protesting too much. Her friends Ruthie and Sierra try to convince her, but Velvet has a strong streak of stubbornness. When Jaye finally comes clean about his feelings, Velvet refuses to believe him. She accuses him of everything from lying to manipulation and pushes him away. I liked that Jaye gave her the space to come to terms with what he said, but I could also feel his frustration.
 
Velvet has a lot to think about, and I was happy to see that she calmed down enough to look at his actions and see them for what they were. Matters became complicated when a surprise he planned for her came to the attention of a scorned wannabe boyfriend, who attempted to use it against her. Being called before the school board is no small matter, especially when someone has it out for you. What made it particularly tricky/amusing was that this guy has no idea of Velvet's background. I loved Velvet's coolness under fire, her calm responses to the accusations, and the support shown by her friends. Jaye's arrival was the icing on the cake, as was town patriarch Reid Lacroix and his lambasting of those responsible. I was a little disappointed that he revealed Velvet's secret, as I didn't think it was his place, but it all worked out in the end. I loved the ending and seeing Velvet and Jaye moving forward into the future they wanted together.
 
There were a couple of subplots that ran throughout the book. One was Webb Crawford and his "I'm God's gift to women" pursuit of Velvet. He's a slimy, entitled creep, and he's fortunate that neither Velvet nor Jaye decked him when he pulled some of his tricks. The other was Velvet's issue with one of her students and his father. I felt terrible for young Lenny, whose dad pushed him to follow in his baseball footsteps. Lenny used failing his math class to fight back. In the meantime, his dad pressures Velvet to "go easy" on Lenny because "he won't need algebra to play pro ball." I loved that Velvet didn't cave in, but she did offer to help Lenny. I also loved the support she gave him to stand up for his dreams. There was an interesting twist involving the dad, and I liked how Velvet handled it.

Conard County Protector - Rachel Lee (HRS #2196 - Sept 2022)

Series: Conard County (Book 69)
 
Back to Conard County
Back under fire.
 
In town for a wedding, Sergeant Jax Stone is “asked” to stick around Conard County to investigate a suspicious fire. He never expects boarding with widow Lynn Macy to give him the taste of family he'd craved. And while helping Lynn renovate her house has the Marine falling for her, Jax's past brings peril to her doorstep. To keep her safe, his only choice may be to give her up…
 
Very good book that captured my attention and kept me hooked. It opened with a prologue detailing a war crimes trial for a Marine who went too far in carrying out his duties. It's hard to face when one of your brothers-in-arms does something so heinous, and it's even harder when the person in question doesn't believe he did anything wrong.
 
Jax returned to his hometown for his best friend Adam's wedding (Mistaken Identity). The night of the wedding, the motel he's staying in catches fire and burns to the ground. The person in the room next to him doesn't survive. After interviewing Jax, Sheriff Dalton requests that Jax remain in town and sets him up in Lynn's boarding house. Jax knows that the "request" is merely a formality - leaving town is not an option until the investigation is complete.
 
Lynn has been a widow since the death of her soldier husband two years earlier. She has buried her grief in renovating the house he left her, turning it into a boarding house. She has three college student boarders she calls "her boys." She's happy to take in Jax, who she remembers from their school days. Neither of them expects the sparks of attraction that flare between them, and both try to ignore them. Jax will be taking up a new post in a short time, and Lynn isn't interested in a relationship, especially with another military man.
 
Things start to go a little south when Jax receives a phone call from the prosecutor at the war crimes trial. Two of the five jurors have died mysteriously, and he warns Jax to be alert. Complicating matters, Lynn's brother-in-law is making a pest of himself after losing his lawsuit to claim half of Lynn's house. Luke's attitude arouses Jax's protective instincts. He also must fight off the advances of Madge, a woman he has no interest in.
 
Life in Lynn's boarding house becomes even more interesting when her mother, Nancy, shows up for a visit. She and Lynn are like oil and water and frequently butt heads. Nancy frustrates Lynn with her heavy-handed attempts at matchmaking between Lynn and Jax, though Jax finds her endlessly amusing.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Lynn and Jax. He is used to being busy, so he volunteers to help Lynn with the renovations. An easy friendship develops as they work together, but those sparks are never far from the surface. Lynn experiences some guilt over those sparks, feeling as though she is being unfaithful to Matt. Jax's experience with his parents' marriage has left him wary of relationships. When the fire investigation clears him, he's free to go, but he can't bring himself to leave with everything going on. There are some sweet scenes of them together, from working on the house to sharing their pasts. But when danger comes to Jax, Lynn panics and pushes him away. It takes some honest self-reflection to see that she's ready to love again.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. We have the possible threat to Jax's life, Luke's determination to get Lynn's house for himself, and Madge's determination to get Jax for herself. Neither Madge nor Luke are the brightest, and when they team up, the results are less than spectacular. One of Lynn's boys plays a big part in stopping one attempt (I loved seeing him with Miss Emma!). Meanwhile, Luke becomes the unwitting dupe of Jax's stalker.
 
The threat against Jax is very real. We get frequent looks from the stalker's point of view, keeping the reader on edge as we see the dangers that Jax doesn't. The tension ramps up as they become increasingly desperate to complete their "mission." There was one point where I was sure Jax would figure it out, but the clue was just out of his reach (it's the walk, Jax, the walk!). The final confrontation was terrific, as the stalker was no match for Jax's strength and reflexes.
 
The secondary characters were plentiful and well done. Lynn's mother, Nancy, was a trip. Many of her actions and comments were cringeworthy, but she has a good heart. I liked her joy of cooking for others and could see that was one of her ways of showing she cared. I loved the three college guys, who were good kids and thoughtful of Lynn. It was fun to see the dynamics change throughout the book. Maude of Maude's diner was her usual grumpy self but still shows as one of the hearts of Conard. Characters from other books make appearances, and I am always happy to see where they are in their lives.