The Highlander's Mysterious Maiden - Nicole Locke (HH #1878 - Sept 2025)

Series: Lovers and Highlanders (Book 3)
 
A defiant Highland lass
To awaken the brooding warrior
 
Seoc of Clan Graham knows his scars run deep. How else to explain the emptiness he's felt inside since the battle that almost killed him? Nothing -- and no one -- has interested him, until the arrival of a beautiful and intriguing stranger on Beltane night…
 
Barabal has spent her life moving from clan to clan, always seeking but never finding a place to belong. Yet the Graham clan, and gruff Seoc in particular, call to her. Still, she's been abandoned before and is wary of drawing Seoc close, unless he can prove he won't abandon her too…
 
The blurb on this book intrigued me. Seoc is a warrior recovering from injuries and haunted by events that he blames on himself. His physical recovery has been slow, and his mental recovery even slower. He can't find anything or anyone that stirs his interest outside of his mead-making. That changes on Beltane night when a stranger arrives in the village.
 
Barabal has been on the move most of her life. After losing her parents as a child and being separated from her brothers, she's been looking for a place to belong. She arrives in the Graham village late on Beltane evening, hoping to make herself useful enough to be accepted.
 
I wanted to like this book. Seoc touched my heart with his survivor's guilt and his longing to feel normal again. His friends worry about him, but he can't pull himself out of his funk. Even during the celebrations, he remains on the edges. Then he's confronted by a beautiful stranger, and everything changes. Barabal sees a woman kidnapped, and no one else seems to notice or care. When she spots Seoc standing alone, she confronts him about the event and harangues him about not helping. She's blunt and rude and shocked that he is more interested in attempting to kiss her than helping the victim. She's unsure if she should try to stay or keep moving on.
 
Barabal was one of the most unlikable characters I have read in a long time. She wants to find a place to belong, but she is rude, abrasive, a know-it-all with no tact, and suspicious of everyone. Offers of help are met with skepticism and sarcasm. I kept waiting for her to see the possibilities and let go of the attitude, but I saw only minor changes.
 
Watching Barabal and Seoc's relationship develop was frequently painful and frustrating. She fascinates Seoc, and he can't stay away from her, even as she tries to avoid him. He stirs something in her, but trust is hard to come by. I liked how he tried to watch over her and help her even though she kept pushing him away. He sees past the harsh façade to the vulnerable woman, but is unsure how to reach her. Misunderstandings due to poor communication created tension. Sparks of attraction flare up, but even those lead to more misunderstandings. A well-meaning surprise engineered by Seoc backfires, but eventually leads to an emotional ending.
 
I liked the secondary characters, who were most likely the centerpieces of the other books in the series. I liked how the women accepted Barabal and tried to connect with her. There was a poignant scene that involved a couple of jugs of mead and some conversation about her past, which emphasized their empathy and understanding. I think there is hope for a strong friendship with them and Barabal in the future, especially if she can lose the attitude. I liked Seoc's friends and how they worried about him. 

 

Duty Compromised - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - Nov 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 3)
 
Ty Hughes handles the most dangerous protection assignments on the planet—it's what Citadel Solutions is built for. So babysitting some old computer scientist for a few weeks?
 
Boring as hell, but no problem.
 
Until he meets Dr. Charlotte Gifford.
 
She's not the gray-haired researcher Tyler expected—she's young, brilliant, and gets adorably flustered every time he looks at her. When her quantum-encrypted signal research is stolen by terrorists, someone wants her dead before she can rebuild what they need.
 
Charlotte has spent her whole life in labs, more comfortable with code than people. She eats lunch alone, speaks in programming logic when nervous, and definitely doesn't know what to do with a bodyguard who makes her forget her own name.
 
Now they're on the run with assassins on their trail and a traitor somewhere in her inner circle. Charlotte can reconstruct the tech that could save thousands—if Tyler can keep her alive long enough.
 
She's a genius with code, not running from terrorists.
He's trained for warfare, not falling for the woman he's protecting.
 
But when every ally becomes suspect and death waits around each corner, breaking all the rules might be their only chance at survival.
 
Another fantastic book in the Citadel Solutions series, and this may be the best one yet. The action was fast-paced, the suspense was intense, and the romance was adorable. The story is told from the dual first-person perspectives of Ty and Charlotte. The action scenes are especially vivid and made me feel as though I was right in the middle of it.
 
Recovering from injuries received on his last mission (Duty Devoted), Ty is on forced medical leave and going stir crazy. When an FBI friend asks him to watch over a scientist for a couple of weeks, he jumps at the chance. Hanging out in a lab should be an easy way to keep busy. The job turns complicated when the scientist becomes the target of terrorists who want to weaponize her work.
 
Charlotte is the picture of the absent-minded scientist. She is brilliant, having earned two doctorates by the time she was twenty. She gets so immersed in her work that the world around her disappears. She is uncomfortable around people, slips into scientific speech when nervous, and avoids social situations like the plague.
 
I loved the first meeting between Charlotte and Ty. He mistakes her for a receptionist, and he so discombobulates her that she comes across as a total ditz. Ty expected an older researcher, not a beautiful young woman he finds intriguing and adorable. The attraction between them is evident from the beginning, but Charlotte is unsure how to handle it, and Ty struggles to maintain a professional demeanor.
 
When word comes that her stolen program is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, Charlotte has days to come up with a program that will neutralize the threat. Ty's job is to keep her safe while she does it. That isn't easy, as the other side is determined to keep her from succeeding, and their efforts become increasingly dangerous. While struggling to stay one step ahead of the terrorists, Ty realizes that someone on the inside is working against them. I was glued to the pages as they raced toward a stunning climax. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
 
I loved watching Ty and Charlotte's relationship develop. They are so different that it seems impossible for them to work as a couple. Ty is protective, and his observational skills enable him to adapt to their constantly changing circumstances. Charlotte is brilliant at what she does, but needs Ty to keep her safe. I loved watching Ty see past Charlotte's outer scientist to the vulnerable woman inside. His methods of caring for her were sweet and demonstrated his understanding of her. He's a little freaked out by his growing feelings for her because of his insecurities about his education.
 
Meanwhile, Charlotte finally identifies the feelings Ty stirs in her. She has trouble believing that a man like him is interested in her awkward self. I loved how they saw the best in each other. Charlotte is in awe of Ty's people skills, which she has never possessed, while Ty is blown away by Charlotte's intelligence and resilience. Together they make an unbeatable team. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was fantastic. I loved seeing the changes that being together brought to both of them.
 
I enjoyed seeing more of the Citadel Solutions gang. There isn't much at the beginning, as Ty took the bodyguard job without telling his boss (Ethan) and the others about it. Eventually, he realizes that he needs help. I laughed out loud at what happened when he finally got the courage to call. I loved seeing everyone jump in to help, and how each person's specialty played a role in the final takedown. I enjoyed meeting Ty's brother, Donovan, and look forward to getting to know him better in future books. 

 
 
 
 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Dr. Seuss (Random House - Oct 1957)

Get in on the Christmas cheer with Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic starring the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who—guaranteed to grow your heart three sizes!

Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot...but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!

Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. From the Grinch and his dog, Max, to Cindy-Lou and all the residents of Who-ville, this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will warm even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is perfect for readers young and old.

 

I love this classic Christmas tale of a bitter, lonely creature who ultimately comes to understand the True spirit of Christmas. I remember the book and the cartoon from my childhood, when watching it and A Charlie Brown Christmas kicked off the Christmas season.
 
The Seussian poetry, with its cadence and uniquely descriptive words, narrates the Grinch's transformation from bitter to exuberant. His glee at stealing all the trappings of the holiday turns to confusion when he witnesses their pared-down celebration.
 
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!"
 
My favorite character in the story isn't the Grinch, nor is it Cindy-Lou. I adore Max, the Grinch's dog. His devotion to the Grinch, despite the grouchiness, is sweet. The expressions on his face as the Grinch makes his plans show his dedication, but also his skepticism about the success of the endeavor. I love the ending and seeing him enjoy the feast too.
 
I love the animated version of the story and still watch it all these years later. I've never been able to get into the Jim Carey version.
 

Big Sky Slayer - Juno Rushdan (HI #2321 - Nov 2025)

Series: Ironside Protection Services (Book 1)
 
Can he protect a cop
willing to risk her life against a killer?
 
When the bullets start flying, Winter Stratton's only mission is to apprehend the rampaging shooter before more people die. When it's over, the woman who gave up a big-city badge to protect her Montana town now owes her life to investigating attorney Chance Reyes. Fighting their attraction while trying to take down a sniper tests them both to their limits. But with the trail going cold and too many suspects, Winter and Chance are up against a killer who now has them in the crosshairs.

This book started with a bang, literally, and didn't let up until the last page. In addition to the intensity of the suspense, the chemistry between the two main characters, Winter and Chance, is undeniable.
 
Winter is a recent arrival in Montana, moving there from Texas to be closer to her two sisters. Prior military, and then a big-city cop, she now works for the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. She's just met with Chance, part of the Ironside Protection Service, when a shooter takes aim at people on the street. Winter's immediate instincts are to locate and stop the shooter, while Chance is close on her heels, trying to protect her.
 
Small-town politics and jurisdictional jealousy lead to them working together to identify and apprehend the shooter. The fast-paced action and twists in the investigation kept me glued to the pages. The more they uncover, the more complicated the mystery becomes. It isn't long before Winter and Chance discover that they are targets, too. Attacks on them ramp up the intensity as they close in on the sniper. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, though the outcome was never truly in question.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Winter and Chance's relationship. Chance has a reputation as a serial dater, rarely spending more than a short time in a relationship. He isn't afraid of commitment; he's looking for the right person and doesn't believe in giving false hope. When he met Winter, something about her made him think she was it. The problem is convincing her that he is serious. Winter hasn't had good luck in relationships, so she is wary of Chance. She has trouble taking him seriously when he flirts with her. But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes that there is more behind the flirty façade. The sparks of attraction grow stronger, and Winter must decide if she's willing to trust Chance with her heart. I loved the ending, especially seeing how each character faced their vulnerabilities and looked to the future together.
 
I liked the secondary characters. We see a little more of Logan and Winter's sister, Summer, from the previous book. I loved the family barbecue scene with them. Winter's other sister, Autumn, plays a significant role in this book, offering a little more insight into her character. I hope to see her get a story of her own. I also liked getting to know some of Chance's IPS coworkers. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the following books.

 

Duty Devoted - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - July 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 2)
 
She saves lives with steady hands. He takes them with deadly precision.
 
In the war-torn jungles of Corazón, Dr. Lauren Valentino runs a field hospital under siege—treating the wounded, protecting the innocent, and risking everything to hold the line. Knowing the danger is getting critical, Lauren's family sends Citadel Solutions security expert Logan Kane to get her out.
 
One doctor should be no problem for a battle-hardened Marine who specializes in impossible missions—even when the mission doesn't want to be rescued and a hurricane is closing in.
 
They clash instantly.
The heat between them? Instant too.
 
When communication is cut off and killers close in, Lauren and Logan are forced into the jungle. The storm's not the only thing hunting them. Survival means moving fast and finding some way of trusting each other.
 
In a world where death is always only one step behind, love might be the risk that breaks them both.
 
Or saves them.
 
Terrific second book in this series. The action and tension started on the first page and kept me turning the pages to the end. From the action to the setting, the descriptions are so vivid I felt almost as if I were there. Dual first-person POV from Lauren and Logan gives insight into their actions and feelings.
 
Doctor Lauren Valentino works for a medical outreach program, currently in the jungle of Corazón. She is highly skilled, works exceptionally well under the most challenging circumstances, and cares deeply for her patients. The story opened with an example of the conditions she works under, and I couldn't help but root for a successful outcome. We also learn that political unrest and expanding cartel activities are making conditions more dangerous. Lauren's wealthy parents pester her frequently to return to Chicago, where she "belongs."
 
Former Marine Logan is the second-in-command at Citadel Solutions. He is professional, protective, and experienced. When Lauren's parents hire Citadel Solutions to extract Lauren and her team from danger, he prepares for the worst.
 
When Logan and his team arrive, disguised as a weather research team, Lauren immediately takes exception to the plan. Logan wants to leave within a week, while she insists it will take at least a month to safeguard her patients. Matters become complicated when the cartel leader's son becomes obsessed with Lauren. She thinks politely telling him "not interested" will be the end of it, while Logan sees the danger. When the cartel leader gets involved, Lauren finally realizes the peril of her situation. Their departure suddenly becomes critical.
 
I was glued to the pages as Logan and Lauren fight for their lives. Lauren's refusal to desert a patient in need leaves her and Logan on their own to escape the cartel. Not only must they evade those out to stop them, they must also fight Mother Nature, as a hurricane makes landfall. They must learn to trust each other if they are going to escape. I enjoyed watching their connection grow as they relied on each other. I loved seeing how Logan appreciated Lauren's strength and resilience, which only added to his attraction for her. Lauren's understanding of Logan's PTSD is something he doesn't expect.
 
Just when I thought everything would work out for them, Logan allows his fears to push Lauren away. I ached for Lauren because it brought back her insecurities. Each runs from the memories of what they had as they try to convince themselves that the other is better off without them. I loved seeing Logan's friends attempt to get through to him. However, it is an unexpected twist that reveals to each of them what they almost threw away. The conclusion was an intense, nail-biting event. The teamwork was outstanding, and I loved Lauren's actions. The two epilogues were fantastic, especially seeing what is in store for their future.
 
The secondary characters were terrific. I loved the chance to get to know the team members, Tyler and Jace. Their respect for each other is evident in every interaction, while light-hearted teasing does a great job of breaking the tension. My favorite was young Elena, one of the villagers. Her presence of mind and determination to help Lauren were incredible.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Duty Unbound - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - June 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 1)
 
Duty was supposed to be simple -- until she walked into his mission.
 
Ethan Cross doesn't get emotionally involved. As the head of Citadel Solutions, he handles high-stakes security with military precision and zero distractions. Protecting international pop star Nova Rivers from a dangerous stalker? Just another job.
 
Until he meets her sister.
 
Melanie Rivers is the quiet force behind Nova's chaotic empire -- efficient, invisible, and utterly selfless. She's spent her life in the shadows, sacrificing her dreams to hold her family together.
 
But Ethan notices what no one else does -- the way she shoulders everyone's burdens without complaint, the quiet fire burning beneath her calm exterior. She's not the client. She's not part of the mission. Yet the longer he's near her, the harder it gets to remember the lines he swore he'd never cross.
 
But in an industry full of secrets, danger lurks closer than anyone suspects. And one wrong move could cost them everything.
 
He was hired to keep one woman safe… but the one he can't stop thinking about might be the one who brings him to his knees.
 
When two of my favorite romantic suspense authors recommend a brand-new author, it is definitely motivation to try them. I was not disappointed, as this book reminded me of Janie Crouch's Linear Tactical books and Josie Jade's Resting Warrior Ranch series. The characters were complex, and the action scenes kept me glued to the pages.
 
Ethan is the founder and head of Citadel Solutions, the elite security firm he started after he left the military. He has a reputation for being cool under fire and impossible to distract. If he's haunted by the things he experienced, well, staying busy keeps the ghosts at bay. Being hired to protect pop star and diva Nova Rivers is just another day at the office.
 
Nova's sister, Mel, has devoted her life to making Nova's dreams come true. She's quiet, blends into the background, and puts everyone else's needs before her own.
 
Ethan's first meeting with Nova and Mel doesn't go well. Nova laughs off the idea of a dangerous stalker, resists any notion of restricting her activities, and generally behaves like a spoiled brat. Mel's business-focused attitude rubs Ethan the wrong way because she reminds him of his ex-fiancée. He turns down the job initially, but reconsiders when the stalker strikes again.
 
The mix of suspense and romance was very well done. Ethan and his team settle in to protect Nova and Mel while investigating the stalking situation. As he spends more time with them, Ethan begins to see them differently. He is drawn unwillingly to Mel, seeing past her professional façade to her warm, caring nature. Mel doesn't know what to think about Ethan. He's the first person to see her, from her growing exhaustion and burnout to the dreams of home and family portrayed in her paintings. At the same time, Mel sees past Ethan's control to the memories that haunt him. I liked seeing how happy he was when he was with her.
 
The suspense builds as they prepare for Nova's multi-city tour. Each city brings new challenges and escalating threats. Each one added more intensity to the team's determination to identify and stop whoever is behind them. Just as I thought I had it figured out, an unexpected twist threw my theory out the window. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages to the end.
 
Once the danger is past, Ethan and Mel will have to decide if their burgeoning relationship has a future. I liked their honesty with each other and seeing how they worked things out. The epilogue was terrific and I can't wait to see them in future books.

The Lyon Loves Last - Charlie Lane (Dragonblade - Aug 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 88)
 
What's dangerous, necessary, and arranged at the Lyon's Den? A marriage of convenience between childhood friends.
 
Felix Canterbury, Viscount Foxton will never return to his childhood home. Nothing but nightmares there. He's happy to gamble the house away to win a bride at the Lyon's Den. Especially since his beloved grandfather is demanding he marry… and soon. Felix never expects the prize bride to be his childhood friend, the woman he deliberately enraged.
 
Miss Caroline Maxwell needs a house for the women's refuge she's building. Even if it means landing a husband along with it. She doesn't need love, after all. She already gave her heart away to Felix, who promptly dropped it. With the Widow of Whitehall's help, she snags a husband and a house with ease.
 
The house is perfect.
The husband—and arrogant and all too virile Felix—not so much.
 
They agree to a marriage in name only, but when circumstances trap them in the house he hates, desire tests their resolve.
 
Unless Caroline can help Felix overcome his childhood ghosts, fear will shape their futures instead of love.
 
Good second-chance romance. Caroline and Felix were friends and neighbors as teenagers until Felix cruelly stomped on her growing feelings for him. They haven't seen each other since then. Neither has married.
 
Raised by a progressive father and taught to stand up for what is right, Caroline plans to open a refuge for abused women. She needs a house to carry out her plan, and finds that being a woman alone is an obstacle. She went to Mrs. Dove-Lyon with her plan - find her a husband who has a house to spare and doesn't care if they live apart.
 
Felix likes his life in London, where he's happiest engaging in risky behavior. Haunted by a childhood tragedy, he never intends to return to the house where he grew up. He doesn't want to marry, but his grandfather insists it is time. Rather than take the traditional Marriage Mart route, Felix joins one of the bride contests at the Lyon's Den.
 
This contest was one of the Black Widow's more unusual competitions. Instead of physical prowess or gambler's luck, these contestants had to answer riddles. The contest itself was interesting as Caroline disguised herself as a man to run it herself. Her dismay at Felix's participation was evident, as was his when he realized it was her. Neither is happy with the outcome, but a Lyon's Den contract is unbreakable.
 
Neither expects nor welcomes the attraction that sparks between them. After avoiding a post-wedding kiss, they part ways as agreed. Caroline starts her shelter project while Felix continues his life in London. But Felix's grandfather isn't satisfied, and guilt-trips Felix into checking on Caroline. Felix is horrified to discover that she is alone at the house with just a maid and that the building is in far worse condition than he thought.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Felix and Caroline's relationship. Felix wants to protect her, but the memories, nightmares, and guilty feelings have such a hold on him that it is difficult for him to function. I ached for Felix and the pain he couldn't escape. Caroline focuses on her plan and dreams of sharing it with him. There are clashes and confessions, and a growing respect for each other. Underneath it all, the sparks of attraction intensify, leading to unplanned intimacy and deepening connection. But can they overcome the obstacle of Felix's trauma and make a happy life together?
 
Unexpected danger brought Felix's fears to life, but also opened his eyes to why he pursued those risks. I liked seeing him put those fears to rest and open his heart entirely. The epilogue was great. I especially enjoyed seeing Caroline's exuberance over her new plan.