Targeted in Silver Creek - Delores Fossen (HI #2151 - July 2023)

Series: Silver Creek Lawmen: Second Generation (Book 1)
 
For one Texas lawman
Catching a killer never mattered so much…
 
Silver Creek lawman Jesse Ryland is not about to let history repeat itself. Although his ex, Hanna Kendrick, survived the shooting that nearly killed her and her unborn child, he knows it also stole all memories of the night they shared. As Hanna continues to be a target, Jesse will do anything to protect her and their baby boy. Because this time, Jesse is playing for keeps.
 
Terrific start to the new series. Bonus points, too, for this being a next-generation series. I love seeing the characters from the first series (Grayson is ready to retire!) and catching up with their lives. It's great to see their kids continue the law enforcement family tradition.
 
Jesse is the adopted son of Boone Ryland and has been a deputy with the Silver Creek Sheriff's Department for eight years. The newest challenge for the department is apprehending escaped prisoner Bull Freeman, murderer and member of a terrorist militia. This manhunt is personal for Jesse because Bull shot Jesse's ex and nearly killed her and their unborn son. Hanna survived, but her memories of the time before the shooting are gone - including her night with Jesse. Jesse spends as much time as Hanna will allow with their son and hopes she will eventually see him as more than Evan's father.
 
Hanna is a strong woman, independent and self-sufficient. She walks a careful line between her body's memories of Jesse and the fact that she no longer knows him. Part of the problem is that her mother has a grudge against the Rylands and does her best to poison Hanna's mind against him. But Hanna's instincts tell her she can trust him, which is a good thing when she learns of Bull's escape. Jesse moves into her house to provide around-the-clock protection until Bull is recaptured.
 
The suspense of the story is outstanding and full of twists. Someone is out to get Hanna, and suspicion immediately falls on Bull, who supposedly wants to ensure Hanna never remembers what happened that day. Matters take an unexpected turn when Bull contacts Jesse to tell him they all are in danger, and he's about to blow the militia case wide open. Can Bull's bombshell declaration be trusted? As Jesse, Hanna, and Evan hole up in Hanna's house, with plenty of backup from the rest of the department and Jesse's family, steadily intensifying attacks bring other suspects to light. Is the ATF agent, Shaw, on the up and up, or does he have a hidden agenda? Is Bull's sister, Marlene, an innocent victim, or does she know more than she's telling? Even Hanna's mom acts suspiciously.
 
I was glued to the pages from start to finish as I tried to decide who the real bad guy was. The author does an outstanding job of providing logical motivations and actions and enough doubt to keep me guessing to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me on the edge of my seat as Jesse and Hanna faced off with the person pulling the strings of the militia. The showdown was intense, and the teamwork of Jesse, Hanna, and the other law enforcement ensured a successful outcome.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Jesse and Hanna develop. We learn early on that their night together was supposed to be a one-and-done, as neither was interested in anything permanent. But a birth control failure resulted in Hanna becoming pregnant. Despite interference from her mother, Hanna keeps Jesse in the loop about her pregnancy. Hanna was in the wrong place at the wrong time, resulting in her injury and subsequent memory loss. That loss has made Hanna wary, but watching Jesse interact with Evan convinces her he is a good man. While Jesse has clearly fallen in love with Hanna, she continues to keep him at arm's length. Jesse doesn't realize that Hanna's attraction to him continues to grow, though she is hesitant to do anything about it. Because they are forced into 24/7 togetherness, Hanna can work through the fears that hold her back. I especially enjoyed the flashes of returning memory and their effect on her feelings for Jesse. I loved the ending and seeing them find their way together at last.
 
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, getting to know more of this generation of Rylands, and seeing more of the original ones.

Her Secret Billionaire - Yahrah St. John (HD #2954 - July 2023)

Series: Six Gems (Book 2)
 
He didn't remember his identity or his past, but he was everything her body craved
 
Chef Egypt Cox is flattered when a handsome stranger raves about her restaurant. But before their sizzling attraction can ignite, he's attacked -- and left with amnesia! Egypt still doesn't know who Garrett is, but their chemistry is off the charts…as are the nights he spends in her bed. But when Egypt discovers her mystery lover is none other than corporate shark Garrett Forrester -- and his secrets may threaten their newfound connection...
 
Good book. This is the second in the series, but there was enough backstory given that I didn't feel lost. Egypt received an unexpected inheritance a year earlier and used that money to jump-start her dream of owning her own restaurant. Flame has been open for several months and is doing well. Relationships are on the back burner after a breakup caused Egypt to distrust all men and doubt her judgment. One night a man comes into the restaurant that changes everything.
 
Garrett is his family business's CEO and has a ruthless reputation. As the book opens, he's arguing with his father over a piece of property left to him by his grandfather. Garrett has fond memories of the farm and his time with his grandfather. His father wants him to sell it, and Garrett refuses. Frustrated with his dad, Garrett decides to visit the farm and review the books, hoping to revitalize it. On the way, he stops by a new restaurant recommended by a friend.
 
I loved the first meeting between Egypt and Garrett. The sparks between them are immediately apparent, but Egypt turns down Garrett's first request for a date. Not to be deterred, Garrett sticks around until closing and asks again, and Egypt gives in. But as Garrett leaves the restaurant, he is attacked and spends two months in a coma in the hospital. Egypt is undeniably drawn to him and visits every day. She's there when he wakes up, only to discover that he can only remember her!
 
I ached for Garrett and the confusion he felt. A vague memory of a farm and the muscle memory of a phone number puts him in touch with the foreman of the property. This is where things go a little off the rails. Kent tells Garrett he's an orphan, raised by his grandfather, and that the farm is in trouble. He goes there when he leaves the hospital, but something feels wrong. However, he puts his mind toward saving the farm, giving him something productive to do while waiting for his memory to return.
 
Meanwhile, Garrett doesn't back off of his fascination with Egypt. She is initially wary of getting involved with him, but he slowly wins her over. I enjoyed watching them spend time together. Garrett is very supportive of Egypt, and his attention goes a long way toward repairing the belief in herself that her previous boyfriend had damaged. Egypt is just as supportive of Garrett as he rebuilds the farm and his life. Some terrific scenes of them together show how right they are for each other.
 
But as Garrett experiences a few flashes of memory, he suspects his previous self was not a nice person. I could feel the tension mount as more things started coming together for him. Unfortunately, Garrett makes a boneheaded decision that comes back to bite him when it runs up against Egypt's trust issues. Both Garrett and Egypt must decide what is important before either can open their hearts to the future they want. I liked Egypt's big moment at the end and her emotional reunion with Garrett. I also loved the "new" Garrett and seeing him stand up to his father.  The epilogue was terrific. Garrett was a sweetly romantic, and his surprise for Egypt was fabulous.
 
I enjoyed meeting the women that make up the Six Gems. I need to go back and read the first book, as Wynter's story sounds intriguing. The epilogue contained a lead-in to the next book, and I look forward to reading it.

There was a certain amount of suspension of disbelief needed when reading this book. For a man of his prominence, and his family's resources, how did Garrett go for two-plus months without someone figuring out who he was?

Second Time's the Charm - Brenda Jackson (HD #2953 - July 2023)

Series; Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws (Book 6)
 
Is this seduction scheme for revenge…or a second chance?
 
Part-time rancher and world-renowned musician Dylan Emanuel never forgot his college romance with Charm Outlaw. Nor the pain of their sudden breakup -- and her father's demands to stay away. So when they cross paths on vacation, Dylan can't resist inviting her to his ranch -- and Charm can't resist a little seductive payback. But soon she's caught by her own desire. Will revenge lead to a second chance…or the truth about what really happened the first time around?
 
Good conclusion to the series. Charm is the last of the Westmoreland Outlaw siblings and the only girl. She is wealthy, beautiful, and more than a little spoiled by her father. The story opens as Charm is in Cancun for a friend's wedding. There she spots a face from her past that brings back many good and bad memories. She and Dylan had met ten years earlier and fallen in love. But Charm was sixteen to Dylan's eighteen, and her father disapproved. Despite Bart's order to stop seeing each other, Charm and Dylan continued to see each other secretly for the next two years. Then they had a traumatic/dramatic breakup and haven't seen each other since then.
 
After his breakup with Charm, Dylan became an internationally acclaimed jazz musician. It's been a good life, but he's been wary of trusting his heart to another woman. He's shocked to see Charm and surprised she still stirs his feelings. Though he doesn't intend to restart their relationship, he'd like the chance to clear the air and find closure.
 
Charm reminded me too much of her father at this point. A ruthless businessman and dictatorial father, he's only recently started to change his ways. When Dylan comes to Charm and suggests they go out, she's ready to accept - and plots her revenge for their breakup. Charm stubbornly sticks to her plans even when her friends try to talk her out of it. Her old feelings for him come back to life as she and Dylan spend time together. I liked their time together and seeing their connection deepen and grow. I loved Dylan and seeing how he embraced his renewed love for Charm. Charm continued to rub me the wrong way as her conscience and feelings for Dylan warred with that need for revenge. I wanted to shake her when she carried out her plan and ached for Dylan and his feelings of betrayal.
 
I had little sympathy for Charm and her misery over leaving Dylan. She brought it entirely on herself with her actions. Dylan wouldn't let her get away without an explanation this time, and he quickly showed up to confront her. The sparks flew as their hurt and anger over their past breakup boiled over, with both shocked to discover the truth behind what happened. I never could figure out how they hadn't realized the truth at the time. But this time, the damage is done by Charm, who couldn't let go of the past, and threw away what could have been a great future.
 
I loved Charm's confrontation with her father and her realization of how badly she'd behaved. Bart surprised me with his reaction and what he did afterward. Both Dylan and Charm must find a way to overcome the hurt and bitterness of the past if they want to have a future together. Dylan won my heart with his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic. I would have liked to see more repentance on Charm's part - I thought she got off relatively easily.

Hunting a Hometown Killer - Shelly Bell (HI #2156 - July 2023)

Series: Shield of Honor (Book 1)
 
He has a serial killer to catch
And she's the perfect bait
 
FBI Special Agent Rhys Keller's biggest clue to the identity of the Composer is the music the killer has tattooed on each dead woman. No one knows the tune, until Julia Harcourt recognizes it as a piece she's written herself. The lovely violinist is also a perfect physical match to all the victims. For the hunt to finally end, Rhys needs Julia to risk everything to catch the killer…before the elusive killer catches her first.
 
Terrific mix of second chance romance and suspense. Rhys is an FBI agent assigned to find a serial killer plaguing his hometown. The biggest clue is the music tattooed on the back of each victim. A break in the case comes when the town prodigy recognizes it as a piece she wrote. Now Rhys needs Julia's help to catch the killer.
 
Rhys and Julia have a history together. They were in love as teenagers, making plans for their future, when Rhys suddenly broke up with her. Brokenhearted, Julia left for Europe and hasn't returned for twelve years. Tired of the stress of constant performances, she plans to rest, relax, and spend time writing music and playing with the local symphony. The last thing she wants is to risk her heart by getting involved with Rhys again, but she can't say no to helping stop the killer.
 
Matters become complicated very quickly when Julia is attacked. Determined to keep her safe, Rhys moves into Julia's house to stay close to her. It is immediately apparent that the sparks between them have never died. Rhys refuses to contemplate renewing his relationship with Julia, as his reasons for the breakup haven't changed. I ached for Rhys and the events that had such a devastating effect on him and his family. Julia also prefers to protect her heart from being broken again. Rhys and his family were the only people she felt loved by until that brutal rejection by Rhys. I hurt for Julia and her lonely childhood and how that extended into her adult life. Her music is the only thing that gives her joy.
 
I liked watching the rekindling of their romance. No matter how they try, there is no denying that they still care for each other. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to maintain a "friends-only" distance. I loved seeing Julia welcomed back into the circle of Rhys's family and how his brothers and father tried to make him see that they belonged together. Julia can tell that Rhys is hiding something from her that keeps him from giving in to their growing feelings. It takes nearly losing her to the killer for Rhys to realize the truth behind his fears and overcome them. I loved the ending and seeing them looking toward their future together.
 
The suspense of this story was outstanding. I was sucked into the story immediately by the unusual actions of the killer. Once Julia came on the scene, the action and suspense built quickly. Besides the serial killer and his apparent link to Julia, there was also a stalking mystery to be solved. It was interesting that Julia had received threatening letters as a teen and started up again after she returned. Are there two different criminals haunting Julia, or are they the same person? As the investigation continued, Rhys felt that they were finally closing in on the killer, then an unexpected twist tossed a new player into the mix. The final confrontation was terrifying, and I was glued to the pages until it was all over. There was a twist at the end regarding Rhys's mother, and I wonder if that will continue into the next book.
 
I liked Rhys's brothers and father. I understood Rhys's anger at his father over the tragic events of his childhood. While it brought the three brothers closer together, seeing its effect on their father was painful. I liked how their father ultimately took responsibility for what he did (and didn't) do and was taking steps to mend their rift. I loved that all three brothers were in law enforcement and that they worked together to solve the case. The current sheriff is worse than useless, and it is hard to fathom his actions regarding his treatment of Julia. I'd love to see Rhys's brother, Joshua, become sheriff.

The Business Between Them - Mona Shroff (HSE #2994 - July 2023)

Series: Once Upon a Wedding (Book 4)
 
She's got his attention. Now she wants his company.
 
The balance sheet of Reena Pandya's life is currently in the red. One bad business decision has cost her her relationship, and now she stands to lose the family business to her ex, Akash Gupta. Tough but not ruthless, Akash is giving Reena a chance to earn back the business -- and possibly his heart. Reena knows she can turn a profit. But will she succeed at matters of the heart?
 
Good book. Reena appeared in the previous book, No Rings Attached, as the catalyst that brought Sonny and Sangeeta together. Ever since she was a little girl, Reena wanted to be the one to run the family's hotel when she grew up. Her laser focus on this goal skewed her priorities. At the end of the previous book, we saw that she was willing to allow a wedding that would save the hotel financially go forward, even though she knew the groom was cheating on the bride. That decision had far-reaching complications.
 
In this book, we discover Reena and the bride's brother, Akash, had been in a secret relationship for six months. After meeting and connecting in Vegas, they continued to see each other back in Maryland. Each had opened up to the other about their dreams. Reena and her desire to run the family hotel, her plans for it, and that the hotel is struggling financially. Akash is part of his father's real estate firm but dreams of branching out on his own. He disapproves of his father's methods but can't change them. Their feelings for each other are strong, and each has visions of a future together.
 
When Akash discovers Reena's part in his sister's wedding disaster, he is understandably hurt, angry, and disgusted. That Reena would put business ahead of people and their feelings made him believe he didn't know her as well as he thought. She was stunned when he ended their relationship over it, as she believed he would understand her actions.
 
Because of that bad decision, the hotel and Reena's dreams are in trouble. She is shocked when she finds out her father has acquired an investor who will buy fifty-one percent of the hotel, giving them the money needed to solve most of their issues. Reena is stunned to discover that the investor is Akash, who now has the power to help or hinder her plans. If they are going to make a success of the partnership, they will have to find a way to work together.
 
I spent much of this book wanting to shake Reena and tell her she was being a selfish witch. Her methods of saving the hotel made her a terrible boss, and she was well on the way to losing everything. Akash has a much clearer idea of what needs to be done and the heart to see it done correctly. It takes both Akash and Reena's intern, Kirti, to open her eyes to the changes she needs to make. Once Reena changes her attitude, there is no stopping her, and I enjoyed seeing her reach her full potential. I especially enjoyed the scene where Reena's apology to a wronged employee became a surprise benefit for the hotel.
 
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between Reena and Akash. It isn't a smooth journey. Both have issues that make believing in a future together hard to picture. Reena's "business before everything else" leaves Akash feeling that he isn't important to her. Meanwhile, Akash has abandonment issues that have made it difficult for him to believe that successful relationships are possible. Each tries to subdue the sparks of attraction between them and keep to a business-only relationship. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore them and the feelings that never disappear. It takes effort and self-examination to overcome the fears that held them back. I liked Akash's big moment at the end and seeing him expose his heart and show Reena that despite everything, they belong together. The epilogue was terrific, especially the surprises Reena and Akash had for each other.
 
Family, and family expectations, are a big part of this book. Reena has dealt with the pressure of her mother's expectations all her life. Her mother's attitude and influence were at the heart of Reena's problems. Because of her actions, Reena also has ground to make up with her brother, Sonny. I liked seeing the changes in her as the book went on. Akash had issues stemming from his parents' divorce as a child. His childhood perceptions created a rift with his mother that affected his views of relationships. I liked Reena's influence on Akash and how she encouraged him to look deeper into those memories. There were some terrific scenes involving Akash and various family members, adding to the book's emotional impact.
 
I also enjoyed the glimpses into the Indian culture of the main characters. Descriptions of the food, clothing, and traditions added depth to the story. I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's books. 

The Duke's Hammer - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade Pub - June 2023)

Series: Duke's Guard (Book 5)
 
Garahan has no time for love, but his heart has other ideas…
 
James Garahan, one of the duke’s private guard, has had his head turned many times by a comely face in his thirty years. Not once has a lass touched his heart…until the night he walks into a tavern in the bowels of London and sees a battered angel in need of rescuing.
 
Melinda Waring is alone and homeless. She struggles to find work, but employers see her pronounced limp, from a childhood injury, as a weakness. With no other choice, she accepts an offer to work in a tavern in exchange for room and board. The conditions are deplorable, and the constant jeers from patrons, intolerable, but she has no choice but to stay.
 
The next time Garahan sees her, she has bruises on her wrists and cheek. When she is cornered in the back room of the tavern, he whisks her to safety. For the first time in his life, Garahan listens to his heart, and willingly hands it over to the brown-eyed lass with work-worn hands.
 
Melinda is drawn to the handsome-as-sin Irishman with the broad shoulders and big heart. She tries to ignore the pull of attraction, but cannot resist his dark brown eyes and dimpled smile. Can he see past her imperfections to her heart?
 
As the lass is healing, Garahan must uncover a new source of vicious slander, and threats of scandal, aimed at the duke’s family. Leaving Melinda in the care of the duke’s London staff is the last thing he wants to do, but Garahan has a vow to keep and a duty to perform. When she is reported missing, Garahan vows to bring her back and never let her go!
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to elude The Duke’s Hammer before he will let harm come to those he has sworn to protect with his strength, his honor, and his heart.
 
Another fantastic entry in the Duke's Guard series. The brothers and cousins of the O'Malley, Garahan, and Flaherty families are members of the Duke of Wyndmere's personal guard, protecting those he holds dear. They are very good at what they do and have earned the duke's admiration and respect.
 
This book is about the Duke's Hammer, James Garahan, who has a reputation for persuading information from the most reluctant adversaries. He also has quite a reputation with the ladies, who can't get enough of his Irish charm. We've recently seen him turn the head of Mary Kate, a maid he helped rescue from a bad situation. But none of these ladies touched his heart until he met Melinda.
 
By now, we know when these Irishmen fall, they fall fast and hard, and James was no exception. While on an information-gathering mission in a seedy tavern, he witnesses the abuse Melinda endures from her employer. He lets her know he can find her a better position, but she feels she has no choice but to stay. The next time he sees her, she is bruised and battered, and he's barely in time to save her from the unwanted attentions of a tavern customer. I loved seeing him wade in, rescue her with a fellow operative's aid, and carry her off to the duke's house and his caring servants.
 
Melinda is in a tough spot. After the death of her vicar father, she lost her home. Because of a limp caused by a childhood injury, she cannot find work and takes a job at the tavern owned by a distant cousin. The man is cruel and abusive, but she has nowhere to go until the handsome Irishman whisks her away. But Melinda is stubbornly independent and doesn't want to be beholden to anyone. James can barely get her to agree to remain where she is while she heals from her injuries - far worse than he initially knew.
 
Despite having watched four of his fellow Guard members fall hard and fast for their ladies, he doesn't expect it to happen to him - until it does. It was fun to watch him and Melinda butt heads as he tried to keep her safe, and she tried to assert her independence. She has fallen equally hard for him, but between her limp, her scars, and her past, she believes that she isn't good enough for him. It takes a great deal of patience on James's part to get past the obstacles she puts up. I loved the help he got from his family, friends, and even the noble ladies of the duke's family. I loved the ending and seeing both get their hearts' desires.
 
James isn't able to spend as much time with Melinda as he would like. Someone is spreading nasty rumors about two women in the duke's family, and he and the rest of the Guard are tasked with finding who it is and making it stop. The reader knows who it is early on, and I enjoyed watching James and the others conduct their investigation. There are some intriguing twists in the search for the truth, and I always enjoy watching the guys use their skills to make things happen. I laughed out loud when James confessed the details of the latest rumor and had to deal with the expected reactions. I also enjoyed the scenes with the earl's and viscount's wives, who are as stubborn and strong-willed as Melinda. Like Melinda, they don't take well to being coddled and kept in the dark and take the actions they feel are needed.
 
The resolution of the rumor issue was very well done. I loved the set trap and the unique method of baiting it. James, of course, handled his part flawlessly. It was lovely to see the bad guy get what he deserved. I also loved seeing James get teased by his cousin about his lack of a shirt and then have to deal with the earl and the viscount and their comments.
 
As usual with this series, I couldn't put it down once I started reading this book. I can't wait for the next one.

A Rogue at Stonecliffe - Candace Camp (Canary Street Press - June 2023)

Series: Stonecliffe (Book 2)
 
When the love of her life left without any explanation, Annabeth Winfield moved on despairingly, knowing she'd never have a love as thrilling as her first ever again. Sloane Rutherford was roguish and daring, but as Annabeth grew up, she realized that their reckless romance was just a passing adventure, never meant for stability. Twelve years later, Annabeth is engaged to someone new, ready to start her life with a dependable man.
 
That's when Sloane returns. And he brings with him a serious warning: Annabeth is in trouble.
 
After spending the past dozen years working as a spy, Sloane thought he'd left espionage behind him. But now a dangerous blackmailer is after Annabeth. Sloane offers to hide his former lover at Stonecliffe, the Rutherford estate, but stubborn Annabeth demands to be part of the investigation. As the two embark on a dangerous and exciting journey, memories of their past romance resurface. Sloane and Annabeth aren't the wide-eyed children they used to be, but knowing they're wrong for each other makes a nostalgic affair seem very right…
 
Good combination of second chance romance and spy story. The book opened twelve years before the main story. Sloane and Annabeth are teenagers in the throes of first love. They are full of plans for their future, including marriage, as soon as Annabeth is old enough. But fate has other plans for them. Sloane is approached by a man who tells him that Annabeth's father is selling secrets to the French. He promises Sloane he won't turn in her father if Sloane goes to work for him as a spy and smuggler. Sloane will do anything to protect Annabeth from the scandal of having a traitor for a father, so he agrees. But he can't tell Annabeth why he's leaving, so he just disappears.
 
Sloane is back in London twelve years later, his spying days behind him. He's turned his smuggling into a successful business, but rumors that he was spying for the French have made him a social pariah. He avoids society whenever possible and doesn't care about their opinion of him. When he gets word that Annabeth is in danger because of either his or her father's actions, Sloane is determined to protect her. The trouble is Annabeth wants nothing to do with him or his protection.
 
Sloane's abandonment devastated Annabeth, and it took her years to put him behind her. She's engaged to Nathan, a good man she can depend on. Their relationship may lack the fire of her time with Sloane, but passion isn't everything. She's furious when he reappears in her life, claiming she's in danger and trying to get her to leave London. But when she is kidnapped and only escapes with the help of her maid (who isn't really a maid), she agrees that she needs help.
 
I loved that Annabeth wouldn't sit back and be taken care of. The news that she is in danger because someone wants one of her father's papers has her determined to be involved in finding the paper. Sloane walks a fine line between truth and deception, keeping what is in that paper a secret. There's plenty of action as he and Annabeth travel all over while attempting to find the missing document. It doesn't take long for their old feelings to come back to life, but Annabeth isn't sure she's ready to trust Sloane with her heart again. It doesn't help that she's certain he's still keeping secrets, and his lack of trust feels like another betrayal.
 
I liked seeing the changes in Sloane and Annabeth. She is no longer the naïve teenager who believes love is all she needs. Her strength, determination, and resourcefulness amaze Sloane. At the same time, Annabeth can see that Sloane is just as charming as ever and more confident than he was as a boy. Both need to let go of their past hurts and bitterness before they can look to a future together. And to do that, they must learn to trust each other. It wasn't easy, but the emotional clearing of the air gave me hope for a bright future for them.
 
The suspense of the story was well done. I was glued to the pages through each step of the search. Some intriguing twists kept Annabeth and Sloane on their toes. As the story progressed,  I got the feeling that there was more to the missing paper than they knew. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was resolved, and the bad guy was caught in his own web.
 
As is usual with the author's books, the secondary characters play critical roles in the story. Annabeth's fiancé, Nathan, is a nice guy, and I felt bad for him once Sloane reappeared on the scene. Not only does he do the right thing, but he also becomes an active participant in resolving the mystery. Also involved is Verity, a former spy partner of Sloane's. She is bold, beautiful, and extremely good at what she does. The antagonism between her and Nathan is hilarious, and the sparks of attraction leap off the page. It looks like they will be the main characters in the next book, and I can't wait to read it. I also adored Annabeth's grandmother, Lady Lockwood. She is a hoot to watch as she keeps everyone in line. 

 

The Earl's Egyptian Heiress - Heba Helmy (HH #1735 - July 2023)

A season with the earl
For the Egyptian heiress
 
Ranya Radwan's mission is clear: restore her family's honor by retrieving the deed to their business from the Earl of Warrington. Until she finds herself enthralled by the new earl, Owen. Accompanying him from Egypt to England to find the deed, Ranya's swept into an unfamiliar world of society balls and luncheons, but is captivated waltzing in Owen's arms. Yet her duty to her family means returning to Egypt, not following her heart…
 
Good book that gives a different perspective than the usual Regency or Victorian romance. Here we have Ranya, the daughter of a prominent Egyptian businessman and cotton grower. He has had a long and prosperous partnership with the Earl of Warrington, but the current political climate means he needs to buy out of his partnership. With her father in custody and her younger brother disappearing in his attempt to confront the Earl, it is up to Ranya to save her father.
 
The book opens as she plots a way to meet the earl, who is visiting Alexandria. On the way, disaster strikes, and her dress for the event is stolen. A disturbing confrontation with the thief ruins Ranya's plans but introduces her to Iksander, one of the dock workers. He gives her a way to acquire a new dress and attend the event. Ranya doesn't know that Iksander is Owen, the new Earl of Warrington, who is immediately intrigued by Ranya.
 
Owen appears to be the typical nobleman of the time. He has shown no genuine interest in the family business or the estate, preferring to spend his efforts on his interest in the theater. When he meets with Ranya that evening, she isn't pleased about his deception but willingly tells him about her need to get the partnership deed. She makes quite the impression on Owen with her head for numbers and her knowledge of the cotton industry, so he offers to take her to England in exchange for her teaching him what he needs to know.
 
They spend time together on the voyage to England, teaching each other what they need to know. Owen is a man with his feet in two worlds - one foot in the world of an English nobleman and the other in the world of his Egyptian mother. I ached for Owen and the story of his life, abandoned by his mother and raised by his cold stepmother. Those Egyptian roots helped him connect with Ranya, and I enjoyed watching them grow closer on the trip. Upon arrival in England, Owen wants his stepmother to take Ranya under her wing while he looks for the missing paperwork.
 
There was something off about the countess from the start. She is determined to get Owen to marry before the end of the season and doesn't hesitate to push her choices at him. She also wants him to sell the family business and devote himself to the estate and Parliament. She remains cold and disparaging to Ranya. I frequently got the feeling she was hiding something from Owen. That feeling intensified as the book went on.
 
I liked how impressed Owen was by Ranya's intelligence and knowledge about the industry. It was terrific to see him support her participation in various meetings with mill owners and unions. I found these sections fascinating reading with the clear explanations of the issues around mill workers, mill owners, and cotton growers.
 
The more time they spend together, the closer Owen and Ranya grow, and the stronger the sparks of attraction flare. Owen would love to convince Ranya to stay in England. But Ranya has made it clear that she must return to Egypt with the deed within three months. She also finally confides in Owen about her missing brother. He is determined to help her find the truth there, too. There is some mystery surrounding his disappearance, and I had suspicions about what they would find. I ached for Ranya when the truth came out because she felt betrayed. She realizes she has lost her heart to him, but their worlds are too far apart for anything to come of it.
 
I wondered how the author would resolve the problem and was not disappointed. Owen had a little maturing to do while he faced the mess that his life had become. I liked the ending and seeing how he resolved his inner conflicts, business issues, and his title. I liked the new Owen and seeing him come for Ranya. I also liked her joy at seeing him again and hearing of the changes in his life. I wish there had been an epilogue because I would love a glimpse into their future.

The Mavericks Surprise Son - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2989 - July 2023)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lassoing Love (Book 1)
 
After a deathbed promise, a cowboy makes a life-changing decision.
 
Overnight, rancher Jace Abernathy has gone from carefree bachelor to single dad. Frankie isn't really his, but nothing will prevent him from protecting the orphaned newborn he saved from a fire, not even nurse Tamara Hanson. Tamara, who lives her life by the book, is convinced Jace is unprepared for fatherhood. Jace believes rules sometimes need to be broken. What neither of them realizes is that what they need most of all…is each other.
 
Terrific start to the new series.  I sat down to read this and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Jace won my heart from the beginning.
 
Jace is a nice guy - kind, considerate, smart, and good-looking. Part of the wealthy Abernathy ranching family, Jace spends most of his time working on the family ranch. He is also a volunteer firefighter who works regular shifts at the firehouse. Jace is best known around town as a bachelor who tends to go out with women who need help in some way. He's all into the relationship until the problem is fixed, the woman becomes clingy, or he loses interest. His family teases him about his "white knight" tendencies, and he swears to turn over a new leaf.
 
As the story opens, Jace spots a fire in progress while running errands. After calling it in, he enters the apartment to see if any is there. He discovers a young woman in active labor and gets her away from the fire. I ached for Jace as he delivered the baby but realized the mother was in a bad way. She begs him to raise her baby if she doesn't make it, as neither she nor the baby's deceased father had any family. Jace makes that promise, hoping it won't be needed, but when he arrives at the hospital later, he finds out she died. Jace is determined to keep his promise and makes a bit of a scene at the hospital when he tries to see the baby. Nurse Tamara talks him down, lets him see the baby, and sends him on his way.
 
Tamara loves her job as an OB nurse, caring for mothers and babies. Her job gets all her attention after breaking things off with her cheating boyfriend. She doesn't have much patience for men right now, and Jace's insistence that he will foster and adopt baby Frankie strikes her as unrealistic. She knows the rules of the game and that Jace doesn't meet most of the requirements. But she isn't hard-hearted and does her best to let him see the baby when possible.
 
I enjoyed watching this relationship develop. Jace's determination is undeniable, and with the help of his family and most of the town, Jace succeeds in gaining foster parent status for Frankie. He enlists Tamara to help him learn the ins and outs of caring for the baby. Neither is looking for a relationship. Tamara is still wary of getting involved, and Jace wants to concentrate on Frankie. But there is no denying the sparks that flare between them.
 
Jace is especially taken with the knowledge that Tamara doesn't need him. From changing her tire to her job as a nurse, she is an independent and confident woman with no interest in depending on Jace for anything. Though they initially limit themselves to friendship, it isn't long before both realize there is something more between them. I loved seeing them together, both with and without Frankie, as they got to know each other and felt like a family.
 
There are a few bumps along the way to their happy ending. Jace makes up his mind quickly that Tamara is the one for him and has trouble holding back his feelings. Meanwhile, Tamara is wary of the speed of their feelings and worried that she's making a mistake. Help sorting out her feelings comes from an unexpected source, and Tamara can finally see that she and Jace belong together. 

To Claim a Lyon's Heart - Sherry Ewing (Dragonblade Pub - June 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den  
 
A gambler’s bet. A widow’s burden. Will one game of chance change their lives?
 
Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton, knows full well his duties to the duchy. His responsibilities have been drilled into him since his birth. He has no chance of finding a bride who will see him for who he truly is; they only see the title, not the man. A bet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitehall, is just a diversion. Losing may win him everything.
 
Mrs. Moriah Henshaw has known her fair share of despair. The death of her parents and later her husband left her destitute with no option but to become a man’s mistress. Years later, her tarnished reputation outweighs her excellent birth, and keeps her from being accepted back into society. When her friend pays an outrageous sum to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find Moriah a husband, Moriah cannot believe she will win anything.
 
When Vincent meets Moriah, he becomes determined to return her to her rightful place in society.
 
But one accident after another threatens Moriah’s life, and neither of them will win in the game of love unless he can find out who is out to harm her.
 
Good book. We first met Moriah in The Talons of a Lyon, where she befriended the heroine Seraphina, who was trying to regain custody of her children. At the end of that book, we learn that Moriah wants to reclaim her reputation and that Mrs. Dove-Lyon has enlisted Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton, to assist her. This is their story.
 
The story opens as Vincent endures a visit from his parents, who want him to settle down and find a wife from among the season's debutantes. But Vincent is tired of women who only see his money, his title, and what he will one day inherit. He has the example of a loving marriage with his parents and wants to find someone who sees who he is, not what he is. He agrees to attend a few balls but makes no promises about results. Then he joins his friends at the Lyon's Den that evening.
 
Moriah is a woman with a tarnished reputation. After her parents' deaths left her penniless and her grandfather disowned her, she was lucky to find a man who wanted to marry her. But within two years, she discovered he had a gambling problem, and his debts came home to roost upon his death. Once again, she was left with nothing and was forced to look for a benefactor to survive. Over the years, she had some that were good and others that weren't. Then her last benefactor, who had no relatives, left everything he had to her. She can now support herself and ignore society.
 
Then her friend Cassandra informs Moriah that she has engaged Mrs. Dove-Lyons to find her a husband and return Moriah to the society where she belongs. Their trip to the Lyon's Den that evening is eye-opening for Moriah, who sees a man who had caught her attention earlier in the day. That man is Vincent, who is somewhat the worse for wear from drinking and mistakes Moriah for one of the working girls. The encounter goes poorly for Vincent, and I loved seeing Moriah blast him. Over the next few nights, neither has been able to forget the other. It is no surprise to the reader that the man Mrs. Dove-Lyon picks for Moriah is Vincent.
 
The stakes tonight are that the loser of the card game must take the woman of Mrs. Dove-Lyon's choosing to a ball. He suspects that the fix is already in and that he will be the loser. To say that Moriah is unhappy with her chosen escort would be putting it mildly, and their introduction in the garden gets off to a rough start. Vincent is surprised but pleased to discover that Moriah has no idea who he is and finds himself looking forward to the ball the next night.
 
I enjoyed watching this relationship develop. Moriah's arrival at her first ball in many years started the tongues wagging immediately. Vincent wasted no time greeting her as the sparks continued to fly, thanks to his somewhat misplaced sense of humor. Vincent is a good man determined to help Moriah regain her place in society. I enjoyed their time at the ball and seeing the connection between them. Vincent is vocal in his support of her and is intrigued by her.
 
I enjoyed seeing them spend time together and grow closer, though there are some obstacles to overcome. Moriah's reputation, though, seems to be dealt with easily. Vincent's mother is not initially a fan, though Vincent quickly brings her around. I loved seeing Moriah relax in Vincent's company as her worries about her reputation damaging his faded in her growing acceptance.  And most worrying, someone appears to be trying to kill her. Three unexplained accidents in quick succession have Vincent looking for whoever has a grudge against Moriah. My mind immediately went to one person as the most likely culprit. I liked Vincent's devotion to Moriah's safety as his feelings for her deepened. When the threats against Moriah come to a head, it reveals a far deeper plot against her. The resolution of this issue was fantastic, and I loved Moriah's active participation.
 
I loved how everything came together to help Moriah. Vincent's friends lend a hand in trying to discover who has it out for Moriah. They also provide an opportunity for Moriah to acquire another champion in her quest to restore her reputation. I loved the scene at that ball as its hostess gives her stamp of approval and shows her understanding of the challenges Moriah faced. That's not Moriah's only surprise, and I enjoyed seeing her happiness as her dreams came true. I hope to see more of them in future books.
 
The epilogue was a terrific setup for the next book in this subset of the Lyon's Den series. Cassandra visits Mrs. Dove-Lyon to arrange help for the next one of her friends to receive her assistance. I like Cassandra's plans to help those friends regain the lives they deserve, and I look forward to reading their stories. I expect that Cassandra will be the final recipient of Mrs. Dove-Lyon's assistance and that there is a foreshadowing of who will be her hero.

Match Me, I'm Falling - Michelle Willingham (Dragonblade Pub - June 2023)

Series: School for Spinsters (Book 2)
 
To the London ton, Cameron MacNeill is an awkward, wallflower of a man with no hope of finding a wife. But the Highland chief holds deadly secrets, and he uses his beggar-like appearance to remain unnoticed. He enlists the help of the School for Spinsters to help him find a wife who will agree to be married in name only—because he needs a mother for his son while he is away working on behalf of the Crown.
 
Lady Ashleigh Pryor will do anything to escape the abusive household of her father—even marry a man she barely knows. But Cameron’s lightning reflexes, the powerful muscles he hides behind ill-fitting clothing, and his mysterious manner suggest that he is not a beggar at all, but a man hiding a past he wants no one to know about.
 
As she starts to uncover the pieces of Cameron’s secret life, Ashleigh no longer wants a marriage in name only—she wants a true husband in her bed.
 
But Cameron can’t let himself fall in love—for if his wife learns the truth about who he is, his secrets might put her very life at stake.
 
Good book about a damsel in distress and her unlikely white knight. Lady Ashleigh and her mother are caught in a nightmare situation. Her father is a controlling and abusive man who regularly takes out his anger on her mother and her. Ashleigh has been saving her pin money in a desperate attempt to gain the funds necessary for her and her mother to escape. But when her father announces his plans to marry her to his friend, she knows she must move up her timeline. Ashleigh goes to Mrs. Harding at the School for Spinsters for help. Mrs. Harding suggests she use marriage to another man to escape and offers to find such a man for her.
 
Cameron has come to London from Scotland to find a wife. He is a widower with a young son and a spy for the Crown. A handsome and wealthy man, he disguised himself with a long beard and frumpy clothes to discourage those who wouldn't fit his needs. Because of a tragedy in his past, he only wants a marriage in name only.
 
When Ashleigh and Cameron meet, they quickly decide they would not suit. Ashleigh doesn't look past Cameron's appearance, and Cameron bases his decision on an incident he witnessed but doesn't know the background of. However, over the next few days, neither can forget the other. Cameron's instincts tell him Ashleigh is in trouble, but he tries to convince himself it's not his business. When circumstances force Ashleigh to attempt her escape earlier than planned (and she stupidly trusts the wrong person), Cormac witnesses first-hand the abuse she faces. I loved his quick-thinking extrication of Ashleigh from her father's clutches.
 
Ashleigh is understandably wary of Cameron, given her experience with her father, but his kindness and gentleness weaken her defenses. He offers to either marry her or take her somewhere safe. I liked their compromise: they would get to know each other on the trip to Scotland, where she would decide. They had a frank discussion of their expectations - no intimacy on his side and her mother's rescue on hers. During the trip, the sparks of attraction between them grow.
 
I loved Ashleigh's sensitivity to what she believes is Cameron's poor state of finances, and she is taken aback by the things he has purchased for her for their wedding. The wedding scene was terrific, and Cameron's fight against his attraction was evident. I loved her shock when they arrived at his home, and she discovered the truth about his wealth. But the bigger surprise comes when he tells her about his son and his expectation that she will be a mother to him. I understood his reasons for not telling her before, but it was still wrong.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. The sparks between them are evident from the start, but Cameron is determined to ignore them. That becomes increasingly difficult as Ashleigh is determined to make theirs a real marriage. I enjoyed seeing Ashleigh discover that there is more to Cameron than meets the eye, and she rapidly loses her heart to him. Her frustration is evident when he leaves soon after their arrival and gives no indication when he will return. He has been assigned a new mission and refuses to tell her about his clandestine activities.
 
I ached for them during their time apart. I liked seeing Ashleigh settle in, fall for little Logan, and help her mother recover. But she desperately misses Cameron. Meanwhile, Cameron is in desperate straits on his mission, and his life is in danger. I was glued to the pages through this part as he faced death. I cheered on Ashleigh after his arrival back home in deplorable condition and loved her determination to be part of his healing. Her ingenuity in finding her way past his protectors was inspired.
 
This was a turning point in their marriage, and I loved watching them grow closer. Cameron must get past his traumatic memories before he can open up completely to his feelings for her. There are also some instances of Ashleigh needing to realize that Cameron is very different than her father and that she can trust him. I loved how Ashleigh went after what she wanted.
 
There is trouble with Ashleigh's father, who has not taken the disappearance of his daughter and wife well. He makes a tactical error in his attempt to get them back to London. I loved the plan Ashleigh and Cameron devised and enjoyed seeing Ashleigh take on her father. The real surprise was Ashleigh's mother, and I loved seeing the changes in her.
 
The ending was great, and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

CiCi's Protector - Regan Black, Janie Crouch (Calmittie Jane Pub - June 2023)

Series: Never Too Late for Love: Ellington Cove (Book 5)
 
Griff Fowler left his career as a cop after a tragedy he couldn’t shake. Now nearly fifty, he’s a Guardian Agency protector. His job is to shield and to safeguard. And he does whatever it takes to get that job done.
 
So going undercover at a resort in Key West to help take down a drug dealer is business as usual for him.
 
What isn’t business as usual? The resort’s spa manager Cici Malone and her haunted brown eyes.
 
She’s caught in the middle of this mess since the police have asked her to help identify who’s behind the deadly drug. She doesn’t know Griff’s real purpose for being here.
 
But she does know the hunky silver fox has caught her attention in a way no one has in years. She learned the hard way that men can’t be trusted, but finally feels willing to give passion another shot.
 
But when the danger amps up and the truth comes out, everything changes. Griff will have to find a way to protect the woman who’s come to mean so much to him while proving his feelings for her are genuine.
 
And that it’s never too late for love.
 
Terrific addition to this later-in-life romance series. CiCi is the manager of the luxury spa at the Ellington Cove resort. She's been a secondary character in the previous books, and I was happy to see her get her own story.
 
The story opens as CiCi is informed that someone is running drugs through her spa. She is hurt that one of her employees has betrayed her trust like that and furious over what it could do to the spa's reputation. The Key West PD has requested her help figuring out who it is. The security team at the resort is concerned about CiCi's safety if the perp figures out her involvement, so they arrange for an undercover bodyguard - without telling her they are doing so.
 
Griff is a former cop who left the force after a traumatic event and went to work as a bodyguard for the Guardian Agency. Because of his construction experience, he's going undercover as the contractor in charge of renovations at the spa. While overseeing the work, he mainly focuses on protecting CiCi.
 
The sparks between CiCi and Griff are evident from the moment they meet, but each hesitates to enter a full-fledged relationship. I loved that neither could stop thinking about the other. It was sweet to see Griff come up with a reason to spend more time with CiCi that had nothing to do with being her bodyguard. They connected quickly during the snorkeling trip, and their attraction continued to grow.
 
Griff and CiCi's relationship develops quickly, but Griff feels guilty because CiCi doesn't know why he's there. When the truth comes out, both must overcome their pasts before they feel ready to move on together. I loved that CiCi knew she couldn't push Griff if he wasn't ready. At the same time, Griff worried that he'd been moving too fast. I liked their honesty with themselves and each other as they faced those hurdles. It takes a dangerous situation to bring home that they belong together.
 
The suspense was fast-paced and intense. CiCi's anger at the betrayal by one of her employees was intense, as was her determination to root out the traitor. I was glued to the pages, and she and Griff followed their paths in the investigation. The tension ramped up after Griff's discovery and the attack on him at CiCi's house. A couple of twists kept me on the edge of my seat until the culprit was caught. The final confrontation and its aftermath were intense and emotional.
 
The epilogue was fantastic and a terrific lead-in to the next book, Ilsa's story. I can't wait to read it, too. 

The Lyon and the Lamb - Elizabeth Keysian (Dragonblade - May 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den
 
He’s dashed all her hopes. She won’t ask him for help again…
 
Only the production of an heir can save Lady Araminta Lamb. The problem is that she’s a childless widow who, after an abusive marriage, can’t bear the thought of a man’s touch. But when her desperate attempt to adopt a child is foiled by the powerful Leo Chetwynd, Earl of Aylsham, there’s only one option left to keep her home and her fragile sister safe. She must gamble everything on Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s outrageous matchmaking scheme.
 
Playing by Society’s rules hasn’t done him any favors. Perhaps it’s time to break those rules…
 
Leo Chetwynd needs money urgently or his precious orphans will be cast out. A disastrous business venture has cost him all his capital, and there’s nothing left to offer but himself. Marriage to an heiress is the only solution that he and his scapegrace brother can think of, but first, he must go to the Lyon’s Den and prove his skills as a lover. If Leo accepts Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s choice of heiress, sight unseen, the orphanage and the family name will be saved. He can only pray that the chosen heiress isn’t the anonymous veiled widow who has become his enemy.
 
She’s the last woman on earth he could ever marry…
 
An interesting entry in the Lyon's Den series. Araminta is a recent widow with a problem. She must produce a baby within the year to inherit her husband's property. A poorly written will means the child doesn't have to be her husband's. Her late husband was a terrible man, and Araminta had no desire to marry again and get a child in the usual way. Instead, she goes to a local orphanage and attempts to adopt one of the babies. However, it is no surprise that the director of the orphanage, Leo Chetwynd, turns her down flat. She gives a fake name, wears a veil to hide her identity, and attempts to bribe him for an infant. Araminta is furious and storms out, but despairs finding a way to keep a roof over her and her sister's heads. So she turns to the notorious Mrs. Dove-Lyons for help, who promises to find Araminta a suitable husband.
 
Leo has more critical problems than a woman who wants to buy a baby. A risky business venture has tied up all of his cash, and someone is trying to buy the orphanage's property from under him. He needs an infusion of capital, fast. With his younger brother's encouragement, Leo realizes that marriage to an heiress is the best solution to his problem. He goes to the Lyon's Den to ask Mrs. Dove-Lyons for help. She proposes that if he can prove himself as a lover to her choice for his wife, his problems will be solved. Still grieving over the deaths of his wife and baby, he hadn't planned to remarry, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
 
Of course, Mrs. Dove-Lyons pairs up Araminta and Leo. Their first meeting hadn't gone well - Araminta thought he was arrogant, and Leo thought she was just short of a criminal. Their second meeting, the anonymous night spent together, was far different. The chemistry between them was off the charts, and by compatibility, they'd surely do well together. But when they discover who their mysterious partners were, both are shocked.
 
I liked that they met and put all their cards on the table. Honesty was the only way to go forward and have a successful union. But Araminta has some issues to overcome before taking that final step. Leo is more than willing to tie the knot to get Araminta in his bed and save his orphanage, but he has his work cut out to convince her. A surprise twist alters Leo's need for a quick marriage in an amusing yet awkward scene, but by this time, Leo has realized his feelings for Araminta. I liked his big moment and seeing him come through for Araminta.
 
The epilogue was good. There's a neat little twist involving Mrs. Dove-Lyons and the surprise she had for Leo and Araminta. 

What Happens in the Air - Michele Dunaway (HSE #2964 - Jan 2023)

Series: Love in the Valley (Book 1)
 
To get over their first love…
They had to come home!
 
After Luke Thornburg shattered her heart, Shelby Bien fled town to become a jet-setting photographer. She's shocked to find that single dad Luke's back in Beaumont -- and that the demise of their love wasn't what it seemed. When they join forces to fly their families' hot-air balloon, it's Shelby's chance at a cover story. And, just maybe, a second chance for the former sweethearts' own story…
 
Sweet second chance love story. Luke and Shelby grew up next door to each other and were lifelong friends. When they were teenagers, their friendship grew into more, and they had grand plans for their future together. But misunderstandings and outside interference tore them apart, believing the other had betrayed their love.
 
Shelby left her hometown behind and ultimately became a globe-trotting photographer. As the book opens twelve years later, she is between assignments and plans to spend a few days with her parents in Beaumont, Missouri. She's shocked when she runs into single dad Luke, who has moved back to Beaumont after his wife's death.
 
Luke has never forgotten his first love and recently learned about the interference that drove them apart. Though he doesn't expect to rekindle their romance, he wants to clear the air and reinstate their friendship. He gets his chance when their fathers' feud jeopardizes the families' traditional participation in the town balloon festival.
 
Shelby only expects to be home for a few days before returning to Seattle, but when she sends some of her hometown pictures to her boss, she's offered the chance to do a full spread about the festival. This is a significant career advancement, so she jumps at it. Because of their fathers' feud, this will be the first time their balloon hasn't flown in the festival. Luke suggests to Shelby that they fly the balloon, hoping the time together will allow them to reconnect. Shelby is wary at first, but once she hears the truth behind their separation, she's willing to try.
 
Neither Luke nor Shelby expects anything more than friendship from their time together. Luke and his daughter are putting down roots in Beaumont, staying close to family. Luke has also started a new business that he is excited about. At the same time, Shelby's life is one of constant travel as she chases her next adventure. But the more time they spend together, the more old feelings return. There are some sweet scenes of the two together, from prepping the balloon and taking test flights to spending time with Luke's daughter, Anna.
 
Luke realizes the depth of his feelings first but is sensitive to Shelby's dedication to her career. I loved that he refused to ask her to give it up for him. His support of her dreams is terrific, even though letting her go again will break his heart. Shelby realizes the depth of her feelings, which are at war with her desired career path. I ached for both as they parted again. I loved the ending, as Shelby finally realized where her heart belonged. Luke doesn't make it easy for her because he's afraid to get his hopes up, but in the end, Shelby finds a way to have the best of both worlds. The epilogue was terrific.
 
My favorite secondary character was Anna. She's a sweet little kindergartner who takes to Shelby right away. Anna is fascinated by Shelby's work as a photographer and is over the moon when Shelby offers to teach her. There are great scenes of the two together, and I loved Anna's excitement over the whole process. Like Shelby, Anna has a good eye, and I loved the bit in the epilogue about her progress.
 
The feud between the two fathers mainly was two stubborn fools letting their pride get the better of them. I loved seeing Shelby and Luke work around them to get the balloon going and that their mothers were willing accomplices. I also loved the bit at the end where Luke brought them together and told them they were being idiots and set a lousy example for Anna. He didn't pull any punches, and I was happy that the older men finally got it.
 
I loved the Missouri setting, especially the sightseeing bits in St. Louis. I've been to those places myself, which added a little extra kick to the story.