Texas Bodyguard: Weston - Janie Crouch (HI #2160 - Aug 2023)

Series: San Antonio Security (Book 3)
 
A determined bodyguard.
A fierce heiress.
 
And death is just a shot away… Silent, stealthy and professional, Weston Patterson is always two steps ahead of trouble -- until he's hired to bodyguard a woman he never expected to see again. Someone won't stop until Kayleigh Delacruz is dead. But the feisty heiress is challenging Weston to keep her close as well as safe. Will the suspicions between their different worlds lock them in an endgame impossible to survive?
 
Fantastic book that kept me enthralled from start to finish. I've loved getting to know the Patterson brothers, and now it's time to focus on Weston. He is the quiet one in the family who watches and considers before taking action. He was abused as a child by his father and eventually put into the foster system. The summer he was nine, he accompanied his landscaper foster father, Henry, on his work at the Delacruz estate. There he met Kayleigh, Leo Delacruz's daughter, and they became good friends during that carefree summer. Then Henry died, and Weston was moved to a different home, and he and Kayleigh didn't see each other again until Leo hired Weston to be a bodyguard for Kayleigh.
 
Kayleigh is the daughter of single parent Leo Delacruz. He is a ruthless businessman whose actions frequently bring trouble. A traumatic event when she was younger left Kayleigh with nightmares and difficulty trusting. Her relationship with her father is strained, and she resents his attempts to protect her, frequently evading his security people. She is a successful photographer who travels the world. On this visit home, she and Leo butt heads again over his protection plans.
 
Leo remembers Weston and his friendship with Kayleigh, so he hires Weston to protect Kayleigh back on the Delacruz estate. Kayleigh does not know Weston's purpose in being there - she thinks he's a landscaper like his foster father. She's not happy to discover the truth, but Weston's skills as a bodyguard are needed when they come under attack.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Kayleigh and Weston. Each has some trust issues to overcome, but neither can deny the connection that still exists. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other as adults and discover that the old feelings have grown and matured. There is a rough spot when Kayleigh discovers that Weston is a bodyguard, not a gardener, and it takes some work for Weston to win back her trust. I loved seeing Weston support Kayleigh's independence while he stood by her side to protect her. I loved seeing them grow closer, and the ending was fantastic.
 
The story's suspense kept me glued to the pages, and up way late to finish it. Leo's ruthlessness as a businessman has brought trouble to him and, by extension, Kayleigh. There are multiple possibilities for who is behind the latest situation, and when I thought I had it figured out, something would happen to change my mind and spotlight another suspect. The intense action kept Weston and Kayleigh barely one step ahead of those after her. The ending had several twists that I never saw coming. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
I enjoyed seeing all of the Pattersons involved and supporting Weston. His brothers always have his back, and I liked seeing them work together. I also loved seeing Weston and Kayleigh spending time with Weston's parents. It was an eye-opener for Kayleigh to see Weston so relaxed and relatively talkative when he was there. I'm looking forward to Chance's story. 

How the Duke Met His Match - Sophia Williams (HH #1742 - Aug 2023)

Propose in haste
Repent at leisure?
 
Alexander, Duke of Harwell, couldn’t stand by and let a rogue ruin heiress Emma. To save her reputation, he shocks himself by announcing their engagement! But the widower doesn’t want to remarry, and independent Emma is equally displeased, even if a paper marriage is the only solution. Yet as Emma bonds with his young sons, filling their home with warmth again, dormant feelings stir in Alex and he wonders if he’s met his match…
 
Good book. Alex is at a society ball and is constantly accosted by matchmaking mamas trying to interest the widower in their daughters. He has no interest in remarrying, preferring not to risk repeating the devastating grief of losing his wife.  But when he encounters a young woman fighting off the advances of a man determined to ruin her, he can't help getting involved. He doesn't expect to hear himself declare that the woman is his fiancée!
 
Emma is an heiress who has no interest in marrying any men who show an interest in her, or more accurately, her money. While she dreams of a true love match, she holds out no hope of it happening. After watching her parents' marriage collapse over the vast differences between them, Emma would rather be independent. While Alex saves her from one unwanted marriage, she's not happy to be forced into marriage with him.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Alex and Emma. Initially, Emma does her best to dissuade Alex from carrying through on his announcement. She doesn't want either of them to endure an unwanted union. But Alex quickly convinces her that avoidance is not an option. I liked their honest discussion about how neither wants to marry before Alex arrives at a compromise. They will marry, but it will be in name only. Emma will gain control of her inheritance and can live as she pleases, while Alex gains a mother figure/governess for his three sons.
 
Neither expects their attraction or friendship that develops as they spend time together. Alex fights his feelings, avoiding Emma whenever possible, but it does no good. When they are thrown together, whether building snowmen with his sons or visiting neighbors, it becomes harder to resist the sparks. When he gives in, he's overcome with regret and fear that he's already too deep. In an attempt to protect himself, he pulls further away.
 
Emma had hoped they could at least form a working friendship and is dismayed that Alex does everything possible to avoid her. Determined to make the best of her situation, she becomes involved with Alex's sons. I liked seeing her work past their antagonism (the spider scene was hilarious) and become an important part of their lives. I loved seeing her get involved in estate affairs and laughed out loud at Alex's surprise when he encountered her at one of his tenant's homes. Emma has a good heart, and it shows in her thoughtfulness. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she's falling in love with Alex even though she knows he won't return her feelings.
 
I ached for both as their feelings grew. Emma wants Alex's love but believes he's still in love with his dead wife. All she can do to protect herself from devastating hurt is remove herself from the source, so she plans to leave. Alex realizes the truth of his feelings, but his fears keep him from saying anything to Emma. Something he overhears Emma saying to his sons breaks through the walls around his heart, and a conversation with an elderly tenant opens his eyes further. But has he waited too long? The ending was great as Alex pursued Emma and hoped his feelings would be returned. I loved the scene at the inn and seeing Alex open his heart to Emma. The epilogue was terrific.

Hidden Amish Target - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #1048 - Aug 2023)

Series: Amish Country Justice (Book 16)
 
She's an accidental witness.
Now she's running for her life…
 
Witnessing a murder puts a target on Molly Schultz's back, and now she's on the run from a gunman dead set on silencing her. She turns to family friend Zeke Bender for help, but when Molly's identity and location are exposed, they're left with a criminal among her Amish community. Can Zeke safeguard Molly long enough to catch the culprit -- or will they fall prey to their merciless hunter?
 
Another terrific Amish Country Justice book that sucked me into the story, and didn't let go until I'd finished it. The action and intensity started immediately as Molly witnessed a brutal murder and barely escaped with her life.
 
Molly's life hasn't been easy lately. A year earlier, a tragic accident killed her father and her fiancé, paralyzed her mother, and put her brother into a coma. Molly herself suffered injuries she is still recovering from. As the oldest in the family, it has fallen to her to support her family, so she cleans houses to earn money to pay the bills. As the book opens, she arrives at one place to find no one home, so she lets herself in and begins to work. She's later disturbed by the sounds of an argument and hears a gunshot as she attempts to leave the premises discreetly. The shooter spots her as she runs, and she finds him hot on her heels. She manages to escape by hiding in a van.
 
Zeke just finished a farrier job and has his non-Amish driver take him home. He is stunned to find Molly hiding in the van and helps her hide so the driver doesn't see her. After he hears her story, Zeke promises to help her get to the police. He also calls his brother, Micah, a US Marshal, for help. Zeke is surprised at how quickly he steps up to help Molly. After his wife's murder, Zeke has been going through the motions of living and questioning his judgment about many of his decisions. He tells himself to back away from Molly's troubles but can't do it.
 
The person chasing Molly is determined to eliminate the only witness who can identify him, and nothing will stop him. The action is nonstop as Molly and Zeke find themselves on foot and barely a step ahead of their pursuer. From a compromised safe house to surviving a tornado, Molly and Zeke can hardly catch a break. I was glued to the pages as I followed their flight and hoped they would finally find safety. Just when I thought everything would be okay, an unexpected twist put Molly in the hands of the person behind all the trouble. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Molly and Zeke. Because of everything that has happened, Molly believes love and marriage are no longer possible. She and Zeke know each other because their families were friends before their district split, and Molly knows she can trust him. I liked watching them grow closer as time passed, and they had to depend on each other. I loved Zeke's protectiveness and seeing his gentle treatment of her. Molly struggles with her faith after everything that's happened, while Zeke has learned that he can count on his. His example helps Molly regain that faith, but she still has trouble believing that Zeke could be interested in her. I wanted to shake her for walking away, and I loved seeing Zeke's reaction when he found out. His big moment at the end was sweet and emotional, precisely what Molly needed to hear.
 
I loved the epilogue that was included. It takes place two years after the events of the book, and we get a look at what their lives are like now. They have two big surprises in store, and I love them both. The first one I suspected was likely, while the second one made me very happy. 

Montana Silence - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - July 2023)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 7)
 
Raised in a cult where opinions and freedom in women were not tolerated, Mara Greene narrowly escaped a life as a child bride—one where she would’ve been shared and owned by all the men in the compound.
 
Her testimony helped put the cult leader in prison, but she’s never truly gotten past the horrors inflicted on her. Despite having found a safe haven at the Resting Warrior Ranch, her conditioning to keep silent persists.
 
Here she’s safe, but still always alone and trapped in her silence.
 
Liam Anderson is always the first team member to crack a smile or a joke. No one—not even his Navy SEAL brothers—knows about his painful past or the truth he hides behind his charming mask.
 
He’s captivated by fragile Mara and wants to help her heal. Watching her find her voice is the most amazing thing he’s ever known. And it doesn’t take long to realize she’s healing him just as much.
 
When Mara’s past resurfaces, Liam won’t let her face it alone. He’ll be her personal protector no matter what it cost.
 
No one is going to steal her voice again.
 
I started reading this book at about 9 pm last night and was so engrossed in the story I didn't put it down until I turned the last page at 2 am. Mara has intrigued me since the first book, and I've eagerly awaited her story. I've also been waiting for Liam's tale, the last of the seven founders of the Resting Warrior Ranch.
 
It was obvious that something in Mara's past had turned her into an almost ghost-like figure. She is so quiet and self-effacing that she frequently blends into the background. Throughout the previous six books, she has somewhat emerged from her shell. However, she's been experiencing more flashbacks to her childhood as a cult member. I ached for her as I read about her abuse and her narrow escape from becoming a child bride. I loved the inner strength that helped her provide the testimony that put the leader in prison. I'm not sure how she came to Resting Warrior Ranch, but it has been a safe haven for her. She has become part of the RWR family even though she doesn't realize what that means.
 
Quiet, beautiful Mara captivated Liam from the moment she arrived at the ranch and was the first to step up if she needed something. He understands her skittishness even if he doesn't know what caused it and is careful to maintain his distance. I've enjoyed watching his feelings for her grow during the previous books as he wishes for the chance to tell her how he feels. Liam is there for her when he witnesses one of her flashback/panic attacks. I loved his gentleness as he helped her through it. I could almost feel his hug as he gave her the comfort she needed. I loved watching him take a chance and ask her to dance and his relief and happiness when she said yes. He has no idea she is just as attracted to him but doesn't know how to clue him in.
 
Mara's life is about to get complicated as her past becomes part of her present. When an item from that past is delivered to her at the ranch, all of the old fears come rushing to the surface. Rather than facing them alone, Mara discovers she has all the support she can want. Liam steps up as her protector. I loved the scene where he brought her to his home, where only one other person had ever been inside. Liam's nervousness and vulnerability were endearing as he opened his home and his heart to her. I loved their deep connection, ability to communicate without words and the growing love that makes it all possible.
 
The story's suspense kept me as glued to the pages as the romance. It revolves around the imprisoned cult leader and whether he should be paroled. Is he the one sending the creepy packages to Mara, or is someone else involved? I ached for Mara as she contemplated testifying before the parole board. I loved her determination to prevent what happened to her from happening to others. I felt her fear as she faced him and cried at its effect on her. But that isn't the end, and as Mara gathers her courage for a second round, an unexpected twist puts her in extreme danger. I loved watching the men of the RWR band together to pull off another incredible rescue. Even better, I loved that Mara found her voice, inner strength, and courage to fight for herself. The final confrontation was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
As always, I love the close relationships among the characters of this series. In this book, it was great to see Mara become closer to the other women of the RWR. I especially enjoyed the scenes with her and Lena at the coffee shop and the fun teasing as her relationship with Liam became known. The men have been through so much together that they rarely have to speak of their feelings to know that their comrades have their backs. In previous books, Liam was quick to tease the others about their burgeoning relationships, and it was fun to see him realize that he would now be on the receiving end.
 
I thought this might be the end of the series now that all seven have found love, but another book that stars the psychiatrist Rayne Westerfield is coming. I love how she has helped our warriors and their ladies, and I'm excited to read her story.

Dead on Arrival - Nichole Severn (HI #2099 - Oct 2022)

Series: Defenders of Battle Mountain (Book 3)
 
A bomb-strapped body
A rookie cop caught in the inferno
 
After barely escaping a deadly explosion, Officer Alma Majors has one clue to identify the victim and solve the case: a sliver of bone. But it's going to take more than shrapnel to expose the culprit. Bomb expert Cree Gregson will risk everything to protect his neighbor from a killer determined to avoid exposure. Protecting his heart may prove more difficult…
 
Good book about two people who must overcome painful pasts to move on to a better future. Alma was a successful anthropologist until her jealous husband turned to abuse. She escaped the marriage, moved home to Battle Mountain, and became a reserve officer with the Battle Mountain police department. Though she is friendly to those she meets, Alma keeps a distance between herself and others, unable to trust enough to open her heart. Cree is a bomb tech in another town who moved to Battle Mountain to escape the guilty memories from a bombing he couldn't prevent. He's isolated himself, trusting no one else.
 
The book's explosive opening sucked me into the story, and didn't let go until I'd read the last page. Alma was sent to check out reports of suspicious activity in a gulch, where she found a woman with a bomb sewn to her body. Alma barely escaped with her life. Her only clue to identifying the body is a sliver of bone. Cree heard the bomb blast, and even though he was on a leave of absence from his unit, he still rushed to the site and offered his services. Seeing his neighbor, Alma, involved stirs his protective instincts.
 
While others investigate the bombing, Alma is determined to identify the victim. If she can do that, it should lead to the who and why behind it. The investigation quickly becomes complicated when the bomber sets more explosives to cover their identity. Then the bomber targets Alma herself. From destroying the contents of Alma's apartment to capturing Alma and attempting to turn her into a living bomb, the story's intensity increases the closer Alma and Cree get to identifying them. Alma's methods were intriguing, bringing in her past work as an anthropologist. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that kept me glued to the pages until it was over. Alma's determination and Cree's protectiveness came together in a heart-pounding scene.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Alma and Cree develop. Neither is looking for love. Alma is still dealing with the aftereffects of her abusive marriage. Cree is wrapped up in the guilt he still feels over his last case. I loved Cree's protectiveness toward Alma and his sensitivity to what she went through. I liked seeing them grow closer as they worked together. Sharing what they'd experienced helped each break down the walls that kept their feelings locked up. It takes nearly losing each other to open their eyes to what has been missing in their lives. I liked the ending and seeing them look forward to a future together.
 
The end of the book and the epilogue introduced a new character - ATF agent Kendric Hudson. A former coworker of Cree's, it looks like he will stick around Battle Mountain. I liked how he encouraged Cree to follow his heart and provided some straight talk about the case that injured them. He will likely be the focus of the next book of the series.

Don't Wake a Sleeping Lyon - Sara Adrien (Dragonblade pub - July 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 39)
 
The Widow of Whitehall will get them in the game, but what are they willing to put on the line for a match?
 
Ada must marry soon or else she'll lose access to the trust money her father left her. Can she gamble as Mrs. Dove-Lyon's puffer and support herself? When she's swept up in the arms of a charming young doctor, will she find a way to make her luck last?
 
Alfred dreams of having his own practice on Harley Street but he doesn't have the money to get started. Before he finds a way to make a down payment, he loses his heart to a spirited lady gambler. Will he also lose his head, or can he reconcile love and his career?
 
Good book with a different twist to it. Mrs. Dove-Lyons has two young people who are in need of her services, but with the added challenge of adhering to their Jewish traditions. I liked how the author deftly wove those traditions into the story without making it feel like it was a religious text.
 
Ada is an honorary niece to Mrs. Dove-Lyons, who was friends with her father. When Ada's father dies, leaving her at the mercy of her unscrupulous guardian, she knows she needs help accessing her trust. She must marry, which she isn't ready to do, or wait until she is twenty-five, and she can't stand to be stuck as an unpaid servant in the Silvers' household that long. She asks Mrs. Dove-Lyons if she can be a "puffer" (someone who encourages others to gamble) at the Lyon's Den. That way she can earn enough money to live on her own until she gets her trust. Mrs. Dove-Lyons agrees, with the caveat that she pays her a percentage of her winnings. Ada grew up gambling with the men on her father's ships, and hasn't lost a game since she was fourteen.
 
Alfred is a pediatric doctor who dreams of having his own office on Harley Street. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the money needed for the down payment on the building that just became available. He is good at gambling, so he goes to the Lyon's Den to win the money he needs. After several days of winning against the house, he is called into the presence of Mrs. Dove-Lyons. His plans run counter to what her establishment is known for - making matches. He has no desire for a wife - yet. But she can't have him wreck her reputation. So she strikes a bargain - he has two weeks to win what he needs. If he doesn't, she will find him a suitable match. He lays down a condition of his own - his match must be Jewish, like himself, among other things.
 
That same night, Alfred and Ada encounter each other at the gambling table. Ada is stunned when she cannot win against him, and he does not win against her. There is something about him that unnerves her, and after a disturbing conversation she hopes to avoid him in the future. But fate has other plans. I loved the incident that brought them together outside the Lyon's Den, and the immediate connection they had. I loved seeing them get to know each other, and as they do, fall in love. I was intrigued by their conversations about their lives and dreams.
 
There is trouble ahead, because Alfred's future is pledged to Mrs. Dove-Lyons's plans for him. It was interesting to see Alfred and Ada work together to find a way to beat the odds, so that Alfred would get his money and they could be together. They should know that the Black Widow sees and knows all, and she isn't happy when she discovers the deception. The confrontation among them was intense but had a surprising outcome given the circumstances.
 
Matters become more complicated when Ada gets some disturbing news about her trust. The people she works for are even more terrible than she suspected, and what she finds out is devastating to her plans. I wasn't sure how things would work out in Ada's favor, but the events at the Den's masquerade ball proved that miracles can happen, even in a gambling den.
 
The ending was great, with Mrs. Dove-Lyons keeping her tradition and reputation undamaged, Alfred and Ada getting what they wanted, and a new player in town when it comes to making Jewish matches.

Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes - Karen Rose Smith (Kensington - Dec 2017)

Series: Daisy's Tea Garden (Book 1)
 
In an old Victorian in the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish country, Daisy Swanson and her aunt Iris serve soups, scones, and soothing teas to tourists and locals—but a murder in their garden has them in hot water.
 
Daisy, a widowed mom of two teenagers, is used to feeling protective, so when Iris started dating the wealthy and not-quite-divorced Harvey Fitz, she worried—especially after his bitter ex stormed in and caused a scene at the party Daisy's Tea Garden was catering. Then there was the gossip she overheard about Harvey's grown children being cut out of his will. Daisy didn't want her aunt to wind up with a broken heart—but she never expected Iris to wind up a suspect in Harvey's murder.
 
Now the apple bread and orange pekoe is on the back burner while the cops treat the shop like a crime scene—and Daisy hopes that Jonas Groft, a former detective from Philadelphia, can help her clear her aunt's name and bag the real killer before things boil over...
 
Terrific start to the series. After her husband died, Daisy and her two daughters moved home to Willow Creek, a community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Amish country. She and her Aunt Iris started Daisy's Tea Garden, a tea shop that serves soups, scones, and tea to locals and tourists. Things are going well for Daisy: the shop is thriving, and her daughters Violet and Jazzi are settled, with Violet recently off to college. She's a little worried about Iris, who is dating wealthy and not-quite-divorced men's shop owner Harvey Fitz. Then Harvey is found murdered in the tea shop's garden, and Iris is at the top of Detective Rappaport's suspect list.
 
I enjoyed seeing Daisy get involved in attempting to clear Iris's name. Her work is cut out for her, as the detective indicates that he believes Iris is the killer. She has plenty of suspects to choose from, whether it's Harvey's soon-to-be-ex, his possibly disinherited children, or one of several business rivals. The mystery was well done, as it kept me guessing who did it until the end. The final confrontation was intense, with Iris and Daisy surprised by the killer. The takedown was fantastic - I loved how Iris and Daisy kept their wits about them and saved themselves with a little bit of outside help.
 
I enjoyed the variety of characters. Daisy's family love each other but have their own personalities. Iris and Daisy's mother, Rose, are sisters who don't always get along. Rose can be a bit judgmental, which puts her at odds sometimes with others. Iris is sweet and well-liked by the guests at the tea shop but shows a feisty side when she gets riled up. I liked Daisy's daughters, Violet and Jazzi. Violet is away at college though we see some of her at the end. Jazzi is involved in a secondary storyline as she expresses her desire to find her birth mother. I liked how Daisy handled this issue.
 
Outside the family, we meet the tea garden employees, other business owners, and two intriguing men. I enjoyed the various employees who have unique personalities and stories of their own. I enjoyed Tessa, one of Daisy's friends and baking assistant. Tessa is also an artist, and I liked the scene of her gallery show and getting to know that side of her. Her new employee, Foster, is an interesting young man. I loved how easily he fit in and seeing his ideas for the tea shop.
 
There is a hint of romance running through the book. Cade, one of Daisy's high school classmates, appears to be interested in her. He's a nice guy, though he tends to be cautious. His warnings against investigating irritate Daisy though it doesn't stop her from going out with him. Jonas is new to Willow Creek. A former police detective, now a furniture maker and store owner, is often on the spot when Daisy runs into trouble. He is sweet and attentive, and I loved how he helped Daisy, Iris, and Jazzi. Daisy is a little surprised by the feelings he sparks in her. I look forward to future books and seeing what happens with both men.
 
The descriptions of the tea shop, the teas, and the food made me feel like I was there. As a tea drinker myself, I would love to pop in at Daisy's and enjoy a cuppa and a lemon tea cake or cinnamon scone. 

Tempted at Thoroughbred Lake - Delores Fossen (Canary Street Press - May 2023)

Series: Last Ride, Texas (Book 5.5)
 
Life’s too short to wonder what if… Eighteen years ago, Brennan Dayton married the wrong girl. He thought it was the right thing to do after a night of bad decisions resulted in an unexpected pregnancy. Still, he’s never forgotten his high school crush, Ruby Parkman—or forgiven himself for breaking her heart.
 
Ruby has carved out a good life for herself and her daughter, Vivian, despite the sting of her ex–best friend’s betrayal. When Alice hooked up with Brennan all those years ago, Ruby’s heart was shattered six ways from Sunday. Now that he’s divorced, she can’t deny her still-simmering attraction for the Texas rancher. But when their kids decide to get married on a whim, Ruby and Brennan are thrown together once more. And if she’s not careful, she could get burned a second time…
 
Short second chance romance. Brennan and Ruby had just started a relationship in high school when her best friend swooped in and stole him away. An unplanned pregnancy had Brennan doing "the right thing" and marrying Alice. He never forgot Ruby or the guilt he felt for his actions. Ruby consoled herself with someone else and ended up with an unplanned pregnancy herself, but avoided the mistake of marrying someone she didn't love. She never forgot her feelings for Brennan though she tells herself she's moved on.
 
Ruby and Brennan get quite a shock when his son and her daughter get married two weeks before they're supposed to leave for college. Neither Brennan nor Ruby makes any secret of their dismay at their kids' impulsive action, but they also know there's nothing they can do about it. Moreover, Vivian and Seth point out that their parents obviously still have feelings for each other, and it's time they did something about it.
 
The rekindling of their relationship takes place over a few days as they spend time together exploring the attraction that never died. Older and wiser, they spend some time talking about the past. I liked their acknowledgment of mistakes made and lessons learned as they look toward a future together. There's an interesting twist involving Vivian and Seth at the end of the book. 

 

Twilight at Wild Springs - Delores Fossen (Canary Street Press - July 2023)

Series: Last Ride, Texas (Book 6)
 
Family is always worth the fight
 
Lily Parkman has a Texas-size secret. For years, the single mother has managed to keep the true identity of her daughter Hayden's father under the saddle. But after a mysterious note turns up at Wild Springs Ranch, Lily knows it's time to come clean…starting with Wild Springs' ruggedly handsome foreman, Jonas Buchanan.
 
Jonas already suspects that his deceased brother is Hayden's real father. Still, the widowed rancher isn't prepared for what Lily's revelation means for their friendship -- or their future. They both soon discover that when there's more to love, there's more at stake. And when a troublesome figure from the past comes to Last Ride, they must fight like never before…or risk losing their newfound family forever.
 
Terrific book about families - of the blood and the heart. The depth of emotion as secrets were revealed kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. This is the story of two teenagers and their parents whose lives are upended when those secrets come to light.
 
Lily is the owner of Wild Springs Ranch. Her daughter Hayden is fourteen years old. When Lily was a teenager, she fell in love with Griff. When Griff died right after learning Lily was pregnant, her grief was devastating. Cam, a good friend of hers and Griff's offered to marry her and claim the baby as his. Though the marriage ended quickly, Lily never told Hayden the truth. She knows she should, but the time never seemed right. Then a note appears in the mailbox, claiming that "Dad" wants to tell the truth. Lily is panicking, knowing she must tell Hayden before Cam shows up. Her ranch foreman and business partner, Jonas, is Griff's older brother, and she knows he needs to hear the truth from her.
 
Jonas is a widower with a fourteen-year-old stepson he's raised since the boy was two. He thinks of Eli as his son, no "step" about it. Jonas and Eli have a terrific relationship. Eli's mother, Maggie, was the love of Jonas's life, and he still grieves her loss. Maggie never talked about Eli's father, only saying he was bad news and not in their lives. Jonas has long suspected that Hayden is his niece but has never said anything to Lily.
 
Matters become highly complicated when Lily calls the number on the note and discovers it isn't her ex on the other end of the line. Instead, it is Eli's father, Bentley, who claims he never knew he had a son and wants to be part of Eli's life. I ached for Jonas, who was gutted by the thought of this man taking Eli away. I understood his wariness of a man who seems to appear out of nowhere after so many years. It was hard to see Eli's happiness at getting to know his bio dad when it was apparent how hard it was on Jonas.
 
Meanwhile, Lily tries to work up the courage to tell Hayden the truth. That choice is taken out of her hands by another anonymous note, this one attached to Hayden's bedroom window. I ached for Lily and Hayden as Hayden's feelings of betrayal drove a wedge between her and her mother. I liked how Lily's patience and understanding paid off. The emotions of the cemetery scene were a two-tissue event.
 
During this time of upheaval, Lily and Jonas lean on each other for support. Both are shocked to discover that under their long-standing friendship, there now burns an undeniable attraction. They try to fight their feelings, afraid of doing something that would destroy their friendship and make their partnership awkward at best. I loved seeing how their mutual support and understanding grew into so much more until they could no longer resist. I loved the ending and seeing them surrender to the love they couldn't deny.
 
Meanwhile, Jonas and Lily have reservations about Bentley and his sudden interest in Eli. The more I saw of him, the more I agreed that there seemed to be something off about him. I understood Jonas's fear that he was projecting his personal feelings and appreciated that he didn't interfere with Eli's desire to get to know Bentley. What happened in the end wasn't much of a surprise, but I hurt for Eli and his disillusionment.
 
A secondary storyline in the book is the town's tradition of picking one person to research someone buried in the town graveyard. This year's research project falls to Lily, and the subject is the town founder, Hezzie Parkman. Even this won't be the easy project Lily hoped for, as Hezzie had more than a few skeletons in her closet. Not everyone is happy about those secrets being made public, and Lily has to walk a fine line. I laughed out loud at some things old Hezzie got up to in her day. Her photography exploits were especially notable, and seeing reactions to the pictures was fun. I liked how Lily found a way to display honesty and discretion in her report.

The Wedding Gift - Carolyn Brown (Sourcebooks - July 2023)

Three fun short stories.
 
THE WEDDING GIFT
 
A bride with cold feet might just make the mistake of a lifetime, unless there's a wise woman around to set her straight. Includes two bonus novellas to help you celebrate the seasons!
 
A week before your wedding is no time for your ex to ride back into town, stirring up trouble. But that’s exactly the predicament Darla McAdams finds herself in. With practically the entire town of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in attendance, the last place she wants to be is at her grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary party with the whole family, her fiancé and her old flame all in the same room.
 
Darla’s grandmother Roxie has seen many a bride tested, and she knows Darla is at a crossroads. It’s time to share the truth about Roxie’s own marriage to Darla’s grandfather - and the gift that saved their marriage so many years ago. By revealing secret after secret, the most startling involving a television set, Roxie gives Darla a wedding gift she’ll cherish forever, but only Darla can listen to what’s inside her heart and know who she’s meant to say “I do” to.
 
Fun story about what happens when an old boyfriend shows up a week before your wedding and tries to talk you into running off with him. The story opens as Darla, her grandmother Roxie, and grandfather Claud get ready for their sixtieth-anniversary party. Darla needs some advice from Roxie but has to wait until after the party. In the meantime, she's faced with trying to stave off Andy's innuendo-filled comments and remind herself that she loves Will.
 
As soon as she hears the problem, Roxie knows what she has to do. I loved her stories of the early days of her marriage to Claud, especially the marriage license, his fishing tackle, and the television. Her downhome and practical advice are spot-on (let's hear it for Sunday "naps."). Old Andy gets what's coming to him when Darla and Roxie discover he has more than one iron in the fire. I laughed out loud at Roxie's clever way of doling out justice.
 
I loved Darla's fiancé, Will. He adores her and intends to give her the best life possible. His little romantic touches are sweet and remind Darla why she loves him. An unexpected twist at the end showed they had more in common than they knew. I loved that they learned early on that trust is vital in a happy marriage. The wedding scene was sweet.
 
 
 
A SLOW DANCE HOLIDAY
 
Legend has it the Honky Tonk bar in tiny Mingus, Texas, is charmed and its owners will find true love. But when new owners Cameron Walsh and JJ Jenks meet the week before Christmas and discover the deal includes sharing an efficiency in the back of the bar, they're not sure it's going to be the down-home Christmas they dreamed of…
 
Fun story. I've enjoyed the Honky Tonk series, and this was a terrific, if short, addition.  Cameron and Jorja (JJ) are each given half-ownership of the Honky-Tonk by its previous owner, with the collusion of their grandparents. Cameron has run a beach bar in Florida for years and looks forward to having his own place. Jorja is just happy to get away from Nashville. Each believes their new partner is the same gender as themselves, and they get quite a shock when they meet.
 
Jorja is a red-headed spitfire who makes an immediate impression on Cameron when they meet. Neither is willing to give up their portion of the bar, so they quickly learn to work together. Their conversations are fun as they adjust to working and living together. I loved the use of animal pairings to give Cameron and Jorja the idea that they belong together - from spiders and snakes to robins and possums, everywhere they look, they see couples.
 
Jorja also faces the obstacle of dealing with her family. The daughter of a preacher, they are not pleased that she gave up an excellent job to own a bar. When her older sister shows up at the bar intent on forcing Jorja to come home, it takes some effort to convince her otherwise. I loved seeing Jorja stand up for herself. At the same time, Cameron realizes he doesn't want her to go. I loved the ending.
 
 
 
SUMMERTIME ON THE RANCH
 
This city girl is about to learn a thing or two about bad-boy cowboys.
 
Becca McKay has been in Nashville doing everything she can to land a country music contract, but when her grandmother, Greta, gets sick, Becca packs up her twelve-year-old SUV and heads back to Terral, Oklahoma to help take care of Greta. Once she arrives, she quickly gets hired at the O'Donnells' watermelon wine-making business.
 
Dalton Wilson has been the foreman on the O'Donnells' ranch for a couple of years now. He's thirty years old and has a reputation for being a bad-boy cowboy, but deep in his heart, he is more than ready to settle down. It's love at first sight for Dalton, but convincing Becca that he is ready to hang up his bad boy spurs is quite another thing—until the night they both have too much watermelon wine and open their hearts…
 
Short and sweet romance from the Spikes and Spurs series. After ten years of chasing her country music dream in Nashville, she leaves it all behind to care for her grandmother in tiny Terral, Oklahoma. She gets a job working at Austin O'Donnell's watermelon wine business and is soon dreaming of starting her own vineyard. The only downside is resisting the bad-boy cowboy foreman at the ranch across the road.
 
Dalton has a love-'em-and-leave-'em reputation with the women of Terral. He wasn't interested in settling down until he laid eyes on Becca. Suddenly, being a one-woman man doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all. Unfortunately, convincing Becca he's changed his ways is an uphill battle.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Dalton and Becca. The sparks are there when they meet, but Becca is wary of becoming just another notch on Dalton's bedpost. Dalton doesn't seem to get anywhere until Becca's grandmother, Greta, pulls him into her orbit of church and Sunday dinner. Just that little bit of seeing Dalton's honorable side has Becca looking at him a little differently. I loved seeing them start to spend time together and discover they have more in common than they thought. There are some sweet scenes of burgers at the Dairy Queen and picnics in the woods, and a hilarious scene involving a bull and a watermelon.
 
Things are looking up for them until a bit of Dalton's past comes calling. I wanted to shake Becca for her reaction and enjoyed seeing Greta call her out on it. I liked that Dalton and Becca were adult enough to talk honestly with each other about what happened. I liked the ending and seeing them look forward to a future together.

 

A Manhattan Heiress in Paris - Amanda McCabe (HH #1716 - Apr 2023)

Leaving Manhattan…
For a secret Parisian affair…
 
New York darling Elizabeth Van Hoeven has everything…except freedom. But now Eliza's traveling to study piano at the Paris Conservatoire and falling for jazz prodigy Jack Coleman in the process! A love like theirs is forbidden back home, and as they make beautiful music together under the Parisian lights, Eliza and Jack face a difficult choice: the life they've always known, or the possibility of a life they never could have imagined…
 
Terrific romance of two musicians in the glittering world of 1920's Paris. But there are obstacles to their love thanks to social class and the prejudices of the time. The Paris setting and the inclusion of real-life figures, such as the Fitzgeralds, Picasso, Stravinsky, and others, made the story richer and drew me deeper into the book.
 
Eliza is the daughter of wealthy New Yorkers who is expected to make a good marriage and limit her musical efforts to entertaining friends and family. But for Eliza, music is her heart and soul, and marriage is the last thing on her mind. She is ecstatic when she receives an invitation to study at the Paris Conservatoire and convinces her parents to allow her to go alone. On the trip to Paris, she encounters Jack, a talented jazz musician whom she met at a club in New York.
 
Jack is excited to return to Paris. He spent some time there after the war and remembers the pleasure of being seen for himself, not for the color of his skin. Back in New York, the prospect of being a successful musician is slight, while the opportunities in Paris are vast. I loved the owner of Club d'Or, his support of Jack, and his plans for Jack's future at the club.
 
I liked Jack and Eliza's first couple of encounters. They met first as children, their joy in music forming an instant connection. Their second encounter was at a club in New York, where Jack was playing his trumpet. They recognized each other, and a brief conversation cemented their earlier connection. Neither expected to see each other again but discovered they were on the same boat to Paris - Eliza as a first-class passenger and Jack as a member of the ship's band. Once again, they are drawn to each other by their mutual love of music and their forbidden attraction.
 
I loved watching Eliza and Jack's relationship develop. Eliza is surprised and happy that life is very different in Paris. She is befriended by the Comtesse Chloe, who shows her a new world free of the restrictions and prejudices found back home. She and Jack spend as much time together as possible, learning about each other's lives and dreams. Eliza is sweetly naïve, and I loved witnessing her fascination with everything around her. Jack is more worldly and cynical yet determined to protect Eliza from the harsher realities.
 
Their relationship progresses happily until visitors from home bring reminders of the obstacles they face. Jack's cousin Leo brings trouble with him that spills over onto Jack. Meanwhile, Eliza's mother unexpectedly shows up after getting "disturbing" letters from a friend in Paris, determined to remind Eliza of family expectations. Even Eliza's cousin Mamie gets into the act, using her experiences to appeal to Jack's fears for Eliza. Everything comes to a head during a frightening scene at the club. I loved how Eliza's newfound confidence allowed her to stand up for herself and what was right for her. I liked the epilogue but would have enjoyed something a little further into the future to see how their lives are going.

Their Royal Baby Gift - Kandy Shepherd (HR #4735 - Nov 2020)

Series: Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel (Book 2)
 
Can two strangers…
…become one family?
 
Designer Sally Harrington falls -- literally! -- into the arms of a handsome stranger. And, after one spontaneous night, Sally's life changes forever… She's pregnant! But there's another shock to come. Her mystery man turns out to be Prince Edward of Tianlipin! As their two worlds collide and family duty threatens the magic this pair share…there may be one more Christmas surprise coming their way…
 
Good holiday story. Sally is one of the three Harrington siblings who have regained ownership of their family hotel, Harrington Park. Sally is in charge of the hotel's design elements, including plans for a rooftop garden. While researching similar setups in Singapore, she meets Edward Chen when he rescues her after she falls into the hotel pool. Each has reasons for maintaining a low profile, so they quickly retreat to his suite to recover from their dunking. The sparks between them are undeniable, and an evening of food and conversation becomes a passionate one-night stand with no expectation of seeing each other again.
 
Five weeks later, Sally is back in Singapore and discovers that her extreme jet lag is a symptom of something more permanent. Shocked by the realization, she's further stunned when she discovers that Edward is also the Crown Prince of Tianlipin. She knows she needs to tell him about the baby and wangles a ticket to a charity event where she might be able to see him. Edward is elated to see the woman he hasn't been able to forget. The chemistry between them is still there. After hearing her news, he sweeps her away to his island home.
 
I liked Edward and Sally. Sally is an independent woman who is ambitious and determined. After several losses early in life, she closed off her emotions to prevent being hurt again. Being around Edward breaks down those walls, but she sees no road to happiness in their future. She is adamant that she is quite capable of raising her child on her own, though her heart dreams that they could be together.
 
Edward is caught between a rock and a hard place. As Crown Prince, his parents have arranged a political marriage for him. He isn't happy about it and doesn't even like his prospective fiancee. I loved his care and concern for Sally and enjoyed watching him care for her. The more time they spend together, the deeper their connection grows, and their feelings become stronger.
 
I ached for both as their love grew. Edward wants Sally and the baby in his life, but he also knows he has a duty to his country. I could feel their pain as they parted with the knowledge that the life they wanted was impossible. Fortunately, Edward doesn't give up the fight. I loved the ending and seeing him show up in London to offer Sally his heart. There was a fun little twist that shouldn't have been too big a surprise given their family histories. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the peek at their future.
 
I enjoyed the lush descriptions of Singapore and Edward's island home. I also liked learning about his family, culture, and traditions; they added extra depth to his character. I also enjoyed learning more about Sally's family traditions, especially as they related to the hotel. I loved her amended ideas for the hotel garden and seeing it come to fruition at the end. 

The Lucky Shamrock - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - July 2023)

Family doesn't mean everyone has to like each other. That's the case when cousins Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja return to Shamrock, Texas, to help manage their grandmother's flower shop, the Lucky Shamrock. The reunion isn't exactly a beautiful arrangement -- considering they're as compatible as ranchers and coyotes.
 
Thank heaven for a handsome go-between like Clinton, who lives above the shop. The easygoing war vet, and most eligible bachelor in Wheeler County, is now throwing romance into the mix and setting the local women to gossiping. But as the hot months wear on, hidden secrets begin to surface for the temperamental Irish trio. And it's bringing them closer together than they ever thought possible.
 
With a flurry of weddings, a love story in the making, a surprise baby, and crazy good fortune, maybe that shamrock painted on the window does bring luck. Because for Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja, this could be the summer that'll change their lives forever.
 
Terrific story of family, secrets, love, and healing. Three cousins, Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja, return to Shamrock to help run their grandmother's flower shop, The Lucky Shamrock. The three women aren't close - they can barely go five minutes without squabbling. Nana Irene forces them to live and work together to get them to learn to get along. The initial reunion among the three women doesn't look good for a peaceful summer.
 
Easygoing war vet Clinton lives in the apartment over the shop and helps Nana Irene with deliveries and heavy lifting. He's on hand to run interference among the three women. Clinton is the most eligible bachelor in the small town and is the target of several husband-hunting women. These women relentlessly pursue Clinton, using homemade goodies to try to win him over. I loved his focus on helping others and got a kick out of his grandfather's vociferous support.
 
I loved watching Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja throw themselves into the work. One of their first challenges is setting up a big wedding whose wedding planner is an old nemesis from their school days. Their encounters with Kaitlyn are full of sass and stick-togetherness, including a satisfying post-wedding confrontation. Though the three women bicker among themselves, they stand should-to-shoulder against outsiders.
 
As they settle into working and living together, their contentiousness slowly evaporates. I loved seeing them share the secrets that have had such long-lasting impacts on their lives. Burdens shared are burdens lifted, and I loved watching them share their coping strategies. I loved their box-burning scene and laughed out loud at their dog-toy-throwing episode.
 
I think Jorja changed the most. The daughter of missionaries, Jorja is the religious one of the trio. She focuses on trying to gain redemption for a traumatic event in her past. Her prim and proper façade hides the broken and hurting woman inside. I loved the support she received from Taryn and Anna Rose as she faced those memories and moved past them. It was fun to see her do everything from drinking beer and letting loose with some cussing to confronting the person responsible for her demons.
 
Anna Rose has gone the other way. She is a brilliant photographer who constantly travels, never staying anywhere long enough to put down roots. She is loud-mouthed, sassy, and believes in living life to the fullest. But that spirit hides insecurities stemming from a relationship that turned toxic and made her wary of settling down. Her cousins' support helped her see she was tired of running away.
 
Taryn left Shamrock in the dust after graduation, tired of the unfair reputation of troublemaker gained by trusting the wrong people. But life away from Shamrock wasn't always better. A bad relationship has made it difficult for her to trust her judgment when risking her heart again. But with the help of a baby, she learns to open her heart again.
 
The setting of small-town Texas and the drama that accompanies everyone being up everyone else's business made this a fun book to read. From the trio of mean girls to Nana Irene and Ruby, there is never a dull moment. I loved the surprise at the end and its effect on so many lives. I especially enjoyed seeing a particular person finally have to face the music.
 
While most of the story was spent on Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja and their pasts and relationships with each other, there was a subtle romance going on in the background. I loved watching Taryn and Clinton grow closer thanks to caring for baby Zoe and Clinton's kindness and support. I liked that they took their time and became friends first. The epilogue was terrific. I loved seeing where everyone was a year later.

Ozarks Witness Protection - Maggie Wells (HI #2155 - July 2023)

Series: Arkansas Special Agents (Book 3)
 
The only thing between her and a murderer
Is the special agent assigned to keep her safe
 
Targeted by her husband's killer, injured and pregnant widow Kayla Powers needs a protection plan -- pronto. But 24/7 bodyguard detail challenges Special Agent Ryan Hastings's security skills…and professional boundaries. The determined heiress will do anything to neutralize the threat to her unborn child, even offer herself as bait. But will her plan to step out of the shadows jeopardize Ryan's mission and his heart?
 
Terrific conclusion to the series. We met Kayla in the previous book, Ozarks Double Homicide, as the widow of one of the victims. Much to the dismay of her husband's other family members, Kayla inherited his entire estate and the family law firm. As this book opens, it is a few weeks later, and Kayla has taken time off from the business to grieve. Her friend Michelle, also from the previous book, is running the company.
 
Besides the death of her husband, Kayla has had an emotional few weeks. She spent time in rehab to overcome her alcohol problem, dealt with the scandal of a money-laundering associate, and is fending off challenges to her husband's will. Spending time at the family's lake house is all that's keeping her on an even keel. That serenity goes up in smoke when someone shoots her while she's out on a walk. Michelle and detective Ethan Scott insist that she needs 24/7 protection, and Ethan calls in his friend to do the job.
 
Ryan is a member of the Arkansas State Police Protective Services Division, currently on desk duty as he recovers from an injury. He's happy to return to the field until he runs up against the stubborn Kayla. The sparks flew between them as Kayla resisted every suggestion Ryan made for her safety. Kayla is strong-willed and used to making her own decisions as an attorney. Allowing someone else to take control is difficult; the push-and-pull over that control creates interesting situations.
 
I enjoyed watching Ryan and Kayla learn to deal with each other. Ryan respects her intelligence and resilience while frequently frustrated by her stubbornness and impatience. Kayla respects Ryan's experience and abilities but is frustrated by what she feels is his overprotectiveness. Underneath the contentiousness is a simmering attraction that both try to resist. Ryan won't let personal feelings interfere with his duty, and Kayla feels guilty about her interest in Ryan so soon after her husband's death. I liked the ending and the prospect of a relationship between Kayla and Ryan. I wish there had been an epilogue showing the three couples further down the road.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. This book carries on with the investigation into the murders from the previous book and adds the question of whether the attacks on Kayla are connected to the murders. A leading suspect is identified early in the book with the action involving trying to find him. The tension increases as the threats continue to pile up. Kayla's desire to end the search runs up against Ryan's need to keep her safe. It wasn't a surprise to see Kayla take matters into her own hands, and I felt Ryan's frustration and worry when she ditched him. The final confrontation was a nail-biter. I loved seeing Kyla pull off a terrific set-up and bring the bad guy down.
 
My favorite quote from this book is this one: 
"Mrs. Powers, you have to know by now the case involving the deaths of your husband and his son are the criminal investigation division's number-one priority at this time. If Ethan Scott told the higher-ups he needed a purple unicorn with a polka-dotted mane to close this case, they'd be out spray-painting a horse as we speak."

Ozarks Double Homicide - Maggie Wells (HI #2149 - June 2023)

Series: Arkansas Special Agents (Book 2)
 
A double homicide implicates powerful people…
And jeopardizes an undercover operation.
 
Michelle Fraser's undercover probe into a prestigious law firm has hit a snag. After she's spent years accumulating evidence, the murder of two partners threatens the FBI operative's assignment. Tasked with defending the prime suspect, she's torn between helping investigator Ethan Scott and preserving her cover. Ethan senses Michelle isn't what she seems. But as the case heats up, can Michelle trust Ethan with her secret?
 
Terrific book that kept me reading all night. I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. This book picks up where the first book, Ozarks Missing Person, left off. In that book, young and prominent attorney Trey Powers was arrested for the murder of a young woman. As this book opens, Trey and his father, Tyrone, are victims of a double homicide, rendering the murder case against him null and void. The immediate suspect in the murder is Tyrone's young and beautiful wife, Kayla, who also discovered the bodies. The lawyer previously assigned to Trey's defense, Michelle Fraser, now becomes Kayla's lawyer.
 
Criminal Investigation Division investigator Ethan Scott is new to the local office. As the division chief, he is assigned to the high-profile case. From the get-go, Ethan feels that there is far more going on than there appears to be on the surface. That goes double for the lawyer, Michelle, who he senses is hiding something.
 
This was a complex and fascinating book to read. The lead suspect, Kayla Powers, is open and cooperative, insisting she has nothing to hide. Michelle, who believes her client is innocent, wants to help Ethan with the investigation, as that would prove Kayla is telling the truth. But Michelle is more than a hot-shot lawyer - she is also an undercover FBI agent investigating the law firm where she works. Are the murders connected to her investigation? And should she trust Ethan with the truth of who she is in the interest of furthering the investigation? And finally, what to do about those sparks flying between them?
 
I was glued to the pages as I followed the twists and turns of this investigation. I mostly believed in Kayla's innocence, but now and then, something would seem a little off. But were those things her doing, or is someone setting her up? The death of Tyrone Powers puts Michelle's investigation in danger, and there are some tense moments as a late-night trip to the office brings both success and danger. Further investigation reveals other people with hidden secrets and the motivation to kill. The confrontation at the end is intense and answers the questions Michelle was sent to investigate, but leaves the question of the murderer hanging for the next book.
 
The romance of this book takes a back seat to the case. That's not to say there are no sparks. I loved watching the interactions between Ethan and Michelle. Something about her has Ethan's instincts aroused. She may claim to be a lawyer, and the background checks out, but Ethan could swear she's a cop. As he says, "Like recognizes like." I liked the teamwork, cooperation, and respect that developed between them, even as they put their growing attraction on the back burner until they were done with the investigation. I liked the ending and the promise of further romantic development.
 
I felt terrible for Grace, the agent in the first book who had been investigating Trey for the murder of the young woman. All the work she did was for nothing once Trey was dead. Fortunately, Ethan greatly respected her abilities and put her to work on his investigation. I could feel the same intensity she had in that book carry over into this one. I'm looking forward to the third book and finding out the truth about what is going on.

Ilsa's Protector - Regan Black, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - July 2023)

Series: Never Too Late for Love: Ellington Cove (Book 6)
 
After ten years as an Army medic, Max Crosby became a bodyguard to stay closer to his family. As a personal protector, there are fewer medical crises, but plenty of challenges and surprises.
 
The latest surprise? Ilsa Lambert, the curvy Ellington Cove wedding planner with the perpetual smile who handles event details with military precision.
 
Ilsa is passionate about creating memorable events for her clients, giving them a romantic foundation for lasting happiness. The work fuels her, especially when family drama made her personal happily ever after impossible.
 
And that drama, in the form of her cousin, is back for another round.
 
Ilsa keeps her personal life away from her professional endeavors, but her cousin won’t be deterred. Ilsa needs protection between crashing a wedding and his attempts to break into her house.
 
Max might’ve left love and marriage to his siblings, but he won’t sit idle when Ilsa comes under attack. Even if stepping into the breach means getting closer than he should to a woman dedicated to all things romance.
 
And through it all, they might find that it’s never too late for love.
 
I loved finally getting Ilsa's story. As the wedding and event planner for the resort, Ilsa is a big part of the Ellington Cove family. She gets great joy and satisfaction from giving couples the weddings of their dreams. However, she's given up on her dreams of romance thanks to multiple losses and family drama, even though her friends keep trying to fix her up. With all of that, she wouldn't mind spending some quality time with the lead bodyguard of her latest client.
 
Max is a former army medic turned bodyguard, a job he's done for many years. He's feeling a bit burned out - tired of the constant travel and the frequent drama. He's ready to move on to the next phase of his life, whatever it may be. As he finishes his current job, he is drawn to the wedding planner, whose sunny nature and romantic optimism soothe the cynic in him.
 
The sparks between Max and Ilsa are evident from the beginning. Ilsa tries to ignore them, preferring to keep things professional with her client's bodyguard. She also avoids romantic entanglements because her cousin Jacob is known for interfering with anything good for Ilsa. The backstory of Ilsa's life and the trouble Jacob causes her was heartbreaking and made me root for a happy ending for her even more. Max can't help his fascination and witnesses Jacob's attack on her.
 
Max recognizes a potential threat and decides to stick around Key West and watch out for Ilsa while getting to know her better. Ilsa hates the idea of causing trouble for anyone, but between the earlier confrontation and the escalating attacks on her, she realizes she needs help.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Ilsa and Max. Neither is looking for a relationship, believing love is not for them. Max thought the time for love had passed him by, but the more time he spends with Ilsa, the more he rethinks his position. I loved his protectiveness, kindness, and the romanticism that emerged as he spent time with her. I especially loved that he told her how special, beautiful, sweet, and talented she was. While Ilsa has great self-confidence regarding her work, some underlying self-esteem issues make it hard for her to believe Max could genuinely be interested in her. I loved seeing him get past her walls. I loved the ending and seeing Max overcome Ilsa's fears to give them the future they both want. The hospital scene at the end was terrific.
 
The story's suspense was outstanding and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. We meet Ilsa's cousin Jacob early and discover how much trouble he is. Though she hates feeling like she's causing problems, Ilsa quickly realizes that she needs help to deal with him. Max is the first line of defense, and I loved his determination to keep her safe. Ilsa is also an essential part of the Ellington Cove family, and I loved seeing her friends rally around her. I could feel everyone's frustration as Jacob eluded their searches, and the tension built as they waited for him to make another move. The final confrontation and its aftermath was a nail-biter but very satisfying.
 
The epilogue was fantastic. Ilsa has the love she's always wanted, a new family to be a part of, and a future that looks brighter than she could have ever imagined.
 
I can't end the review without mentioning Ilsa's dog, Annie. Her sweetness, gentleness, and sheer lovableness remind me of my daughter's three pibbles. I could easily picture her from the descriptions. She is an integral part of Ilsa's life, and I loved how Annie and Max bonded. I enjoyed seeing how Ilsa's friends were also big Annie fans.