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. 

Off-Limits to the Rebel Prince - Susan Meier (HR #4847 - Apr 2023)

Series: Scandal at the Palace (Book 2)
 
His Cinderella for the headlines
But forbidden behind closed doors!
 
Playboy Prince Axel knows better than to pursue his connection with guard Heather Larson. But in her presence, the burden of his royal life feels lessened. Then danger strikes and Heather is ordered to guard the prince 24/7 undercover…as his fake girlfriend! With the difference in their stations, anything real between them is totally off-limits…but that doesn't stop it from growing increasingly irresistible!
 
Axel is the second son of King Josef, so he doesn't have the stress of being the heir. In his younger days, Axel did his best to live down to the press's expectations with his playboy ways. When that lifestyle wore thin, Axel looked for something he could do that would make a difference, eventually settling on the job of Castle Administrator after noting its inefficiency. Unfortunately for him, he's done such a great job, and everything runs so smoothly that no one realizes how much work he puts into it. The book opens with a meeting between the king, Axel, and his brother Liam that left him feeling unappreciated. He decides he needs a night off and sneaks out of the palace in disguise to spend the evening being a "normal" person. He doesn't expect to be spotted and followed by one of the palace guards.
 
Heather is off-duty when she spots Axel sneaking out and follows him, feeling she must watch over him. When things go sideways, she does her job and gets him out of danger, but not before he's recognized. Axel is furious that she ruined his night out but can't deny his attraction to her. But she works for him, so she is off-limits.
 
The repercussions of Axel's night out first result in Heather being assigned to his personal detail. Her experience (five brothers!) made her adept at recognizing incipient shenanigans. Her constant presence does nothing to lessen Axel's attraction to her, and their interactions are fun. When Axel receives a death threat, Heather becomes his 24/7 bodyguard by posing as his girlfriend.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Axel and Heather. Axel got his playboy reputation because he never dated anyone for long. The reason was heartbreaking, and brought to mind the lives of Princes William and Harry after their mother's death. Axel protects the women by not being with anyone long enough for the paparazzi to be interested in digging into their private lives, so everything is very superficial. With Heather posing as his girlfriend, he finds himself getting to know her and liking what he sees.
 
Heather has some rough spots in her past that have made her the strong and independent woman she is. But she can't deny that the more time she spends with Axel, the more she likes him. She tries to convince herself that it's just attraction, but that doesn't last long.
 
I loved watching them together and seeing how right they were for each other. There are great scenes between them, from Axel attempting to cook for her to Heather attending family functions with him. There's a terrific part where he opens up to her about his frustration over finding his place in the world. Her understanding and support are something he isn't accustomed to. It is clear to everyone around them they are falling for each other, but Alex's fears won't let him give in to his feelings. When the danger has passed, Alex must decide whether to risk his heart or watch Heather walk away. I loved the ending.

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.

The Evidence Next Door - Julie Miller (HI #2154 - July 2023)

Series: Kansas City Crime Lab (Book 3)
 
This wounded warrior
Is willing to protect her with his life
 
Grayson Malone started working as a criminalist after leaving the Marine Corps, but he's still recovering from the trauma of losing his men and his legs. When a stalker starts menacing his neighbor, Allie Tate, he doubts that he can keep her safe -- until her trust in him makes him trust himself. They might even have a chance at love…if they can stay alive.
 
Another outstanding book from Julie Miller. I've been intrigued by Gray, the quiet, intense criminalist, since the first book in the series. He's one of my favorite kind of heroes - a US Marine who has gone on to further serve after leaving the Corps. He earned my respect with his resilience in dealing with his injuries from the war, though he still has some confidence issues thanks to his ex-fiancée.
 
The story opens as he works with his physical therapist, Allie. Former military herself, she has a talent for knowing when to push him and when to back off. She also has some unique exercises for him. Gray and Allie are friends and neighbors, as well as patient and therapist, and frequently carpool going to or from therapy. Neither is ready to admit the sparks of attraction are becoming more obvious by the day. On this day, Gray backs her up when she has issues with a pushy coworker. They head home with plans to share some takeout. But when Allie enters her apartment, she's horrified to find it vandalized with the words PAYBACK painted in blood on the walls. Gray immediately takes charge, calling in his friends at the KCPD Crime Lab.
 
This begins a terrifying roller coaster of attacks that bring back memories of one of the worst times in Allie's life - the gaslighting and eventual attempted murder by a scorned boyfriend. But how is this possible if Noah is still locked up in the brig in South Carolina? Each new attack raises more questions about who is behind the terrorizing actions. By about 75% of the way through, I was sure I knew who the culprit was, only to have the author add an unexpected twist that proved me wrong. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was over. I especially loved seeing how Allie's confidence that Gray had her back enabled her to participate in her own rescue.
 
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Gray and Allie. They started as patient/therapist and neighbors, gradually moving on to friends. Gray recognizes his attraction to her but resists doing anything about it because of his ex-fiancée's reaction to his injuries. Allie hesitates to get involved in another relationship after the disaster of her last one. Gray's protective instincts are aroused when the attacks on Allie begin, and I loved seeing his sensitivity as he took care of her. Staying in Gray's apartment with him allows Allie to show him how she feels. I loved how she saw the whole man, whether he used a wheelchair, prosthetics, or nothing.
 
Seeing both admit to their trust issues and realize they are rusty in reading signals was encouraging. This brings forth the acknowledgment of their growing feelings for each other and that they must articulate them to prevent confusion or misunderstandings. I enjoyed seeing the respect they had for each other and their abilities. I loved Allie's strength and independence and her occasional need to lean on Gray's strength - "He seemed to understand that just because she could handle almost anything on her own, she didn’t always want to." The ending was fantastic, and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
 
I loved seeing more of the previous characters from the series. The crime lab team and their teamwork and support are a big part of this series. I especially enjoyed seeing how Gray's coworkers saw, commented on and teased him about the changes they see in him after he gets to know Allie. I also loved how they all had his back during the attacks and investigation. I loved seeing an appearance by Aidan and his K-9 Blue, who I loved in their book (K-9 Patrol). 

 
 

Search and Rescue - Nichole Severn (Nichole Severn Books - Mar 2019)

Series: Search and Rescue (Book 1)
 
She’s all that’s standing between him and a soldier’s funeral.
 
Major Patrick Barnes left the JAG Corps and active duty to return home, never expecting danger to follow. But a killer is picking off the soldiers involved in one of his past cases, and Patrick quickly finds himself in need of rescue—and without the support of an entire army.
 
Search and Rescue operative Sienna Kincaide lost her last client to a shooter. It won’t happen again. When she saves Patrick from an identical fate, her grief eases, but soon, her drive to complete the mission deepens into dangerous desire. Attachments lead to mistakes, and the connection burning between Sienna and her client might be one neither of them survive.
 
Can Sienna and Patrick learn to rely on one another in time, or will the killer be the last one standing?
 
A short and intense story that goes along with the author's Blackhawk Security series in Harlequin Intrigue. Patrick Barnes was Jane Reise's (Rules in Blackmail) commanding officer and has left the military. He's on his way home when he finds himself the target of an assassin. Sienna is an operative for Blackhawk Security and was sent to protect Patrick.
 
The story opens with a rush as Patrick is run off the road, and Sienna arrives just in time to save him from the attacker. Someone is killing everyone associated with one of Patrick's court-martial cases, and he is the last survivor. The action is fast-paced and intense as Patrick and Sienna avoid a determined killer while trying to figure out who is behind it. The action is realistic, with both Sienna and Patrick injured in the process. The conclusion was a nail-biter as they faced off against the person who wanted them dead.
 
The development of their relationship was fast. The sparks of attraction were there from the moment they met and were a distraction they had to resist. Even amid their trouble, I liked their connection. Their banter is fun and a little snarky. Sienna can't get involved with a client, which motivates Patrick even more to find the person behind the killings. I liked the ending and seeing them determined to see where their connection goes. I hope to see more of them in future books.
 
There is also a reference to Rules in Blackmail as Sienna reveals how Jane got access to Sullivan in a secure building.

Rules in Blackmail - Nichole Severn (HI #1796 - July 2018)

 

Series: Blackhawk Security Elite Protection Services (Book 1)
 
Blackhawk Security Elite Protection Services --
Their business is your safety
 
But not hers. Former SEAL Sullivan Bishop refuses to work for Jane Reise. The JAG Corps prosecutor is hard core -- and he never stopped blaming her for his brother's death. But Blackhawk is Jane's only hope in fending off a frightening stalker, and she'll blackmail Sullivan to get it. Forced into her service, he soon realizes he was wrong about Jane. As bullets fly, Sullivan knows he'll risk his life -- and heart -- to save her.
 
Terrific action-packed, enemies-to-lovers story that kept me hooked from the first page to the last. Sullivan owns and runs an elite security company that protects people in danger. One night, he was working alone in his office when the last person he expected or wanted to see showed up - the JAG officer he blames for his brother's death. This meeting is quite contentious, as she managed to get into the office without setting off any alarms, wants his help to stop a stalker, and is willing to blackmail him to get it.
 
Sullivan promises Jane twenty-four hours, but on the way to check her home for clues, they are broadsided and run off the road by a tow truck. Fleeing into the Alaskan wilderness, they are luckily close to Sullivan's getaway cabin. However, he's injured, and it's made worse by the below-freezing temps, and Jane ends up dragging him to the cabin. I loved the banter between them as they dealt with their situation. The attack arouses Sullivan's protective instincts, and he puts away his grudge against Jane to solve the problem of her stalker.
 
The twists and turns of this story kept me guessing with every new attack. Sullivan and Jane quickly identify the stalker, but his skills keep them on their toes as they try to bring him down. When it looks like they've finally succeeded, another player enters the game. This one has a deep grudge against Jane, and nothing will stop him from destroying her. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Jane and Sullivan. She is feisty, independent, and quite capable of taking care of herself under most circumstances, though this stalker is an exception. The chemistry between her and Sullivan is undeniable, though both try to fight it. Each is also protective of the other. Sullivan wants to keep Jane safe, and she doesn't want him hurt because of her. This causes several instances of poor decision-making as they try to mitigate the danger. I was rooting for them to finally realize that they belonged together. The ending is fun as the two stubborn people recognize that, though they belong with each other, neither will give up striving for dominance.
 
I enjoyed getting to know the other members of Blackhawk Security. Each one has a unique personality and set of skills. The inherent trust among them allows for an outstanding brand of teamwork. Some light-hearted moments of teasing and snarky comments helped break up some of the tension. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
 
The one question that still needs to be answered is how Jane got into Sullivan's secure building. I heard that question is answered in one of the author's novellas, so I'm off to find it and get the answer!

Presumed Dead - Nichole Severn (HI #2107 - Nov 2022)

Series: Defenders of Battle Mountain (Book 4)
 
Their shared history could be their undoing.
 
Forced to partner up, reserve officer Kendric Hudson and missing persons agent Campbell Dwyer work a baffling abduction case that gets more dangerous with each new revelation. As they battle a mounting threat, they must trust one another with their deepest secrets. But the truth they uncover could leave them lucky to escape with their lives…
 
Terrific blend of second chance romance and suspense that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Kendric is Battle Mountain's newest reserve officer. A former coworker of Cree's (Dead on Arrival), he was injured in the same blast that hurt Cree. Scarred physically and emotionally, Kendric walked away from his life in Denver, including the woman he loved. He's found a home and family in the close-knit Battle Mountain Police Department and community and is determined to do his best to serve them. Then a missing persons case brings a blast from his past, and his new life is turned upside down.
 
Campbell has been sent from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to augment BMPD's tiny force during this case. She has an outstanding record of success in her cases. But there is more to Campbell's presence in Battle Mountain than meets the eye.
 
The sparks fly between Kendric and Campbell from the moment she appears. She makes snarky comments about him burying himself in the backwoods, and he digs at her laser focus on cases to the exclusion of everything else. But neither can deny the attraction that still exists even after five years apart. Kendric is determined to ignore it. He believes his scars prevent a relationship that isn't based on pity. Campbell has secrets that could destroy any chance of a reconciliation. I liked watching them work together and seeing their respect for each other's abilities. They grow closer, but her secrets and his fears are obstacles that must be overcome before they have a chance at happiness. I liked the ending and seeing how everything worked out.
 
The suspense of the story was a roller coaster of twists and turns. A pregnant woman was abducted from her home in the middle of the night, and her husband was shot and left for dead. But as Kendric and Campbell dig deeper into their investigation, there are more questions than answers. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, the author flipped everything I thought I knew on its head. Then the bad guy makes the case personal for Campbell, and the tension goes through the roof. I was on the edge of my seat as Campbell went rogue and ended up in mortal danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that kept me turning the pages until it was over.
 
The revelation of Campbell's secrets did initially cause some strain between her and Kendric and between her and the rest of the BMPD. I ached for Kendric over the first secret and its effect on him. I could feel his anguish over it and rooted for Campbell to be able to break through the fears that held him back. The second secret involved the entire BMPD. I could understand why Campbell was sent to investigate, but having read the series from the beginning, I knew her bosses were barking up the wrong tree. I was glad that Campbell believed the truth pretty quickly.