River Strong - B.J. Daniels (Canary Street Press - Jan 2024)

Series: Powder River (Book 2)
              
For two rival families, the only thing that matters more than land…is love.
 
There’s a lifetime of tension between the McKenna and Stafford ranching families, and Oakley Stafford has the bullet scar to prove it. Defying the bitter rivalry between their families, Oakley grew up thick as thieves with Duffy McKenna. But now the Staffords and the McKennas are competing to buy a neighboring property. Both need that land desperately—and the reasons are more dangerous than Oakley knows.
 
But there’s another unspoken rivalry, too, between Duffy and Pickett Hanson, the McKenna family’s ranch hand. Once upon a time, Oakley ignored the way the two handsome cowboys playfully flirted with her, but now she’s untangling complicated feelings that could upend years of friendship. And when a body is found on the contested ranch, their secrets will be forced into the open at last…
 
Terrific second installment in the Powder River series. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll get more nuances if you first read Dark Side of the River. That book ended with a cliffhanger, and this one picks up where it left off.
 
Oakley Stafford has been friends with Duffy McKenna and Pickett Hanson since they were teenagers, despite the feud between Holden McKenna and Charlotte Stafford. The three friends have been secretly working together to stop a gas company from drilling for methane gas in the Powder River Basin. Oakley's vocal opposition to the drilling puts her at odds with her mother and her oldest brother, CJ. Oakley is still trying to regain her memory from when CJ "accidentally" shot her in the previous book.
 
There is a great deal happening in this book. Oakley and the rest of the anti-drilling group are fighting hard against the drilling company, which isn't going down without a fight. Oakley is convinced that there was more to her shooting if she can only remember. CJ is up to his neck in dirty dealings and secrets and will do anything to get his way. A private investigator is nosing around about Charlotte's second husband, who disappeared years ago. The sheriff is involved with a woman who isn't what she seems. Pickett has been keeping a big secret that's about to come out, and he and Duffy are looking at Oakley in a new way.
 
The twists and turns of this book kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I worried about Oakley's safety as her memories began to return. I wondered what kind of havoc CJ was planning and discovered that he was worse than I suspected. The tension around the drilling continued until an intense final confrontation. A questionable suicide from the first book gets stirred up again when new information comes out.
 
There is some romance here, also. Oakley suddenly finds herself looking at Pickett and Duffy differently, just as they are looking at her. Oakley is confused at first because she isn't sure what she feels for each of them. I liked the realism of her struggle because it was clear she cared for both. I was rooting for Pickett because he understood her. There were some sweet scenes between them as they explored those feelings. I like Duffy, but he still has some growing up to do.
 
I liked catching up with Cooper and Tilly as they prepared for their wedding. The Romeo and Juliet vibe is strong because of Charlotte's fury at their relationship. I ached for Tilly because of Charlotte's cruelty. I like the support that Tilly and Oakley give each other.
 
There are still some loose threads hanging. Treyton McKenna is up to something. There are still questions about Charlotte's second husband. A missing person/body is still missing. I also still wonder what the story is about the teenager, Holly Jo, who Holden became the guardian of after her mother's death. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

Falling for Dr. Maverick - Kathy Douglass (HSE #3007 - Oct 2023)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lassoing Love (Book 4)
                                                                
She's got an acute case of heartthrob!
 
Rodeo rider Corinne Hawkins has had a thing for Mike Burris for years. Now their on-again, off-again relationship might be off -- for good. Mike is in medical school, and their attempts at long-distance romance have been a disaster. Corinne doesn't want to walk away from her brainy, sexy cowboy but feels she has no choice. Luckily for Corinne and Mike, their meddling, matchmaking families are on the job!
 
Good book. I have been looking forward to Mike's story since he first appeared. Unlike his brothers, he is a rodeo cowboy who didn't intend to make the rodeo circuit his career. Instead, he earned enough money to follow his dream of becoming a doctor. I loved his dedication to his dream. The complication was his relationship with fellow rodeo rider Corinne. Observation has shown him that long-distance relationships don't work, so he tries to keep things "friends only."
 
Corinne has crushed on Mike for years. They've been good friends all that time, but Corinne wants more. Unfortunately, Mike's dedication to his studies brings back unpleasant memories of a previous boyfriend she felt relegated her to second place in the relationship.
 
I loved seeing Mike and Corinne together. Their connection is terrific and their chemistry is undeniable. When they are together, it is obvious that they are made for each other. But when they are apart, doubts creep in. These issues come to a head when Corinne visits Mike in Chicago. Things go pretty well as Mike shows her around his adopted city, and Corinne realizes she's made some unwarranted judgments. But when Mike gets a call inviting him to observe a surgery (quite an honor!), he jumps at the chance, leaving Corinne feeling forgotten.
 
I had a problem with Corinne through most of the book. She seemed to expect M ike to drop everything and pay attention to her and was angry and hurt when he couldn't. She didn't understand the depth of his commitment to his studies and career plan and only paid attention to how it affected her. I was very disappointed in her lack of support for the man she claimed to love.
 
Mike is a little obsessed with his goals.  He could have spared a little time to at least call Corinne once in a while and maintain their connection. But he allowed his fears and insecurities to push her away. With his family's encouragement, he learns from his mistakes and plans to show her how important she is to him. But will it be enough to overcome Corinne's fears? I liked the ending and have high hopes that they will have the happy future they want if they stick to their plan.
 
I liked the support and encouragement Mike and Corinne received from their families. Seeing more of the previous couples and how their examples and advice helped Mike and Corinne through their problems was great

Montana Rain - Josie Jade (Calamitte Jane Pub - Sept 2023)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 8)
 
Psychiatrist Rayne Westerfield has found purpose in helping patients, especially those with PTSD, heal at the Resting Warrior Ranch. For her, there’s no greater calling than equipping people to fight the worst of their demons.
 
But she’s never allowed anyone to help her fight her own.
 
She’s kept her distance. Kept herself buttoned up tight. Even the people in the small Montana town she’s known for years—the ones she calls friends—don’t know who she really is, and the fears she hides.
 
And that’s okay.
 
But it’s not okay to Cole Phillips.
 
The FBI agent’s first interaction with the Resting Warrior Ranch a few months ago wasn’t under the best of circumstances, but he’s determined to make up for that now.
 
Where everyone else sees ice in Rayne, he sees fire. And he’s not going to let her fears keep him at a distance.
 
Especially not when Rayne witnesses something she shouldn’t and a killer comes after her. Cole will battle the criminal determined to silence her, and the fears she’s buried so deep.
 
The healer has fought for everyone else. Now this warrior will fight for her.
 
Terrific ending to the series. Cole first appeared in Montana Freedom, where he was part of an FBI team. He didn't know then that his partner was in cahoots with the bad guys. Now, he's dealing with the mistrust of his fellow agents, so he takes a leave of absence to deal with his feelings and get some distance from the workplace stress. He's also determined to mend fences with the men at the Resting Warrior Ranch and see if there is anything to his feelings for Rayne.
 
Rayne is the psychiatrist who works with the wounded warriors at the ranch and anyone else who needs her help. Though she has become close to the people of RWR, there are parts of her past she keeps locked away. Though she is equally attracted to Cole, she refuses to do anything about it because she believes terrible things happen to those she cares about.
 
Rayne is able to maintain her distance from Cole until a chance encounter in Chicago brings them together, and the sparks are stirred up again. While she's relieved to go home and put distance between them again, she has no idea that Cole is headed to Garnet Bend for the next four months. I loved her first encounter with him and how he puts her on notice that he's determined to pursue their attraction. He won't pressure her but lets her know he isn't going anywhere.
 
Things change when she sees a news story about a Chicago murder, and then her office is broken into. The team at RWR is looking into it and is not convinced it's a coincidence. When her home is broken into, Rayne barely escapes discovery. The first person she calls is Cole, who rushes to her side. It doesn't take long to figure out what has happened and that Rayne is in danger. I loved seeing Cole's protectiveness come out.
 
Cole whisks Rayne off to his cabin, hoping to keep her safe while the team at RWR works their way through the possibilities. Rayne is wary of being alone with Cole, afraid that her resolve to resist him won't last. Things get complicated when a freak blizzard snows them in. All of this alone time gives the attraction between them time to build. At the same time, Cole's understanding and patience enable Rayne to finally open up about the trauma in her past that keeps her from allowing herself to care about anyone. Breaking free of that guilt lets Rayne give in to her attraction to Cole, and they find plenty of ways to stay warm.
 
But their peace doesn't last long, and with the end of the blizzard comes the end of their safety. The action picks up as those looking for Rayne find their hideout. There were some tense moments as Cole and Rayne avoided detection, but they knew their options were limited. The only thing to do is to return to Chicago and deal with the issue. The action was intense, with threats, kidnappings, and a ticking clock. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages with its twists and turns. I loved the ending, especially Cole's plans for the future. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up for the book and series. I'd love to see a return to the ranch sometime in the future.

Navy SEAL's Deadly Secret - Cindy Dees (HRS #2074 - Jan 2020)

Series: Runaway Ranch (Book 1)
 
He made it home from a war zone.
But danger remains in the mountains of Montana…
 
Navy SEAL Brett Morgan has come home to recover after a disastrous deployment, desperate to remember what happened. As he struggles to find his feet as a civilian, he intervenes in an armed robbery, saving the life of waitress Anna Larkin. But there's more to Anna's past than meets the eye and as that past circles dangerously closer, Brett will have to draw on all of his combat experience to keep them both alive..
 
This book pulled me in and kept me hooked from start to finish - though Harlequin's titling department blew it on this one. Brett is not a Navy SEAL and never has been. He was in the Army's Special Forces, a Ranger. Nor did he have a deadly secret.
 
After his last disastrous deployment, Brett returned to his hometown and his family's ranch. Hurting in mind, body, and soul, he can't remember the events leading up to the event that left him and the dog Reggie as the only survivors. Fighting survivor's guilt and PTSD, Brett has holed up in a cabin on the ranch, drinking too much and only leaving the cabin once a month for supplies. Everything changes during his latest trip to town when he saves a waitress from an armed robber.
 
Anna left town right after graduation, along with the town's golden boy, Eddie. Both had Hollywood dreams that turned into a nightmare for Anna. She gave up her dreams to support them while Eddie drank and drugged his life away. Eddie became an abusive husband, and her time with him was heartbreaking. Her escape from him left her with deep-seated feelings of guilt and a belief that she didn't deserve to live. That belief is front and center when a drugged-up armed robber takes her hostage when he attempts to rob the café where she works.
 
I enjoyed reading about the ups and downs of the relationship between Brett and Anna. Brett was a reluctant hero when he saved her from the robber. He couldn't stop himself from intervening, but it was a subconscious reaction, not something he wanted to do. He was stunned to realize that Anna expected to die and wouldn't fight it. Stopping the robber was, as Anna described it, "A totally one-sided smackdown." Anna and Brett parted ways, but Anna later drove to Brett's cabin to return something to him. He wasn't wholly welcoming, but an accident formed an unexpected connection between them. Brett found himself visiting Anna the following day to find out if she was okay and ended up helping her with her house project.
 
The events that haunt Anna and Brett have each trying to escape the memories. Because they understand each other's pain, their time together gives them some of that escape. As their feelings for each other grow, they discover that the pain begins to fade. I liked how they were sensitive to each other's triggers and took care with what they said and did. I liked how their support of each other helped further their healing, but that each knew there was still work to be done.
 
The suspense was excellent. After her husband's death, Anna returned to her hometown but could not escape the memories. She also had to deal with Eddie's family, who blamed her for his failures in California and his death. Brett's protective instincts are aroused when unexplained things happen, like a brick through her window and someone running her off the road. Nasty confrontations with the exes add stress, and matters are complicated by the creepy store owner who provides Anna with her home renovation supplies. When Anna disappears, it's up to Brett and the sheriff to figure out what happened. I was glued to the pages until the final confrontation ended, and Anna was safe.
 
I felt for Brett, his fear for Anna, and how his flashbacks fought with his efforts to find her. Combined with Anna's flashbacks about Eddie's death, this was a very emotional section of the book. I liked how some good came out of the ordeal, including Brett and Anna admitting their feelings.

The Marine's Second Chance - Victoria Pade (HSE #2978 - May 2023)

Series: Camdens of Montana (Book 4)
 
First love dies hard
Or never at all…
 
Dalton Camden and Marli Abbott's teenage love story was legendary…until a shared secret tragedy led Marli to flee town. Seventeen years later, the former marine is in no mood to forgive and forget, not even when Marli seeks his help for her brother. But buried feelings and unchanged attraction are impossible to ignore as they work towards a common goal. Can Marli convince Dalton their love is worth the fight when she reveals the truth of her departure?
 
Good second chance story with complications. Dalton and Marli grew up together in their small town, best friends from the ages of eight and seven. That friendship grew into more when they were in high school. But Marli always had plans to get out of the small town as soon as possible, while Dalton's plan took him to the Naval Academy and the Marines. After a traumatic experience, Marli followed up on her plans, leaving Dalton behind without a word.
 
Marli is back in Merritt, happy to be there after ending her third engagement, and looking forward to starting her new business. The last person she expects to see is Dalton, who is back in Merritt to review the court martial case of her brother Holt, accused of disobeying orders, causing casualties during a rescue mission. Marli has long felt guilty about how she left Dalton and now fears that it could hurt Holt's case.
 
The story opens as Dalton arrives to keep track of Holt during his medical leave (Holt was paralyzed during the mission). His reaction when Marli tries to apologize is rife with anger, resentment, and residual hurt, and Marli is stunned by its intensity. I liked that she didn't give up on trying to make things right. Fortunately, Dalton's normal level-headedness returns, and he realizes he may have been a little over-the-top. He chalks it up to venting, believing he has now managed closure on their former relationship. But Marli isn't done with him - she wants them to return to some semblance of friendship, even if a relationship is no longer possible.
 
I liked watching Dalton and Marli slowly rekindle their friendship. It isn't easy, and Marli puts more effort into it initially. But it isn't too long before their memories of the good times they had begun to outweigh the bad memories. When that happens, what were sparks of antagonism turn into sparks of attraction. There are some terrific scenes of them together as that happens, from painting her new office to having dinner in a treehouse. But Dalton has avoided relationships for years, citing his career, and makes no secret of his return to duty once he's done in Merritt.
 
At the same time, Marli is wary of getting involved with Dalton. Her fiancés have all turned critical of what makes her who she is after they put the ring on her finger. I ached for her as she described their attitudes to Dalton. I liked his support of her and how she remembers that he was never like that when they were together.
 
I liked watching Dalton with his brothers and grandfather and seeing how close they all are. He's surprised to see his brothers' happiness after giving up their Marine careers for love and wonders about his future. I loved his introspection as he examined his life and what he wanted from it. His conversation with Marli is fantastic as they finally admit their feelings and belief that they are now where they should be. I especially enjoyed Dalton's comments about engagements and marriage and what was most important.
 
Marli's brother was a first-class jerk. He's had a grudge against the Camdens since he and Daltons were kids because of something their parents did, and he took it out on Dalton throughout their school days and into their time at the Naval Academy. When Holt was assigned to a mission under Dalton's command, he disobeyed a direct order, making a complicated mission even more difficult. It is also where he got hurt, and he is now looking at the possibility of a court-martial. Even now, with Dalton the one to decide his fate, he can't keep his mouth shut, and I felt his wife's and Marli's frustration with his intransigence. Dalton has a lot to consider in his decision, and it isn't easy to make. I liked how it turned out.
 
I enjoyed the story and thought it was well-written. My only complaint is the author's inability to properly capitalize anything to do with the United States Marine Corps. The word "Marine" is ALWAYS capitalized when speaking of a member of the USMC. If you shorten "Marine Corps," it is "the Corps," NOT "the corps." Dalton, his brothers, and Holt all attended the Naval Academy, not the "naval academy." This has been a consistent issue in any book she has written involving Marines.
 
P 151, The Associated Press Stylebook, 2004
 
Marines:  Capitalize when referring to U.S. forces:  the U.S. Marines, the Marines, the Marine Corps, Marine regulations.  Do not use the abbreviation USMC.
Capitalize Marine when referring to an individual in a Marine Corps unit:  He is a Marine.
Do not describe Marines as soldiers, which is generally associated with the Army.  Use troops if a generic term is needed.

Dark Side of the River - BJ Daniels (Canary Street Press - Aug 2023)

Series: Powder River (Book 1)
 
Grudges run deep between two ranch families. And so do secrets…
 
There's no avoiding anyone in Powder River's small community -- not even a bitter rival. For years, Cooper McKenna has been thrown together with Tilly Stafford, competing against her at summer rodeos. With all the bad blood between their families, he never imagined they'd be forced to work together. Then Tilly's younger sister is shot, and Cooper comes under suspicion.
 
Determined to get answers, they reluctantly team up, animosity turning to something far more heated -- and no less dangerous. Because someone is watching, with a lot to hide and every reason to kill again…
 
Terrific start to the new series. In Powder River, two prominent ranching families have been feuding for many years - the McKenna and Stafford families. As the book goes on, the author reveals the reasons for the feud piece by piece as they relate to the story's action. The two main characters, Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford, have been fierce competitors in local rodeos for many years. But current events turn them into partners, and soon the sparks of animosity turn into sparks of a far more dangerous type.
 
As the book opens, Cooper is returning to the family ranch after two years away. He'd left to escape the memories of being accused of killing his girlfriend. But he's missed his home and is ready to rejoin the family. Shortly after driving onto the ranch property, a rider bursts onto the road in front of him. Barely stopping in time to keep from colliding, Cooper is stunned to discover the rider lying on the road in front of him is Oakley Stafford, Tilly's younger sister, and that she's been shot. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing feud, Cooper is immediately suspected of shooting her himself.
 
When Tilly finds out about Oakley, she's worried and furious. Her first reaction is that a McKenna shot her sister, but she also wonders what Oakley was doing on McKenna land. After meeting with Cooper and hearing what he observed, she is determined to find out who shot her sister. Nothing will dissuade her, so Cooper offers to work with her. He is just as invested in finding out the truth behind what happened.
 
A lot is going on in this book, and the action and suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end. Oakley is in a coma so that no one can get her side of the story. The shooting increases the tension between the two families. Both sides have oldest sons who are hotheaded and secretive, raising questions about what they are involved in. A methane gas company, CH4, is pushing ranchers to allow methane wells on their ranches - some are interested, others are vehemently against it. Holden brings a 12-year-old orphan to the ranch to raise after her mother's death, raising questions about the girl's connection to him. There are secrets involving Holden and Charlotte, including questions about the fates of Charlotte's two husbands.
 
To top it all off, working together to identify the shooter brings Cooper and Tilly closer than they ever expected to be. It isn't long before they realize that the antagonism they felt when they were younger covered a simmering attraction. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to deny the growing attraction and feelings between them. With the bad blood between their families, a successful relationship will take some effort. I liked their honest discussions about their feelings and the difficulties they face. Interestingly, there appeared to be more disapproval on one side than the other. I especially enjoyed Tilly's unexpected dinner at the McKenna ranch. Complicating matters, Tilly has had a few dates with Stuart, the town sheriff, and Cooper's best friend. Stuart's jealousy creates more tension and raises a few questions in my mind about one of his former girlfriends.
 
The story's suspense is good and kept me guessing who the shooter was. As Cooper and Tilly proceed with their investigation, it becomes clear that someone is determined to stop them. I was glued to the pages as they came closer to the who and the why. The shooter came as a complete surprise to me. The final confrontation was an intense chase with an unexpected ending. Justice is a thread left hanging, and it will be interesting to see if it is pursued in later books.
 
I am intensely curious about Holly Jo, the orphan brought to the ranch by Holden. In the beginning, she isn't a likable child, and Holden has his work cut out for him to adjust her attitude. Interestingly, Cooper is the one who connects with her. I liked his combination of understanding and firmness as he dealt with her. I want to know the backstory of how Holden became her guardian.
 
Though the mystery of the shooter was solved by the end of this book, other things still need to be addressed. I can't wait for the next book. 

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.

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

The Marine's Christmas Wish - Joanna Sims (HSE #2939 - Oct 2022)

Series: Brands of Montana (Book 15)
 
She's always been by his side
But this year, he hopes to make her his Christmas bride!
 
When his ex's mother ends up in the hospital, Marine captain Noah Brand suddenly finds himself back in his hometown and looking after a little girl -- who could be his daughter! The only person he trusts with this secret is his best friend, Dr. Shayna Wade. Shayna has always been the person he could count on, and this Christmas he needs her support more than ever. As the three of them make holiday magic together, can Noah convince his best friend that he finally sees her as the woman of his dreams?
 
Good friends to lovers story. Shayna and Noah have been best friends since they were children. Unbeknownst to him, Shayna has been in love with him for nearly as long. The book opens with a prologue where Noah is headed off to his first duty station as a Marine. He's been stood up by his long-time girlfriend, Annika, so Shayna is the one who takes him to the airport.
 
Seven years later, Noah is back home on emergency leave, thanks to the news that he is the father of a six-year-old little girl. Isabella has been chiefly cared for by her grandmother, May, as her mother is not a very responsible person. When May is injured in a fall, she asks Shayna to care for Isabella and tells her that Noah is the girl's father. Annika and her husband have disappeared, so Shayna is all that stands between Isabella and foster care.
 
I ached for Noah, who is floored by the idea that he's a father and angry that Annika kept him from knowing Isabella. His conversation with May is heartbreaking as he learns what happened. The first meeting between Noah and Isabella is sweet, even though she has no idea that he is her father. Even so, there is an instant connection between them. For his part, Noah feels an instant and overwhelming love for his daughter and knows his life will never be the same. That doesn't mean he isn't nervous around her and unsure of how to treat her.
 
I liked Shayna. She is intelligent, talented, and has a huge heart. For her to take in the daughter of the woman who held Noah's heart for so long shows how much she loves Noah. She also knows that Noah doesn't see her as anything other than a friend and has to decide if she will continue to hold out hope or put him behind her and move on. When her personal trainer asks her out, Shayna chooses to give him a chance.
 
I wanted to shake Noah for being so blind. Not only doesn't he see that Shayna loves him, but he also doesn't realize that he loves her. It isn't until he sees her going out with Blake and is jealous that he can see how much she means to him. Once that light goes on, he is determined to make her see they belong together. I enjoyed watching him pull out the stops to win her. Shayna hesitates to believe that Noah truly loves her and blames the upheaval in his life for making him think he does. I loved that he was persistent in making her understand his feelings. I loved their first actual date and his effort to make it memorable.
 
Just when things look good for them, Annika reappears in their lives. I didn't like what I knew of her from the early descriptions of her and her actions. However, I liked seeing that she's made significant changes in her life, admitting her mistakes and working to improve her life. Noah has a tough time forgiving her, and it becomes more complicated when Shayna begins putting distance between them. I liked how Noah confronted her about it, listened to Shayna's fears, and made sure that she knew that she was the one who had his heart.
 
Noah has some decisions to make about his future. Does he stay in the Marines and face long separations from Shayna and Isabella? Or does he get out and find something to do that will keep him in Montana? I loved the solution his commanding officer came up with and the huge difference it made to Noah and Shayna. There is a sweet bit at the end where they have plans to attend the Marine Corps Ball together, but something comes up, and it looks like Noah won't be back in Montana in time. However, he pulls off a fantastic surprise and makes that dream come true after all. The scene at the Ball is sweet and romantic and perfectly expresses his love.
 
There were several things I loved about this book. I adored Shayna's Christmas enthusiasm and joy in preparing her Christmas displays. I loved watching her involve Isabella and how it brought them closer. I liked Noah's realistic struggle with forgiving Annika and adjusting to being a father. My all-time favorite part was seeing Noah and Shayna at the Ball. As a Marine wife myself, I have been to the Washington, DC, Ball several times and can attest to the splendor of it. My only complaint about the book is that the word Marine was not capitalized as it should be. That is a frequent issue with Harlequin's editors and doesn't reflect on the story itself.

 

Thankful for the Maverick - Rochelle Alers (HSE #2942 - Nov 2022)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Brothers and Broncos (Book 5)
 
The one she didn't know she was waiting for…
 
As a rodeo champion, Brynn Hawkins is always on the road, but something about older, gruff-but-sexy rancher Garrett Abernathy makes her think about putting down roots. Brynn doesn't know why she is so drawn to a man who says he doesn't date, but his quiet dignity makes her rethink everything. As Thanksgiving approaches, Brynn fears she's running out of time, but she's determined to find her way into this callused cowboy's heart!
 
Good book. Garrett returned to Bronco after the end of his ten-year marriage, determined to put down roots and protect his heart. He'd married his high school sweetheart, then moved with her to New York City. While Faith took to city life like a duck to water, Garrett missed Montana's wide-open spaces and his ranch life.
 
Brynn is a member of the Hawkins Sisters rodeo group. She and her sisters have been involved in the rodeo all their lives, traveling all over the country. They recently decided to make Bronco their headquarters after Brynn's sister Audrey fell in love with Bronco native Jack Burris (In the Ring with the Maverick). Brynn is ready to cut back on her rodeo time and settle down, and Bronco looks like an excellent place to do it.
 
I enjoyed the first meeting between Brynn and Garrett. Garrett is taken by her beauty and skill as a barrel racer. Brynn notices his good looks, but something else she can't name draws her to him. She impulsively offers Garrett and his family tickets to the upcoming rodeo. Each finds themselves thinking of the other often. Garrett is a little disturbed by his fascination with Brynn, who he believes is far too young for him. He also has no intention of getting involved with anyone after being burned by his marriage. However, their connection cannot be denied, and it becomes more evident during the post-rodeo dinner at DJ's restaurant.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Garrett and Brynn, but it also frustrated me. Their connection and attraction were clear, but Garrett was so hung up on his failed marriage and the age difference between himself and Brynn that he refused to consider a relationship with her. He worked hard to convince himself that friendship was the only option. Brynn is also not interested in a relationship. She has rodeo commitments that would make it difficult to sustain a relationship, and her craft business also keeps her busy. She's agreeable to Garrett's proposal of friendship.
 
But the more time they spend together, from Brynn giving him cooking lessons to Garrett playing tour guide, the deeper their connection grows and the stronger their attraction becomes. Their feelings deepen, and they want more than friendship, but each is wary of opening their hearts. Garrett allows his fears to push Brynn away. I loved seeing her call him out on his inability to let go of the past and ached for the pain she felt as he pushed her away. Garrett earned every bit of the misery he felt at losing her. I enjoyed seeing his brothers rip into him because of his idiocy. Seeing his brothers and Brynn's sisters conspire to get them back together was also fun. The ending was terrific, with Garrett finally seeing the light. I loved his reunion with Brynn and hope to see more of them in future books.

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

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

Montana Freedom - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamittie Jane Pub - Mar 2023)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 6)
 
Daniel Clark is the leader. The one who ensures everyone makes it out alive.
 
He took that responsibility seriously when he and his team served in the Navy SEALs together, and he takes it seriously now at the Resting Warrior Ranch.
 
When he and his men broke up the Riders -- the vicious dogfighting gang who also kept some human captives -- they got everyone to safety.
 
Except for the woman who'd been caged -- Emma. She disappeared into the night.
 
So when she shows up in his tiny Montana town -- in bad physical shape, begging not to be taken to the hospital -- Daniel can't believe it. He does the only thing he can: brings her home.
 
He's a warrior, not a caregiver, but he'll have to be both in this case. The people after her don't just want to put her in a cage this time. They want her dead.
 
But if they want to get to Emma, they're going to have to go through Daniel. And that's not going to happen.
 
I've been waiting for Daniel's story, and it was worth the wait! The suspense is intense, the romance is sweet and sexy, and the people are realistic and relatable. It can be read as a standalone, as the essential background is provided, but the experience is richer if you start at the beginning. This book takes place six months after Montana Mystery, where Daniel and the others rescue Noah and Kate from a gang called The Riders. Another one of those rescued was Emma, who Daniel released from a cage, but she disappeared right after the rescue.
 
Daniel is the manager of Resting Warrior Ranch, the oldest, and the one the others look to for leadership. Daniel suffers from PTSD from his time as a SEAL and has added nightmares about Emma's fate after her disappearance. I ached for Daniel, whose innate sense of responsibility won't allow him to let go of things that were beyond his control. As a result, he built walls around himself and felt he was too broken to be good for anyone. He realizes he is lonely as he watches his friends pair off and find love. Then Fate brings Emma back into his life.
 
Emma is an IT specialist with an eidetic memory. After stumbling across incriminating information, she wound up in the crosshairs of The Riders' leader, Simon. He ensured she knew he planned to kill her, and she knew her lucky escape wouldn't stop him for long. She hides out in a cabin off the grid, trying to put the information she learned together while dreaming of the man who rescued her. Staying hidden is the only way to keep safe, but when a minor injury forces her out, she finds herself again saved by Daniel.
 
I loved seeing the relationship develop between Daniel and Emma. The connection between them was evident from the moment they locked eyes the night he freed her from the cage, and neither could forget the other in the six months since then. Daniel's care for her as she recovered from her injury was sweet, and the sparks between them are undeniable. But Daniel feels that he is too old for her (his 37 to her 22), and his issues make him too broken for her. Emma doesn't see a problem with their ages, but she does have trust issues that hold her back for a time.
 
With Emma and Daniel having traumatic pasts, it isn't surprising that they understand what the other has gone through, which draws them closer. I loved how Daniel used logic to show Emma that she wasn't responsible for the things she blamed herself for. It was lovely to see Daniel's shock when she turned the tables and used his own arguments to break through the guilt that tormented him. I loved seeing them overcome the real and imagined obstacles that kept them apart and realize they belonged together.
 
The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The men of RWR have been on edge for six months, waiting for the Riders to carry out their threat of retribution. Emma's appearance is one more thing that could add to the cards stacked against them. Matters become complicated when the FBI shows up looking for Emma and lets slip a shocking connection between Emma and the Riders. The FBI wants her help drawing Simon out and isn't afraid to use pressure to make it happen. I loved Daniel's determination to keep Emma safe and seeing the others unquestioningly step up to help. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with several twists that kept me glued to the pages. The resolution was well done with a perfect blend of recklessness and determination.
 
I loved the close relationships of the men of RWR. I like how they give each other the space needed to deal with their issues but are there when anyone needs to talk. Daniel is especially good at helping them see past whatever is giving them grief but not so good at applying it to himself. There are some great scenes between him and Liam. I also love the ladies who are warm and welcoming to Emma, quickly making her feel part of the ranch family. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up for this book and a lead-in for the next one. I can't wait to read Liam and Mara's story.

One Night with the Maverick - Melissa Senate (HSE #2929 - Sept 2022)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Brothers and Broncos (Book 3)
 
"Maybe we could just have tonight."
 
Everyone thinks Shari Lormand and veterinarian Felix Sanchez are a couple. Unfortunately, the guarded widower has made it abundantly clear all he's looking for is a buddy. Shari is afraid she's hurtling toward another heartbreak. But with a little help from town psychic Winona Cobbs, Felix's uncle Stanley and a foster kitty named Page, she and Felix just might have a shot after all…
 
Good friends to lovers romance. Felix has been a widower for three years and does not intend to risk his heart again. It hurts too much when that love is gone. His family, however, is determined to change that. His mother and his Uncle Stanley constantly push "suitable" women at him, with his uncle producing numerous subterfuges to do so. As the book opens, Stanley tells Felix about a woman who wants advice about her dog. As a vet, he wants to help, even though he knows what to expect, and bluntly extricates himself after answering her concerns.
 
Shari is a children's librarian still recovering from a relationship that failed after five years together when her boyfriend decided she wasn't what he wanted. She hasn't given up entirely on finding love but feels the likelihood is fading. She's exploring other options for the family she wants, and as the book opens, she's stopped in at the bar for some wings, a beer, and to be around people. She doesn't like to think about it, but she's lonely.
 
Shari and Felix start a conversation while Stanley flirts with Winona, the psychic. The next thing he knows, Stanley and Winona are gone, stranding Felix at the bar. Shari offers Felix a ride home, and he repays her with a cup of coffee. The sparks of attraction are there between them, but Felix falls asleep before they can do anything about them. Shari goes home, realizing she had a lucky escape. Getting involved with an emotionally unavailable man won't get her the future she wants.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Felix and Shari, but I sometimes wanted to shake Felix. The sparks he feels freak him out because he feels he isn't ready to move on. Instead, he tells Shari that all he can offer is friendship. She accepts that offer, something inside her, hoping it will grow into more. Attending a family party with him, Shari glows from the easy acceptance of his relatives. Though Felix insists to anyone who will listen that they are just friends, everyone can see they belong together.
 
There are sweet scenes, from Felix bringing her coffee at work to Shari making dinner for him. I loved how comfortable they were with each other and how easy it was to share their thoughts and dreams. The more time they spent together, the more feelings were stirred up. Shari realized she was in love with Felix, who only wanted friendship. Felix's feelings grow for her, too, but he refuses to admit them. Both realize that something has changed when they give in to the sparks one night. Though Shari is ready to see where it goes, Felix panics and pulls back. Though I ached for her, I loved that Shari respects herself and her feelings enough to call him out on his choices. It takes a talk with his Uncle Stanley (and a bit of trickery) for Felix to finally see the light. I loved the ending, from Felix's admission of his idiocy to the sneakiness of Stanley and Winona.
 
One of my favorite secondary characters was Page, the kitten Shari found at the library. She helped bring Felix and Shari closer when Shari offered to foster the kitten. I laughed out loud when Felix flat-out told her he saw a "foster fail" in her future, as she already loved the little critter. Page plays a significant role by giving Shari someone to come home to and talk to, relieving a little of her loneliness.
 
I also loved Uncle Stanley, a widower himself, who has the most wonderful outlook on life. I loved how he embraced life and got a huge kick from his meeting with Winona. Those two were very sweet together and an excellent example for Felix if he had just opened his eyes and heart. Winona is still freakishly good at telling people what they need to hear, but in a way that they have to figure it out for themselves. It made me happy to see that she has a chance at her own happily ever after.