Second Chance in Santiago -Tina Beckett (HMED #1472 - July 2025)

Series: Jet Set Docs (Book 1)
 
RISKING IT ALL ON THEIR REUNION!
 
When Viviani was sixteen, she was forced to say a gut-wrenching goodbye to her childhood sweetheart, Cristóbal. So saying "hello" to surgeon Cris again twenty years later -- as her new colleague! -- is totally unexpected. He can still set nurse Vivi alight with one look, but they're no longer naive teenagers. Love is the last thing Vivi is looking for after her ex-fiancé's cheating, and single dad Cris is clear he doesn't do dating anymore. So why is a second chance still so tempting…?
 
Good second-chance romance. Viviani and Cristóbal were childhood friends who later became sweethearts. When she was sixteen, her father's job moved them away, breaking her heart. She never forgot him. When her engagement ended, Vivi moved back to where she had good memories and took a job as a nurse at the hospital. The last person she expected to see on her first day was Cris, now a surgeon at the same hospital.
 
Cris is now a widower with a small daughter. He is just as stunned to see Vivi in his operating room, where she stirs up long-buried memories. His life revolves around his daughter and his work, with no room for relationships.
 
I enjoyed watching Vivi and Cris's relationship develop. The sparks between them are undeniable, but both are determined to protect their hearts from further hurt. Though they intend to keep their relationship professional, their connection keeps pushing them together. They team up to help a young soccer player, forcing them into closer contact. When the sparks flare up into a night spent together, each retreats from the intensity of the feelings they experienced. Cris is especially insistent on keeping away from her, his fear of further loss driving his decision. I loved how a single comment opened his eyes to the truth. Seeing him break free of his fears was great, and the emotional scene with Vivi was terrific. I loved the epilogue.
 
I enjoy the medical aspects of this line, as I usually learn something new with each book. In this story, I liked the focus on how a life-changing injury affected a young soccer player. I loved how Vivi and Cris worked with him to show him options. The epilogue updated the reader on his progress, and I loved seeing the results.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dark Web Investigation - Katie Mettner (HI #2297 - July 2025)

Series: Secure Watch (Book 1)
 
Fighting a global cyber threat
will take all their survival skills…
 
After the accident that killed her best friend and left her an amputee, Kenley Bates has made it her life's mission to get justice for other victims. Using her hacking skills to infiltrate the dark web is risky business, especially when Kenley uncovers a global security threat. Jude Mason is her best hope of saving the world. Ex-military, Jude knows how to protect and defend. But breaking the code and outwitting an adversary bent on destruction thrusts the cybersecurity experts into a cat-and-mouse game deadlier than they could have ever imagined…
 
Terrific start to this spin-off of the Secure One series. Jude Mason works for the sister organization, Secure Watch. He's covering for a coworker who is on her honeymoon when he gets a call from a friend of hers.
 
An ATV accident when she was a teenager resulted in the amputation of her foot and the death of her best friend. Now, she is a cybersecurity expert and "white hat" hacker who uses her skills to help other victims of corporate negligence. However, while delving into the dark web in search of evidence, she stumbled upon a site that could pose a threat to global security.
 
This story had me hooked from the first page. First, Kenley receives a creepy message from a hacker she knows, then she accidentally accesses a site that hijacks all types of security cameras. It doesn't take long for her to realize the danger of the site. I loved that she immediately reached out for help. Jude's quick response shows that he understands the threat. From that moment on, Jude and Kenley are caught in a deadly web. I was glued to the pages as Kenley and Jude attempted to crack the code and stop the program, while their adversary always seemed to be a step ahead. I held my breath as Kenley devised her plan. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with an unexpected twist in the resolution.
 
I enjoyed watching Kenley and Jude's relationship develop. There are sparks of attraction from the moment they met, but their pasts made each believe they were better off alone. I loved Jude's sensitivity regarding Kenley's prosthesis and how he watched over her. But as much as he cares for her, he worries that he is too old and emotionally damaged to make her happy. I ached for Kenley and the survivor's guilt that dominated her life, and the belief that her injury and her mission made her unlovable. Both wonder what will happen when their mission ends and it's time to return to their lives. I loved the ending, with Jude's big moment and the surprise that awaited her.
 
One of the things I love about the author's writing is that her characters have physical challenges, but those challenges are simply part of who that character is. I appreciate the matter-of-fact acceptance and the realistic impact on self-esteem and relationships. 

 

Her Fairy-Tale Farmer - Elle Douglas (HSE #3099 - July 2025)

Series: Sugar Maple Farms (Book 1)
 
She's in the happily-ever-after business
But he's never been interested in fairy-tale endings
 
Divorced single mom Andie Carter is parenting nine-year-old twins, launching a fairy tale-themed children's birthday party center and fighting lingering feelings for high school friend Knox Walker. The charming stable manager has eschewed romantic entanglements in favor of party-boy ways. But when Andie's venue needs repairs, he volunteers his ranch for her events -- and a few unexpected kisses, too! Knox doesn't trust easily, but Andie and her kids are breaking through his guard. Will he come to terms with his fears to be the Prince Charming that Andie and her kids yearn for?
 
Sweet friends-to-more story. Andie and Knox have been friends since they were kids. But underneath the friendship, there have been the stirrings of something stronger, though neither has pursued them. Andie is the divorced mother of twin boys, about to launch her dream job of throwing fairy tale-themed birthday parties for kids. When a water issue threatened her opening day, Knox stepped up and offered his ranch as a backup venue.
 
Knox is a nice guy with a big heart who has trust issues that make him wary of emotional entanglements. He has a reputation as a party-boy who avoids responsibility, but he's always been there for Andie.
 
I enjoyed watching Knox and Andie's relationship develop. Knox has always felt that something extra for Andie, but spending time with her and her boys now makes him realize the depth of his feelings. The more time they spend together, the more Andie discovers that she wants more than just friendship. However, Andie worries that Knox won't be able to commit to the stability that she and her boys need. At the same time, Knox wonders the same thing.
 
I ached for Knox because he can't see that he's got more to give than he believes. His dedication to his grandparents and their farm, as well as his relationships with the seniors he works with, all demonstrate what he is capable of. I loved watching him with Andie's sons. His fun side provides them with some much-needed levity, but he also has a serious side that steps up when he sees a need. I liked how various people helped him see himself through different eyes.
 
Andie is wary of her growing feelings for Knox. She doesn't have just her heart to worry about. If she starts something with Knox and it doesn't work out, it would also affect her boys. I liked seeing how well Knox fit in with them. The slip-and-slide scene was hilarious. A couple of bumps in their road made Andie question their relationship, but in the end, Knox's big moment won her over. The epilogue was sweet, too.

 

Legacy of Secrets - Kenna Scott (HRS #2334 - July 2025)

Series: Fairfield First Responders (Book 1)
 
One fiery rescue
Sparks danger for a hero
 
On a routine job, firefighter Sean Harrington feels less heat from the blazing building than he does from rescuing the red-hot woman trapped there. She's ATF Special Agent Casey Anderson and, at first glance, almost a double for his missing sister, Sylvia. Unbeknownst to Sean, his sibling disappeared after discovering criminal activity at the Harringtons' winery. As Sean and Casey team up, their hunt for Sylvia plunges them into a deadly world of cartel conspiracies, betrayals and murder. But it's their own histories of burned relationships -- familial and romantic -- that threaten what's building between them.
 
Good book that grabbed my attention quickly and kept me turning the pages. It is both the debut of a new author and the first book in a series. As the author's first published book, there are a few rough spots in the narrative, but nothing that impacted my enjoyment of the story. The world-building is pretty intense at the start, with many characters introduced in quick succession. As the series is about first responders, I expect most of them will be featured in future books.
 
Casey is in town with her ATF team, investigating reports of suspicious activity at a local winery. Casey's contact at the winery, Sylvia, disappeared, and Casey is worried about her safety. While conducting surveillance at the winery, Casey is abducted and left in a burning cabin. Fire Captain Sean and his crew extinguished the fire and rescued Casey. Sean is Sylvia's brother, and when he learns of her disappearance, he is determined to help find her.
 
Lots of action and multiple players kept me hooked on the story. Threads involving kidnappings, shootings, fires, explosions, family disfunctions, and broken relationships ran throughout the book. Casey and Sean teamed up to follow the leads and try to find Sylvia. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end with a resolution I did not expect. There are some hanging threads that I expect will be addressed in subsequent books in the series.
 
I enjoyed the development of Casey and Sean's relationship. Neither expected the sparks of attraction or the quick connection they felt. Both have been burned in past relationships and are wary of starting something with each other, especially since Casey is in town temporarily. I enjoyed seeing them together. They are supportive of each other's careers while still worrying about their safety. They also strive to maintain their professionalism while working together, ensuring they don't compromise the investigation. As their feeling for each other deepen, what happens when the case is over? Do they part ways, or can they find a way to be together? I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in later books. 

 
 
 

The Cowboy's English Lady - Lauri Robinson (HH #1867 - July 2025)

Hitched in a hurry…
To a stranger!
 
When rancher Jake Simpson hears of his philandering cousin's upcoming marriage to Lady Caroline Evans, he can't let it happen: the good-for-nothing groom's bound to someone else! But storming to London and stopping the wedding leaves Lady Caroline in need of a husband…
 
Honor bound to save her reputation, Jake offers himself -- and a ticket to accompany him back to Texas, where gossip can't hurt her. It's supposed to be an arrangement of strict convenience, but Jake didn't count on finding Caroline's sweetness quite so charming. Soon he finds himself wondering whether this rugged cowboy can win his refined English wife's heart…
 
Good book that grabbed my attention from the start. When Texas rancher Jake hears that his English cousin, Edward, is about to marry, he rushes to London to stop the wedding. During a recent visit to Texas, Edward compromised the daughter of a powerful politician. Jake vows to haul his cousin back to Texas to marry Faith, who is expecting his child. The scene at the church is fantastic, with Jake dragging Edward out by his collar.
 
And the bride? Surprisingly, Caroline is relieved at the interruption. She had not wanted to marry the philandering Edward in the first place, but was forced into it to save her family from financial ruin. Unfortunately, with the public interruption of the wedding, Caroline is now the focus of rumors and gossip.
 
Jake feels guilty about the damage done to Caroline's reputation. His only option, as he sees it, is to marry her himself and take her back to Texas with him. He and Caroline are practical people, and each sees the benefits of their approach. But both have been burned by relationships gone wrong and decide that a marriage in name only is the way to go. I liked seeing them get to know each other. They quickly become friends, and Caroline looks forward to her new life in Texas. Neither expected the sparks of attraction between them, and do their best to ignore them.
 
But Jake is carrying some baggage from his previous relationship and worries about trapping Caroline in a life she isn't comfortable in. The more time he spends with her, the more he can't stop thinking about her, and he starts regretting his insistence on no intimacy. But he promised, and he won't go back on his word. Unknown to him, Caroline's feelings have also deepened, but she believes her feelings aren't returned. There are several instances where misunderstanding or misinterpreting the other's words prevents them from being truthful about the way they feel.
 
I loved their arrival in Texas. Jake is happy to be home, and Caroline is fascinated by her new world. There is a bit of a hiccup when Jake's little sister is less than welcoming, but it doesn't take long for Caroline to win Nellie over. Jake and Caroline's feelings for each other continue to grow, but both fear rejection and keep quiet. A dangerous storm and some straight talk from a friend wake them up to possibilities, but can they overcome their insecurities enough to take the risk? I loved the ending, and the epilogue provided a great glimpse into their future.
 
The secondary characters were great. Caroline's aunt and uncle took in Caroline and her brother, Frederick, after their parents passed away. The love is there, but both are oblivious to the realities of life, wrapped up in their own hobbies. Frederick arranges Caroline's marriage to Edward, seeking to capitalize on Edward's need to marry. Jake's aunt and uncle (Edward's parents) are good people who are horrified by Edward's actions. I liked how they supported Jake's desire to return Edward to Texas. Jake's little sister, Nellie, has some understandable issues at first. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Caroline develop. Faith, the woman compromised by Edward, reminds me of Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. She isn't shy with her opinions and stands up for herself. Edward was an entitled jerk at the beginning of the book, with no thought to how his actions affected others. A surprising twist at the end showed that even he was redeemable. 

 

The Lyon and the Unicorn - Emily Royal (Dragonblade - June 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 84)
 
Love at first sight. Hatred at the altar.
 
Plucked from London's slums and thrust into Society as the stepdaughter of a duke, Clara Martingale should have every advantage. But rumors about her birth and her lack of refinement make her the target of cruel gossip, until a Highland marquess sweeps her off her feet.
 
Murdo McTavish needs to marry an heiress to save his estate, but falling for Clara wasn't part of the plan. Their connection is instant, and even his disapproving father can't argue with her dowry, or her spirit.
 
Until Clara's true parentage is revealed… and everything falls apart.
 
Heartbroken and cast aside, Clara turns to The Lyon's Den, the infamous matchmaking club run by Bessie Dove-Lyon. Like her mother before her, she seeks a fresh start, only to be matched with the very man who betrayed her.
 
Now bound by duty and secrets, Clara and Murdo must decide if love is worth risking a second time… or if heartbreak is the only ending their story will have.
 
Years earlier, Clara was rescued from her life in London's slums and reunited with the mother she'd been taken from (Lyon of the Ton). Now a duke's stepdaughter, Clara is expected to make her debut in Society. But rumors about her past make her the butt of cruel gossip and snide comments.
 
Murdo is a Scotsman with an impoverished estate who has come to London in search of an heiress. He spots Clara at a ball and is immediately smitten. His protective instincts kick in when he sees how others treat her. I ached for Clara and loved how he supported her. I enjoyed seeing how he pursued her and how he won over her parents. All that is needed is for them to travel to Scotland to meet Murdo's family and then have the wedding.
 
Things become complicated when they arrive at Murdo's home. His father knows Clara's mother's past and pitches a massive fit. The things he says are horrific, and Clara is devastated and furious. Murdo lost my respect when he didn't stand up for her and caved in to his father's demands.
 
Clara and her mother turn to Mrs. Dove-Lyon at the Lyon's Den, hoping to find a suitable match for Clara. She's given up on love and looks for someone with the honor and strength to stand by her side. She is horrified to find that the man who wins her hand is none other than Murdo. But Mrs. Dove-Lyon will not release them from their contracts, and they must make the best of their situation.
 
Married, for better or worse, they must find a way to coexist. Sparks fly between them, but outside of the bedroom, they have a strained relationship. Clara hesitates to trust Murdo with her heart again, especially since his father is still vocally abusive. Despite it all, Clara retains her spirit and feistiness. Murdo feels guilty about his previous actions and torn between loyalty to his father and his feelings for Clara. Misunderstandings run up against her insecurities, and Clara wonders if there is any chance of happiness. I can't remember how many times I wanted to shake Murdo out of his obtuseness, but he finally redeemed himself. A twist at the end makes their chance of a happy future much brighter.
 
There is a secondary story involving Murdo's brother James. I wasn't too sure about him at first, but I quickly learned that he, too, was a victim of his father's obnoxiousness. I liked seeing the changes in him as the book progressed.

The Love Fix - Jill Shalvis (Avon - June 2025)

Series: Sunrise Cove (Book 8)
 
Lexi Clark's life is falling apart around her, so when she's summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.
 
Yep, Lexi's pretty sure being home again just might kill her. She's an overachieving art appraiser who doesn't believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Free spirit Ashley, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can't refuse Ashley's plea to honor their late mother's final wish to make amends with the people she'd wronged. So, on behalf of her estranged mother's estate -- and with Heath in tow as the executor -- Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to.
 
Complicating everything are the feelings that well up for Lexi: for her mom, for Ashley, and most of all, for Heath. And for the record, she doesn't like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she's built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family. And unbelievably -- if you ask Lexi anyway -- love.
 
Good story of family, forgiveness, and both romantic and familial love. Lexi left Sunrise Cove years ago when her parents divorced and her father got custody of her. Though her mom was a gambling addict and a neglectful parent, Lexi's father wasn't much better. Her stepsister, Ashley, remained with their mother, Daisy. A year after Daisy's passing, Lexi returns to Sunrise Cove to assist Ashley in carrying out Daisy's last wishes.
 
I enjoyed watching the interactions between the characters. Lexi immediately has to face Ashley, the sister who stayed with their mother and had an entirely different relationship with Daisy. She also comes face-to-face with the executor of Daisy's will, Heath. Heath was her childhood rival and later crush, with whom she had a complicated past. They must work together to fulfill their mission.
 
A significant portion of the book focused on the relationship between Lexi and Ashley. Lexi is closed off, reluctant to trust anyone, and haunted by the memories stirred up by her return. Ashley is relentlessly cheerful and full of life. She has missed Lexi and is determined to repair their relationship. There are some heartbreaking scenes between them as they reconcile their differing memories of their mother. I liked seeing Ashley work her way past Lexi's walls and show her what sisters can mean to each other. It isn't an easy process, and there are bumps in the road to reconciliation. I loved seeing Lexi begin to open herself up to the possibilities.
 
I enjoyed seeing Lexi and Heath's relationship develop. The sparks are there from the start, but memories of past encounters keep Lexi from believing in them. Heath has emotional baggage of his own, but those memories make him especially sensitive to her fears. I loved how he respected her feelings and gave her the space to process the things she discovered. Some mixed signals occasionally get in the way of progress, but that doesn't go on for too long. I couldn't help rooting for them to find their way.
 
Besides facing her past, Lexi is also at a professional crossroads. I ached for her and the events that had preceded her return to Sunrise Cove, and I understood her devastation at what had happened. I loved seeing her find new purpose in Sunrise Cove. I liked the twist at the end and cheered for the decision she made.
 
The secondary characters were great. The people who received Daisy's letters gave Lexi a new perspective on her mother. Heath's grandfather was one of my favorites. He has no filter, and it was fun to watch him jerk Heath's chain. I also enjoyed the close relationship between Heath and his brother Cole and Cole's family. His nephew was adorable!