Riding Shotgun - Barb Han (HI #2139 - May 2023)

Series: Cowboys of Cider Creek (Book 2)
              
He must protect her
Even from his own secrets…
 
The minute Emerson Bennett arrives in Cider Creek, Texas, asking about her missing mother, she's in someone's lethal sights. And rancher Rory Hayes isn't about to let her face his suddenly hostile hometown alone. An outsider since childhood, he knows the damage secrets can do -- especially his own. But will helping this beautiful stranger uncover the truth be enough to keep them alive?
 
Terrific book that intrigued me from the first chapter to the end. An over-protective single father raised Emerson. After his death, she discovered that her real mother was not who she thought she was. Determined to find the truth, she heads to Cider Creek and starts asking questions. This puts her in the crosshairs of someone who doesn't want her to know. When the first man she questioned became aggressive and uncooperative, a stranger stepped in to help.
 
Rory has returned to Cider Creek for the first time in thirteen years. He left right after his high school graduation, along with his pregnant girlfriend. His unpleasant and controlling grandfather made staying impossible. Since then, he built a successful business and is raising his twelve-year-old daughter on his own. He has never told his family about Liv and is nervous about doing so. When he stops at the convenience store for snacks, he's astounded to witness the rudeness that the woman experienced and steps in to help.
 
This begins a roller coaster ride of suspense and emotion. Emerson's questions have stirred up a hornet's nest. She is run off the road and rescued by Rory. Her damaged car was broken into at the garage, where it was taken for repairs. Attacks increase in intensity as Emerson gets closer to the answers she seeks. The final confrontation had a twist that kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
Emerson and Rory's relationship developed quickly. Rory's protectiveness was aroused immediately, quickly followed by unexpected sparks of attraction. Meanwhile, Emerson feels those same sparks and a deep appreciation for his help. Over the next few days, Rory doesn't let Emerson out of his sight, preferring to watch over her himself. I liked the trust that quickly built between them. With Rory, Emerson shared her hurt, anger, and betrayal over her father's actions. Rory used Emerson as a sounding board to help him solve his dilemma of looking for his ex-wife. Neither expects to fall as hard and fast as they do. I liked the ending.
 
I liked Rory's daughter, Liv. At almost thirteen, she's entering the volatile teen years. The author did a great job of making her realistic - not too sweet and not too dramatic, just a typical mix of the two. She clearly loved Rory, even when she was rolling her eyes at him. I liked how well she and Emerson connected.

Secrets of Lost Hope Canyon - Colleen Thompson (HRS #2237 - July 2023)

Series: Lost Legacy (Book 3)
 
A Lone Star hero offers his protection…
…but it comes with a catch.
 
Rodeo star Ryan Hale-Walker is irresistible to women -- except for icy Amanda Greenfield. As she begins to warm up to him, he discovers that her hidden past makes her afraid of being vulnerable. Now her husband's mysterious death has put her in the middle of a bitter land dispute. When threats against her intensify, someone has to help her…and he wants that someone to be him.
 
Good combination of suspense and romance. Ryan is the youngest brother who, after the loss of the family ranch, went to work as the foreman on a neighbor's ranch while hitting the rodeo circuit in his spare time. His goal was to earn enough money to buy his own ranch. As the book opens, he discovers that his crusty boss is missing after reportedly suffering a "medical emergency." Preston's mercenary grandson has taken control of the ranch and is throwing his weight around. The confrontation goes south quickly, with Trey firing Ryan and then shooting him in the leg.
 
Amanda is the local real estate agent who has been looking for the right property for Ryan. She hasn't had an easy life, first growing up in foster care and then marrying a man who became abusive. When her husband disappeared, his family blamed her, even though his death was ruled accidental once his body was found. In the year since his death, Amanda began to find herself and her strength despite her mother-in-law's constant harassment. When her home is vandalized, Amanda must find proof of the vandal's identity to get it stopped.
 
From the beginning, Ryan has done his best to support Amanda in whatever she needs. Not only is she a good friend of the family, Ryan is deeply attracted to her. I liked how he stepped up to help her deal with the vandalism and investigate who was behind it. At the same time, Amanda helps Ryan uncover the truth of Preston's whereabouts. As much time as they spend together, it is no surprise that their feelings for each other begin to grow. But Amanda's past experiences make trusting any man difficult, and Ryan's reputation with "buckle bunnies" doesn't inspire confidence.
 
It is evident from the first that Ryan's feelings for Amanda are deep and genuine. I loved his protectiveness when she was in trouble and his kindness, patience, and compassion as she worked through her fears. Amanda is afraid to trust her judgment and tries hard to keep Ryan in the friend zone. Fortunately, the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes he is one of the good guys. But can she let go of her fears enough to let him in? I loved the ending and seeing her finally give in to hope and love. The epilogue was fantastic.
 
The suspense of the story was good. There were two mysteries to solve: where Preston was, whether he was safe, and who was behind the vandalism of Amanda's house. I could feel Ryan's frustration at being unable to find his friend and mentor. I liked Amanda's willingness to help. The scene where they showed up at the nursing home was fantastic, and I ached for what they found there. An unexpected twist in Ryan's investigation nearly cost him his life, except for a friend's intervention. The resolution was anti-climactic but satisfying.
 
The other mystery of who was behind the vandalism was mainly one of finding the proof. Amanda had a good idea of who it was. Complicating matters was the ongoing feud with her former mother-in-law. I loved the scene at the businesswoman's luncheon and Amanda standing up to the woman. As Amanda and Ryan began to close in on identifying the vandals, an attempt was made to abduct Amanda. It was a combination of a nail-biter and clown show, as the perpetrators were pretty bad. I wasn't surprised by their identities, but an unexpected revelation came out of it.

Last Seen in Silver Creek - Delores Fossen (HI #2163 - Sept 2023)

Series: Silver Creek Lawmen: The Next Generation (Book 3)
 
He lost everything once…
Now he's in the fight for his loved ones' lives.
 
A home invasion destroyed Theo Sheldon's life decades ago. The sheriff of Silver Creek's only comfort is knowing he saved his sister's best friend. Now, that past has put Kim Ryland in danger once again. Because the person who murdered Theo's family is intent on tying up loose ends, jeopardizing the single dad's most precious connections. But Theo is done letting anyone take what's his.
 
Terrific book. I loved the original Ryland series, and this one has been just as good. This book is about Nate's daughter, Kim, and Theo Sheldon, whom Grayson and Eve took in after Theo's parents were murdered and his sister kidnapped. Twenty-one years earlier, Kim was spending the night with her best friend, Faith, when it happened. Kim still experiences nightmares of that night, which is where this book opens.
 
When Kim awakened from yet another nightmare about that night, she knew she couldn't go back to sleep. While going through her stack of mail, she discovered another letter - the eighth one received over several years. All said the same thing, "Help me. Please help me," and were addressed to "Kimmie." She first calls Theo, who took over as sheriff when Grayson retired. As if the letter wasn't bad enough, a scream from outside her home had them rushing to investigate. Hiding in Kim's barn is a terrified young woman who claims to be Theo's missing sister, Faith.
 
Within hours, Theo confirmed that she was Faith. A man shows up, claiming to be Faith's fiancé and saying that she escaped from a mental hospital. Someone shoots at Kim, Theo, and Faith through a hospital window. A man set to go on trial for domestic abuse (prosecuted by ADA Kim) is a person of interest. Is the murderer/kidnapper trying to cover his tracks, or is this an enemy of Kim's or Theo's? The twists and turns of this investigation kept me glued to the pages as Theo and Kim uncovered the truth behind that night. As usual with the author's books, there are many questions, multiple suspects, and plenty of suspense right up to the final confrontation.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Kim and Theo. There has always been something there, but their shared trauma has kept them apart. Their chemistry is evident from the start, as is the emotional baggage that makes them avoid each other whenever possible. But working together on this case begins to break down those walls, as does Faith's reappearance. I loved watching their shields drop as they gave in to their feelings for each other. I loved the scene at the end when Nate saw them together and muttered, "It's about time."
 
One of the best things about this series and this book was seeing so many of the characters from the first series become part of the story. These men may be retired, but they are still law enforcement down to the bone. They are also Rylands and will always be there to support one of their own.

Meeting His Secret Daughter - Marie Ferrarella (HSE #2973 - Apr 2023)

Series: Forever, Texas (Book 25)
 
He's in for a surprise in a tiny Texas town
 
Engineer Matt O'Brien just arrived in Forever to meet the daughter he never knew he had. He can thank Riley Robertson. But the dedicated nurse is determined to do more than bring parent and child together. Riley has faith -- even if Matt doesn't -- that he can be the father his little girl needs. The charming single dad is also making Riley yearn for more. Is Matt the man she didn't know she needed? Are the three ready to become a forever family?
 
Good book about secrets and when not to keep them. Five years earlier, Riley's best friend, Breena, had a relationship with a visiting college student. Breena ended up pregnant but refused to tell the father because she didn't want him to feel obligated to marry her. Riley thought she was wrong but agreed to keep the secret when Breena insisted.
 
As the book opens, Breena is dying of cancer and asks Riley to contact Matt once she is gone so that Vikki will have another parent. Riley sends the letter, wondering what Matt's reaction will be. She carries a slight grudge against him, believing that he walked away from her friend and never gave her another thought. She would love to adopt Vikki and raise her as her own.
 
Matt is stunned when he receives Riley's letter. He has never forgotten Breena and tried for a year to contact her before giving up, thinking she didn't share his feelings. Matt's reaction to Riley's news about Breena's death and Vikki's existence was realistic. Disbelief, denial, and then cautious acceptance. His memories of his time with Breena showed that he genuinely cared for her, and I ached for him when she seemed to blow him off. I liked that he wanted to know the truth.
 
When Matt arrived in Forever, his first stop was at Miss Joan's diner. I loved his shock that she remembered him and took him to task for his actions. I liked that she listened to his side of the story. Matt got another shock when Riley showed up, and he had to deal with her hostility. A very emotional scene is when Riley takes him to see Breena's grave. I liked the effect it had on Riley and her attitude towards Matt.
 
I felt sorry for Matt. He's dealing with so many emotions as he comes to terms with Breena's death and his fatherhood. Being a father was not something that had been in his plans. I liked his first meeting with Vikki, who was only told he was a friend of her mother's. She's a sweet but precocious little girl (she speaks far more maturely than a typical four-year-old), and she takes to Matt immediately. I appreciated how he stepped up even though he felt overwhelmed.
 
Over the next few days, Riley finds ways to bring Matt and Vikki together to get to know each other. At the same time, she and Matt become closer. Neither expects the sparks of attraction that flare between them. Riley tries to ignore them because Matt had been her best friend's love, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is. Matt's growing feelings for Riley confuse him. How can he be so drawn to Riley while he's grieving for Breena? I loved the ending. Matt is sweet and awkward as he shares his feelings with Riley. I loved how caution warred with hope as she listened to him, with a terrific ending.
 
The secondary characters were great. I always love Miss Joan and her no-nonsense gruffness. Her scene with Matt was terrific. I loved Riley's family and their whole-hearted acceptance of Matt. Riley's grandfather and mother are very perceptive and play significant roles in bringing Matt and Vikki together, as well as Matt and Riley. The most important of the secondary characters is Vikki. I didn't find her entirely believable for her age, but I liked her anyway. 

Rescued by the Rancher - Barb Han (HI #2134 - Apr 2023)

Series: Cowboys of Cider Creek (Book 1)
 
He's on guard
…with a woman and her protective canine
 
When rancher Callum Hayes learns that Payton Reinert has returned to Cider Creek, Texas, to hide out from a killer, he opens his family home to her and her rescue dog. Though reluctant to offer his heart -- broken by betrayal -- he can't ignore his electrifying attraction to the vulnerable beauty and his desire to protect her. Even if stopping the monstrous killer means risking his life…
 
Good start to the series, with a nice mix of romance and suspense. The story opens as Payton barely escapes from a serial killer. She's kicking herself for not trusting the instincts that warned her against trusting the softspoken man who offered help with her groceries. She's left Austin for Cider Creek and the house her aunt left her, looking for somewhere to keep a low profile until the police catch the killer. With her is Atlas, her newly adopted dog, who doesn't like men.
 
Callum has been called back to the family ranch by his mother and grandmother. He and his five siblings left the ranch behind because of issues with their grandfather. Now that he's gone, his mother wants them all back on the ranch, but they all have their own lives and businesses. Callum is the oldest and is tasked with finding out what is happening. He plans to stay a couple of weeks and then leave again. Then, he meets the lovely lady in the house across the road.
 
I loved seeing Callum scurry over to Payton's place with a batch of his grandmother's muffins, mainly to escape being interrogated by his mother. It was an interesting first meeting with Atlas trying to attack him, then Callum rescuing Atlas after a wild hog attacks him. When Callum hears what Payton has been through, his protective instincts are aroused. I liked how he and his mom and grandmother insisted she stay with them. Protectiveness isn't all that Callum experiences with Payton. He's never felt such an instant connection with another woman and is wary of risking his heart after a previous betrayal. Payton feels the same intense attraction but also has trust issues, thanks to her parents' volatile relationship. But the more time they spend together, the easier for them to believe they have something special.
 
Callum is determined to protect Payton and accompanies her back to Austin for a meeting with the police, only to discover that it was a trick from the killer. I was glued to the pages as Callum and Payton put their heads together to investigate who the killer could be. Their methods made a lot of sense, and they had a good chance of success. The intensity ramped up thanks to a strange encounter and new information. The final confrontation had a twist I didn't expect, and I loved Callum's handling of it.
 
A secondary mystery involving threats and vandalism at the ranch is ongoing. This is part of why Callum's mom wants her family back at the ranch. I liked seeing Callum reordering his priorities and finding a way to have the best of both worlds. I liked the ending and seeing him and Payton moving forward together. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, seeing his siblings' stories, and following what is happening with the ranch.

Maverick Detective Dad - Delores Fossen (HI #2157 - Aug 2023)

Series: Silver Creek Lawmen: Second Generation (Book 2)
 
He's a tough Texas cop…
And he's protecting a child in danger.
 
Because of a tragic accident as high school sweethearts, Texas cop Noah Ryland and attorney Everly Monroe are targets of a murderous vigilante. Guilt and grief have kept the detective and the single mom miles apart for too many years. But now, as the killer targets Everly's daughter, Noah is even more determined to protect the child and the woman he never forgot. Because if he doesn't capture this elusive killer, he'll lose everything that will give him the future he's always wanted…
 
Good second chance romance combined with intense suspense. Noah and Everly were high school sweethearts, but when an accident resulted in the death of a woman, their combined guilty feelings made it impossible to stay together.
 
Fourteen years later, Noah is a San Antonio detective, and Everly is a lawyer in their hometown of Silver Creek. The book starts with a rush of intensity as Everly discovers a bloody box on her front porch. When she calls 911, the sheriff arrives, and with him is Noah, who has also received a mysterious package. His contained the bloody clothes of the murder victim he is currently investigating. Everly's contains an envelope with "Everly, you're next" written on it.
 
Upon investigation, Noah and Everly discovered that there were several other murders with similar MOs, causing them to believe there was a vigilante killer on the loose. As they dug deeper, they identified several suspects and found more questions than answers. Attacks that increased in intensity also increased their frustration as they attempted to determine the actual killer. There was also a twist involving the accident that Noah and Everly were involved in that caused some changes in the investigation. The final confrontation came when Everly's house was bombed, and the killer kidnapped her. I loved her determination to fight back and how that changed the odds of her survival. That confrontation was a nail-biter and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
Spending time together on the investigation meant spending a lot of time together. Noah and Everly quickly discovered that their attraction was as strong as ever. But neither believes that they can have a life together because of the memories of that tragic accident when they were teenagers. As the days went on and they spent more and more time together, their attraction and feelings continued to grow. I loved Noah's protectiveness toward Everly and her daughter. I also liked seeing how sweet he was with little Ainsley. Ultimately, it takes realizing that they don't want to let the past dictate the future they want together. I look forward to seeing them in future books in the series. 

Texas Bodyguard: Chance - Janie Crouch (HI #2167 - Sept 2023)

Series: San Antonio Security (Book 4)
 
She has secrets she prefers to keep hidden.
Too bad he's so good at getting to the truth.
 
When a violent attack puts Maci Ford in the hospital, security expert Chance Patterson learns that she's carrying his baby. Even though she ended their relationship, he's determined to do whatever it takes to protect her and their child. But, as her stalker's behavior escalates, Chance can't shake the feeling that Maci is still hiding something from him…
 
Terrific ending to this series. Chance and Maci have been picking at each other since the first book in the series. It is evident to everyone around them that they are attracted to each other. No one knows that they got together for a short time before Maci broke things off. Now she's pregnant and hasn't told him.
 
I've liked Maci from the start. She does a terrific job of keeping the brothers organized and in line. She is a private person and doesn't share anything about her past. She has worked hard for everything she has but is constantly harassed by her addict mother. Keeping her past separate from her present and future is very important to her, including hiding it from Chance. But when she discovers she's pregnant, she realizes it has become more complex.
 
Chance grew up in the foster care system until the Pattersons adopted him as a teenager. In those foster homes, Chance was expected to look after everyone else, a habit he has been unable to break. He still puts everyone else before himself. So when Maci reveals her pregnancy, he vows to do everything possible to keep her and the baby safe.
 
Matters become complicated when Maci gets involved in their current case. A case of stalking against an internet influencer turns into the hunt for a serial killer. Maci becomes the killer's target, and Chance's determination to keep her safe puts them in forced proximity. I was glued to the pages as the brothers worked to keep Maci safe and identify the killer. I also enjoyed seeing Chance work to get past Maci's walls and show her that they belonged together. I ached for Maci and her belief that Chance and the others wouldn't want anything to do with her if they knew her past.
 
The story's suspense and the search for the serial killer was intense from start to finish. The twists and turns of narrowing down the suspects kept me guessing until the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter. I loved how Maci kept her head, giving Chance and the others time to find her.
 
I loved the epilogue and seeing the entire Patterson family together. 

Texas Scandal - Barb Han (HI #2170 - Oct 2023)

Series: Cowboys of Cider Creek (Book 4)
 
She needs help uncovering the truth…
And one reluctant cowboy is her only hope.
 
Finding a body on his property has unexpectedly complicated Tiernan Hayes's life, and then he meets the woman being set up as the murderer. The former rodeo rider's instincts scream that Melody Cantor has been targeted because of her family connections. Melody has no one to protect her, and Tiernan knows he shouldn't get involved. But this Texan never walks away from a challenge, even one that could prove deadly.
 
Terrific, fast-paced story that hooked me from the first page and kept me intrigued to the end. The book opens with Tiernan walking his dog Loki (perfect name for the pup!) on his ranch and Loki finding a dead body. A paper with a woman's name and address is found in the victim's pocket. Tiernan rides along with the sheriff to see her.
 
Melody has just finished a job interview when she finds a mysterious note on her windshield. She's unsure if it is meant for her, or a mistake, or somehow related to her father's crimes. When she stops at home, she's met by a sheriff's deputy and Tiernan and told that she's wanted for questioning by the sheriff. She's confused and concerned but goes along with them.
 
I already liked Tiernan at this point. His instincts tell him that there is no way Melody could be the murderer. I also appreciated his immediate protectiveness as he watched the sheriff do everything he could to pin the murder on Melody. I loved how he told her to stop answering questions while he made a phone call and got her a top-notch lawyer. He takes her back to his house, where she meets Loki. Tiernan's sensitivity to her fear of dogs and explanation of Loki's history were a good look at the kind and compassionate man he is.
 
I ached for Melody as the truth of her trouble hit hard. The meeting with the lawyer helps some, but hearing the sheriff is searching her house adds to that feeling. Then, the twist of the victim's identity adds to the situation's complexity. I liked how Tiernan offered to let Melody stay with him when she didn't want to be alone.
 
Though the lawyer and the sheriff have people investigating, Tiernan and Melody decide to do a little sleuthing themselves. I loved Melody's determination to be fully involved and Tiernan's desire to help and keep her safe. The twists and turns of their searches, combined with the sheriff's determination to pin the murder on Melody, kept me as deeply invested as they were. Even as the clues piled up, I was kept guessing about who was behind the attempt to frame Melody. The final confrontation surprised me and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Tiernan and Melody. They were attracted to each other from the moment they met but tried to resist because of their situation. Both also have trust issues from previous relationships, which take a little while to overcome. I especially liked Tiernan's protectiveness and the sweet way he cared for Melody. At the same time, she felt protective of him and tried to keep from being too disruptive to his life. I liked seeing the similarities in their attitudes towards wealth and privilege. I loved the ending and seeing them admit their feelings for each other. I wish there had been an epilogue because I would have liked more about Tiernan and his family.
 
Loki was my favorite secondary character. I loved how Tiernan told Melody Loki's story and its effect on her. Tiernan's love for the dog was undeniable, and I loved seeing them together. I also liked Loki's protectiveness toward Tiernan and Melody. I've had two labs, and the author nailed the breed's personality. 

Marked for Revenge - Delores Fossen (HI #2169 - Oct 2023)

Series: Silver Creek Lawmen: Second Generation (Book 4)
 
For a pregnant deputy and the father of her baby, this case isn't just about catching a killer.
 
Ever since female victims started turning up wearing death masks of her face, Deputy Ava Lawson has been in terror for herself and her unborn child. The Texas Ranger assigned to the case knows Ava's deepest, darkest secrets. Harley Ryland is also her baby's father. As her past explodes on the present, Ava and Harley track a killer who won't stop until a long-awaited revenge is complete…
 
Terrific book that pulled me in from the first page and kept me hooked to the end. A serial killer is loose in Silver Creek, and it looks like Deputy Ava Lawson has an unknown link to them.
 
The Silver Creek Sheriff's Department is working hard to identify a killer. The case is especially creepy because the female victims are all found wearing masks with Ava's face. The mayor isn't happy with the lack of progress and calls in a Texas Ranger to assist. That Ranger is Harley Ryland, who happens to be Ava's ex-boyfriend and the father of her unborn child.
 
Ava parted ways with Harley over a disagreement about her politician father's illegal activities about the same time she discovered she was pregnant. She is adamant that they are done as a couple but will still co-parent their child. But as they work together to solve the case, it becomes increasingly obvious that they still have feelings for each other. Harley must carefully balance his protectiveness with respect for Ava's abilities while not pushing too hard to resume their relationship. Ava must realize that leaning on him for support doesn't make her weak.  I loved the ending and how they saw that they belonged together.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. The author has a formula that works well, and this book was no exception. As they delve into the investigation, secrets from Ava's past that may be connected to the murders are revealed. Ava and Harley identify several suspects, each with motive and means. There were twists and turns and intensifying danger as they came closer to identifying the killer. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was glued to the pages as it played out. The resolution was well done.
 
There were some intriguing family dynamics in this book. I understood why Ava distances herself from her father. Besides his questionable ethics, she has a long-standing grudge against him for something that happened when she was a teenager. One of the twists in the story turns out to be a good one, and I enjoyed seeing how it played out at the end. I also liked seeing more of the Rylands. Grayson makes a brief appearance, and seeing him remind Harley to visit his parents was amusing.

Caught by You - Jennifer Bernard (Avon - Jan 2016)

Series: Love Between the Bases (Book 2)
 
Months of alternately flirting and bickering with Kilby Catfish catcher Mike Solo just turned into the hottest kiss of Donna MacIntyre's life -- and that's a major league complication. Any hint of scandal could keep her from getting her son back from her well-connected ex. Then Mike comes up with a game-changing idea: a marriage proposal that could help win her case -- even as it jeopardizes her heart . . .
 
Mike hasn't been able to get the gorgeous, gutsy redhead out of his fantasies. The least he can do is fix the mess he helped create. Yet their engagement is quickly becoming about a lot more than doing the right thing. Because after swearing he'd never risk love again, Mike has found a passion that puts all his emotions in play, and a woman he'll go to bat for again and again . . .
 
Terrific book full of humor, love, family, and friendship. In the previous book, All of Me, Donna and Mike met when Mike stepped up to protect her during a bar fight. What followed was several months of back-and-forth flirting that culminated in a scorching kiss in a library closet, guaranteeing that neither forgot the other during the off-season. But when Mike returns to Kilby in the spring, the fun and feisty Donna has changed so much that Mike barely recognizes her.
 
Donna has a reputation as a fun-loving party girl until her ex and his fiancée decide they want full custody of Donna's son, Zack. His paternal grandparents have raised four-year-old Zack for heartbreaking reasons. Donna has visitation, adores her little Zack-ster, and wants to get him back. However, Harvey and Bonita have wealth and power on their side. When her lawyer tells Donna she must clean up her act, she takes it to heart and reinvents herself with a new job, clothes, and attitude.
 
But the sparks of attraction between Mike and Donna can't be denied and flare up whenever they are near each other. Mike has a unique method of self-control during baseball season, but being around Donna puts a strain on it. When his actions jeopardize Donna's custody quest, he devises the perfect fix - ask Donna to marry him.
 
Mike is a good man. He's a great example to his fellow ballplayers and protective of those he cares about. I love his relationship with his brother Joey and the impact that relationship has on his life. However, he avoids anything related to love, having been burned several years earlier. I ached for him because of the story behind that relationship.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Mike and Donna develop. The flirting and banter between them are fun, and it's easy to see how right they are for each other. I loved how they trusted each other, sharing things no one else knew about them. As they grow closer, Mike refuses to see that what he feels for Donna is love, not just protectiveness. When the custody battle gets vicious, and Mike realizes he may be doing more harm than good, he sets her free, even though he doesn't want to let her go.
 
Many times, Mike, Donna, or both get involved in situations that complicate their lives. Many of these situations are laugh-out-loud funny, while a few are deeply emotional. I loved the fight on the baseball field and Donna's method of ending it. I adored Mike's big moment when he went to bat for Donna in the custody battle.
 
The changes Mike and Donna experienced throughout the book show how they learned about who they were and what was important to them. I especially liked how Mike helped Donna see what a warm, wonderful, and outstanding mother she was.
 
Secondary characters in the book played essential parts in the story. I loved getting to know other Catfish players like Trevor, Dwight, and Jim. Their support of Mike after his return from Chicago was heartwarming. I also like the team owner, Crush, and his love for his team. Donna's ex, Harvey, is a wimp throughout the book. His fiancée, Bonita, is a nasty piece of work who needs to be taken down a peg or two. The power family in town, the Wades, have far too much influence, and it's always fun to see someone go up against them and win. I loved Mike's brother Joey and his belief in Mike. His story was inspiring and heartbreaking and had a profound effect on Mike.

Missing in Texas - Karen Whiddon (HRS #2244 - Sept 2023)

A child in danger
And two parents who have never met
 
When her adopted daughter is abducted, Edie Beswick suspects the man who claims to be her little girl's father…until she sees how Jake Cassin reacts to Laney's disappearance. Working together increases their chances of finding the child they both love, but it complicates their looming custody battle. Is indulging in their attraction just a welcome release for two people in pain -- or do they have a future as a family?
 
Good book that grabbed my attention from the start, and didn't let go until I was finished. The book opens as Jake arrives at Edie's bakery, looking for the daughter who was kidnapped four years earlier. Edie is stunned by the resemblance to her adopted daughter, Laney, but sends the man on his way without telling him anything. What follows is a parent's worst nightmare, as Laney is abducted as she gets off the school bus.
 
Edie immediately suspects Jake, and he is horrified to discover that he'd been that close to finding his Noel only to have her disappear again. Jake has been on a leave of absence from his Houston police job for four years while looking for Noel. His website has received several tips, the latest pointing him to this small town. Desperate to find Laney, Edie teams up with Jake to search for her themselves.
 
The determination, tension, and fear leap off the pages as Amber Alerts and Jake's website provide hints that don't pan out. With both focused on finding Laney/Noel, they soon find themselves giving support and encouragement to each other. Neither expects the sparks of attraction that flare between them or the need that drives them to find comfort in each other. Nor can they forget the question of who will end up with Laney/Noel once she is found.
 
The tension ramps up when they receive a credible hint from someone who claims they have Laney/Noel. The hope and fear leap off the page as they face someone who believes they have a better right to Laney. I didn't see the unexpected twist in this person's claim coming. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
I loved the ending, and the epilogue was terrific. I loved seeing Jake and Edie getting to know each other better. Seeing Jake with Laney was sweet. I was rooting for good news for Jake and loved how things turned out. 

 
 

Her Best Friend's Brother - Yahrah St. John (HD #2922 - Jan 2023)

Series: Six Gems (Book 1)
 
Their fiery affair fulfills her fantasies…
And puts everything at risk.
 
When travel blogger Wynter Barrington's wealthy, disapproving family cuts her off, she finds comfort in a passionate chance encounter with Riley Davis, her brother's best friend. He's hot as hell…and totally off-limits.
 
And when they meet again months later, they begin a sizzling affair. Wynter knows Riley doesn't do love and marriage, but her youthful crush is feeling more and more like a real relationship. If she's not careful, Wynter may put more than her relationship with her brother on the line. Can she survive falling in love with the one man she was never supposed to touch?
 
Wynter is a travel blogger who returns home to San Antonio when her aunt dies. At that time, her father informs her that he will no longer subsidize her travel - it's time for her to get a "real job" and work for the family business. Wynter refuses to give in to the pressure and walks out, planning her next steps. After the funeral, her aunt's will is read, and Wynter is stunned to discover that she has inherited most of her aunt's assets. Her five best friends also received bequests. This doesn't sit well with the rest of Wynter's family, who plan to contest the will.
 
Wynter receives emotional support from her best friends. Wynter's aunt referred to the five women and Wynter as her "gems." She also reconnects with her friend Shay's older brother, Riley. Wynter had a crush on him as a teenager and is surprised to discover that her crush has evolved into an intense attraction.
 
Riley is a successful lawyer who recently returned to San Antonio to take a position as a partner in a local law firm. He has a reputation as a player who doesn't do relationships. After seeing how his father's cheating and ultimate divorce from Riley's mother sent her into a depression, he doesn't believe in love. The things he sees as a divorce attorney reinforces his belief that love isn't real. When he meets Wynter again, he's stunned by his instant attraction to his little sister's best friend. 
 
I loved how Riley was there to support Wynter when she needed him and that he was sensitive enough not to hit on her at that time. But when they had dinner together to talk about the will, the sparks between them practically set them on fire. They gave in to those sparks with the understanding that it was a one-time thing, but neither expected the impact it would have. Two months later, they ran into each other in Aspen and gave in again to the irresistible attraction.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Wynter and Riley develop. The time they spent together in Colorado gave them time to get to know each other and for their connection to deepen. There were some terrific scenes of them together. I especially liked how Wynter helped Riley with one of his potential clients. By the end of the week, they realize they don't want to end their affair and decide to continue after their return home.
 
I loved seeing them together, and it was easy to see that they belonged together. But Riley still resists the reality of love, which runs up against Wynter's growing feelings for him. I liked seeing Wynter stand up for her needs and give Riley something to consider. Riley's fears have a tight hold on him, and it takes straight talk from his sister and his unhappiness without Wynter to open his eyes and heart. His big moment was emotional and well done. The epilogue was an excellent lead-in to the next book.
 
I liked the women of the "Six Gems" and their tight friendship. Seeing them all support Wynter at her aunt's funeral and again after the will reading was lovely. I liked getting to know them all a little bit which whet my appetite to read the rest of the series. 

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. 

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.

 

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.