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

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

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

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

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

Skyscrapers to Greener Pastures - Jo McNally (HSE #2984 - June 2023)

Series: Gallant Lake Stories (Book 8)
 
She rescues animals in need
Maybe she could save him, too
 
Feeling more beast than beauty, web designer Olivia Carson hides her physical and emotional scars behind an isolated country life. Only her beloved rescue animals breach her guard. Until a farmhouse remodel brings city-boy contractor Tony Vello crashing into her quiet world. They share similar past pain -- and undeniable attraction. But as Olivia's beloved rescue kittens and horses…and her tender kisses…melt the walls around his heart, will he stay once the job is done?
 
Good book that is part of the Gallant Lake Stories series. There are characters and references to earlier stories, but this book can be read as a standalone.
 
Olivia and Tony have both come to Gallant Lake in search of healing. After a horrific car accident that killed her best friend and left her with physical and emotional scars, Olivia spends most of her time with her rescue animals. As the book opens, she's dealing with a home gutted by an incompetent contractor she has since fired. A friend recommends that she hire newcomer and temporary resident Tony to repair the damage and finish the remodel.
 
Tony is part of a big, noisy Italian family that has a business building skyscrapers in New York City. A few months earlier, Tony witnessed an accident on a job site that killed his best friend. The memories sent him spiraling to a dark place. After taking a leave of absence to deal with the aftereffects, Tony is still reluctant to go home. He stumbles onto Gallant Lake and stops to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A new acquaintance offers him the opportunity to use his construction skills while deciding what to do.
 
The first meeting between Olivia and Tony didn't go well. His brash New York ways put off Olivia and made her reluctant to hire him. I liked how Tony realized his mistake and scaled back his bluntness. Olivia didn't appreciate being treated like an idiot and was equally blunt in her responses. Fortunately, each realized they needed the other, and they were able to work out a deal.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Oliva and Tony develop. The antagonism between them was evident as Tony began his work. In building skyscrapers, he was accustomed to being given the plans and left to do his job. Olivia is far more involved having been burned by the previous contractor. Her constant check-ins and questions get on his nerves, and his surliness gets on hers. But underneath the antagonism simmers an attraction neither wants to admit. When they finally give in to it, both are certain they can keep it casual, knowing there is an end date. However, opening up and sharing their pain also leaves the door open for other feelings.
 
I loved seeing the changes in Tony and Olivia. Olivia begins letting other people get closer. Tony realizes that his heart is no longer in his previous work. But an unexpected visit from two cousins raises doubts in his mind. I ached for Olivia as she understood his battle and knew she had to let him go. Tony broke my heart with his doubts and fears. I hurt for both as they worked through their fears, and I followed their journey to healing with hope for their future together. I loved the ending, from the work party at Olvia's house to her visit to Tony's family, with the sunrise scene being my favorite part.
 
Tony's city-boy reactions to life in the country are pretty amusing. The horses freak him out, he's wary of Olivia's dog, Ginger, and he initially thought the little gray kitten was a rat. I liked how the kittens, especially the gray one, slipped past Tony's guard, and he soon interacted with all the animals. The scene in the barn with Misty was terrific.

Marcus - Lori Foster (HQN - June 2022)

Series: Love Undercover (Book 4.5)
 
They've been crushing on each other for months… So what's holding them back?
 
For Marcus Bareden, Lucy Cortland is more than the girl next door. She's beautiful, funny and easy to talk to. He'd really like to get closer, but something about her occasional wariness sets off his spidey sense. When he was nine, Marcus was plucked from an abusive situation and adopted by the most amazing parents a boy could wish for.
 
Lucy Cortland spent years overcoming an awful youth. Now, she's got a great job, her own place and a super sexy neighbor. Marcus is warm, kind and they've become good friends. She's only known him a few months, but their chemistry is undeniable. Yet for Lucy, getting close isn't possible.
 
Lucy believes no one could love her after what she's been through. No one could understand…except maybe the guy next door, who knows how it feels to be mistreated and how hard it can be to learn to hope -- even love -- again.
 
Short and sweet novella about Marcus, who we first met in Getting Rowdy. Rowdy rescued him from his druggie father, and Reese and Alice Bareden later adopted him. Now he's all grown up and following in Reese's footsteps - not just as a cop, but also in falling hard for his neighbor, Lucy.
 
I loved seeing Marcus and Lucy together. Over the past six months, they've become good friends, bonding over their love of MMA fighting. She often joined Marcus and his friends to watch the matches on television, and I loved seeing the closeness and teasing among the group. Lucy mothers them a little by providing homemade snacks for their viewing parties.
 
Marcus wants to move out of the friend zone with Lucy, but he senses an occasional wariness in her that holds him back. It's the same kind of wariness he remembers from childhood, and he doesn't want to make her uncomfortable.
 
Lucy had a terrible childhood, which affected the way she saw herself. She wears baggy clothes and does everything possible to downplay her looks. She's attracted to Marcus but doesn't believe he would be interested in her. She also doesn't want to do anything that could wreck their friendship.
 
I loved Marcus's patience and understanding while waiting for his chance with Lucy. Lucy is shocked and disbelieving when he finally lets her know how he feels. She can't believe he hasn't pulled away even after he encourages her to tell him everything. It was sweet to see how Marcus worked so hard to show her he believed in her. I loved Lucy's joy when she realized that her feelings truly were reciprocated and how it unlocked the passionate woman she's kept hidden.
 
The other guys' reactions to the changes in Marcus and Lucy's relationship were hilarious. The shock, surprise, and overt happiness made me laugh out loud. The three of them immediately took on "big brother" status, and their rapport returned to normal.
 
There was a brief hint of suspense when someone from Lucy's past left an unusual gift for her. She was a little freaked out by it, and I loved seeing Marcus's protective streak kick in. I liked how Lucy dared to face that past with Marcus by her side for support. The resolution was not what I expected, but I loved what happened.

I hope the other guys get stories, too.

 

The Heiress Bride - Madeline Hunter (Kensington - May 2023)

Series: Duke's Heiress (Book 3)
 
The new Duke of Hollinburgh, Nicholas Radnor has two duties to fulfill: locate the mysterious woman mentioned in his late uncle's will and acquire a suitable bride. When bedazzling, unconventional Iris Barrington shows up at the estate, Nicholas believes he may have found the missing beneficiary -- unless she is a charlatan, or worse. But as for his second duty -- he is finding it difficult to think of any other woman while tantalizing thoughts of Iris occupy his mind. He agrees to fulfill the late duke's promise to her, even as he grows suspicious of both her motives and the danger that seems to surround her. All of which keeps her temptingly close at hand…
 
Iris will do anything to restore honor to her beloved grandfather's name. Even tangle with the likes of Nicholas, a man whose formidable intellect and good looks lure her like no other. But all her years on the continent have not prepared her for the sensual onslaught she discovers in his embrace -- or the devastation of almost losing him to malicious intentions. Now Iris's desire to unearth the scandal behind the dukedom burns ever brighter: for doing so might also protect the man who has stolen her heart . . .
 
This was an enjoyable conclusion to the series. Nicholas, the new Duke of Hollinburgh, is slowly settling into his new role. As the book opens, he contemplates some of his challenges. One is finding the last of the three mysterious heiresses mentioned in his late uncle's will, and another is looking for a suitable bride to bring much-needed cash into the family. The heiress has been challenging to track down, so Nicholas is shocked when she shows up at his estate.
 
Iris, a rare book dealer, extracted a promise from the late duke that he would look for a missing rare book that she believes is in his possession. That book is at the heart of a scandal that ruined her grandfather's reputation, and she is determined to find it and prove him innocent. She is shocked to discover that the duke left her a substantial inheritance. She understands Nicholas's doubts and agrees to an understanding with him - she will inventory and appraise the books in his library if he agrees to look for the missing book.
 
I liked both Nicholas and Iris. Nicholas is an honorable man who didn't expect to inherit the title as soon as he did. Now he is land-rich and cash poor with many relatives who are furious at being cut out of his uncle's will, and they are making his life miserable. His best friends are his cousins Chase and Kevin, the heroes from the series' first two books. All three are convinced their uncle's death was not an accident, but their investigation has not revealed any proof.
 
Iris is a spirited and independent woman. She is a professional woman who makes her living buying and selling rare books all over Europe. She has no trouble going after what she wants, whether clearing her grandfather's name or giving in to the attraction she feels for Nicholas. I loved that she didn't let the relatives' attitudes get to her.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Nicholas and Iris develop. The sparks between them are evident from the start, and it was fun to see the attraction build as they got to know each other. There is some distrust between them, as Nicholas suspects that Iris is hiding something, and Iris isn't sure Nicholas will agree to something that would tarnish his family's reputation. The banter between them was fun, as neither held back when they had something to say. When it came to their attraction, Nicholas had no trouble showing Iris how he felt but left the pace of their relationship up to her.
 
I liked how they worked together to search for the missing book and how it brought them closer. Nicholas finds himself less interested in the "suitable" bride his aunts push at him and more inclined to make Iris a permanent part of his life. Iris has fallen hard for Nicholas but feels the gap between them is too significant to make anything permanent possible. That feeling intensifies when she makes a devastating discovery. I love that Iris is honest with him about what she found and that Nicholas shows her that it makes no difference to his feelings for her.
 
Several mysteries kept me guessing throughout the book. First is the mystery that runs through the series - was the previous duke's death an accident or murder? Nicholas, Chase, and Kevin have their suspicions but no proof. Second, is the mystery of the missing book. Nicholas and Iris have questions about the reasons for its disappearance, as nothing about it makes sense. Then there is the mystery of the attacks that happen when Nicholas and Iris are together. Who is the target? Iris, because of the inheritance, or Nicholas, because he is the current duke? The twists and turns of this story kept me guessing to the end, as the interweaving of all three made a surprising conclusion.
 
The relationships in the book were one of the highlights. In addition to the one between Nicholas and Iris, we see more of the previous couples. Minerva is now expecting, and Chase's overprotectiveness is sweet and irritating. Minerva is so frustrated with him that she finds ways to escape his hovering, creating hilarious situations. Rosamunde is a willing co-conspirator who gets Kevin in hot water with his cousin. The close friendship between the three cousins is heartwarming, though there is also a fair amount of teasing among the three. It is especially amusing to see Nicholas's reactions to Kevin and Chase's propensity to be "distracted" by their wives. I loved how Minerva, Rosamunde, and Iris bonded so quickly. The three get up to some interesting shenanigans, and seeing how the men react is fun.
 
The other relationships that dominate the book are those of Nicholas's relations. They all feel entitled to anything they want, and Nicholas has his work cut out to keep them in line. I liked watching him grow into his ducal dignity and use it effectively, though there were other times when they seemed to walk all over him. His two aunts were especially good at that, and Iris gets into the act when she uses them to set up Nicholas. I laughed out loud at the drawing-room scene where Nicholas pictured Iris and Minerva as lionesses bringing down a gazelle (Aunt Agnes) who never realized she was being hunted. He was less amused when he started to feel like a gazelle himself.
 
My only disappointment with the book was the lack of an epilogue. I would like to have seen them two or three years in the future, happy and prospering.

An Alliance with His Enemy Princess - Lissa Morgan (HH #1700 - Jan 2023)

A royal decree
That will change their lives…
 
Norman knight Rolant Guyarde has come to conquer a Welsh fort, but when he meets its mistress, he realizes she's the sword-wielding “soldier” he fought en route! Despite their being enemies, he finds himself intrigued by the brave, beautiful Princess Gwennan. When they're forced into an uneasy alliance, Rolant helps her petition the king for her parents' release from prison. But in exchange for their freedom, the king demands a price neither Rolant nor Gwennan expects!
 
Terrific enemies-to-lovers story set during the Norman attempts to conquer Wales. The author's passion for the history of her country shows in the vivid descriptions of places, people, and events. The opening pages were an irresistible hook, and I was glued to the story from start to finish.
 
A year earlier, the invading Normans attacked Princess Gwennan's home. Her brothers and husband were killed, and her parents were taken prisoner. Gwennan put away her woman's clothes, dressed as a man, and led those left in a desperate attempt to save her homeland. As the book opens, her troop is ambushed, and though some escape, Gwennan is captured by the knight, Rolant.
 
Rolant's mission is to deliver supplies to the garrison at a recently conquered Welsh fort, then take over its protection. During a battle against Welsh attackers,  Rolant is shocked to find that the boy he captured is a woman. Rather than throw her to the wolves (his men), he protects her and keeps her secret. Gwennan's fury is palpable, and she is vocal in her hatred for the Normans. I enjoyed the interactions between Gwennan and Rolant, who is amazingly patient with her and perhaps a little overconfident in his abilities. It was fun to see Gwennan turn the tables on him and take him prisoner, setting the stage for an intriguing turn of events.
 
I liked Rolant. He is a good and honorable man who suffers from terrible guilt from an incident with his family. His pain is overwhelming and keeps him from believing that he deserves the love that he craves. I loved his protectiveness toward Gwennan, which he sees as redemption for his past mistakes.
 
Gwennan was a complicated character. The loss of her husband hit her hard, and she has channeled that pain into her quest to take back her lands. I liked her care for her people but got frustrated with her constant attempts to push Rolant away. He was trying to help her, and she wanted nothing to do with it.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rolant and Gwennan. Their attraction was evident from the beginning, though both fought it. For Rolant, his past and sense of honor kept him from taking advantage of Gwennan, though his feelings for her grew. Her spirit, determination, and intelligence make her irresistible to him. Gwennan was disturbed by the feelings Rolant stirred in her, the desire for him, and the guilt that she was forgetting her husband.
 
Circumstances force them into a closer relationship, and both must find a way to put their pasts behind them if they want a future together. I ached for both as they struggled to put those pasts and fears behind them. Rolant's explanation of his past was heartwrenching, and I could feel his pain as he told Gwennan about it and his determination as he finally put it behind him. Rolant won my heart when he had the love and patience to give Gwennan the space to work through her feelings and fears and be there when she was ready to talk about them. The ending was fantastic, and I loved the epilogue.

Rancher After Midnight - Karen Booth (HD #2917 - Jan 2023)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 9)
 
One New Year's Eve kiss is all it takes…
To tame a handsome beast.
 
Thanks to a bogus inheritance, rancher Heath Thurston has a score to settle. Seducing his sexy land surveyor, Ruby Bennet, is not part of his revenge plan…nor is the snowstorm that leaves them stranded with nothing but a connection they can't deny. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, will Heath's icy heart finally melt, or will he remain a vengeful beast for good?
 
Terrific conclusion to this part of the Texas Cattleman's Club series. Heath has been the bad guy at the center of an oil rights dispute since the beginning of the series. Furious at discovering his deceased mother and sister were deprived of what they were promised, Heath has been determined to claim it for them. His attitude has been cold, antagonistic, and vengeful, making him impossible to like. There is a small light in the darkness in On Opposite Sides when his brother Nolan returns to Royal, and in their reconciliation, we learn a little of Heath's motivation. Unfortunately, even Nolan can't get Heath to back off.
 
As this book opens, Heath has received the surveyor's report about oil on the contested land. He's unhappy with the conclusion and rushes to the surveyor's home to complain. She's not what he expected, nor is his reaction to her when they are stranded in her house during a snowstorm. I enjoyed seeing him stick his foot in his mouth a couple of times and face Ruby's wrath.
 
Ruby is a feisty, intelligent, and beautiful woman accustomed to dealing with troublesome men. It doesn't take her long to straighten out Heath's attitude, but she doesn't expect the feelings he stirs in her. After her fiancé's death, she's worked hard to keep moving forward and leave the past in the past.
 
Their time snowed in together opens the door to a fast-moving relationship. They connect over their shared experiences with loss, augmented by their sizzling chemistry. Ruby brings out a different side of Heath, showing a caring and thoughtful man. I loved seeing her influence show him how to see things from a different perspective and encourage him to let go of his bitterness. As their relationship progresses, there is a marked change in Heath, and we see the feelings between them grow. There are some fantastic moments where those changes are evident, giving hope that Heath can finally be happy.
 
But a shoot-from-the-hip action by an angry Heath at the beginning of the book, unsurprisingly, is about to come back and bite him. Though he had already taken steps to stop the action, it was too late, and the results were devastating. I ached for Ruby, who only saw it as a betrayal of everything she believed about him. The effect on Heath is eye-opening as he realizes the truth of everything Ruby tries to tell him. I loved the ending. Watching Heath's actions to make things right shows a changed and vulnerable man, and I loved what he did.
 
The epilogue was terrific, and seeing the changes in all those involved was the icing on the cake.