The Making of His Marchioness - Lauri Robinson (HH #1704 - Jan 2023)

Series: Southern Belles in London (Book 2)
 
She trusted him with her life…
But what about her heart?
 
After the American Civil War propels widow Clara and her daughter to England, they're given refuge by the enigmatic Marquess of Clairmount. Being the damsel in distress doesn't come easy to independent Clara, so after finding his estate in disarray, she seizes her chance to help him. As she plays the role of marchioness, her attraction to the guarded marquess is bittersweet, as this Cinderella knows she doesn't belong in his aristocratic world…
 
Excellent second installment in the series. In the previous book, The Return of His Promised Duchess, Clara's friend Annabelle found happiness and a new life in England after fleeing the ravages of the US Civil War. At the end of that book, Annabelle and her husband ask Roger, Marquess of Clairmount, to find her friends Clara, Clara's daughter Abigail, and Suzanne and bring them to England. This book opens as they arrive in England.
 
Clara is in rough shape. She is grieving the death of her husband and the loss of their dreams and home. The ravages of their living conditions physically wear her down before they are found and swept away to safety in England. However, Clara's independent and stubborn nature is still strong, and she doesn't react well to what greets her on arrival. I wanted to shake her for being rude, but I also understood that she felt overwhelmed and out of her depth.
 
Roger was happy to help Annabelle and Drew while they were away. He planned to take Clara and the others to his country home, Clairmount, where they could stay while waiting, and he would return to London. But something about Clara drew him to her, and he wanted to spend more time with her.
 
The development of the relationship between Roger and Clara was interesting. Clara is so wrapped up in her grief for her husband that she isn't living her life. But once she is away from Virginia and the home of her grief, the outside world begins to break through the wall she's built around herself. Clara resists the feelings Roger's kindness and attention stir in her and feels guilty over what she sees as a betrayal of her husband's love. The more time she spends with him, the harder it is to deny her growing feelings for Roger. But she believes she doesn't belong in his aristocratic world and pushes him away.
 
Roger has spent most of his life firmly resisting the idea of ever getting married, the background of which is heartbreaking. But from the moment he met them, Clara and little Abigail made their way into his heart. The way he took care of Clara when she was ill and the thoughtfulness of his actions showed a different Roger than the one seen by the rest of the world. I loved the scenes with Abigail and her "Doger." His conversations with Drew as he adjusted to the changes in his views of love and marriage were fantastic. I ached for him as Clara pushed him away, and I loved how he continued to find ways to help her.
 
The ending was terrific. I loved seeing Clara finally break out of her prison of grief and realize that she could love again. Her big scene with Roger was emotional and very satisfying. I liked the epilogue and seeing the happiness that Roger and Clara have finally allowed themselves to experience.
 
I'm looking forward to reading Suzanne's story. 

The Medicine Man/Mystic Cowboy - Sarah M. Anderson (Sarah M. Anderson - Oct 2017)

Series: Men of the White Sandy (Book 1)
 
The White Sandy Reservation needs a doctor, and Madeline Mitchell needs to do a little good in the world. It seems like a perfect fit, until she meets the medicine man, Rebel Runs Fast. As far as Madeline can tell, Rebel’s sole mission is to convince her patients that modern medicine can’t help them. And the fact that he makes her heart race every time he looks at her only irritates her more.
 
Rebel swore off the white man’s world–and women–years ago. But he’s never met a woman like Dr. Mitchell. She doesn’t speak the language, understand the customs, or believe he’s anything more than a charlatan–but she stays, determined to help his people. He tries to convince himself that his tribe doesn’t need her, but when patients start getting sick with strange symptoms, he realizes that he needs her more than ever.
 
Terrific book. Madeline is a doctor on a mission - she has brought her skills to the Lakota White Sandy Reservation, committing herself to at least two years as their doctor. She gets a rude awakening when she discovers that the conditions are more primitive than she knew - a lack of supplies, irregular record keeping, and a rundown building, to name a few. She is determined to succeed, despite the interference from Rebel, the tribe's medicine man.
 
Rebel takes his responsibilities to his people seriously. After years spent running away from his heritage, he returned to the home of his heart. Raised in the traditions of the tribe by his grandfather, Rebel's connection to the land runs deep. Madeline's arrival throws him for a loop, and as much as he wants to believe the tribe doesn't need her, a rash of unexplained illnesses convinces him otherwise.
 
The first encounters between Madeline and Rebel were tense and intense. Madeline is very much a traditional doctor, relying on science and medicine to help her patients. Madeline is also the latest in a series of doctors who have come to work on the rez, most of whom don't last more than a few months, so it is an uphill battle earning their trust. Rebel is a Lakota medicine man whose methods lean more on the spiritual side and get on Madeline's wrong side when he recommends his methods over hers. Matters come to a head when her patients flat-out refuse vaccinations, and she blames Rebel. It isn't until he explains the history of Native distrust of "government assistance" that she begins to understand.
 
Underneath the antagonism between Rebel and Madeline is an intense attraction neither wants. Rebel has been burned in the past by a relationship with a white woman, and Madeline prefers to concentrate on her work. But there is no denying the pull between them, as exhibited by the river scene when Madeline chases him down at his campsite. This begins a connection between them as they grow closer in understanding each other's lives. Their chemistry builds, leaving each in a quandary about their future. Madeline is a woman whose life requires a house, while Rebel is happiest living under the stars. Each must consider the compromises they are willing to make for their desired future.
 
The subject of the mysterious illnesses plaguing the people runs throughout the book. Rebel's visions have told him this is an impending crisis, but he cannot know what it is. Madeline's attempts to progress the traditional way run into delays caused by institutional prejudice. I could feel her frustration and loved her method of getting results. When the crisis hits, it is all hands on deck as Madeline and a few others have to deal with it. The intensity was overwhelming, and I was wholly invested in the outcome. The resolution was almost anticlimactic but still very satisfying.
 
One of the things I loved most about this book was the natural inclusion of Lakota history and traditions. They were a logical part of the story, from Rebel's explanation about the vaccines to his visions to Grandfather Albert's decisions about his health. I loved getting to know various community members, such as Albert, Clarence, Tara, and Tammy, and learning about their lives and challenges. It was also a realistic look at life and conditions on a reservation, such as poverty, drugs, and alcoholism. I ached for the prejudice that someone like Rebel faced despite his success.

Kidnapping in Cameron Glen - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2189 - July 2022)

Series: Cameron Glen (Book 2)
 
Working together to save their child…
Before it's too late.
 
Jake and Emma Turner's marriage is in ruins. Their latest shouting match has driven their teenage daughter to run away from home. But when evidence surfaces that she's been kidnapped by human traffickers, the couple must set aside their conflicts to save their child. With time running out, can the pair's desperation bring them together…now and forever?
 
This was a very intense book. Jake and Emma married young and have grown apart in the intervening years. Emma misses the old feelings of teamwork, and her bitterness over that loss is expressed in increasingly angry confrontations with Jake. With memories of hard times always at the back of his mind, Jake spends longer hours at work, ensuring that his family never wants for anything, but deprives them of his presence. He tunes out Emma's complaints until she's had enough. Their argument in the book's opening pages is loud, angry, and unproductive. It is also overheard by their teenage daughter, Fenn, who has observed their actions with increasing dismay and blames herself for their problems. She runs away, believing that they will be better off without her, and ends up in a perilous situation.
 
This book shows how tragically easy it is for runaways to find themselves in situations beyond their control. Fenn's uneasiness at being watched showed she had good instincts, but they weren't enough to protect her. Fenn's fear at her situation leaped off the page and kept me turning the pages as I hoped she would be rescued quickly. The scenes with Fenn and her captors were heartbreaking in their realism.
 
Jake and Emma must put aside their differences if they are going to work together effectively to find their missing daughter. It isn't easy, and initially, they spend too much time hurling accusations at each other. I wanted to shake them both because neither was listening to the other's point of view. Their desperation to find Fenn was evident in every scene, while their issues created obstacles to true teamwork. Ultimately, they realize their love is still there and are willing to do the work to repair their marriage.
 
The story's suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish, despite some of the issues I had with its plausibility. From the get-go, Jake and Emma ignore everything law enforcement tells them to do, haring off on their investigation. I still rooted for them all the way, as their discoveries led them closer to Fenn. A couple of lucky breaks moved them along and led to them locating Fenn. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with Jake's spur-of-the-moment plan augmented by Emma creating her backup action. I loved how it ended.
 
At the same time, there are scenes from Fenn's point of view, and we see her doing her best to fight against her situation. I ached for her when they used threats against her family to force her cooperation. She never gave up hope that she would be found and didn't just sit back and wait for rescue. Her attitude did get her into some rough spots, and I suspect she'll be dealing with those memories for a long time.
 
I liked the epilogue and seeing that Jake, Emma, and Fenn get the help they need to resolve their issues. I liked seeing the family all together and moving forward in a healthier atmosphere. I liked the bit about Jake and Emma's new crusade to warn young people of the dangers of human trafficking, how to recognize it, and how to avoid it.

The Art of Catching a Duke - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1725 - June 2023)

A glimpse of the ducal heir
Behind closed doors…
 
Commissioned to paint the new heir to the Creighton dukedom, Guinevere is struck by Dev Bythesea's presence. Raised in the halls of the maharaja's palace, he's unlike anyone she's ever known, but she's not the impeccable duchess Dev requires. Yet when he asks for one of her scandalously private paintings, it takes them away from the prying eyes of the ton -- and into a world of passion that is theirs alone…
 
A good book that touches on an unusual subject for a Regency romance - the issues faced by those who don't quite fit into Society's narrow view of who belongs and who doesn't.
 
Gwen is the granddaughter of an earl and the widow of the second son of an earl. She and her husband Christophe were artists who spent most of their short marriage in Italy, where they pursued their art. When Christophe died, grief-stricken Gwen returned to England. However, once she recovered from the worst grief, she lived independently and continued pursuing her art instead of staying with her family and looking for a new husband. She has earned an excellent reputation for her portraits, which is at odds with her position as a lady, leaving most people wondering how to treat her.
 
Devlin Bythesea is the new heir to the Duke of Creighton, thanks to a series of unfortunate deaths. The son of an English father and an Indian mother, Dev spent all his life in India. Called to England because of the impending death of his uncle, Dev faces an uphill climb to gain acceptance. His aunt insists that having a traditional portrait done is the first step, followed by finding a proper English wife. But Devlin has no intention of letting his aunt pick his bride, so he hatches a plan for some insurance. One of his friends told him about the other portraits that Gwen paints, which are not for public viewing.
 
From the moment she and Dev met, Gwen felt the sparks that flowed between them. But she'd already lost one man whose death nearly destroyed her, and she refuses to marry again. Dev feels the attraction just as strongly and wants to have her in his bed, but he understands the fear that controls her. I loved their time together, as their ability to see past their public facades to the person underneath brought them closer together. I loved how Gwen listened to Dev when he talked about his life in India and understood how the two worlds made up the whole man. The descriptions of both portraits showed that she could capture that melding.
 
As the attraction between them grew stronger, Gwen fought her feelings. The idea of loving someone else after Christophe made her feel guilty and filled her with fear of losing again. She convinced herself that she and Dev could give in to their passion without muddying the waters with feelings, knowing there was an end date for their relationship. Dev realized the truth of his feelings before she did but had no idea how to convince Gwen they could have it all.
 
Matters are complicated by Dev's cousin, Bish, who is green with jealousy over Dev gaining the dukedom. He starts an insidious campaign of impugning Devlin's fitness to inherit the title. He is a sneaky little twit, taking it a step further by also turning his sights on Gwen. His actions are despicable and create some unwelcome stress for Dev. I loved how Dev found a way to spike Bish's guns, and the scene before the Heralds was fantastic. 

Unfortunately, Bish's actions did throw a wrench into Dev and Gwen's relationship, and harsh words were exchanged between them. Luckily for Dev, he received timely and helpful advice that enabled him to return to Gwen's good graces. She had had time to think and realize that having two great loves in one lifetime was possible. Dev's big scene at the end was fantastic, and the epilogue was a great look at their lives a year later.
 
One of my favorite parts of the book was Dev's relationship with his uncle. Dev's love and respect for the old duke are undeniable. I loved how Gwen got involved by visiting with Dev and sketching the older man for Dev to remember him by. He won my heart with his advice for Gwen and his belief that she and Dev belonged together. The wedding scene is intensely emotional, and the description of the portrait in the epilogue emphasizes Gwen's talent.
 
I enjoyed seeing the mention of characters from previous books and will have to go back and read the ones I missed.

Her Brand of Justice - B.J. Daniels (HI #2145 - June 2023)

Series: Colt Brothers Investigation (Book 5)
 
Exploring her hidden past may rob her of the future…
 
Ansley Brookshire's search for her birth mother takes her from the gated estate where she grew up to Lonesome, Montana. This is where she meets Buck Crawford. Determined to help, the gorgeous rancher introduces her to Colt Brothers Investigations. But someone wants the secrets surrounding her adoption to stay buried -- and they'll do anything to keep her from uncovering the truth…
 
A fantastic book that starts with a rush and never lets up. Some questions from the earlier books are answered, while new questions pop up. The story is fast-paced, with plenty of action, suspense, and a sweet romance.
 
The story opens as Ansley, who has recently discovered that she was adopted, is on her way to Lonesome to hire the Colt Brothers to help her find her birth mother. Her adoptive parents are unhappy with her quest, especially her mother. When Ansley arrives at the office, it is unlocked but empty. She spies a photo on the wall that startles her, and as she takes it down to look at it, she hears movement upstairs. She grabs the picture and runs after noticing the office has been ransacked. On the way out, she collides with Buck, then runs for her car.
 
Buck is a good friend of the Colts and grew up with them. After time in the military, then as a state patrol officer, he left the state patrol after a life-threatening injury. He's at loose ends because he is trying to figure out what he wants to do. He isn't interested in ranching with his father and brother, nor does he want to go back to law enforcement. His collision with the dark-haired beauty aroused his curiosity, especially when he learned of the ransacking. A short time later, he spots the woman in the café and stops to talk to her.
 
When he hears her story, he convinces her to return to the Colts' office and tell them what she knows. I loved his immediate feelings of protectiveness for Ansley and his suspicion that she was in more trouble than she knew. I loved how he appointed himself her bodyguard and was determined to keep her safe. I liked how they worked together to piece together what clues they had. The more time they spent together, the more the sparks of attraction between them grew. There was also a connection between them that they couldn't deny, and I loved watching them share their pasts, fears, and, eventually, hopes. Ultimately, I loved seeing Ansley find the love she had been missing all her life.
 
The action and suspense of this book kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. There were so many twists and turns that I was never sure which direction the story would go next. The connection between Ansley and the Colt brothers was a shock to all of them and opened up a plethora of questions. I loved seeing how each of the brothers used their investigative skills to find the answers to the growing number of puzzles they had to solve. 

Ansley's adoptive mother was full of unpleasant surprises. The danger to Ansley grew more intense as the pieces began to come together. I was on the edge of my seat as one attacker nearly succeeded in his aim and again as I watched Ansley face down her adoptive mother in a heart-pounding confrontation. The surprises keep coming as Ansley finally gets her wish in a scene I didn't see coming. One last twist leads into the next book, and I can't wait to see how that goes.
 
I loved seeing more of the four Colt brothers and their wives. They have much to deal with when Ansley shows up and stuns them with her quest. I liked their attitudes, and there were also some terrific scenes with Ansley and the four ladies. 

Debra's Protector - Regan Black, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - May 2023)

Series: Never Too Late for Love: Ellington Cove (Book 4)
 
Your past will find you, even on an island paradise...
 
At forty-six, Debra Wheeler is thriving in her dream job as the manager for the Ellington Cove resort in Key West. Brick by painful brick, she’s built a life she can finally be proud of.
 
But when an old acquaintance blackmails her--demanding access to the resort guests’ valuables--protecting herself means revealing her worst mistakes to the resort’s special security team.
 
Including sexy silver fox Wes Slater.
 
As the new face in town, Wes is uniquely equipped to help Debra with an undercover operation to bring down the criminals. He’s got the military and security background to handle it.
 
Even if fifty feels too damned old to pretend to be someone's boyfriend —he’s about to become a grandfather for God’s sake. But he’ll do whatever it takes to help prove the innocence of the gentle beauty he can’t get out his head.
 
When the danger turns deadly and the fake relationship turns into very real feelings, two people who thought passion had already passed them by will find it's never too late for love.
 
...if they can stay alive long enough to enjoy it.
 
Another terrific entry into the series. I love that these stories are long enough to be satisfying in action, romance, and character development but short enough to be read in one sitting. That's a good thing because once I start one of these books, I don't want to stop until I finish.
 
Wes is the new man at the Key West Ellington Cove location. He's there to learn from the security team's success and be ready to take it to another Ellington property. He's fifty years old and looking forward to this new stage in his career, especially when he meets resort manager Debra.
 
Debra is happy with her job as the Cove's manager. She has friends, a position she loves, and the occasional date. The journey hasn't been easy, but she is proud of the life she's made for herself.
 
I loved the first scenes with Wes and Debra. To learn the area and the resort, Wes has been playing chauffeur for Debra. The sparks between them are evident from the start as they are clearly intrigued by each other. I enjoyed seeing Debra invite Wes to the women's networking meeting and the pleasure she got from introducing him around. You know the way the wind is blowing when she feels a bit of jealousy at one point, even though she knows he's only in Key West for a short time.
 
Debra's pleasure in Wes's company is interrupted when she receives a mysterious note under her door during the night. Unfortunately, she's all too sure of who the message is from - a blast from the past she hoped never to hear from again. I liked that she never truly considered handling it alone or running from it. She takes it to Gabby first, who sees it for the blackmail it is, and immediately insists on involving the rest of the team.
 
I ached for Debra, who had to tell her friends about her troubled past and worried it would change how they looked at her. Of course, it didn't; all they wanted to do was help her. When evidence of a robbery at the resort is planted at her home, Wes and the others are determined to prove her innocence.
 
Wes is assigned to play the part of Debra's wealthy boyfriend and doubles as her bodyguard. I loved the interagency cooperation with the police department, the security team, and the resort owners. I felt terrible for Debra, who had to pretend she was under suspicion and worried that it would affect her work relationships. However, being suspended from her job gave her much time to spend with Wes. I loved their opportunities to do fun things and get to know each other while their attraction grew. But will anything come of it when it's time for Wes to move on?
 
I loved the suspense of the story. During the women's networking meeting, they learned that a bling ring was operating in Key West - a group of thieves that target wealthy clients at resorts and rob them of their jewelry. When Debra received that letter, she knew who was behind the ring. I was wholly invested in following the steps to protect Debra and stop the thieves. Each time we encountered Debra's enemy, it became increasingly evident that her targeting of Debra was a personal vendetta. The intensity ramped up the closer the showdown came, and I was glued to the pages when an unexpected twist put Debra in danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved seeing Debra's strength and Wes's confidence in her.
 
The ending was fantastic. I especially loved the epilogue and seeing what is in store for Wes and Debra. It was wonderful to see that the resort owners appreciated her loyalty and talents and treated her accordingly. I also loved Wes's surprise for Debra on their arrival back in Key West. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Wyoming Mountain Murder - Juno Rushdan (HI #2148 - June 2023)

Series: Cowboy State Lawmen (Book 4)
 
His only link to a killer
Is a stranger with secrets…
 
When self-defense trainer Charlie Sharp is nearly killed by an explosion, Wyoming detective Brian Bradshaw finds himself with a murder investigation on his hands. And worse, it involves one of his own. Now bodies are turning up, and Brian suspects Charlie knows more than she's telling. Trusting each other is hard enough. But knowing her secrets might be more danger than he bargained for…
 
A fantastic, fast-paced, and action-filled book I read in one sitting. Charlie owns USD (Underground Self Defense), a gym that teaches self-defense to women. Charlie also has a lesser-known activity of helping women escape their abusers. It is a cause near and dear to her heart for heartbreaking reasons, and those reasons left her with a deep-seated distrust of cops.
 
As the book opens, Charlie gets a call from one of her clients, Haley, who says her cop husband, Seth, is going to kill her. Charlie races to Haley's rescue, only to find the kitchen spattered with blood and no sign of Haley. No sooner does Charlie leave the home to search for Haley than the house explodes. She escapes before the fire department arrives and asks her ATF agent cousin, Rocco, for help. Rocco is tied up with work and sends his friend Detective Brian Bradshaw to her, warning him about Charlie's attitude.
 
Brian first met Charlie a year earlier and was immediately taken by her beauty and feistiness. Unfortunately for him, Charlie won't give him the time of day, no matter how hard he tries. So, when Rocco asks Brian for help, he can't say yes fast enough. But nothing prepares him for what she has to say.
 
Charlie remembers Brian very well. He's the only man who has stirred her emotions in years, but trusting him doesn't come easily. She isn't happy to see him show up at her house, but she realizes she needs the help. There are some tense moments when Brian learns that a fellow officer is the suspected murderer, but when someone shoots at her house, he is determined to keep her safe. Brian is very protective of Charlie, but she isn't someone who can sit back and let him do it all. Because of her trust issues, she isn't exactly upfront about her plans and gets into some risky situations. The deeper they get into their investigation, the more complicated it becomes. There were unexpected twists, players who weren't what they seemed, and a final confrontation that could have easily gone sideways.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Charlie and Brian. Because of his feelings for her, Brian does an excellent job of not pushing too hard and lets his actions speak for themselves. I loved seeing him let her barbs roll off his back because he knew he had the patience to wait for her to trust him. I knew he was getting closer when she shared her past with him. Their chemistry was intense, and here again, Brian practiced patience, waiting for Charlie to be ready for more than a fling. However, they have to survive to have the relationship he wants. I loved the ending and Brian's surprise for her.

A Taste of Home - Anna James (HSE #2988 - June 2023)

Series: Sisterhood of Chocolate & Wine (Book 1)
 
She could make it on her own…

but a table for two is so much sweeter!
 
Leaving Paris -- and her cheating fiancé -- to return to her picturesque coastal town was the best move Layla Williams ever made. The chef and restaurateur has proven herself by transforming her longtime family bistro into an upscale French eatery. But now her legacy is in trouble. Help comes from an unexpected source: the boy Layla left behind. Wall Street wizard turned EMT Shane Kavanaugh could turn Layla's homecoming into another chance for them both. If they're ready to put their hearts on the line.
 
This was a sweet second chance story. Layla returned to the small town of New Suffolk after her relationship and job in Paris fell apart. She took over her grandparents' restaurant and turned it into the upscale French restaurant she'd always dreamed of. As the story opens, she discovers that her dream is in financial trouble, and she has no idea what to do. Then she gets an offer of help from Shane, her schoolgirl summer crush.
 
Shane left his successful Wall Street job and returned to his hometown to pursue his dream of becoming a paramedic. He's surprised to run into Layla, the girl he had a crush on when he was younger and who broke his teenage heart.
 
I liked Shane. He has a big heart that wants to help people. His time on Wall Street was spent assisting businesses to turn around when they were in trouble. When he began to bun out on that job, he realized it was time to follow his original dream. Instead of starting over to become a doctor, he focused on becoming a paramedic in his hometown. The downside was that his wife wasn't interested in that lifestyle. Shane realized she'd never loved him, just what he could give her, so they divorced and went their separate ways. However, it left Shane with a mistrust of women, especially rich ones.
 
I had a hard time warming up to Layla initially, but that changed as the book continued. She came home and turned her grandparents' popular restaurant into a fancy French restaurant, then wondered why it wasn't doing as well as she wanted. She seemed more focused on trying to prove something to her ex-fiancé than paying attention to what her customers were interested in. Her experiences with Antoine made her reluctant to trust any man.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Shane and Layla develop. Both remember their teenage feelings and are surprised to discover they've carried over to the present. Neither is happy about it and try to resist, with their recent romantic disasters coloring their thoughts. They find themselves working together on the emergency services gala, and things begin to change. I liked Shane's desire to help Layla when he found out about her troubles with the restaurant. Layla has a little difficulty accepting Shane's advice but realizes its validity.
 
This begins the slow burn of their developing relationship. The time they initially spend together gives them a chance to become friends and see that first impressions aren't always accurate. Underneath that friendship was a simmering attraction that continued to grow, and I enjoyed watching that friendship become more. They have some terrific scenes together, from painting to bowling to steamier activities. However, both still have their insecurities, and when Layla's past comes calling, she and Shane must face their pasts. Both get a little outside help to see the truth of their feelings and get the courage to do something about them. I loved the emotional ending, and the epilogue was terrific.
 
I enjoyed the restaurant setting and seeing some of the behind-the-scenes activities. I could feel Layla's early frustration as she fought to keep her dream alive, especially as some of the changes took on lives of their own. I liked her epiphany at the end and the difference it made to her plans.

Malice at the Marina - Carol Ericson (HI #2122 - Jan 2023)

Series: Lost Girls (Book 4)

 

He wants his missing sister back.

She needs her escaped witness.

 

All the years Detective Billy Crouch has searched for his missing sister, she's been in witness protection. Now she's fled…with criminals in pursuit. And US marshal Mia Romano must locate her before it's too late. Joining forces, Mia's focused on recovering her witness, while Billy just wants to keep both women safe. But the searing attraction he and Mia share may prove to be a distraction they can't afford.

 

Terrific book. Billy "Cool Breeze" Crouch has been a secondary character in the previous series, Kyra and Jake Investigation, and this series, Lost Girls, as Jake McAllister's partner. Billy comes across as a playboy, is known as a sharp dresser, and can be amusing to be around. He is an excellent detective with the LAPD, and for five years, he has also searched for his missing sister, Sabrina. Then he gets a hint that his sister is alive, and it's off to the races! Billy will take any chance to find his sister. Is there a connection to the beautiful woman he keeps running into?

 

Mia Romano is a US Marshal looking for the witness who walked away from protective custody. Mia has a good idea where she's headed and needs to catch up with her before the criminals pursuing her do.  She figures her best bet is to keep an eye on her witness's brother. But when he falls for a red herring, Mia breaks cover to keep him out of trouble.

 

I loved seeing Billy and Mia together. Their partnership was rough until Billy realized that Mia had a better handle on what was happening and a clearer vision. Though he is an experienced detective, his personal involvement interferes with his usual ability to think objectively. When he stopped thinking like a brother, he and Mia meshed well. The nonstop action and suspense kept me glued to the pages as they dealt with the danger they faced, and the need to find Sabrina intensified. The ending was a nail-biter with a surprising resolution.

 

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Mia and Billy develop. Their chemistry was immediate and intense - not just the attraction but also the connection that drew them together. I loved that Mia understood Billy's feelings about Sabrina and her situation and didn't try to cut him out of the investigation. Billy's respect for Mia's abilities and willingness to listen to her was also a plus for their relationship. Seeing "Cool Breeze" flustered by his attraction to her was fun.

 

I loved the epilogue. There is the sense that everything is working out for Billy and Mia, and we get a glimpse of Mia with Billy's sons. There is a fun interchange with Jake, who is back from his honeymoon with Kyra, and whose wedding opened the book. I laughed out loud at seeing Sabrina with her nephews and then at Billy's reaction to her upcoming date with one of his coworkers.

Lady Amelia's Scandalous Secret - Eva Shepherd (HH #1728 - June 2023)

Series: Rebellious Young Ladies (Book 1)
 
Her rival in business…
Her suitor in Society!
 
When debutante Lady Amelia Lambourne is presented to self-made entrepreneur Leo Devenish at a Society dinner, he has no idea she has a scandalous secret: she runs a magazine for women! He might be charismatic and handsome, but she knows he's keen to take over her magazine. So she permits him to court her -- but only to keep her enemy as close as possible…
 
Good enemies-to-lovers story. Amelia is the daughter of an earl who doesn't believe in education for women (and barely for men). She has always had an inquisitive mind, and after catching her studying Greek with his sons' tutor, the earl sent her off to finishing school to learn proper ladylike behavior. There she met three other young ladies of similar mindsets, and they became fast friends. They still meet regularly, and her friends are the ones who encourage Amelia to start her magazine, The Ladies' Enquirer. After borrowing some money from her aunt, Amelia began the magazine targeted toward women like herself who are not interested in fashion and gossip but in real issues. Unfortunately, the magazine is not doing as well as she would like, and she needs more funds to make the improvements she wants. Her father is no help, and no bank will give her a loan.
 
It doesn't help that her father is determined to marry her off as soon as possible and constantly pushes her toward "eligible" suitors such as the "Vacuous Viscounts." Amelia has no interest in marriage to anyone. When he drags her to a dinner at the home of Leo Devenish, he intends for her to impress the other nobles at the dinner. Instead, she gets into a discussion of women's rights that results in laughing disdain by most of those present. Leo is the only one who stands up for her, but even he is dismissive of women's abilities.
 
Leo is the son of a blacksmith and was provided an education as part of a cruel bet. However, he parlayed that education into a media empire and great wealth. He has a reputation as a cold-blooded businessman who scoops up troubled publications and makes them his own. Amelia is dismayed to hear him disparage her magazine and, without giving herself away, asks what he would do to improve it. Though she doesn't like his advice (add a gossip column), when she witnesses the end of his relationship with his mistress, she writes that column about him. Stunned by its success, she soon writes another, and that's where the trouble begins.
 
Amelia is intelligent but also a bit naïve. When another encounter with Leo results in a chaste but moving kiss, she writes about it, though she uses no names. Leo is infuriated by the column he sees as damaging a lady's reputation and immediately apologizes to Amelia. When she goads him into another, more potent, kiss, Amelia's father catches them. He insists that they marry, and Leo agrees. Meanwhile, Amelia is caught in a web of her own making. She knows Leo has no interest in marriage either and plans to find a way out of the engagement before the wedding.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Leo and Amelia develop. They spend time together "courting," and each discovers more to the other than suspected. Amelia found that she and Leo have far more in common than she knew, and the more time she spends with him, the stronger her feelings for him grow. But she feels guilty for her part in their situation and is determined to find a way to release him without causing harm to anyone else.
 
My heart broke for Leo as each part of his past was revealed, from the abuse he endured at school to his treatment at the hands of the woman he loved. The more he gets to know Amelia, the more he admires her, and the greater his attraction to her grows. I loved Amelia's visit to his parents and its impact on him. Having been burned once, he resists the idea that he might be falling for Amelia, but all too soon must admit the truth.
 
I ached for Amelia as she realized she would be happy to marry Leo if they were marrying for love, but she couldn't stand the idea of a loveless union. When she can return her aunt's money to her, Amelia knows it is time to come clean with Leo. I ached for both during that confrontation, as Leo felt duped and betrayed and reacted with anger. There were some heartfelt scenes with Leo and his parents as he nursed his broken heart and received timely advice. Meanwhile, Amelia's friends and aunt give her sympathy and advice. They can see the truth that Amelia and Leo belong together. I loved the bit of deception that Amelia's aunt carried out to get the two together. Leo was adorable in his awkwardness as he tried to express his feelings. The ending was terrific.
 
I liked seeing both Leo and Amelia overcome the prejudices of their time to find happiness together. The changes in Leo were wonderful, especially when it came to his relationship with his parents. I enjoyed Amelia's dedication to providing intelligent reading material to women like herself and how that dedication affected Leo. I hope to see more of them in the following books of the series.

French Quarter Fatale - Joanna Wayne (HI #2131 - Feb 2023)

Her return to the Big Easy
Makes her a target
 
A year after her famous mother disappeared during Mardi Gras, Josette Guillory is back on Bourbon Street. She's looking for answers, even if that means putting herself at risk. Law enforcement failed her, which is why she pushes FBI Agent Keenan Carter away -- until their mutual attraction makes her pull him close. She trusts him with her life, but that doesn't mean she trusts him with her heart…
 
A fast-paced book spanning a mere five days that kept me intrigued from start to finish. Josette hasn't returned to New Orleans since her mother disappeared during Mardi Gras the previous year. Now she's headed for her best friend's wedding, with a side of looking for answers.
 
Keenan is an FBI agent on medical leave after being injured. He is the best man at the wedding where Josette is the maid of honor. He first noticed her on the flight to New Orleans, though his attempt at flirting didn't get him very far. It was when they arrived that they learned of their connection.
 
I loved the scenes with Josette, Addison (the bride), and the other bridesmaids. Friends during college, they are still close, and I enjoyed their light-hearted reminisces. The wedding preparation scenes in popular New Orleans locations were terrific, especially with the added excitement of Mardi Gras. I liked that the reason Josette was there was nicely balanced with the mystery.
 
Almost as soon as Josette arrives in New Orleans, rumors circulate that the missing Isadora will stage a triumphal return. The local detective, Max, knows nothing about it and cautions Josette not to get her hopes up. When someone has been missing that long, the outcome is rarely good.
 
Meanwhile, Josette tries to contact her father, Antoine, a shrimper on a nearby bayou. She's disturbed by his refusal to see her and more so by the news he shares with her. Max offers to go with her as moral support when she plans to visit him. Their trip to Alligator Cove raises more questions than answers. Mixed in among wedding activities, Josette and Keenan put their minds to finding out what Antoine is hiding, and when they do, why it doesn't make sense. 

The stakes go up when a woman's body is found floating in the bayou, and Keenan and Josette run into danger while searching a deserted cabin. The final confrontation is a nail-biter but leaves one central question unanswered. Because of the length of time elapsed, the why of the explanation was no surprise when the resolution came. After all was said and done, it was a bit anti-climactic, but I still enjoyed it.
 
I loved seeing the relationship between Keenan and Josette develop. The sparks of attraction were there from the moment they met, but doing anything about them didn't seem like a good idea. After the wedding, Keenan would return to DC, and his job with the FBI, and Josette would return to Nashville and her successful career as a fashion designer. But Keenan's protective instincts were aroused and second only to his desire to spend as much time as possible with Josette. 

After a year of dealing with various law enforcement types, Josette isn't inclined to trust Keenan initially, but it isn't long before he wins her over. I loved how Keenan was there to support her however she needed it. Over the time they spent together, their attraction continued to grow, leading to some very intense kisses and an unexpected deepening of the feelings growing between them. While the danger they experienced made them realize they didn't want to be apart, they still needed to figure out how to make it happen.

On the Run with His Bodyguard - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2233 - June 2023)

Series: Sierra's Web (Book 7)
 
A husband-and-wife disguise…
His only hope for survival.
 
Only Sierra's Web can prove Joe Hamilton's innocence and keep him safe. But wrongly accused Joe never expected his hired protection to be a stunning redheaded spitfire -- posing as his wife on a cross-country camper vacation! Burning even hotter than the electricity between Joe and bodyguard McKenna Meredith is the danger at every turn…unless Sierra's Web can exonerate Joe before his enemies find him. 
 
Terrific book that kept me engaged from start to finish. The story is fast-paced and intriguing. I loved Joe's unwavering insistence that he was innocent and willing to do whatever was necessary to prove it.
 
Joe was the CFO of a large software company when accusations of fraud cost the company millions of dollars in losses. He was tried but found not guilty (not innocent) because the prosecution couldn't prove that he was responsible. Investors lost vast amounts of money, and Joe has received threats since his release. He hires Sierra's Web to find the evidence that will prove his innocence and accepts their insistence that he take a bodyguard to keep him safe.
 
McKenna has been working as a bodyguard for years. Her appearance is deceptive, which has proved advantageous in the past - I loved the story of her "interview" with the head of Sierra's Web. She is focused and determined. Their cover is that they are a married couple sightseeing by RV.
 
The first meeting between Joe and McKenna is awkward. He is initially skeptical of her qualifications, and McKenna has a long-standing dislike of wealthy people whose sole focus is on making more money. She is familiar with his story and doesn't believe he is innocent, though she swears that won't keep her from doing her job. There is a power struggle between them until they work out their differences. I liked that Joe trusted her capabilities and agreed to follow her lead.
 
There is tension between Joe and McKenna from the start. Some of it is the question of guilt vs. innocence, and more of it is the simmering attraction that neither wants to admit. Despite the accusations against him, Joe is honorable and will never make uninvited advances toward her. Forced into 24/7 proximity and struggling to stay ahead of those chasing Joe, McKenna's determined distancing from Joe doesn't last long. I liked seeing them get to know each other better as little bits of their backstories emerged. We learn why McKenna has such a problem with rich people and why Joe is so focused on accumulating wealth.
 
Their attraction continues to grow, accelerated by the occasional need to get physically close. Because of their differing lifestyles and outlooks starting something could only end in heartbreak. But when the case is over, will they be able to go their separate ways without regret?
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. Joe has been trying to figure out who set him up on his own and has accumulated an impressive amount of meticulously organized information. Even though he gives the information to the people at Sierra's Web, he ponders the problem himself. It becomes evident that someone out there doesn't want him unearthing the truth, and the efforts to find him are intense. It seems they can barely keep one step ahead of their pursuers, leading them to believe there may be a leak somewhere. I loved McKenna's solution of a safe place to go and laughed out loud at her surprise over his method of "hiding." When the final confrontation came, I wasn't shocked at who it was, but I was surprised by the level of their hands-on involvement. I liked how it went down - go, McKenna! - and that Joe was part of it, too.
 
I loved the ending and the changes that Joe and McKenna experienced during their time together. I hope they show up in later books, as I'd love to see how their lives turn out.
 
I enjoyed the connection between this book and the author's Shelter Valley series. It's always lovely to catch up on the lives of past characters.

Second Chance Hawaiian Honeymoon - Cara Colter (HR #4857 - June 2022)

Series: Blossom and Bliss Weddings (Book 1)
 
A wedding on the rocks
Healed in Hawaii?
 
After despairingly fleeing her wedding to billionaire Joe, Blossom goes on their honeymoon alone to reconsider their relationship. Only, Joe has the same idea, and they wind up there together! This unexpected reunion forces them to face what they were running from, and they start to enjoy too many sleepless nights. Maybe a honeymoon before saying “I do” is the second chance they never saw coming?
 
Good second chance love story set on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. Blossom calls off her wedding to billionaire Joe two weeks before the event. Brokenhearted, she heads to Hawaii and the house where they would have had their honeymoon. She needs to clear her head and figure out her future, and she can't do it back in Vancouver, where memories surround her. She is only there for a couple of hours when she thinks she hears an intruder, only to discover that Joe had the same idea. How can they get over their breakup while living in the same house?
 
Honestly, I spent the first part of the book disliking Blossom. Her freak-out at their lunch together was uncalled for, and she never let poor Joe get a word in edgewise before storming out. Even her sister accused her of being a bridezilla. Even worse, she was a complete fraud. She did everything she could to become the person she thought suited Joe best rather than being herself. She went along with anything he wanted without expressing her opinions or desires and dressed like her more fashionable sister. That started with Bliss telling her she needed to dress better to be around him, but the rest was all Blossom.
 
I liked Joe. He had his faults, but at heart, he was a nice guy. He enjoyed showing Blossom a good time and didn't have to worry about its cost. Right before his lunch with Blossom, Joe learned some devastating news, so he was in no shape to deal with her theatrics. I ached for him and the confusion and heartache he felt.
 
The worst part was they were still in love with each other. Blossom had called things off solely because of her perceptions and insecurities but blamed it all on Joe. She realizes she was likely wrong but is too stubborn and certain that it is too late to do anything about it. Between Joe's heartbreak and his fears regarding his father, he isn't sure whether he should try to talk to Blossom.
 
Things began to look up when they ended up in their honeymoon location together. After a rough start, they began to spend time together. Now that the wedding is off, Blossom starts showing the real her in her interactions with Joe. There had been glimpses of that Blossom when they were together, and that was the woman Joe fell in love with. I liked the bargain they made about spending time together. It was fun to see billionaire Joe shopping in a discount store with Blossom and the eye-opening experience it was for him. I was happy to see them finally talking to each other and realizing the mistakes they made in the past. There were plenty of sweet scenes of them together around the island.
 
But there was one secret Joe kept from Blossom, and when it came out, it destroyed Blossom's hard-won trust. I understood Joe's reasons for doing it and Blossom's determination not to let him. It takes some soul-searching by both to realize the truth of what they want and need. I loved Joe's big moment, which was incredibly emotional and exactly what Blossom needed to hear. His gift to her was the icing on the cake and showed how well he's come to know her. The ending was terrific and provided a hint of what is to come in Bliss's story.
 
I loved the setting of the Big Island and the lush descriptions of the places Blossom and Joe visited. My favorite was the swim with the mantas and its effect on Joe and Blossom. The descriptions brought back memories of my visit there many years ago.

The Return of His Promised Duchess - Lauri Robinson (HH #2072 - June 2022)

Series: Southern Belles in London (Book 1)
 
The duke's Southern belle…
Causing a stir in society!
 
Committed bachelor Andrew, Duke of Mansfield, is content to believe the lady he's been betrothed to since childhood will never return. But when the American Civil War drives Annabelle from her life in Virginia to England, Andrew finds himself reluctantly captivated by her! Luckily, she is as unwilling to wed as he is -- yet when inhibitions are lowered at a masked ball, Andrew's intrigued to know the real Annabelle…
 
Terrific story of an American Southern belle and an English duke who discover they have more in common than either would have believed.
 
The story opens as Virginian Annabelle is put on a ship bound for England and her maternal grandfather by her stepfather, who wants to keep her safe from the US Civil War. She is furious and determined to return as soon as she can. During the voyage, she reads her mother's diary and discovers that she is not the daughter of a merchant and that her father was a duke. The things she reads reinforce her determination never to marry a nobleman. It comes as a shock when she arrives in England and finds out that she was betrothed to the Duke of Mansfield as a child. Her grandfather is a terrible man who plans to prove that Annabelle is a fraud to keep control of her inheritance. He immediately sends her to Mansfield to keep anyone from knowing she is there.
 
Andrew, Duke of Mansfield, has known of the betrothal for years. But since his fiancée has been missing for twenty years, he doesn't expect her to return. As a committed bachelor, he has no desire to marry. He's shocked when he finds out she is on her way to England, especially when she shows up on his doorstep.
 
I enjoyed the first meeting between Drew and Annabelle. It was an impromptu meeting as he found her hiding in the stable. I liked their conversation and seeing Drew utterly charmed by Annabelle. They continued their conversation over breakfast. Drew found Annabelle's honesty refreshing, if a bit naïve, as she explained her intention to return to America. I liked their discussion of why he doesn't want to marry her and their mutual relief that they are on the same page. Unfortunately for Drew, he is sure she is Lady Annabelle, and they will therefore be required to marry.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Drew and Annabelle. Because they share the reluctance to marry, it is easier for them to be themselves around each other. Annabelle is honest about her dislike of the British peerage system and how they treat those they see as beneath them. She is pleasantly surprised to find that Drew agrees with her and makes the welfare of his workers one of his top priorities. Drew is impressed by Annabelle's kindness to everyone, especially how she jumps in to help when Gunnar's wife is in labor. It isn't long before each realizes their feelings are growing, but neither wants to admit it.
 
I liked seeing Drew, Annabelle, and Drew's friend Roger conspire to foil her grandfather's intentions. Hosting a house party at Mansfield enables society members to get to know Miss Annabelle Smith without giving away her connection to the earl. It does, however, pave the way for when her true identity is revealed, making it harder for him to declare her a fraud. Her grandfather isn't going to take the potential loss of income easily and sets up an "accident" that puts Drew's life in danger. I loved seeing Annabelle take control of the situation as only she could and bring the perfect resolution. All that remained was for her and Drew to finally admit their feelings for each other and plan their future together.
 
There were some tense moments when Annabelle received word that her hometown had been burned and her stepfather was missing. I loved Drew's determination to help her discover what happened to him. I loved the ending and seeing how everything turned out.

I liked Drew's friend Roger and would love to see him get his own story. He needs shaking up.

Cameron Mountain Rescue - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2232 - June 2023)

Series: Cameron Glen (Book 3)
 
In a serial killer's sights
And nowhere to hide…
 
During a rescue mission, firefighter Brody Cameron and nurse Anya Patel are trapped by a landslide in a murderer's remote mountain lair. The pair struggle to escape and, in so doing, uncover a killer's long brutal history. Unexpected freedom gives them a second chance, but was their intense attraction just a reaction to shared captivity -- or did the experience put them in even greater danger? As Anya becomes the murderer's next target, Brody tries to keep her safe…but he might just be too late.
 
Very good book with family, romance, and intense suspense, concluding with nail-biting action. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the North Carolina mountain setting and the glimpse of its Scottish heritage. The characters were relatable and easy to like.
 
Brody is the oldest of the Cameron siblings and is close to all of his family. The book opens with him taking his four-year-old niece and younger brother fishing. Lexi has her uncle Brody wrapped around her little finger, and it was sweet to see them together. However, when Lexi and a big fish tangle, she nearly drowns, and only Brody's quick actions save her. Unfortunately, he is injured and winds up in the ER, where he becomes enamored with nurse Anya Patel. The scene is amusing for Anya and eventually a bit embarrassing for Brody.
 
Months later, he hasn't forgotten the pretty nurse, so he is pleasantly surprised to find her on his search-and-rescue team when they are called out to look for a missing hiker. The search turns deadly when someone starts shooting at the rescuers who have spotted an isolated cabin. There they find the missing hiker, but as they try to escape, several explosions cause landslides that trap Brody and Anya in the cabin's cellar.
 
Most of the book is spent with Brody and Anya trapped in that cellar, praying for rescue and trying to stay alive. I liked seeing them get to know each other, sharing things they likely wouldn't have under different circumstances. Unsurprisingly, sparks of attraction flared under the stressful conditions after they survived an attempt by the cabin's owner to silence them. It's easy to see that Brody and Anya are developing strong feelings for each other. However, Brody's attempts to express his feelings are awkward and easily misunderstood. Anya, whose last relationship ended badly, hesitates to trust her judgment regarding Brody, her feelings for him, and his feelings for her. When they finally are rescued, a little backpedaling happens as each wonders if their feelings are real or a product of their circumstances.
 
I ached for Brody and Anya as they wondered about the other's feelings. Sometimes I wanted to shake them or stuff them back in that cellar until they actually talked to each other. There is a terrific scene where Anya has dinner with Brody's family after their rescue. I adored his grandmother and her practical wisdom and its effect on Anya. I liked seeing Brody's sister take him to task for his actions - or lack thereof, and I liked his grandmother's attitude even more. Meanwhile, Anya is heartbroken at Brody's distancing and feels her judgment was wrong again. I liked seeing her friend Chloe encourage her to confront him. But trouble comes before they can get together, and it's only then that each realizes the depth of their feelings. The ending was terrific and worth the wait.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. The prologue with the killer sets the scene for the search party and what happens to them. The tension when the first shots are fired at the rescuers goes through the roof when Brody and Anya spot the cabin. Their instincts tell them that there is a good chance that's where they'll find their missing hiker. The rescue scene, the explosions, and the landslide kept me wondering what would happen next. 

The creepy factor went way up with Brody and Anya's discoveries in that cellar. Frequent scenes from the killer's point of view added to the worry for Brody and Anya's safety after their rescue. Anya's instincts were spot-on, and I was glued to the pages waiting for the killer to make his move. After tangling with the killer, Brody stretched the bonds of believability a little with his actions, but I rolled with it. I was more disgusted with what he didn't do (contact the police first!). The final confrontation was a nail-biter, again with some stupid mistakes, but all's well that ends well.

Detecting a Killer - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2220 - Mar 2023)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 47)
 
Finding a serial killer is their priority…
Working together is their challenge.
 
Detective Cassandra Cavanaugh is in New York to assist in a cold case. A long-lost cousin's body has been unearthed, the possible victim of a serial killer. While NYPD Detective Danny Doyle resents her intrusion in his case, his attraction to the feisty California cop is undeniable. But focused on their pursuit, they're unaware they're being shadowed by the killer…
 
Good book as another Cavanaugh disrupts the life of an unsuspecting fellow officer. This one is a little different because Cassandra Cavanaugh is the outsider here. The story opens as the senior Cavanaughs learn that the remains of a long-lost cousin have been found in New York City, possibly the victim of a serial killer. There is no question that the remains should be returned to California and laid to rest in the family plot, but that can't happen until the killer is caught. The Aurora PD offers two of its detectives to the NYPD to help with the investigation, and Cass and her cousin Travis are selected to go.
 
Detective Danny Doyle of the NYPD is unhappy to have a couple of California cops thrust into his investigation. He doesn't have time to babysit a pair of detectives from the land of surfers and celebrities, who likely don't have the same drive he does. He's stunned to find Cass and Travis at the station when he arrives in the morning (though Travis is off having breakfast with another officer). Cass's beauty throws him for a loop, and her positive attitude confuses him.
 
The working relationship between Danny and Cass gets off to a rocky start. Danny is just shy of rude in his interactions with Cass because of her effect on him. He sets her and Travis to reading the files "to get caught up" and then leaves them to it. When he returns hours later, he expects them to have quit for the day and is stunned to find both still hard at work. Not only that, Cass may have spotted a connection among the victims.
 
Danny doesn't take long to realize that Cass is very good at what she does. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other, from sharing dinners to sightseeing. I liked their teamwork and how their differing styles mesh to form a successful partnership. Complicating that partnership is the chemistry that sparks between them. Those sparks don't take long to burst into flame, heating their nights. But what will happen when the case is over and it's time for Cass to go back to California?
 
The suspense of the story was good. The discovery of the first set of remains provided more questions than answers. I liked that it was Cass, looking at the pictures of the victims who had been identified, who suspected the connection between the victims. I wasn't surprised that Cass leaned on her cousin Valri, back in California, to dig up the information on their cousin that helped put them on the right track, but it had to frost the NYPD folks a little that she didn't go through them. But, Cavanaughs tend to depend on each other. As connections became more apparent, the team began to close the gap between them and the killer. It took them a while to realize that the killer was closer than expected. The final confrontation was short but intense.
 
I loved the ending and seeing that neither Danny nor Cass was ready to end their relationship. Danny's decision didn't come as much of a surprise. I wish there had been an epilogue because I would have loved to see Danny's introduction to the entire clan at one of Andrew's parties.