Cinderella Masquerade - LaQuette (HD #2906 - Nov 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 7)
 
One dance. One kiss.
One unexpected twist.
 
After a stunning makeover, Dr. Zanai James barely recognizes herself. The reserved, no-nonsense therapist even dared to kiss rancher Jayden Lattimore in the middle of the dance floor. Though a mask had hidden her identity, Jayden tracks down his mysterious Cinderella, claiming he can't forget her. But Zanai isn't sure about the motives of a dashing man like Jayden, who's never looked twice at her before. With their meddling families causing all kinds of trouble, will Zanai finally go after what she really wants?
 
Good Cinderella story. Zanai is a respected psychologist who works with neurodivergent kids from the poorer part of Royal, Texas. She has always been introverted, preferring her books to people, and since her family's moved to Royal from Brooklyn when she was a teen, she's never felt like she fits in. She has one very good friend, Morgan, who sees her for the beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate woman she is. As the book opens, we see Morgan talking Zanai into going to the masquerade ball.
 
Like Cinderella, Zanai can't believe the difference a makeover has made in her looks and attitude. With her face hidden behind a mask, Zanai is free of her inhibitions, making it easier to dance and flirt with rancher/playboy Jayden Lattimore. Jayden is intrigued by the woman he calls the Red Queen, and when she disappears shortly after their dance, he is determined to find her.
 
Jayden is a man with a reputation as a player. Lately, he's become bored with the society women who all seem the same and the social events where he sees the same people repeatedly. He wants more, even if he isn't sure what that is. After the ball, he becomes obsessed with finding the woman who captivated him from the moment he saw her.
 
It was surprisingly easy for Jayden to find her, thanks to some luck. I could feel Zanai's shock at his determination to spend time with her. Between the people who don't bother to get to know her and the emotional abuse heaped on her by her father, Zanai has no belief in her appeal. Though she and Jayden have been acquainted for years, it takes the ball for them to actually see each other. After seeing Zanai at the ball, and then as her usual self, Jayden is determined to make her see that the Red Queen is part of who she is.
 
I enjoyed the time they spent together. Watching Jayden give Zanai the kind of attention she's never experienced was so sweet. I loved seeing him constantly show her that she's a beautiful, intelligent, and caring person. He is surprised at his growing feelings for her because she's so different from the women he's dated. Zanai is just as drawn to Jayden but wary of giving in to her feelings. It's difficult to believe that he won't get tired of her, just like everyone else in her life. The chemistry between them intensifies as they get to know each other. I love the protectiveness that becomes apparent when Jayden has a run-in with Zanai's father and his heartwarming actions when he tells Zanai about it. I loved how that belief in her changed Zanai's entire outlook and gave her the strength to take charge of her future. The ending was excellent, and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
 
There was a short mention of the ongoing oil rights dispute plaguing the Lattimore and Grandin families. The only new information raises more questions that need answers.

Captivated by the Lyon - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade Pub - Mar 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den
 
A man searching for the truth, and a woman afraid to reveal it, cross paths in the middle of the notorious Lyon’s Den!
 
A year after his brother Adam, the former Viscount Moreland’s untimely death, Edmund Broadbank is still searching for clues to unravel the identity of the mysterious woman who arrived at Templeton House the day after his brother died.
 
Adelaide Fernside assumes the role of mother to her younger sister when their parents die in a tragic accident. Her sister craves being the center of attention and succumbs to the lure of the stage, only to return home when she becomes pregnant.
 
Unable to resist the glitter of her former life, Lily leaves her babe behind. Addy had not planned on assuming the care of her infant nephew but becomes mother to her sister’s child. When word reaches her that someone has been asking questions about Adam in the village, she realizes she needs the protection of a husband.
 
In a bold move, she dons the guise of a widow and travels to London with Adam, to seek the aid of Mrs. Dove-Lyon in finding a husband. Her nephew deserves to have a father, even if Addy never planned to marry.
 
Elated to receive word the woman rumored to have had a liaison with his brother Adam has been seen entering the Lyon’s Den, Edmund Broadbank pays a visit to Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
 
Neither Addy, nor Edmund realize that Mrs. Dove-Lyon has hatched a plan of her own—to match the two of them!
 
This was my first foray into the world of The Lyon's Den, and it definitely won't be the last. The premise of the mysterious matchmaking widow and her methods of matching couples was intriguing.
 
The story opens when Adelaide arrives at the home of Earl Templeton looking for his son Viscount Moreland, the father of her sister Lily's child. Unfortunately, the viscount is dead, and his father is crazed with grief. The encounter does not go well, and Adelaide returns home determined to support her sister.
 
A year later, Edmund and his brother Colin continue their search for the woman who may have borne their brother's heir. With the help of private investigators and Bow Street Runners, they believe they are getting closer. Edmund rushes to make contact when they receive word that their quarry was seen entering the notorious Lyon's Den. He plans to use his quest for a wife to gain entry, then attempt to meet with the woman.
 
Addy raised her sister Lily after the death of their parents but lost her to the lure of the stage. After young Adam's birth, Lily returned to London, leaving Adam in Addy's care. Between their lack of funds and the men asking questions about Adam, Addy realizes she needs a husband to support and protect them. She goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help in finding that husband.
 
Mrs. Dove-Lyon is quite the manipulator and schemer and has an uncanny knack for successful matches. I enjoyed watching her put Addy and Edmund through their paces in setting up their match. I was impressed by Edmund's determination to win his contests, arrange his meeting with Addy, and gain a wife. Despite the warnings he received beforehand, the early part of his meeting could have gone better, thanks to his lack of trust. I loved that Addy didn't sit back and take it and stood up to his antagonism with her own temper. Luckily, much of what she said struck him as the truth, and he finally believed her. Neither expected the shock of finding out that Mrs. Dove-Lyon intended to match them to each other.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Edmund and Addy. Their attraction was undeniable, and Edmund was even more entranced with Addy when he saw her with little Adam. Addy is equally taken with Edmund when she sees how good he is with Adam. I loved that both agreed that honesty was vital to a successful marriage and that they promised no secrets between them. It was sweet to see Edmund's care and protectiveness for Addy as their lives become complicated by forces outside their control.
 
Edmund's brother Colin, the current Viscount Moreland, finds himself the target of a blackmailer. Edmund insists on dealing with the threat, resulting in an intense and sometimes amusing encounter on the Dark Walk in Vauxhall. Interrogation reveals a threat to Addy and Adam that Edmund takes very seriously. That threat follows them to Addy's home and sets up a nail-biting confrontation with tragic results.
 
I loved the ending and seeing Edmund and Addy settle into life with little Adam. There's a nice bit with Earl Templeton and his introduction to Addy and Adam. It starts a bit rough, but Addy now has experience dealing with Broadbank men and handles them quite well. There's a pleasant little surprise for Edmund at the end also.
 
I loved the secondary characters in this book. Mrs. Dove-Lyon also brought together Edmund's brother Colin and his wife, Gemma. I must go back and read their story, as it sounds like it was a wild one. Colin, a former naval officer, is very amusing with his inability to remember that he's no longer on a ship's deck when he talks. His habit of bellowing gets him in trouble with almost everyone. I loved his wife, Gemma, who is very sweet and has a strong spirit. I loved how she and Addy immediately became friends. I also enjoyed seeing Captain Coventry and Mr. King, who I recognize from the author's Lords of Vice and Duke's Guards series.

My only complaint is that there is no way that Adam could ever be his father's heir. He is illegitimate and ineligible to inherit the title.

No Rings Attached - Mona Shroff (HSE #2976 - Apr 2023)

Series: Once Upon a Wedding (Book 3)
 
No love. No commitment. No problem, right?
 
Fleeing her own nuptials wasn't part of wedding planner Sangeeta Parikh's design for her life. Neither was stumbling into chef Sonny Pandya's arms, nor the video that went viral. Now they're an internet sensation! So why not fake the relationship with no commitment? Sangeeta can save face and her job, and Sonny gets needed exposure for his restaurant. It's a good plan for two commitment-phobes…until all that pretend hand-holding and kissing start to feel real.
 
Good second chance story. The book opens on Sangeeta's wedding day, highlighting the preparations to marry her fiancé, Param, but something feels off. Instead of excitement and happiness, she has a sinking feeling of dread. She tries to convince herself it is nerves, but she can't do it when it comes time to walk down the aisle. She takes one look at the open doors and runs the other way, ending up in the alley behind Sonny's restaurant.
 
Sonny and Sangeeta have a history. They'd met at the beach a year earlier when Sangeeta and Param had broken up. For three days, they spent time together, talking about everything and nothing, connecting deeply. But when Param called, Sangeeta returned to him and was engaged shortly after that. But fate wasn't done with them. As Indian parents do, their parents set up an introduction between them, hoping they would suit. But Sonny can't forget how she left him, and Sangeeta is committed to Param, so nothing came of it.
 
Neither was pleased to see the other again. Sonny had worked hard to put his feelings for Sangeeta in the past, and seeing her again stirred them up. For Sangeeta, Sonny reminded her of a beautiful time that didn't fit her life plan. They want nothing more than to see the backs of each other when a video of her arrival at the restaurant goes viral. With what seems like the world looking for her, Sangeeta is stuck at Sonny's for now. Matters become more complicated when Sonny's sister Reena arrives with a plan. If they go along with a fake relationship for two months, it will save Sangeeta's job, boost Sonny's restaurant, and enable Reena to keep the family hotel. All they must do is play-act for a social media influencer who wants them to handle her wedding.
 
I enjoyed watching Sonny and Sangeeta's relationship develop. Because of their deception, they are forced into living and working together. It is rapidly apparent that the sparks between them are still there. Both fight hard against their feelings. Sonny doesn't want to get hurt again, and Sangeeta is convinced it's too soon after her non-wedding to have feelings for Sonny.
 
Sonny has a caring heart, and I loved watching him care for Sangeeta. Much of his love language is food related, and I loved the description of the food he made. I also liked how well he understood her need for plans and how he eased her into trying spontaneity now and then.
 
Sangeeta has been a planner all her life. Sometimes, her plans made me laugh, such as the hiking trip, and others when I wanted to shake her and tell her to lighten up. She had mapped out her life and career, and when things fell apart, she was lost. The chance to get back on track gave her a purpose, while the relationship with Sonny opened her eyes to what she had been missing.
 
As Sonny and Sangeeta got deeper into their deception, the playacting started to feel very real. Their fake dates to keep Asha happy became harder to separate fake from reality. Sonny felt his heart trying to have hope but was afraid to trust. Sangeeta kept fighting against her suspicion that her feelings for Sonny were real. When an unexpected twist made their deception public, both must decide if what they have is worth fighting for. I loved the ending and seeing the changes in both.
 
I enjoyed the family dynamics in this book. The large families are frequently over-involved in each other's business, but the love is undeniable. I understood Sangeeta's frustration with her mother, whose controlling ways contributed to Sangeeta's issues. I especially enjoyed seeing Sangeeta stand up to her at the end. Sonny has a similar problem with his father, as the differences in his and Sonny's visions drive them apart. I have yet to decide about his sister Reena, whose desperate focus on the family hotel started the process. The vibes between her and Akash in this book make me think something is happening there. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing how it turns out.

A Kiss in the Moonlight - Cathy Maxwell (Avon - Apr 2023)

Series: Gambler's Daughters (Book 1)
 
To Marry a Duke…
 
Once there were three Irish sisters -- Gwendolyn, Dara, and Elise -- who had to fend for themselves when their gambler of a father disappeared, leaving them with an unscrupulous cousin. Dara hatches a daring plan: they gamble what little they own to finance a London season. Her goal: to use their looks and their wits to find a duke to marry for each sister!
 
It seems her crazy plot might work when the sisters are declared the “Incomparables” of the Season. Dukes and lords line up at their door, but bold women and scandal always go hand in hand. Particularly when Dara's plans are challenged by the likes of Michael Brogan, who provokes Dara as much as he tempts her. The handsome, clever, and rising politician is definitely not a duke, but he's determined to teach her about ambition, men, and, above all, love, making Dara wonder if her plans are about to change.
 
Good start to the new series. Gwendolyn, Dara, and Elise are three sisters and daughters of a gambler. The girls lived with their grandmother when he went off on his travels. It's been a long time since anyone heard from him, so when their grandmother dies, their unscrupulous cousin claims the heir's rights and moves into the house. He promptly tries to marry the girls to anyone who will have them. Middle daughter Dara decides their best bet is to go to London for the season and find dukes to marry.
 
The three women are short of cash, so when they sneak off on their trip, they stop first at their father's favorite gaming hell in Dublin. Gwendolyn disguises herself and enters a game of faro to win the money they need. Though a talented player (she counts cards), she finds herself losing badly, unaware that the dealer is cheating. She is rescued by a gentleman named Becket Steele, who stakes her further play in exchange for a later favor and stops the cheating. Gwendolyn rapidly makes up for lost time, returns the stake, and escapes when things turn rowdy.
 
We next see the sisters in London, where things start slowly, thanks to their one Society connection being out of town. Thanks to the mysterious Mr. Steele and Michael Brogan, an Irish MP, they get a break. Suddenly Elise and Gwendolyn are declared the "Incomparables" of the season, and men have lined up at the door to court them. Dara remains in the background, believing she is the "plain" sister. But Dara is the brains behind the plan and keeps her sisters focused on the prize. But that focus gets disrupted as Michael Brogan begins paying attention to Elise, who eats it up. Dara is furious and does her best to discourage him.
 
Dara irritated me at first with her mercenary approach to husband hunting. I got that they needed husbands, but her narrow focus on dukes left out many perfectly suitable men. I enjoyed seeing Michael give her a hard time about it. It quickly became apparent that there was a strong attraction underneath their antagonistic encounters. However, Dara refused to accept it, knowing how Elise felt about him. It isn't easy, and a couple of passionate kisses complicate her efforts.
 
I enjoyed seeing the progression of the relationship between Dara and Michael. The bickering between them is a different sort of flirting, though neither realizes it. I liked Michael's realization that he got much more enjoyment out of his duels with Dara than he did talking to Elise, and I was happy to see him pull back from that relationship. Dara's life becomes even more complicated when her rescue of a drowning child and Michael's assistance put her at the center of a scandal. Suddenly the sisters find themselves again on the outside looking in, with their plans in ruins. I loved Michael's insistence on doing "the right thing" and had to laugh at Dara's attempts to get out of it.
 
Besides his duties as a member of Parliament, Michael has learned of an ongoing embezzlement problem at the War Office. With Steele's help, he has identified one of the players, but Dara inadvertently interferes with one of his attempts to learn more. She is later with him when they witness a murder, and I loved how her practicality helped temper his emotional response and how he's impressed with how much help she is when there is more trouble. I also approved of his protectiveness when he realized she was in danger. I ached for Michael when he thought the investigation was ruined and cheered when an unexpected twist turned things around. The resolution was very well done.
 
At the same time, Michael and Dara realize the truth of their feelings for each other but fear rejection if they say anything. I liked seeing Dara gain her courage first. Her confession was fun and quintessentially Dara-like, followed by the most Michael-ish response. I hope we get to see more of them in the following books.
 
I liked the dynamics among the three sisters and loved their aunt "Tweedie." Dara is the planner, but all three are intelligent, well-spoken women interested in more than your average debutante. As the book continued, you could feel their frustration at hiding who they were. Dara tends to be heavy-handed in her need to keep them on the straight and narrow, and eventually, her sisters rebel. Gwendolyn was okay, just more interested in having some time for her pursuits as well as their Society obligations. But Elise was a spoiled brat. Her popularity quickly goes to her head, especially regarding Michael's early attention. She doesn't seem to notice when he backs off and becomes insufferable when she discovers Michael is more interested in Dara. She desperately needs an attitude adjustment. The book finishes with an epilogue that appears to be a lead-in for the next book and is Elise's story. I have high hopes that she will get that awakening.  

Her Man of Honor - Teri Wilson (HSE #2972 - Apr 2023)

Series: Love Unveiled (Book 1)
 
When did her longtime best friend
Become the perfect groom?
 
Everly England is a bridal-advice columnist. A guru. And unfortunately, a jilted bride! Her ruined reputation and wedding only get more disastrous when her bestie Henry Aston's sympathetic kiss ignites a desire she never knew possible. Henry knows the glamorous city girl is terrified romance will ruin their friendship. But this stand-in groom plans to win her “I do” after all!
 
This was a terrific friends-to-lovers romance complicated by a surprise pregnancy. The book opens as Everly is reeling from being jilted at the altar. This is devastating to her personally and professionally, as she is an advice columnist for the wedding magazine Veil. She's holed up in the honeymoon suite at the hotel when her best friend and man of honor, Henry, shows up to check on her. She and Henry have been best friends since college, and he knows precisely where to find her - sitting on the bathroom floor eating crackers and canned cheese. Giving her a shoulder to cry on results in an unexpected blaze of passion and an unforgettable night.
 
Unfortunately, Everly wants nothing more than to forget it happened. She is terrified that it will destroy their friendship, so she gets extreme in her denial the next morning. At the same time, Henry realizes that he feels far more than friendship for his bestie and wants to see where it goes. But Henry, a well-known travel writer, is on his way out of the country for six weeks, and though he feels he should stay, he has no choice. He goes no contact, giving Everly the space she needs to face what happened.
 
The book is a roller coaster of emotions as Henry realizes his feelings for Everly and decides to work to win her heart. Everly's fears and insecurities get in the way of accepting her feelings for Henry. I loved Henry's way of demonstrating his love for her without going too far and scaring her away. There are sweet scenes where his love shines through, funny ones where that same love gets her out of trouble, and heartbreaking ones where she pushes him away.
 
Everly's confusion as she deals with her changing emotions and unexpected pregnancy is realistic. I loved watching her begin to open her heart and believe in a future with Henry until a chance encounter with her ex-fiancé brings her insecurities roaring back. I wanted to shake her for allowing him to get into her head that way and pushing Henry away rather than talking to him about it.
 
I loved the ending and the unexpected help they received in finding their way back together. Their methods were creative and emotional and perfect for who they were.
 
Supporting characters are Holly Golightly, an adorable puppy whose entry into Everly's life is a hilarious episode in the book. We also have Addison and Daphne, Everly's sister and friend, working with her at Veil. They are there when she needs them for support or a kick in the pants, depending on the situation. I love their "fashion closet" code. There is a sneak peek into the next book in the series, featuring Daphne, which looks like another winner.

Operation Witness Protection - Justine Davis (HRS #2224 - Apr 2023)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 15)
 
He saved her life once…
…and he won't lose her now.
 
Case McMillan isn't a cop anymore, but instinct sends him running when he sees a woman being held at gunpoint. Skittish and secretive, Terri is hard to trust -- until a wily dog named Cutter helps Case see the true self she's been hiding. As the sole witness to a murder, she needs more protection than he alone can provide, but he's not leaving her side until he knows that she's safe.
 
I have been a huge fan of Cutter and his people since the first book came out. In the third book of the series, Operation Blind Date, we meet Teague Johnson, a Foxworth Foundation operative haunted by his sister's disappearance while he served in the military. He has never given up his search for her.
 
In this book, we meet Terri, a woman who left home when she was seventeen, escaping parents who rejoiced at the death of Terri's brother. She got a fake ID with a new name and ran as far as she could, eventually settling in Iowa. She took control of her life but never stopped mourning her beloved brother. After almost ten years, she returned to Washington to find her brother's grave. As the book opens, she is attacked by a man she witnessed robbing a convenience store, and she is saved when a passerby intervenes.
 
Case is a former policeman, forced out and discredited when he attempted to expose some corruption. For the past year, he has been at loose ends, unable to move on from what happened. When he sees a woman fighting off an attacker, his instincts send him running to the rescue. Those same instincts insist that he look after her when she is injured.
 
Terri is wary and not very forthcoming about herself. Case's instincts warn him that she is hiding something. When he spots the contents of her purse on the floor, sees two old letters addressed to her brother, and reads a little of her journal about him, Case heads for his computer to find out more about the man. He's surprised to find out that the man is not dead and works for the mysterious Foxworth Foundation. Case takes it upon himself to contact the foundation and talk to Quinn about Terri. Quinn asks Case to bring Terri to them the next day.
 
I loved Case's protectiveness and support when Terri learned that her brother was alive (but away on his honeymoon). She doesn't want to interfere with that and insists on waiting for her reunion. In the meantime, Quinn and Hayley learn what brought her and Case together and discover that the convenience store clerk has died from his injuries. This makes Terri the only witness to a murder. I loved watching Quinn and the others jump right into protecting Terri. They enlist Case to help when Terri insists on keeping him near.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Case and Terri develop. There were sparks between them from the beginning. Terri embraces the attraction, but Case resists it. He is unemployed and feeling beaten down by everything that has happened to him. He feels he is in no position to get involved with Terri, but he can't deny his need to protect her. I loved watching them together and seeing the feelings between them grow. Case tries to keep a distance between them, physically and emotionally but is thwarted at every turn by Cutter. Case and Terri grow closer over the week as they await Teague's return and for her attacker to be found. In addition to Case's protectiveness, I loved Terri's belief in Case. Seeing how her support helped put Case on the road to healing was sweet. The ending was terrific.
 
The story's suspense was good though not very intense until the end. As soon as Quinn is aware of the danger Terri is in, the full resources of Foxworth are used to keep her safe and find the bad guy. It is always fascinating to see them at work, each member using their talents to resolve the problem. I enjoyed seeing so many characters from previous books. The tension ramped up when they used Terri to bait a trap for the murderer. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
In addition to the suspense involving Terri and her witnessing of the crime, we had Case's backstory. I ached for how he was treated by the people who should have had his back. I could feel his pain at losing the career he loved, and the people he thought were his friends. He was surprised by the respect he received from Quinn and the others at Foxworth, and I loved their proposal for him at the end.
 
I can't say enough about how much I love the dog Cutter. Watching him work his matchmaking magic on each couple throughout the series is fun. I also enjoy seeing how the Foxworth people have come to trust Cutter's instincts after all this time. I loved his reaction to seeing Terri for the first time.

I couldn't wait to see the reunion between Terri and Teague; it was everything I could have hoped for. It was beautiful to see how his friends at Foxworth were so happy for him, and seeing their reactions to Terri was almost as good as Teague's.

Texas Bodyguard: Brax - Janie Crouch (HI #2136 - Apr 2023)

Series: San Antonio Security (Book 2)
 
A baby in his care…
A target on their backs
 
A skilled security expert and bodyguard, Brax Patterson is ready for anything…except unexpected custody of his reckless half-brother's baby boy. Someone will kill to take young Walker -- and silence his resourceful new nanny, Tessa Mahoney. With her help, Brax is breaking all the rules to keep them safe. But will his and Tessa's shattering secrets prove too lethal to survive?
 
Whew! Another gripping tale from the pen (keyboard?) of Janie Crouch. Like the book before this one (Texas Bodyguard: Luke), this one opens with Brax's introduction to the Patterson family. My heart ached for the boy and everything he'd been through in his short life. He's wary of the couple wanting to take him home with them, fully expecting his time there won't last.
 
When next we see him, Brax is pondering how his life turned out - from living on the streets at age twelve to owning a security company with his three brothers. They are of different races but have each other's backs, unlike Brax's feckless half-brother Robert. Robert shows up at Brax's house one night with a story of an emergency and drops off his baby boy. Brax is shocked but not surprised when Robert disappears and later has guardianship papers delivered to him. I had to laugh at Brax's first few days with little Walker - it had a Three Men and a Baby vibe. Brax thinks he's died and gone to heaven when he finds a phone number in the diaper bag that he believes belongs to Walker's nanny.
 
When we first see Tessa, she's caught in Robert's mess. The men who are after him believe that she knows where he is. After trashing her apartment, the next step is threats to her life. Tessa barely makes it out of her apartment ahead of trouble and realizes her only option is to go to Robert's brother. She knows nothing about him other than their brief phone conversation. When she shows up at his office, Brax assumes she's the nanny and asks no further questions.
 
I ached for Tessa, who would do anything to have her son back in her arms. Initially wary of Brax, she doesn't tell him the truth about who she is or the trouble she is in. I loved watching her settle in as Walker's "nanny" and smiled at her happiness in being reunited with him. Seeing how she and Brax connected and the unexpected contentment he found with his pseudo-family was sweet. But that peace doesn't last long.
 
The twists and turns that followed kept me on the edge of my seat. Brax isn't happy when he discovers Tessa's lies but believes the truth when he hears it. Complicating matters, Brax is due to testify against a local cartel leader who is determined to ensure that he doesn't live long enough to do so. As attacks from both sides escalate, Brax and his brothers work to find a solution. The final confrontation is a nail-biter with a twist no one saw coming. The resolution was excellent, and hopefully, everyone gets what they deserve!
 
I loved the development of the relationship between Brax and Tessa. Brax is protective of her from the moment they meet, sensing that she is in trouble. Tessa is wary of him, having been burned too often to trust easily. Simmering in the background are sparks of attraction neither is ready to deal with immediately. I loved seeing them grow closer over the next few weeks. Brax is adorable when we see him interact with Walker, which makes it easier for Tessa to trust him. But it takes nearly losing each other for them to admit their feelings. I loved the ending and seeing the Patterson family all together. There is so much love, and there is always room for more. 

A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess - Louise Allen (HH #1713 - Apr 2023)

The scandal of the season
Must be stopped!
 
Widowed duchess Sophie will do anything to protect her son and his inheritance. Even ask roguish Lord Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve her late husband's diaries before the secrets they contain bring down the government and the monarchy! Sophie knows she must maintain her distance from Nicholas…only she can't help but respond to the desire in his eyes. Their mission is treacherous, but will it prove as dangerous as their unexpected attraction?
 
Fantastic story that kept me hooked from start to finish. Sophie is a young widow who has just finished her year of mourning. She looks forward to her independence and caring for her young son. She has no intention of marrying again and giving up her freedom but will devote her time to raising her son and caring for his estates until he is grown.
 
Her marriage wasn't happy, with her much older husband moving his mistress into their home. Even after his death, she was stuck with the woman until the year's mourning ended. On that day, Sophie discovered the mistress gone, along with several of the duke's diaries - diaries that would create an enormous scandal if they were made public. Desperate to prevent that scandal, she hires "problem fixer" Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve them.
 
I loved the first meeting between Sophie and Nick. He is handsome, confident, and not at all deferential. Something about him stirs her up, and she doesn't like it. Nick is equally drawn to her and just as dismayed. He doesn't need the distraction while he works to retrieve the diaries. I enjoyed the sparks that flew between them during that meeting as they wrangled over the details of the mission. Nick's methods are effective, and I had fun watching him work his wiles on Mrs. Sweeting. There are some tense moments when his search faces disaster, but quick-thinking Sophie saves the day.
 
At the same time, the attraction between Sophie and Nick continues to grow. Their chemistry is explosive, and they also find themselves becoming friends. Each finds themselves thinking of the impossibility of their growing feelings for each other. But Nick is hiding a secret that could change everything. I loved that he trusted Sophie enough to share his story and that she cared enough to help him. I loved seeing her play referee at the ball.
 
But the defeated mistress has one last card to play, and it is a doozy. The mayhem she causes forces Nick's hand regarding his future and his need to protect Sophie. I loved how cool and calm he was as he carried out his plans. I ached for both, as each was reluctant to confess their feelings, their fear of rejection creating distance between them. I could have shaken them both when miscommunication caused misunderstandings and harsh words. The ending was heartwarmingly emotional, with both admitting to their fears and mistakes and their love.
 
I loved Sophie's son Freddie. He's realistically portrayed for his age, with good and bad moments. Sophie doesn't spoil him and intends to ensure he grows into a responsible man. It was sweet to see how he took to "Pas!" and that Nick was equally enchanted with him. My favorite scene with them was the coach ride when Nick and Freddie went to ride on top to give Sophie a break. The two were adorable together.

Catching the Carling Lake Killer - K.D. Richards (HI #2137 - Apr 2023)

Series: West Investigations (Book 6)
 
She's kept her secret for years…
But now a killer knows.
 
Journalist Simone Jarrett and Carling Lake sheriff Lance Webb have kept their casual affair clandestine to avoid gossip. But as his feelings for Simone deepen, Lance is troubled by the knowledge that she's hiding something. Then, after twenty years, the Card Killer strikes again. And Simone's secret puts her in the killer's sights. Now the two must team up to find the murderer…and save Simone's life.
 
Terrific addition to the West Investigations series. In this book, we return to Carling Lake, the scene of the previous two books in the series. Here we learn more about Sheriff Lance Webb, a critical player in Dark Water Disappearance. We also get to know Simone, a reporter for the local paper.
 
The book opens with a prologue that takes place twenty years earlier. Twelve-year-old Simone witnesses a serial killer's attack, but her mother doesn't believe her, and they move away shortly after that. But Simone has been haunted by what she saw, and as the twentieth anniversary of that and two other murders draws close, Simone returns to Carling Lake. She is determined to raise awareness of the victims, hoping that someone will come forward with a clue. She never expected the Card Killer to strike again.
 
Lance and Simone have been seeing each other secretly for several months. At first, it was just casual, with neither interested in anything permanent. There was also the potential conflict of interest in a sheriff/reporter relationship. But as time passed, their feelings for each other deepened though neither said as much. When another Card Killer murder happens after a twenty-year hiatus, Lance suspects Simone is hiding something that may be related. I loved his protectiveness and understanding that helped her open up to him about what she had seen.
 
I liked watching their relationship develop from casual to something deeper. Beyond their undeniable chemistry is a deep-seated respect for each other's profession. That doesn't mean they don't occasionally butt heads. Simone's tenaciousness sometimes puts her in direct opposition to Lance's job as sheriff, such as her spying on the crime scene. It also means that they can make a good team. Despite his frequent frustration with her, there is no denying that Lance wants more. I loved seeing him show Simone that he's ready to bring their relationship into the light, but they must keep her alive to do it. The ending was terrific as they were finally free to follow their hearts.
 
The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I could feel Simone's fear in the prologue and her determination to right her mistake as an adult. The first of the new murders preceded a series of threats against Simone, who realized that the killer knew who she was. I loved her determination to continue her investigation and had to laugh at her ultimatum to Lance - they could work together, or she would continue on her own. He wanted to keep her close and safe. Their pursuit of information on the new and old victims and whether there were connections between them was fascinating to follow. Just when I thought I knew who it was, the author threw in a twist that upended everything. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
James West has a small part in this book, as he and Erika protect Simone when Lance can't be with her. I liked the friendship that grew between Simone and Erika and how James provides the security that gives Lance peace of mind. 

Colton's Ultimate Test - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2211 - Jan 2023)

Series: Coltons of Colorado (Book 12)
 
He's her total opposite
And exactly who she needs by her side
 
By-the-book attorney Morgan Colton has vowed to extinguish the flames she once foolishly ignited with Roman DiMera. But when a man threatening her family goes on the run, Morgan discovers street-smart bar owner Roman is far more than the sum of his mistakes. And the sparks flying between them make Morgan wonder if he could be so much more than her partner in getting justice for the Coltons.
 
Fantastic conclusion to the series. Morgan and her twin brother, Caleb, are lawyers who also started the Truth Foundation, a group dedicated to righting the wrongs caused by their corrupt father. Unfortunately, Ron Spence, one of the "innocent" victims, turned out to be not so innocent after all, and the Coltons have spent almost a year trying to get him back into custody.
 
When Spence steals a large amount of money (To Trust a Colton Cowboy), Morgan knows he'll have to find a way to get it out of the country, most likely by laundering it through some unscrupulous business. With a short time to figure it out, Morgan knows of one man who might be able to help - Roman DiMera. The problem is that she and Roman have a history she's tried unsuccessfully to forget.
 
Roman owns a bar where, almost a year earlier, Morgan and her friends celebrated a birthday a little too well. While the super-responsible Morgan ensured her friends had safe ways home, her rideshare was unavailable. Roman, unable to take his eyes off her all evening, offered to drive her home. The sparks between them were undeniable, and they shared a very passionate kiss before the alcohol won the fight. Both remember that night - Roman with pleasure and Morgan with embarrassment.
 
Morgan goes to Roman for help because she knows he spent time in prison for insider trading and hopes he can give her ideas on where to look for money laundering information. This is an intensely awkward scene, as Morgan's discomfort over their last encounter, his prison record, and her issues with something from her past cause her to be surprisingly inarticulate. I ached for Roman as he felt judged and disrespected.
 
I liked Roman a lot. He doesn't try to hide or minimize his past. He's upfront about what he did, knew he was doing wrong, and deserved his punishment. He also admits that his time in prison had a beneficial effect on him. I liked that he also employs other ex-cons, giving them a chance that few other employers do. An incident with one of those employees ultimately showed what a good man he is.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Morgan and Roman. Morgan is so buttoned-up and uptight at the beginning, with her work-focused intensity, that she is flummoxed by her attraction to Roman. She gets so flustered by his request for her to have dinner with him in exchange for his help that I couldn't help laughing, especially when he follows it up with another scorching kiss. I was a little disappointed in her initially because she couldn't get past his prison record. I liked that he called her out on it; she was smart enough to realize how unfairly she treated him. Once they got past the initial awkwardness, it was lovely to see how much they had in common.
 
I loved seeing them grow closer as they collaborated to get the information to bring down Spence. Roman is very protective of her, which gets on Morgan's nerves. She is independent, stubborn, and doesn't back down when she's made up her mind. There are a few instances of them butting heads, and it's usually a toss-up as to who will win that round. I liked that Morgan quickly came to trust Roman, though her past creates some obstacles that cause problems. Roman knows his feelings for Morgan very quickly, and though she suspects what hers are, she has trouble getting out of her head long enough to listen to her heart. I hurt for Roman when he thought their relationship was doomed, and I loved how Morgan showed her love for him.
 
The suspense was fantastic and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I've read every book in the series, so the Coltons' frustration with Spence's elusiveness was perfectly understandable. Morgan and Roman made a great team, as Roman's understanding of the people they dealt with was a good balance for Morgan's natural impatience. I laughed at Morgan's reaction to her disguise during their foray at the warehouse, and her determination impressed me. The intensity increased when they got the needed information, and the entire Colton clan convened to plan their action. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a twist that threw their careful planning into chaos. The resolution was well done, with plenty of action and nerve-wracking tension. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up for the book and the series.

Dark Water Disappearance - K.D. Richards (HI #2119 - Jan 2023)

Series: West Investigations (Book 5)
 
A body has washed ashore
Along with her past.
 
There was no quiet homecoming for Nikki King. Not with a body discovered on her lakefront property and Terrence Sutton's unexpected arrival. The police detective is convinced his sister's disappearance and the threats Nikki has been receiving are connected. Nikki would rather avoid the man who once let a family feud tear them apart, but can she afford to refuse his protection? Not with danger lurking in the dark water just beyond her doorstep.
 
Gripping suspense mixed with a second chance romance. Nikki grew up in Carling Lake but hasn't been back since her grandfather's death. With her political career in turmoil, she returns to Lakewood House. She's barely there an hour when a body is found washed up on the shore. Then her high school sweetheart shows up along with the sheriff. She hasn't seen Terrence in fifteen years.
 
Police detective Terrence has come to Carling Lake looking for his younger sister, Jill. An investigative journalist, Jill hasn't returned his calls in more than a week, and he's worried. He believes she is investigating something there, but no one has seen or talked to her. He's not going to let anything stop him from looking for her.
 
Terrence is a man who has little use for tact and social niceties when he's on the job. He does an excellent job of ticking off the local sheriff when he refuses to back off from doing his own investigation. He also butts into the investigation into the body at Lakewood House, convinced it has something to do with Jill's disappearance. Nikki isn't too happy to have him there, as he still carries the grudge that tore them apart. But when threats and strange happenings occur, she isn't going to say no to his protection.
 
Let me say that I wanted to shake some sense into Terrence. How he could allow the old feud between his uncle and her grandfather still eat away at him made no sense. Both men are gone, and the event that drove them apart is over and done with. But he couldn't let it go, ending the friendship and more that he and Nikki shared. Seeing Nikki again brings it all back. Despite those feelings, he can't deny the need to ensure she is safe.
 
Nikki is no frail flower. She is easily as stubborn as Terrence and makes it clear that any investigating he does will include her. Not only is Jill her friend, but it also appears that her property may be at the center of whatever is going on. I loved seeing Nikki stand her ground and not let Terrence push her into the background. She has it right when she tells him that he may have investigative experience, but she has the people skills to get people to talk.
 
I loved watching these two work together. It's a cautious partnership at first, with neither one entirely trusting the other. But their old friendship reasserts itself once they've cleared the air (thank you, Aunt Charity). And along with the cessation of hostilities, so do the sparks of attraction. I loved their teamwork and seeing them grow closer amid the increasing danger. I loved the ending and seeing them realize they belonged together.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. It began immediately with Terrence's missing sister and the body found at Nikki's. The graffiti on Nikki's garage door bears out Terrence's suspicion that the body is linked to Jill's disappearance. Terrence isn't about to back off his investigation, no matter what the sheriff says. He and Nikki continue to seek out those they think have answers and find themselves in risky situations. The tension ramps up when they get caught snooping and end up at the mercy of the bad guys. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved seeing the teamwork that saved the day.

I liked seeing James and Erika (Shielding Her Son) again. James has embraced his artistic side, and he is still involved with the family business. West Investigations plays a significant role in resolving the mystery.

The Maverick's Marriage Pact - Stella Bagwell (HSE #2935 - Oct 2022)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Brothers and Broncos (Book 4)
 
Fake wedding.
Fake pregnancy.
 
His plan is almost foolproof.
 
Commitmentphobic cowboy Maddox John will do anything to hang on to the Double J Ranch -- even if it means getting hitched. He finds a semi-willing bride in Adeline Longsworth, who agrees to the marriage of convenience for reasons of her own. But their strictly business arrangement hits an unexpected bump in the road when the pretend lovebirds make love for real…
 
Overall, this was a good book. Maddox has just discovered that his father will give a majority share of the ranch to the son with the most elaborate wedding. He has been vocal in his refusal to marry but is now rethinking his stance. He hatches the idea of finding a woman willing to enter into a marriage of convenience long enough for him to secure his claim. Then he meets Adeline.
 
Adeline's father owns one of the area's largest ranches. He and his wife are very conscious of their position (snobs), and he is very controlling in his attitude toward his daughters. As the story opens, Adeline has reached the breaking point in the job arranged for by her father and decides to quit. She wants to open her travel agency, but her father won't loan her the startup money she needs. I liked Adeline's decision to stick up for herself after how her coworkers and bosses treated her.
 
The first meeting between Adeline and Maddox was interesting. Maddox has quite the eye for the ladies, and Adeline immediately attracts his attention. She also notices him, and they strike up a conversation. I liked their banter as they commiserated about controlling fathers. Underneath their teasing, there are also sparks of attraction. After hearing Adeline's story, Maddox floats his idea to her, but she turns him down.
 
Adeline reconsiders when she has another run-in with her dad. When she shows up at the ranch to talk to Maddox, he takes her agreement and runs with it. This is where Maddox started to irritate me. He is so consumed with beating out his brother for control of the ranch that he doesn't consider all the ramifications of their deception. Adeline at least felt guilty about it, though she was willing to go along.
 
As Maddox and Adeline begin their deception, neither expects the attraction or the feelings that grow between them. There were some sweet scenes between them as they got to know each other. Unfortunately, Maddox's laser focus on his goal causes him to ruin many of those moments by reminding himself and Adeline that their relationship isn't real. By the time they give in to their attraction, Adeline realizes she's in love with Maddox, but he is still fighting his feelings. I ached for Adeline as she admitted she wanted more than he was willing to give and did what she had to do to protect herself. Maddox earned every bit of his misery while coming to grips with his feelings and guilt. He redeemed himself somewhat in the end through his emotional confession to Adeline.
 
The portrayal of the two sets of parents was very interesting. Maddox's parents are warm and accepting of Adeline, and I didn't get much of that controlling feeling from his dad. I felt that Maddox could have avoided much of the angst if he had talked to his dad about his feelings regarding the ranch. Adeline's parents gave off a completely different vibe. Her father is obnoxious in his refusal to accept Maddox as Adeline's choice, and her mom is a bit of a doormat. I understood Adeline's need to get away. There is clear growth on both sides by the end of the book, and I enjoyed seeing the changes happen.

The Duke's Dragoon - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Mar 2023)

Series: Duke's Guard (Book 4)
 
Mollie Malloy happily works for the Duke and Duchess of Wyndmere in the Lake District, until the day her head is turned, and her heart is lost to the heartbreakingly handsome member of the duke's guard -- Finn O'Malley.
 
Finn is tempted by lovely Mollie and cannot afford to be. When he can no longer ignore the slip of a lass, he requests a transfer to the duke's crumbling tower on the coast of Cornwall. When she discovers Finn asked to be transferred to Cornwall, she is devastated.
 
He sweeps back into her life when the head of the duke's guard is injured. Finn struggles with his control -- and the need to honor his vow to protect the duke and his family. Mollie cannot resist the smoldering desire in Finn's emerald eyes.
 
Duty calls and Finn returns to Cornwall. He and his men struggle to protect those rebuilding Penwith Tower, while smugglers and wreckers ply their trade in the caves beneath the duke's ancient tower. Rumors abound that the local excise official has been looking the other way and lining his pockets. The official decides it's time to get rid of O'Malley -- the same time Finn receives an urgent message from Mollie.
 
He returns to Wyndmere Hall to discover Mollie's carrying his babe, but not ready to accept his proposal. She wants to marry for love -- not for the protection of his name. He's torn: should he leave his new bride in the safety of Wyndmere Hall -- or would she be safer by his side?
 
It is only when the hangman's noose is around Finn's neck that he realizes the feisty lass has always held his heart.
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to get past The Duke's Dragoon before he will let harm come to those he has sworn to protect with his strength, his heart, and his honor.
 
Terrific addition to the Duke's Guard series. Finn is one of the O'Malleys who comprise the Duke's Guard. He played a significant role in the previous book, The Duke's Shield, where we get the first inkling of his feelings for Mollie. Mollie is one of the maids at Wyndmere and is in love with Finn. But Finn is a stubborn Irishman and believes that he can't be an effective member of the Guard if he's distracted by Mollie, so he requests a transfer to the duke's Cornwall property. When trouble comes to Wyndmere, Finn returns to help and falls back under Mollie's spell.
 
As this book opens, it's time for Finn to return to Cornwall. It is heartbreaking to see him and Mollie say goodbye to each other. Finn knows that Mollie is the other half of his heart but can't bring himself to tell her so. He sees her feelings in her eyes, and it is hard for him to leave her behind, but the situation in Cornwall is too volatile to take her there. Mollie believes Finn cares for her, but he's never said so. He tells her he'll miss her and let him know if she needs him.
 
I ached for Mollie when she realized she was pregnant. She's convinced she needs to leave her job before anyone finds out. All she wants is Finn, but she believes he doesn't want her and that he's forgotten about her. I loved the scene with the duchess. Her kindness, understanding, and encouragement are precisely what Mollie needs. There is also a good scene with Patrick (Finn's brother and head of the guard), who has his own suspicions.
 
Meanwhile, there is trouble in Cornwall. Finn and the others are hard at work repairing the duke's property and trying to root out trouble. A French smuggler and corrupt excise officer use caves on the duke's property for nefarious purposes. Sabotage and murder are just part of what they must deal with. All of this added to a summons from Wyndmere, and Finn is back.
 
The reunion scene between Mollie and Finn shows the pride and stubbornness each possesses. Mollie isn't about to marry because of obligation or without love. Finn's frustration was evident and amusing as he and Mollie butt heads over his intentions. I loved seeing him finally come up with the words she needed to hear. Finn is prophetic when he tells Mollie their life together will be an adventure.
 
The roller coaster begins when Finn takes Mollie back to Cornwall with him. Kidnappings and beatings, complicated plans and rescues, and one stubborn and inventive Irishwoman had me on the edge of my seat through the end of the book. I loved watching the teamwork of the Guard and Coventry's and King's men; their respect for each other is always impressive. There were times I wanted to shake both Finn and Mollie for taking the risks they did though their actions were no surprise. The resolution was a nail-biter that leaves a possible lead-in for the next book.
 
I loved the relationship between Finn and Mollie. Finn can be adorably sweet one moment and frustratingly stubborn and overprotective the next. But his love for Mollie is undeniable. Mollie is steadfast in her love for Finn. She knows him well and handles his overprotectiveness in her own way. She is equally protective of him and doesn't hesitate to act if she thinks it's necessary. I loved the epilogue. 

Dead in the Water - Julie Ann Walker (Limerence Pub - June 2022)

Series: Deep Six (Book 6)
 
Dalton “Doc” Simmons is having one helluva week. First, archaic laws have kept him and his partners at Deep Six Salvage from recovering the sunken treasure they've been after since bugging out of the Navy. Second, an approaching hurricane threatens to scatter the legendary riches across the bottom of the ocean. And third, Deep Six's feisty, flirty attorney, Camilla D' Angelo, has just landed on Wayfarer Island, and she represents everything he can't stand...and everything he can't help but want.
 
One look at Doc and Cami knew she'd met the man of her dreams. The medical doctor-turned Navy SEAL-turned treasure hunter has it all -- brawn and brains. The problem? He doesn't like her. In fact, no man has ever given her so much crap. But something tells Cami there's more to his bad-tempered brooding than meets the eye.
 
As the storm closes in, so does a boat full of dangerous men bent on claiming the centuries-old treasure for themselves...and killing everyone on Wayfarer Island. Doc must keep Cami close if he wants to keep her alive. But all that proximity turns up the heat on the chemistry bubbling between them. For Cami, it's more than a fight for her life, it's a fight for Doc's heart. If they survive, can she convince him to let go of his past for a chance at a future with her?
 
Terrific conclusion to the Deep Six series. Though it is possible to read this as a standalone, the earlier books make it possible to understand everything these men and their ladies have gone through before reaching this point. The treasure of the Santa Cristina was finally located in the previous book; now, they need to retrieve it. However, to raise and keep the treasure, they need the help of crack property lawyer Cami D'Angelo, a circumstance that sticks in the craw of Dalton "Doc" Simmons.
 
Doc and Cami met when she first arrived in the Keys, and the sparks between them were instant. They almost had a night together, but Doc's drinking and emotional baggage held him back. Then they discovered that Cami was the lawyer working for Deep Six and their dispute with the state over the treasure. Doc hates lawyers with a passion, and Cami never mixes business with pleasure, so those sparks have nowhere to go. They've spent the last six months arguing and sniping at each other, their underlying attraction growing daily.
 
Doc is a widower who believes that he has had his one true love. The thought of loving another woman fills him with dread and guilt. But he can't ignore Cami and the way she makes him feel. Doc is also what I think of as the big brother of the group. He's always there with a word of advice or support, not just for his teammates but for the women, too. I ached for Doc in this book and previous ones when he's had to use deadly force. Taking someone's life weighs on his heart and soul, and it takes an understanding Cami to help him deal with those feelings.
 
Cami is a tough-as-nails lawyer with a spine of steel. She worked hard to find a way for the team to keep their treasure. She has a well-developed sense of right and wrong, thanks mainly to her life as a mobster's daughter. I love her independence and ability to give as good as she gets. She fits in well with the other residents of Wayfarer Island.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Doc and Cami. The chemistry between them is off the charts though neither is willing to admit it out loud. Seeing them exchange barbs, feeding off each other's wit and sarcasm, was great fun. When the approaching hurricane forces them into close proximity, the barriers between them start to come down. With her job there nearly at an end, Cami is ready to forget her rule about mixing business and pleasure. But Doc resists acknowledging his feelings, hanging onto his grief, and fighting every step of the way. There was a time near the end when I wondered if they would ever find their way together. I liked Cami's determination not to accept less than what she deserves, and I was happy to see Doc finally come to his senses (with a bit of help).
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. With a hurricane bore-sighted on Wayfarer Island, the team needs to get the treasure off the ocean floor and safely stored. Otherwise, it could be spread over miles. They get most of it up and taken to Key West while a few remain behind to raise the rest. But the hurricane arrives too quickly for them to evacuate, so they must ride out the storm on the island. They are unaware of a group of thieves determined to relieve them of the treasure until the men show up on the island. Some intense moments in the confrontation between our guys and the intruders kept me glued to the pages until it was all over. I loved how it turned out though it added some complications to their lives.
 
There was a secondary romance between Uncle John and Dana, the government official sent to monitor the raising of the treasure. It was sweet to see these two find each other, and I loved watching them take care of each other.
 
The epilogue was terrific. I loved catching up with each couple a few months after the events of the book. Each of them has made their dreams come true, and I loved the tail end and their acknowledgment of the team member who started them on their journey.

 
 

Set Up in the City - B.J. Daniels (HI #2133 - Apr 2023)

Series: Colt Brothers Investigation (Book 4)
 
Can this cowboy cop
Survive the city?
 
Deputy Willie Colt feels at home in the wide-open spaces of Montana. Attorney Eleanor Shaffer has a corner office with a spectacular view of Seattle. He was brutally attacked while trying to extradite her client, and though Willie and Ellie have every reason to distrust each other, they'll have to work together if they're going to mete out justice. Move over, big city tactics -- and meet good old cowboy grit.
 
Terrific book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Willie Colt joined the Lonesome sheriff's department after his rodeo career ended to discover more about their father's suspicious death. As the newest department member, Willie got the unenviable task of driving to Seattle to pick up a prisoner being extradited to Montana. As soon as he picked up the prisoner, Vernon claimed he'd never return to Montana alive. Within moments of leaving the police department, Willie was brutally attacked and his prisoner taken. After waking up in the hospital, Willie was determined to track down his prisoner and get him back - no matter what the local cops said.
 
Eleanor is the high-powered attorney assigned to Vernon's case. He had little to say to her, and though she didn't want to admit it, something felt off about the case. She was happy to see him sent back to Montana. Shortly after she hears about his disappearance, she gets a phone call from him where he sounds deeply distressed. He tells her that he's in trouble and the people that have him will come after her next. That's when Willie showed up in her office, looking for answers. After hearing her story, Willie convinces Ellie that she is in danger and can trust him to keep her safe.
 
The suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. While Ellie is wary of Willie's claims initially, it doesn't take long before Vernon's prediction comes true. She and Willie seem to barely stay one step ahead of the bad guys as they investigate Vernon's past activities. Each new connection raises further questions and exposes them to more danger. Shootings, speeding cars, and explosions keep Willie and Ellie on their toes and watching their backs. Just when it looks like they've answered all the questions, an unexpected twist exposes the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me guessing how it would end.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ellie and Willie. Their initial meeting was a little antagonistic as Willie's tolerance for lawyerly double-speak was very low, and Ellie didn't appreciate Willie's bluntness. It also took Willie saving her from an attack for Ellie to let go of her distrust. They call a truce to work together to find the answers to Vernon's disappearance. Neither expected the attraction that flared between them, and they weren't sure what to do about it. Ellie is a city girl at home in her city life, and Willie is a pure country boy who needs his wide-open spaces to breathe. It takes some time apart and brotherly intervention for Willie and Ellie to see they belong together. I loved seeing how her time with Willie changed Ellie in ways she never expected. I loved her scene with the law firm's board and what it meant for her future. The ending was fantastic.
 
There was also an unexpected twist in the investigation into their father's death. Willie finally tracked down their father's wrecked truck and looked it over, searching for any new evidence. What he found upended the brothers' world and sent them on an additional quest. I can't wait for the next book to see what they find.