The Maverick's Christmas Secret - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2947 - Dec 2022)

Series:  Montana Mavericks: Brothers and Broncos (Book 6)
 
Is he finally home for Christmas -- and for good?
 
After years of believing he was an only child, Sullivan Grainger discovered he was adopted -- and that he has a twin! Eager to uncover the truth about his past, Sullivan arrives in Bronco and is drawn to Sadie Chamberlin, whose own connection to his family pushes her to help him find out the truth. But Sadie is afraid to trust her wary heart to a man who won't let down his guard…or stick around. Yet as Christmas approaches, her holiday wish is for the lonesome cowboy to find the closure he seeks…and perhaps an unexpected happy-ever-after under the mistletoe!
 
Good wrapup to this subset of the Montana Mavericks series. Since the first book in the Brothers and Broncos series, the residents of Bronco have been faced with the question of what happened to Bobby Stone. He was a resident who disappeared while hiking - his backpack was found, along with signs he'd fallen down the side of the mountain, but no body was found. However, in each book, someone thought they saw Bobby - or his ghost. At the end of the previous book, Thankful for the Maverick, a man who looked like Bobby appeared in Sadie's holiday store, startling her into fainting.
 
Sullivan Grainger spent his whole life believing he was an only child until he learned he was adopted. Devasted by what he saw as his parents' betrayal, he headed for Bronco to find out the truth. Sadie, who was Bobby's sister-in-law, is determined to help him. Neither she nor Sullivan expected the feelings that grew between them.
 
I ached for Sullivan. In addition to his feelings of betrayal, he no longer feels like he knows who he is. He's spent the last few months on the edges of Bronco life, attempting to learn more about his twin brother. He finally realizes that his best bet is to talk to Sadie, who seems to be the person who knew him best. They got off to a rough start, but Sadie was a very empathetic woman who could understand his turmoil. I liked her willingness to talk to him about Bobby and to help him find out more.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Sullivan and Sadie develop. They begin as friends, despite the sparks that are evident between them. Sadie has been burned before by men who didn't stay around, and Sullivan has not indicated that he'll stick around once his curiosity about Bobby has been satisfied. Sullivan is drawn to Sadie, but his life is in too much turmoil for him to feel comfortable pursuing a relationship.
 
I loved seeing these two people together. Sadie is sweet, understanding of his confusion, and always willing to listen to his worries or fears. I liked how she helped him resolve his feelings about his adoptive parents by reminding him that they chose him and raised him with all the love they had to give. Sullivan was adorable in how he looked after Sadie, cooking for her and worrying about her during the storm. It wasn't long before each realized they were in love, but their fears and insecurities prevented them from saying anything.
 
There is potential heartbreak at Christmas when Sullivan and Sadie make a discovery at Bobby's last known location, furthering Sullivan's turmoil. When he disappears to deal with those feelings, Sadie doesn't know if she'll ever see him again. A discussion between Sullivan and his parents gave me hope, furthered when he showed up at Sadie's home. I liked how he showed Sadie how he felt by sharing his plans for the future. The last chapter was terrific. I loved Sullivan's big moment, though there were a few amusingly tense moments and an ending I hoped for, but it still took me by surprise.

The Talons of a Lyon - Jude Knight (Dragonblade Pub - Apr 2023)

Series:  Lyon's Den
 
Lance Versey owes Mrs. Dove Lyon a promise. Fulfilling it will cost him the life he enjoys and win him the life he wants.
 
The death of Lady Frogmore’s neglectful and disloyal husband should have been a relief. But then her nasty brother-in-law seizes her three children and turns her out, telling the whole of Society that she is a crude, vulgar, and loose woman. Without allies or friends, Serafina, Lady Frogmore, turns to Mrs. Dove Lyon, also known as the Black Widow of Whitehall for help, paying her by promising to perform an unspecified favor at a time of Mrs. Dove Lyon’s choice.
 
Lord Lancelot Versey has always tried to be a perfect gentleman, and a gentleman honors his debts, even when an unwise wager obliges him to escort a notorious widow into Society. But Lady Frogmore is not what he expects, and helping her becomes a quest worthy of the knight for whom he was named.
 
Except, Mrs. Dove Lyon calls in Seraphina’s promise. The favor she asks might destroy all they have found together.
 
Terrific book with a sympathetic heroine and a fantastic hero who thinks he's anything but. The story opens with our introduction to Lord Lancelot, who has made a name for himself as "the perfect gentleman." He doesn't do anything to excess (other than occasionally drinking too much), makes nice with the ladies, dances with wallflowers, keeps his word, etc. His one fall from grace led to him losing a bet to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, resulting in him owing her a favor she could call in at any time.
 
Next, we meet Seraphina Frogmore. Her much-older husband had died a few months earlier, freeing her from his neglect and unfaithfulness. Unfortunately, her horrible brother-in-law swooped in, took custody of her three children, and threw her out of her home. He then told all of Society that she was a crude, vulgar shopkeeper's daughter with loose morals. She is reduced to living n a cheap boarding house, mending clothes to make enough money for food, and watching her children walk in the park from a spot hidden in the bushes. Desperate to find a way to restore her reputation and regain custody of her children, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. She, too, will owe the lady a future favor.
 
After speaking with Seraphina, Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in her favor from Lance. She wants him to introduce Seraphina into Society, escorting her to events and showing that she isn't the monster her BIL has portrayed her to be. Lance isn't too happy, but a promise is a promise, and he arranges to meet Seraphina in the park. He witnesses her heartbreak there as she watches her children and suspects the rumors are wrong. I loved how he apologized for his initial judgment, showed a willingness to listen to her story, and realized he would need help.
 
Lance immediately took her to see his sister Elaine, Viscountess Barker. After some awkwardness, Elaine was entirely on board with helping and bolstered by her husband when he arrived. I loved how Barker already knew the truth about Seraphina and added several good ideas to the process. I loved seeing the entire Versey family take Seraphina into their hearts, determined to help her achieve her goal.
 
The redemption process got off to a fantastic start with the gang's attendance at the opera. Seraphina's nerves were relatable and fortunately calmed by Lance's presence. Having such a well-respected family at her back made Seraphina's entry into Society almost trouble-free. The only downside was the appearance of her BIL Marcus. I laughed out loud at seeing him so thoroughly vanquished. The campaign continued with a visit to the trustees of her husband's estate, accompanied by the duke, the viscount, Lance, and Seraphina's chaperone. I cheered to see the duke eviscerate the trustees. I loved watching the progress of restoring Seraphina's good name, finishing with an outstanding depiction of the custody hearing.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Lance and Seraphina develop. Neither has any interest in marriage, but there is no denying the sparks of attraction that flare between them - though it took Seraphina a little while to figure out that's what she felt. Lance was amusing with his frequent reminders that he was NOT developing feelings for her, though he fell for her quickly. Seraphina thought about Lance all the time but believed he was way out of her league. He won my heart with his attention and support, especially when he acted regarding the children. I felt terrible for him when he muffed his declaration - twice! - and cheered when he finally got it right. He had to fight past Seraphina's insecurities, but the ending was worth it.
 
I adored Seraphina's children. We only get glimpses of them at the beginning of the book, but they get a more significant role later. I loved the interactions between the children and Lance, who is completely charmed by them. I loved getting their take on events.
 
Lance's family was wonderful. Their complete support of Seraphina was heartwarming, and I loved how she blossomed under their care. I enjoyed seeing how their opinions of Lance changed throughout the book as they saw the hero in him emerge.

Ozarks Missing Person - Maggie Wells (HI #2143 - May 2023)

Series: Arkansas Special Agents (Book 1)
 
A woman's disappearance
Leads to a mysterious but powerful family
 
The disappearance of his sister has filled prosecuting attorney Matthew Murray with guilt over their estrangement. Then she's found dead and special agent Grace Reed's inquiries expose a politically influential family. Joining Grace in her investigation, Matthew must choose between his political ambitions and his desire for justice. But Grace's fearlessness and resistance to intimidation inspire admiration -- and more -- in Matthew.
 
Good book that kept me hooked from start to finish. This was a book that focused more on personalities and attitudes than on action to bring about the resolution to this investigation. The prologue sets the scenario that brings Special Agent Grace and prosecuting attorney Matthew together.
 
Grace has become her office's go-to on missing person cases. She is thorough and determined and tends to take the cases personally. As the book opens, she's working on a case involving a missing child about to be moved to a different office. She gets a call about a missing young woman, Mallory Murray, and through her interview with Mallory's roommate, learns of her brother's existence. She tracks him down to inform him about Mallory's disappearance.
 
Matthew is six years older than Mallory, and they have never been close. Mallory grew up never satisfied with her life and believed she deserved more, and her constant demands of Matthew caused a rift between them. When Grace informs him of Mallory's disappearance, he feels guilty about the estrangement, even more so when they find her body. He feels compelled to stay involved in the investigation into her death.
 
I loved the teamwork that developed between Grace and Matthew. They had the perfect pairing of experience to go up against the power and privilege they ran into. I liked Grace's empathy for Matthew and the emotional rollercoaster he was on during their investigation. It's easy to see that they are growing closer, but no apparent sparks are flying, just an increasing feeling that there could be. They maintain their professionalism throughout the book, and it isn't until the end that they admit their interest in each other. I hope to see more of them in the following books.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. From the prologue's allowing the reader to "witness" the murder to the twists and turns of the investigation, I was glued to the pages as Grace and Matthew searched for the truth. I was initially concerned about Matthew's concern about offending the Powers family, but his desire for justice won out. I could feel Grace's frustration at their stonewalling and loved her poise during her meetings with them. Several twists kept me guessing whether they would get the break they needed, and I did not expect the one that did it. I was a little disappointed at the lack of a definitive ending, but with a powerful family, it makes sense that it may take several books to resolve the issues. I can't wait for the next book!

A Mid-Summer Murder - Geri Krotow (Tule - May 2023)

Series: Shop 'Round the World (Book 2)
 
This small Pennsylvania town once again becomes a hotbed of secrets.
 
Only Angel Warren, a retired Navy Pilot and owner of Shop 'Round the World, can turn a summer day at the river into a murder investigation. But when her brother Bryce's unicorn float snags on a corpse's hand, suddenly Angel and Bryce are suspects. It doesn't help that Angel knows the victim and was one of the last people to see Hank Price alive, or that Angel witnessed a disturbing argument between Hank and his wife. Plus, she and Bryce may have heard the shot that killed Hank.
 
Once more, Angel inserts herself into the middle of the investigation, this time with her best friend Detective Trinity Colson's tacit approval. Who could have wanted Hank dead? Angel soon discovers Hank had a secret life that included sketchy business dealings and a gambling addiction.
 
The question isn't how Angel will juggle her sleuthing alongside managing her gift store during the height of tourist season, family drama, and a burgeoning romance. It's how will Angel solve the crime without stumbling into the killer's sight
 
Terrific second installment in the author's Shop 'Round the World series. This one picks up a few months after A Santa Stabbing. Summer has come to Stonebridge, and the tourist traffic has the cash register at the shop ringing. Angel also has some steady local customers like Verity Price. As the book opens, Verity is in the shop with her husband, Hank, checking on an order she placed. Angel is disturbed by the argument she witnesses between the couple but is distracted by the arrival of her boyfriend, Nate.
 
Later that day, Angel is set to spend quality time with her brother Bryce, tubing on the local river, Jacob's Run. I laughed at the unicorn float Bryce brought along for the cooler and munchies they took. The author's description of the setting was so vivid I could practically feel the cool breeze coming off the water. The trip is quite relaxing until the unicorn float gets caught on something in the water - an Angel discovers her second dead body since moving back to Stonebridge. What's worse, the body belongs to Hank Price, the man she'd seen just a few hours earlier.
 
Angel's connection to the deceased, her natural curiosity, and her earlier experience propelled her to want to know the truth behind this death. Fortunately, this time she has the willing permission of her best friend, Trinity, the town's lead detective, to involve herself in the investigation. The only catch is that she must keep Trinity informed each step of the way. I loved following Angel's progress as she put her intuition and logical mind to work. The investigation has some intriguing twists, including surprises about the chiropractic business and Hank's leisure activities. But when Angel stumbles over a vital clue, it puts her in the killer's sights. The final confrontation was a nail-biter but ended successfully. I liked the around-the-kitchen-table wrap-up that filled in all the blank spots.
 
Angel's family plays a more prominent role in this book. Her daughters are home from college for the summer and are involved in Angel's shop. Their love and concern for Angel are evident in their pleas for her to be careful. I liked the bits of their history as a Navy family that came out during the book, especially the benefits of their worldwide travel. There is also some concern about Angel's mother when she is the victim of a mysterious shooting. Is it related to Hank's murder or the archeological investigation into an ancient weir she is involved in?
 
Angel's BFF, Trinity, gets some extra page time, also. A visiting professor involved in the weir investigation makes quite the impression on her, which appears to be mutual. It will be interesting to see if that develops further in the next book.
 
Meanwhile, Angel's relationship with Nate is perking right along. Seeing the little things he does to brighten her day is very sweet. I had to laugh at the dinner he shared with Angel and her daughters, as he is not used to their teasing ways. He handled it well, and it is evident that both girls liked him. I enjoyed the last scene in the book, where Angel takes Nate flying. 

Alliance with His Stolen Heiress - Lydia San Andres (HH #1724 - May 2023)

He must earn her trust
before he wins her heart!
 
In distancing himself from his nefarious wealthy family, Julián Fuentes has gained a rebellious reputation. Still, he's shocked when heiress Amalia Troncoso hires him to stage her kidnapping! Julián doesn't mind masquerading as a bandit to help Amalia get her inheritance from her tyrannical uncle, or spending time with the bold heiress who's captured his imagination. But will the truth that ties their families together prevent their alliance from becoming more?
 
Good book. Amalia and her younger sister have been kept under the thumb of their controlling uncle ever since their parents' deaths. Amalia is very independent and chafes under Francisco's restrictions. She's even more frustrated when he refuses their request for Lucia to study music in Vienna. Determined to break free, Amalia hires Julián to kidnap her and plans to use the ransom to finance their escape.
 
Julián is the son of a wealthy family but is treated as a failure by his father when he refuses to cooperate with his unethical business practices. Julián's cousin Victor, who has been Julián's nemesis since childhood, is the one his father favors. Julián also suspects his father of interfering with his relationship with a local woman. When Amalia hires him, he's glad to help, as he also suspects that his father and Francisco are in cahoots.
 
The kidnapping scene was excellent and immediately showed the sparks of attraction that flared between Julián and Amalia. The banter between them is amusing, with Amalia's intensity running up against Julián's devil-may-care attitude. When it becomes evident that no ransom is forthcoming, they race back to Amalia's home to discover her uncle and sister gone, and Amalia's disappearance is described as an elopement.
 
This begins a roller coaster ride of twists and turns as Julián and Amalia hurry after her family. The scene on the boat voyage involves a gossipy acquaintance, a midnight feast in the ship's kitchen, and a confrontation with thugs determined to return Amalia to her uncle. Matters become more complicated when they find Francisco has bargained Lucia's hand to Julián's cousin Victor. A confrontation reveals Julián's other reason for helping Amalia, leaving her feeling betrayed. Julián attempts to trick his father into revealing information, and Amalia suffers another kidnapping, this time a real one. There are heart-stopping moments when Julián races to the rescue, and they struggle to escape her captors. The final confrontation was fantastic. I loved seeing Amalia take the lead and expose her uncle's shenanigans. I also loved seeing Julián get to deal with Victor.
 
The development of the relationship between Julián and Amalia had its ups and downs. While their chemistry is undeniable, Amalia has trust issues regarding men. She is determined to avoid marriage, which is one of the reasons she wants control of her inheritance. Julian has reacted to his father's disdain by developing a rebellious reputation. Underneath that reputation is a man with a good heart, his own sense of honor, and a belief that he is unworthy of love. As they spend time together, Amalia shows Julián that his father is wrong. At the same time, Amalia begins to trust Julián, though that trust takes a hit when she learns of his other reason for helping her. I loved Julián's determination to protect her and seeing how he begins to earn back her trust. I especially liked the ending, where he shows how well he understands her and her fears.
 
I'd like a book that follows Julián, Amalia, and Lucia in Europe. Not only to keep up with Julián and Amalia but also to see if it lives up to Lucia's expectations.

Saved by the Texas Cowboy - Karen Whiddon (HRS #2228 - May 2023)

His return means a second chance
Or a threat to her life…
 
Marissa Noll has built a good life for herself since Jared Miller left her for the rodeo circuit. When he returns to their hometown injured from a bad bull ride, her desire for him sparks back to life -- and she realizes that she's being stalked. Is the timing just a coincidence, or is she a fool to trust a man who's already hurt her once?
 
Good second chance love story mixed with an engaging suspense plot. Marissa and Jared were a couple throughout high school and college until Jared decided to quit school and join the rodeo circuit. He was hurt and angry that she wouldn't drop everything and go with him. Marissa was heartbroken when he left despite their plans for the future. She pulled herself together, finished school, and started her physical therapy business in their hometown. Five years later, she has a successful business and is dating the local veterinarian. She's shocked when Jared shows up at her office, needing physical therapy for a bull-riding injury and expecting to be friends.
 
After five years on the circuit, Jared is ready to come home. He's shocked at the condition of his father's ranch and heartbroken at the changes he sees in his father, who has early-onset dementia. He looks forward to seeing Marissa again and is surprised at the cold reception he gets.
 
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Marissa and Jared. Each believes they have moved past their broken relationship - until they see each other again. Both are surprised by the resurgence of their old attraction. It doesn't take long for Jared to realize that his feelings for Marissa have never disappeared, and he wants her back in his life. He also knows he has a long way to go to regain her trust. Marissa also realizes that she still loves Jared but is wary of risking her heart again on someone who could leave her behind again.
 
Complicating matters, Marissa has a boyfriend she has been dating for several months. David is a nice but very busy man, so they don't see as much of each other as they could. It doesn't take Marissa long to realize that what she feels for David is a pale imitation of her feelings for Jared, and she knows she must end things with him.
 
Adding to Marissa's troubles, she realizes she is being stalked. At first, it felt like being watched, but then matters escalated. She received a threatening note attached to a brick thrown through her window, a hit-and-run driver t-boned her car, and her home was torched. Jared's protective instincts are aroused despite Marissa's insistence that she can take care of herself. I loved that Jared was there to support her, even when she tried to resist him. As the attacks increased in intensity, I had a couple of suspects in mind, and I was happy to see that my top suspect was the guilty party. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with an unexpected resolution.
 
I enjoyed seeing Jared and Marissa grow closer and look at ways to make both of their dreams come true. Marissa is finally starting to trust Jared again when he receives an unexpected offer. Marissa immediately concludes that he will bail on her again without giving him a chance to talk it over with her. I wanted to shake her for her lack of confidence in him and his feelings for her. Jared knows he needs to do something to show her the truth and comes up with an over-the-top demonstration of his feelings and intentions. 

The Night She Met the Duke - Sarah Mallory (HH #1719 - May 2023)

Her mysterious midnight visitor?
The duke!
 
Hearing herself described as "a lady as dull as her name" is the final straw in Prudence Clifford's disastrous season, so she decides to stay with her aunt in Bath. But Pru's new life is anything but dull when one night she finds an uninvited, devastatingly handsome duke at her kitchen table! Pru will never forget the emotional connection they shared. But it's their unexpected reunion three months later that will prove truly unforgettable…
 
Terrific book with a very unusual beginning. The book opens as Pru reminisces about how she became her aunt's companion. Tall and shy, her Season in London did not go well. After hearing herself described as "dull as her name," Pru offered to become Aunt Minerva's companion, allowing her younger, prettier, and livelier sisters to make suitable matches. In the four years since then, Pru has been happy with her aunt and working in various charitable organizations. On this night, she is up late reading when she hears a sound from the kitchen and discovers a handsome and inebriated man at her kitchen table.
 
Garrick, Duke of Harland, has spent the day drinking, working up the courage to fulfill his obligation to propose to a lady promised to him since they were children. Garrick has spent the last ten years out of the country after a scandalous duel sent him fleeing to the continent. His mother told him to stay away, even after his father's death, but recently called him home. Garrick is so drunk that he mistakes Pru's house for one a few doors down, run by a woman of questionable virtue.
 
I liked the first encounter between Pru and Garrick. Pru is understandably shocked and wary at first, but her caring nature emerges once she realizes he is no threat. I loved watching her fix him food, encourage him to eat, and listen to his troubles. Having someone listen to him makes a huge difference, and he finally leaves her kitchen in a better frame of mind. But this is not the end of their acquaintance.
 
They meet again a few months later in London. Pru and her aunt are staying with a friend, and Pru is again facing societal events that she dislikes. Garrick went to London after his erstwhile fiancée rejected him, but the rumor mill claims that he jilted her, labeling him a rogue. Other unsavory rumors are circulating about him, and Pru is told to keep away from him. But those rumors contradict what she knows of him, and her sense of fairness is outraged. When she overhears the person spreading the rumors, she insists on telling Garrick about it. The perpetrator is no surprise to him, but he plans to leave London until it all dies down. Unfortunately for his plans, Pru is determined to fight those rumors, and Garrick feels he must remain in London to protect her from herself.
 
I enjoyed seeing Pru's investigative attempts as she tried to find a way to clear Garrick's name. She unearths some helpful information, but Garrick is determined to keep her out of scandal's way. With the time they spend together, it's no surprise that the connection they felt at their first meeting grows stronger. Though Pru has fallen hard for Garrick, she is convinced she is too far below him for anything to come of it. Meanwhile, Garrick realizes he wants Pru in his life, but his attempts to make her see that are awkward at best.
 
When Garrick's attempt to follow up on some of Pru's information results in him being badly beaten, Pru is the one who steps in to nurse him. She has no care for her reputation, only that Garrick recovers. I ached for her fears for him and her belief that he only wanted her out of gratitude. It takes some interference from an unexpected source for Pru to believe him when he tells her of his feelings.
 
The story behind the rumors about Garrick is one of jealousy and revenge, with his misspent youth coming back to haunt him. I loved Pru's instinctive distrust of that couple when she met them and her determination to foil their plans. There were also further rumors about his actions on the continent, fed from the same source. I was unsurprised by the truth, as it was a far better fit for Garrick's personality. Pru's actions put her in danger, and that confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was resolved.
 
My favorite secondary characters were Garrick's friend, Jack, and his valet, Stow. Jack knows Garrick well and becomes a critical ally in clearing Garrick's name. I especially enjoyed seeing Jack and Pru stand together against Garrick's stubbornness, and I would love to see Jack get his own story. I loved how Stow immediately took to Pru and conspired with her to help Garrick. They made a terrific team when Garrick was injured.
 
The only thing that might have improved the book was an epilogue to show how they are doing later. 

Casing the Copycat - Nicole Helm (HI #2140 - May 2023)

Series: Covert Cowboy Soldiers (Book 5)
 
They make the perfect team
Until a killer targets them both
 
Rancher Dunne Thompson spent his adult life trying to atone for his serial killer grandfather. When his friend's mysterious twin, Quinn Peterson, offers her help with his latest obsession -- tracking down a copycat killer -- it's a non-starter. But Quinn's quick, unorthodox mind catches patterns Dunne hasn't seen. As attraction and danger collide, the clues lead to a suspect more surprising than Quinn herself…
 
Terrific book that I read in one sitting. This is the first book in this series I have read, but there is enough backstory provided that I didn't feel lost while reading it. I plan to read the earlier books and get the details I've missed.
 
Quinn recently escaped her dangerous cult family after decades of abuse and fear. She now lives on the Thompson ranch with her twin sister, whose life she saved and is recovering from the injuries she received. Quinn has trouble adjusting to "normal" life and uses biting wit and sarcasm to hide her discomfort. She also has her share of pride and hides her inability to read from everyone except her eleven-year-old niece, who is teaching her. Quinn's life in the cult has taught her many skills, including observing and recognizing patterns.
 
Dunne Thompson is one of the brothers whose ranch this is. Former military, he is still recovering from an injury on his last mission. He isn't as able to do ranch work as the others because of it, leaving him too much time for his latest obsession. After spending years trying to atone for his serial killer grandfather, Dunne is now trying to track down a copycat killer. He's dismayed when Quinn finds his "murder board" and stunned when she spots patterns neither he nor his brothers saw.
 
A keen observer of human nature, Quinn quickly realizes that Dunne plans to go off on his own to stop the killer. I loved watching her foil his attempt to leave her behind and make a case for going with him. It doesn't take long for Quinn to prove her worth and for Dunne to accept her help. It doesn't come easy for him, as he knows the danger and fears for her safety.
 
From here to the end, the action is fast, furious, and creepy to terrifying. I loved seeing the teamwork between Dunne and Quinn, balancing each other's strengths and weaknesses. The twists and turns led to a development I never saw coming. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
The romance between Quinn and Dunne was pretty mild. Quinn has noticed Dunne among all the brothers but doesn't recognize the feelings he stirs in her at first. Dunne is surprised by his reaction to her and tries to bury it. But the more he gets to know her, the more he sees the vulnerability beneath the attitude, which speaks to his lonely heart. Despite his recognition of her abilities, he is very protective of her. Neither expects the attraction that flares between them, but Dunne is careful to keep it slow and easy. I loved the ending and her surprise at being asked for something as normal as a date. 

The Trouble with Exes - Sera Taíno (HSE #2980 - May 2023)

Series: Navarros (Book 3)
 
A prescription for love…
Or disaster?
 
Fighting for funding for her local clinic, Dr. Natalía Navarro never expected her ex -- surgeon Leo Espinoza -- to show up in her ER! Five years earlier, Nati knew the only way to compel Leo toward the prestigious future he'd been working towards was to set him free. But with Leo back in East Ward, the duo's long-dormant electricity sparks into instant flame. Now Leo not only holds the clinic's future in the balance…but might also have Nati's heart!
 
Good second chance love story. Natalia has worked hard against formidable odds to achieve her dream of being an ER doctor in her beloved community. She is quite the workaholic, dividing her time between the hospital and the free clinic she established with her two best friends. She's never forgotten the fourth member of their group, her ex-boyfriend Leo. Six years earlier, she had broken off their relationship, telling herself it was the only way he'd follow his dreams. She hasn't seen or heard from him since then.
 
The story opens when Leo's father arrives in her ER due to a cardiac event. Leo has returned to town to help care for his father, who also has cancer. Nati is shocked when she comes face-to-face with Leo; it is immediately evident that the sparks between them are still there.
 
Leo was devastated when Nati broke off their relationship, and he was a mess for months and made it worse by marrying on the rebound. Now he's divorced and floored by his reaction to seeing Nati again.
 
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between Nati and Leo. It is a slow, painful process as each tries to protect their heart. Nati tries to keep Leo at a distance knowing it would be too easy to fall for him again. Leo begins by wanting to clear the air in hopes of finally being able to move on. The sparks between them are too strong to deny, but they must put the past to rest before looking to the future. I ached for Leo when he found out why Nati broke things off and understood his anger and sense of betrayal. It takes some straight talk from a friend for Nati to realize her motivations for her actions and admit to her mistake. She does a decent job of groveling at the end to show Leo how she feels.
 
I liked Leo a lot. He is a good and caring man who is close to his family, and he freely admits his mistake in cutting himself off from his friends after his breakup. I also loved watching him jump in and help at Nati's sister's restaurant grand opening and offer to help Nati with the grant proposal for her clinic.
 
I had a harder time liking Nati. She is a bit of a control freak and thinks far too highly of her abilities. She is good, but believing she never makes mistakes is asking for trouble. I did like how close she is to her family, but even there, she doesn't seem to trust them enough to be completely herself. I liked the epilogue and how she seems no longer wrapped so tight.
 
The one character I did NOT like was Leo's mother. She is a snob and a *itch who constantly says terrible things about Nati. I liked the scene in the hospital room when Nati stood up to her condescending attitude. I also liked seeing Leo blast her for her attitude later in the book. I would have liked to get a real sense of what her problem was.

Strawberry Lane - Jodi Thomas (Zebra - May 2023)

Series: Someday Valley (Book 1)
 
Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she's ever known, Starri saves Rusty O'Sullivan's life -- just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri's faith in miracles . . .
 
Like a wish he hadn't even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty's life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew -- and the promise of the family he'd never had. It's a lot for the hard-bitten loner to accept as love rushes into his life . . .
 
A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father's estate -- and find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing, learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.
 
A heartwarming story of family, love, and friendship. Jackson is a newly minted lawyer who has returned to Honey Creek to take over his father's practice after his parents were killed in an accident. One of his first cases involves a dying man who wants to leave his worldly goods to his four children - children he's neither met nor acknowledged. All he can give Jackson are names, approximate ages, and where he thinks they live.
 
Rusty O'Sullivan is the first and oldest of those children, he lives near Honey Creek. Rusty had a hard childhood, basically raising himself. He's a loner, keeping to himself when he's not working, though he's well-liked by the people who know him and work with him. We first see Rusty as he's driving to his isolated home on a rainy night, and his car goes off the road. Starri and her aunt Ona-May live nearby, witness the wreck and rush to rescue him. Rusty is badly injured, and they call for an ambulance. Because of washed-out roads, it will be an hour, so the local doctor, Ryan, and his friend Jackson rush to the site on horseback. It's a tense scene, but they stabilize him until the ambulance arrives. Rusty wakes up in the hospital with Jackson waiting to tell him of his inheritance. While Rusty has no interest in his father's land or money, he's intrigued to discover that he has three siblings - a family he never realized he wanted. He's determined to find these brothers from other mothers.
 
Rusty is a very independent and self-sufficient man who is also a flirt. His interactions with the intern, Dr. Adams, were amusing. He flirts, and she shuts him down, but he doesn't give up. As the book goes on, Rusty and Amber develop a deep connection despite their differences. I loved Rusty's innate sensitivity as he's there for Amber whenever she needs him. The progress of this relationship is sweet but also has a hint of uncertainty, and I hope to see more of it in the next book.
 
I had fun watching Jackson settle into his life in Honey Creek. It wasn't the career he'd planned for himself, but he felt compelled to follow in his father's footsteps. At first, he feels out of step, like he's wearing a suit that doesn't quite fit. His commentary on some of his cases shows the variety found in the life of a small-town lawyer. He's taken with Starri from the moment they met, but he tries to resist his feelings because she's much younger than him. Starri is mature for her age, and it isn't long before she wriggles her way into his heart. Those feelings emerge when Starri is injured, but he's still hung up on her age.
 
Young Zach just about broke my heart. A fourteen-year-old runaway, he appears in Honey Creek looking for his father. He has no name to go on, just that he has the same color eyes. Zach gets taken up by the sheriff for shoplifting, but Jackson takes one look at him and knows he's another one of the missing brothers. I loved how he tossed Zach and Rusty together until Rusty tumbled to the truth. Next thing you know, loner Rusty has taken custody of Zach and brought him home with him. I loved Zach's joy at having a real family and getting away from the abusive situation he had been in. I loved watching him and Rusty bond over junk food and Rusty's unique house. But things aren't all easy, as Zach's sort of stepfather wasn't happy to lose his free labor and punching bag. His arrival in Honey Creek was met with resistance, and I loved watching Zach's fellow students rally around him. The final confrontation with Vern was intense and hopefully will be the last we see of him.
 
Finally, there was an interesting relationship between a nurse, Emma, and Heath, a patient in a coma. Heath has been in a coma for a while, and Emma has habitually stopped in his room each night to talk to him. Heath is a wealthy benefactor to the hospital and went to school with Emma. She spends her time each evening telling him about her day and encouraging him to wake up. She gets excited when Heath begins to emerge from the coma and is stunned when he starts asking for her. As he recovers, it becomes evident that he's heard everything she talked about and has fallen in love with her. I liked seeing Heath get past her insecurities and seeing one couple from this book have a happy ending.
 
I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing which sibling shows up next. I also hope to see progress in the other relationships from this book.

Ever After - Elswyth Thane (Hawthorn Books - Jan 1945)

Series: Williamsburg (Book 3)
 
Ever After is the story of Bracken Murray, Special Correspondent of the New York Star, and of his junior-reporter cousin, Fitz Sprague. Bracken, deserted by his eccentric Viennese wife, goes to London to cover the Jubilee Summer of 1897. There he falls in love with a young English girl.
 
Meanwhile, in New York, Fitz rescues a music-hall singer from a gambling gang and falls in love with him. Ever After carries on a generation further the evolution of a War Correspondent - from Julian Day in Dawn's Early Light and Cabot Murray of Yankee Stranger to Bracken Murray.
 
This was a reread of the third book in my all-time favorite series - The Williamsburg books by Elswyth Thane. The seven books follow the descendants of the Sprague and Day families from Dawn's Early Light and added the Murray family from Yankee Stranger. I love the depth of the characters and the richness of detail in the depictions of setting and action. Like the War of Independence in the first book and the War Between the States in the second, Ever After drops our two heroes (and one of their cousins) into the middle of the Spanish-American War. I especially enjoyed this aspect, as literature or history classes rarely touched on that conflict. The author succeeded in again bringing out the personal side of war.
 
This book focuses mainly on Bracken Murray, the son of Eden and Cabot Murray. He is a reporter for his father's newspaper and will eventually take over the paper. His life is in turmoil as his wife left him for another man. Lisl was a selfish, greedy woman who the family never liked. Bracken has long since stopped loving her, but she refuses to divorce him. To help distract him from his troubles, Cabot sends Bracken to London to cover the Queen's Jubilee. His sister Virginia and Aunt Sue go along so Virginia can be presented at Court.
 
A lot is going on in the first section of the book. Bracken is setting up a branch office of the paper in London. At the same time, he is watching over Virginia and Aunt Sue. They have also been charged with finding out about the Farthingale estate, where their ancestor St. John was born. As luck would have it, the home is for sale and available to rent. After meeting the owner, Sir Gratian, he invites them to visit. The description of the building and their immediate feeling of homecoming is vivid and emotional. The next day, while out for an early morning ride, Bracken encounters Dinah, the youngest daughter of their neighbors. Bracken is stunned by his reaction to her and the realization that she is his destiny. The problem is that A) he is still married, and B) she isn't quite sixteen yet. I enjoyed the early part of their relationship as they became friends, and Bracken cautiously walked the line between friend and want-to-be lover. Dinah is sweet and naïve and utterly oblivious to Bracken's feelings. The author does a terrific job of showing what life is like for people of that social set and the issues that face him.
 
The Murray family returns to New York at the end of the summer, with Bracken having every intention of returning as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the Spanish-American War lays waste to those plans, and his return is delayed by two years. Much has happened to Bracken during those years, but his feelings for Dinah have not changed. They have stayed in touch via letter, and their friendship has grown accordingly. Their reunion is sweet, and there is a hint that Dinah is developing feelings other than friendship for him. I liked seeing how his mother, Eden, and sister helped facilitate opportunities for Bracken to see Dinah in everyday situations. He is working hard to get his divorce settled when an unexpected twist throws everything into disarray. At the same time, Dinah faces issues with her family over her friendship with Bracken. The scene at Scotland Yard was excellent, and I adored seeing Dinah flummox them all. The ending was fantastic.
 
The middle section of the book is mainly devoted to Fitz. He is Sedgewick and Melicent's son and puzzles everyone in the family. Fitz has no interest in joining his father's law firm or doing anything else. His primary interest in life is collecting songs. He is very musical, writes his own music, and drives his family nuts with what they perceive as his laziness. Desperate to do something about him, Melicent asks her brother Cabot to give Fitz a job on the paper. Fitz isn't interested but is talked into it by Aunt Sue. He settles into the work with the help of another reporter, Johnny, but finds himself fascinated by the New York theater scene. He starts seriously working on his music. While visiting a music hall, he and Johnny rescue a young woman from a gambling gang.
 
Gwen is nothing like the women Fitz has known all his life. She is independent and accustomed to looking after herself. The rescue scene is vividly portrayed, and you get a real sense of Gwen's danger. I could feel her confusion at Fitz and Johnny's actions and her bewilderment at their lack of demands. Fitz's kindness and Southern gentleman ways soon lodge in Gwen's heart, though she knows she is no good for him. Fitz is oblivious to her feelings for him as the weeks pass, and he involves her in his songwriting. I ached for Gwen and her unrequited love for Fitz and couldn't wait for him to wake up to the truth. That eye-opening moment was fantastic and led to one of the more emotional scenes in the book—Gwen's trepidation as she faced his family as his wife leaped off the page. I loved Cabot's reaction.
 
This is where the Spanish-American war interrupts everyone's plans. I loved how this section explained much of how the conflict came about. As reporters for Cabot's paper, Bracken and Fitz are on the ground during the preparations and the fighting. The author uses little details to bring the events to life, from the chaos of the preparations at Tampa to the intensity of the charge up San Juan Hill and its aftermath. Using historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Clara Barton ("How it takes one back. Is this Sharpsburg or San Juan?") also showed that the country was healing, as men who had once been bitter enemies fought under one flag. This includes former Rebel Fighting Joe Wheeler, who reportedly forgot what war he was fighting, and, during the charge, yelled, "Come on boys, we've got the damn Yankees on the run!" The events of this war have lasting effects on Bracken and Fitz.
 
Bracken's sister Virginia is another important player in this book. At eighteen, she is pretty and vivacious and admits to being spoiled by her parents and brother. But she has a kind heart, too, and thinks of others such as Sir Gratian and Dinah's sister Clare. Unsurprisingly, the oldest son, Edward, Lord Alwyn, falls hard for her. But Virginia is drawn to younger brother Archie, who is the much nicer of the two. Later in the book, Virginia compares the two men to raw whiskey and champagne, stating, "You can get just as tight on champagne, and it's much nicer." And "That's why I want Archie. He's champagne, too. Very dry." But Archie is an honorable man, a new lawyer with few prospects, and doesn't care to be seen as a fortune hunter. I loved seeing Bracken manipulate things a little to give Archie the push he needs and seeing Virginia take matters into her own hands. 

A Santa Stabbing - Geri Krotow (Tule - Nov 2022)

Series: Shop 'Round the World (Book 1)
 
She didn't realize she'd traded "Naval Aviator" for "amateur sleuth"…
 
Retired Navy pilot Angel Warren’s new life awaits in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, where she’s opening Shop ‘Round the World, her travel-inspired gift and novelty shop. A newly empty nester and longtime widow, she’s looking forward to leaving her flying career and its many life-or-death decisions behind and reconnecting with family and friends. Right now, Angel’s biggest challenge is getting the shop ready for its grand opening just weeks before Christmas.
 
Until she finds a dead body in the shop murdered with one of her specialty Santa figurines. Even worse, Angel’s fingerprints are on the “weapon” and she’s a prime suspect. It doesn’t help that the deceased is an old friend who’s collected a long list of enemies as a cut-throat real estate agent. And then there’s the Stonebridge Chief of Police—and Angel’s high school BFF—who brings her in for questioning.
 
Terrific start to the new series. I am a huge fan of the author's romantic suspense books, and this book continues the trend. The main character was believable, the small-town setting was fun, and the townspeople were distinctive and quirky.
 
Angel returned to her hometown after a long career as a Navy pilot. Her twin daughters are off to college, and she is beginning her new life by opening a unique shop inspired by her travels. Her grand opening is two weeks away, and she's immersed in getting the shop ready. All of that comes to a screeching halt when she discovers the murdered body of an old friend in her shop. The murder weapon is one of her Russian Santas, and her fingerprints are on it, making her a prime suspect. After being questioned and quickly cleared by Detective Trinity Colson, her childhood BFF, Angel is determined to help identify the killer.
 
Angel has been away from Stonebridge for a long time, and as she catches up on the local gossip, she gets ideas about who might know something about what happened. Trinity isn't happy about Angel's plans but knows she can't stop her, so she lays some ground rules. I liked that Angel isn't trying to go around or interfere with the official investigation; just trying to help. The victim had many people with reasons to dislike her, so the suspect list was long. Angel's methods are believable, and we learn about different residents as she talks to them. I loved following Angel and her thought processes as she pursued the clues and exposed motives. The possibilities kept me guessing until the very end when an intense confrontation brought everything together.
 
A hint of romance running through the book adds a little complication to Angel's life. A longtime widow, she didn't expect the feelings stirred up when she met Nate, the owner of the local coffee shop. I enjoyed their encounters and seeing her embrace this new step. Nate impressed me with his care and support of Angel at the end. There also seems to be a bit of mystery to his past. Hopefully, their relationship will be further developed in the next book.
 
I loved the secondary characters in the book. Angel is close with her family, and I enjoyed getting to know her sister, Crystal, and her brother, Bryce. It was sweet to see her reconnect with her BFF Trinity. Their interactions over the murder and Angel's actions are significant. My favorite character is Angel's pet parrot, Ralph. He is a trip with his commentary and plays an important role in the resolution of the mystery. 

Hopefully Ever After - Beth Wiseman (Zondervan - Apr 2023)

Series: Amish Bookstore (Book 3)
 
In the third and final novel of Beth Wiseman's Amish Bookstore series, two young people must find the courage to defy expectations and become who they're meant to be.
 
Sixteen-year-old Eden Hale doesn't want to be defined by her current circumstances. Her mother is in prison, she doesn't know her father, and she's had her own run-ins with the law, but Eden refuses to become what people expect. When she is sent to live with an Amish cousin she's never met in Montgomery, Indiana, she welcomes the chance to become the person she wants to be without the burden of anyone's judgment. Her hopes are confirmed when she meets Samuel, a young Amish man who seems to like her for who she really is.
 
Samuel Byler has grown up with strict Amish parents, and they aren't happy that their only son is choosing to spend his free time with an outsider. As Eden and Samuel grow closer, assumptions close in around the young couple. It isn't long before Eden starts to doubt herself and wonders if she is doomed to follow in her mother's footsteps, whether she wants to or not. Meanwhile, Samuel finds himself slipping further and further from his faith -- to Eden's dismay.
 
Both Eden and Samuel's futures hang in the balance as they face decisions about who they are -- both as individuals and together.
 
This was an emotional and complex story about two teens from very different backgrounds who meet and discover they have much in common. Sixteen-year-old Eden has come to stay with her Amish cousin, Yvonne, for a month while her guardian, Emma, is away. Eden has had a turbulent life so far. Her mother is a drug addict and is serving a term in prison, she never knew her father, and there isn't much of a connection between herself and Emma. In trying to find her place in the world, Eden made a few mistakes before vowing she would not follow in her mother's footsteps. She hopes this time in Indiana will give her the fresh start she craves. On her first day with Yvonne, she's introduced to Samuel, Yvonne's husband's nephew, who offers to teach her to ride.
 
Samuel is the sixteen-year-old son of very strict Amish parents. Though he is of the age for his rumspringa or running around, Anna and Leroy keep him under tight control. Samuel is curious about life outside the Amish community and feels trapped without the ability to experience any of it. Complicating matters, those same feelings cause him to question his faith and whether to stay in the community.
 
There is an immediate connection between Eden and Samuel. They find it easy to talk to each other as Samuel asks questions about her life as an Englischer, and Eden rhapsodizes about how beautiful and peaceful Montgomery is. But Samuel's parents aren't happy with the amount of time he's spending with Eden, worried that she will influence him in the wrong way. They come down quite hard on him, and Samuel reacts by using deception to do as he wants. Eden is initially unaware of his actions and is angry with him when she finds out.
 
Eden loves her time in Montgomery and getting to know Samuel. It is a relief to know that he likes her for who she is and doesn't judge her for her past mistakes. But Samuel's lies have put her and her cousin in an awkward position. She doesn't understand Samuel's fascination with the outside world when he has such a wonderful family and home life.
 
I could feel the tension build as Eden and Samuel grew closer. I could see the trouble looming on the horizon and knew it wouldn't be pretty when Anna and Leroy discovered the truth. I hurt for everyone when the confrontation came. Leroy and Anna are angry and hurt at Samuel's deceptions and double down on their need to control his actions. Yvonne and Abraham are caught in the middle and want the best for both teens. Eden is hurt by how his parents blame her when she's done her best to show him that the outside world isn't as great as he thinks. And Samuel wants a chance to experience the same things others do. I liked that Abraham was the voice of reason in the storm and devised a solution to prevent Samuel from running away while giving him the freedom he craved. It was an eye-opening experience for Samuel, and I loved seeing him learn from it. I also liked that his parents also learned a few things.
 
Eden has some hard lessons to learn, also. Her mother is in prison, and Eden has difficulty forgiving her for what she has been through. When she gets word that her mother is ill, she hardens her heart against her. Samuel sees Eden's conflict and does his best to encourage Eden to speak to her mother before it is too late. In a heartwrenching scene, Eden finally lets go of her hatred and finds the peace she needs.
 
By the time this is all over, it is time for Eden to return to Texas and her guardian. When Eden receives unexpected news, it opens a realm of possibilities for her future. Will this change her relationship with Samuel? I loved watching Eden figure out what she wanted from her life and go after it. The ending was fantastic, as Eden and Samuel found what they sought.
 
Running through all three books in the series was the mystery of the trove of gold coins supposedly hidden inside the Amish bookstore that Yvonne runs for her friends Jake and Eva. One coin has turned up, but no one has had any luck finding others. After further research, Jake makes a decision about the shop that has unexpected results. There is a saying about counting one's chickens, but everything works out.

Wyoming Mountain Hostage - Juno Rushdan (HI #2142 - May 2023)

Series: Cowboy State Lawmen (Book 3)
 
The toughest negotiation of his FBI career
Includes her and their unborn baby
 
When tough-as-nails FBI agent Becca Hammond becomes an unwitting hostage, top negotiator Jake Delgado faces the toughest crisis of his life. Becca's not only a trusted colleague, but she's also pregnant -- with his child. Jake's got to figure out why the kidnappers are so desperate. Can he do that before it's too late for the town, Becca…and their future together?
 
Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. It was fast-paced, with a believable scenario and sympathetic characters. Though the action took place over 24 to 36 hours, it did not feel rushed. In addition to the main characters, Jake and Becca, previous characters Nash and Lynn (Wyoming Winter Rescue) also play significant roles in this book.
 
Jake and Becca are FBI agents who have a friends-with-benefits relationship. They've known each other since they attended the FBI Academy, where a simmering attraction underscored an intense rivalry. After meeting again recently, they began a no-strings, no-commitment relationship, indulging their passion without risking their hearts. But that is about to change.
 
As the book opens, Becca breaks the news that she's pregnant with his baby. She wants to know where he sees their relationship going. Stunned by the news, Jake isn't sure how to react. He tells her he likes things the way they are, sticks his foot in his mouth about the baby, and is distracted by a drive-by shooting. They are at the local library waiting to pick up Becca's nephew. As gunmen approach the library, Becca rushes in to attempt to get her nephew and his friends out but gets taken hostage along with the others.
 
Jake, an FBI hostage negotiator, steps up to help local officials deal with the situation. He's still reeling from Becca's news but has to bury those feelings to do his job. However, knowing she is in danger makes him realize how much he cares for her. He's avoided commitment because of a disastrous past relationship, but his feelings for Becca are strong enough to overcome those fears. He just has to keep her alive long enough to tell her.
 
I loved the depth of detail in the book, from the actions taken by the characters to their thoughts and motivations. Jake's patience and determination are stellar, and I loved seeing him work his magic with the head hostage taker. He has to deal with outside influences, and I enjoyed seeing him shut them down. Jake's fear for Becca is palpable as the negotiations go on. Meanwhile, Becca, who has not disclosed that she is an FBI agent, is determined to do whatever she can to help Jake and the others succeed. She took several risks that could get her killed and drew the attention of the least stable of the gunmen, and I held my breath at several close calls. The final confrontation at the library was a nail-biter.
 
Then an unexpected discovery reveals that the threat isn't over. The time to prevent a disaster is short, and the agents are left scrambling to get the information they need. I loved that Becca knew where to find the weakest link, thanks to her time as a hostage. Her methods of getting the required information were precisely what was needed. The intensity was incredible as she, Jake, and other agents raced to the scene. Of course, Becca was the one who found what they were looking for and had the training to handle it.
 
I loved the ending. I liked seeing how the events they experienced affected Jake. Initially, though he knew Becca was excellent at her job, he constantly questioned her judgment and actions. This frustrated her, and I sometimes wondered why she stayed with him. I liked how she called him out on it. I liked how he finally gave her the respect she deserved, though he still had a little work to do. His confession of his feelings was emotional, awkward, and sweet. I hope to see more of them in later books.

The Lyon's Secret - Laura Trentham (Dragonblade Pub - Apr 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den
 
Vicars make the best spies…But should vicars be this sexy and dangerous?
 
When Mr. Josiah Barrymore is summoned by the Black Widow of Whitehall, he can’t contain his curiosity—and trepidation. After all, Mrs. Dove-Lyon is the owner of a notorious gaming hell in London, and he is a vicar, albeit one with a secret. When she produces the sister of his dead best friend, he is shocked. What is Amelia doing in a notorious gaming hell? And when did she grow into such a beautiful woman?
 
In desperation, Miss Amelia Fielding arrives on Mrs. Dove-Lyon's doorstep seeking help. What she receives is unexpected. When a mutually beneficial marriage is proposed between Amelia and Josiah by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Amelia is torn. She needs the protection he can provide, but doesn’t want to be in his power. Or does she? Her time at the Lyon’s Den has opened her eyes, and the pull she feels toward Josiah is no longer the simple tendresse of a young girl, but the desire of a woman.
 
Josiah owes it to his best friend to protect Amelia, but that’s not the only reason he submits to marriage. He can’t deny the blistering attraction he feels toward Amelia even if bringing a wife into his secret life will prove dangerous to them both.
 
This was a short but intense story from the Lyon's Den series that I read in one sitting. When Josiah Barrymore left the army after the war, he became the vicar in a small village near London. There, he receives a message from the notorious Black Widow, Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the Lyon's Den, summoning him to see her. He's shocked when she tells him that the younger sister of his deceased best friend, Daniel, is in trouble and needs his protection.
 
Amelia is alone in the world except for her profligate younger brother. James is determined to get Amelia's inheritance and has tried to marry her to one of his friends to do so. Desperate to escape that fate, Amelia goes to her mother's old friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, willing to do anything required. The last thing she expects is to have her arrange a marriage to Daniel's friend and her girlhood crush.
 
Josiah is resigned to his fate until he sees Amelia again for the first time in many years. He's stunned by the changes in her and overcome by her beauty and his immediate attraction to her. He's no longer reluctant to marry her, despite the complications she will cause. After a few days in the Lyon's Den, Amelia is no longer quite as innocent as she used to be and recognizes the feelings he stirs in her. Marriage to him will be no hardship as long as she can adjust to being a vicar's wife.
 
The chemistry between Josiah and Amelia is explosive. Thanks to their previous meeting and correspondence after Daniel's death, there is already a connection between them. But Josiah has a secret and is unsure whether he can trust her. That worry goes by the wayside when Amelia stumbles upon that secret and shows she has the intelligence and courage to handle whatever comes her way. The intrigue and danger of Josiah's other calling added an extra layer of intensity to the story. They boosted the rapid realization of their feelings for each other. I liked the epilogue and the surprise sent to them by Mrs. Dove-Lyon.