Lyon's Obsession - Regina Jeffers (Dragonblade - Sept 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 91)
 
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
 
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father's house since Duncan became Marksman's guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father's estate marches along with Marksman's, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
 
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman's peerage, had sold Alexander's mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora's abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
 
Must he risk one dream to know another?
 
Good book with an intriguing mystery. This is the second book in a series within a series, the first being Lyon in the Way. This series is about the five adopted sons of Lord Duncan, each rescued from dire circumstances by Lord Duncan. Each has grown into adulthood and assumed their titles. They are also agents for the Crown, following in Lord Duncan's footsteps. This book focuses on Lord Alexander, Earl Marksman, and Lady Theodora, Lord Duncan's daughter.
 
Alex and Dora have been friends ever since Lord Duncan adopted him. That friendship grew into more as they got older, and they have often spoken of marriage. But Alex made a promise to his dying father - he would find his mother and sister and bring them home. The story of why they are missing was heartbreaking. Alex won't rest or allow himself to marry until he finds them. This leaves Dora in limbo - no formal engagement, and a man whose devotion seems to be wavering. Frustrated, she talks her father into allowing her a London season so she can find a suitable match. Alex's jealousy stirs when another man attracts her attention, and he worries he could lose her. But can he give up his search to keep the woman he loves?
 
Complicating matters, Lord Duncan and the others search for someone who is passing forged banknotes. The ring is extensive, and they are determined to shut it down. Their focus on a single suspect reveals a twist that leaves Alex torn between duty and obsession. The suspense of this mission kept me intrigued to the end, and I enjoyed the resolution.
 
Mrs. Dove-Lyon has a minimal role in this book. Duncan and Alex recruit her assistance as she has also been a victim of the forger. At the same time, Dora asks for help finding a suitable husband. My favorite scene with Mrs. Dove-Lyon is when she reads Duncan and Alex the riot act over how they treat Dora. I loved the effect it had on both men, but especially on Alex. I thought he redeemed himself quite nicely.
 
The mystery of the forged banknotes was solved by the end of the book. The reader also learns a little more about who shot Lord Duncan at the beginning of the first book, and that he has no intention of giving up his plans. There are three more brothers, so I expect to learn a little more with each one until the end. 

 

Lyon on the Lam - Peri Maxwell (Dragonblade - Sept 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 90)
 
Two stubborn hearts, one unthinkable scandal.
 
Matthew Foster expected that a summons to the Lyon's Den would result in an unusual request. He never thought he'd be protecting the one woman in London he never wanted to see again -- Octavia Wilton, Baroness Burridge, the woman who broke his heart.
 
Tavie Wilton sees the Lyon's Den as her only option for help in bringing her scheming husband to justice. But now her safety rests in the hands of the one man in London who would never take her side -- Matthew Foster, the man she was forced to leave behind.
 
Tavie is convinced she's uncovered treason, but Matthew thinks it's something much more sinister. Either way, he's not letting her out of his sight. Working to find the answers they need helps heal the wounds from their past. But the longer they're on the lam, the more they realize...letting each other go isn't an option. Not this time.
 
Not without a fight.
 
Good second-chance romance. Tavie and Matthew grew up as neighbors and friends, with their friendship growing into love. But Tavie's parents were ambitious and forced her to marry someone who would help their social standing. Years later, Tavie is trapped in an unhappy marriage, and Matthew spends his sleepless nights at the Lyon's Den, and searching for missing people.
 
When Tavie uncovers information showing her husband's treasonous activities, she flees to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for protection. She never expected her to select Matthew as the man to keep her safe. Their reunion was awkward to say the least, especially as Matthew is skeptical of her claims about her husband.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Initially wary of each other, they don't take long to discover that their feelings for each other were as strong as ever. I liked Matthew's protectiveness and the way they rebuilt trust while working together. I especially enjoyed seeing his support as Tavie's confidence in herself grew. The ending was sweet and emotional.
 
The suspense in the story was excellent. The suspicion of her husband's treason brought Tavie to the Lyon's Den. Though Matthew was skeptical, he didn't stop investigating her claims. Those claims gained credibility with a dangerous attack, forcing them to flee London. An unexpected revelation shocks Tavie and complicates the resolution. I thought she showed remarkable restraint and went too easy on her husband, even though I understand why she handled it that way.
 
Secondary characters were well done. Mrs. Dove-Lyon's role was unexpectedly minor, other than bringing them together at the start. The hostess at the boarding house was terrific. I'd love to know more about her history with Matthew. Tavia's parents were terrible, especially her mother. I liked seeing her suffer from the scandal.

 

Dangerous Affair - Sandra Owens (HRS #2340 - Sept 2025)

Series: Phoenix Three (Book 2)
 
Protecting her is his mission.
Failure is unacceptable.
 
World-traveling photojournalist Quinn Sullivan is stopped in her tracks when a kidnapper holds her captive in a mountain cabin. Could it be related to the damning evidence she has about a company's illegal tactics that are harming a town? To her rescue comes former Marine Ranger Liam O'Rourke. His assignment as a bodyguard keeps him close to Quinn, protecting her from ongoing threats. Much to his frustration, Quinn does flings, not relationships; she believes men can't handle her career. But the shared danger of exposing a conspiracy may change their romantic boundaries.
 
Good book, with a good balance of suspense and romance. I haven't read the first book in the series, but thanks to the prologue, I had a good grasp of Liam's backstory and that of the Phoenix Three business. The pacing was good and kept me hooked to the end.
 
Quinn is a photojournalist who loves her job. She limits her relationships to short-term flings after dealing with too many men who believe their jobs are more important than hers. Her latest fling became obsessed with keeping her with him, kidnapping and chaining her in a remote cabin. Quinn's father hired Liam to find and rescue her.
 
The Phoenix Three business specializes in cases involving children, but Liam took this one on anyway for personal reasons. His military experience was evident in his preparation and execution of the rescue. There were a couple of complications that made the mission more difficult than he expected.
 
I loved the rescue scene. Quinn's resilience and determination impressed Liam as they made their way through the woods. Quinn was equally impressed with Liam. They discovered that her ex believes that she has something of his and is determined to get it back. Liam, his partners, and Quinn dive deep into investigating the information they found, while dodging intensifying attacks. The deeper they dig, the more disturbing the information they uncover. The final confrontation came with a couple of twists and a very satisfying conclusion.
 
Neither Quinn nor Liam expected the attraction that flared between them. Quinn is ready and willing to indulge in the chemistry, with the understanding that there is an expiration date. She doesn't do relationships. Liam quickly realizes that what he feels for her is more than just physical. The problem is convincing Quinn that he won't try to clip her wings. I loved Liam's protectiveness and his easy acceptance of her independence. He was clearly smitten, and I loved how he supported her. Quinn tries to deny her growing feelings for Liam, her past keeping her from believing that a future is possible. I liked the ending and seeing how Liam's support helped her overcome her fears.

 
 

Their First Dance - Laurie Batzel (HHW #580 - Sept 2025)

Series: Crystal Hill (Book 4)
 
Could their first dance…
Last a lifetime?
 
Fanny Cunningham is only in small-town Crystal Hill to help her aging dance teacher. She has no time for local handyman Lawson Carl, who tried -- and failed -- to charm her ten years ago. But when she needs a partner for an instructional dance video, he's her only option. Teaching Law to dance is more fun than she imagined. And she may end up with bruised toes, but she feels strangely safe in his burly arms. Could the man who stumbled into her studio be her perfect partner on and off the dance floor?
 
Sweet story of second chances and starting over. After a career-ending injury, Fanny returned to Crystal Hill to help her former dance teacher while looking for a new passion to pursue. She only expects to be in town until after the spring recital. Her best friend asks her to choreograph a wedding first dance, but Fanny needs a partner to do it right. Her only option is Lawson, the town handyman, with whom she has an unpleasant history.
 
Lawson has his own challenges to deal with. An injury to his arm six months earlier ended his lucrative woodcarving career. Now he pays the bills by doing handyman work for his neighbors. He uses charm and humor to cover awkward situations, which doesn't always go over well. He remembers Fanny from an incident a decade ago and would like to repair his reputation with her. He's not so sure that dancing with her would do it.
 
Lawson has some serious self-confidence issues. I ached for him and how he constantly seems to doubt his abilities. He comes up with excuses when Fanny asks for his help, but she doesn't give up on him. I loved her method of reeling him in. I enjoyed their dance sessions and seeing her build up his confidence.
 
Meanwhile, Fanny struggles to see her post-dance future. It's evident to the reader what that future should be, but Fanny doesn't seem to see what is right in front of her. It takes some directed self-examination for her to finally face the fears that hold her back. I liked her "aha" moment at her friend's wedding,
 
I enjoyed the development of Fanny and Lawson's relationship. Though not quite enemies at the beginning, they certainly weren't friends. But the more time they spent together, the more they saw past the surface to the vulnerability beneath. Though their feelings for each other grew, neither was ready to trust their hearts. Each allowed their fears to come between them before realizing that they were strongest together. I loved Lawson's big moment at the recital, and again in the epilogue.

 
 

Alibi for Murder - Debra Webb (HI #2309 - Sept 2025)

 

Series: Colby Agency: The Next Generation (Book 2)

Murder brings the FBI to her door.
Past secrets could get two old friends killed.
 
When Allie Foster becomes the prime suspect in a murder, the small-town loner reaches out to the one person she can trust. Convinced Allie's innocent, Colby Agency investigating attorney Steve Durham uncovers a shocking connection to a decades-old cold case in her past. The twisting path to the truth unleashes an attraction that plunges the high school friends into deeper danger. Now Steve and Allie must outmaneuver an elusive killer in a case where nothing and no one is what they seem…
 
Allie lost her parents in a car accident when she was four years old and was raised by her grandparents. They passed several years ago, leaving Allie alone in the world. She works from home and rarely leaves, which makes the FBI's visit even more unexpected. They have a video showing her outside the hospital room of a murdered man, a hospital she hasn't been in for five years. Allie realizes she'll need help clearing her name and reaches out to a high school friend.
 
Steve works as an attorney for the Colby Agency. He remembers Allie fondly as the tutor who got him through precal. He immediately offers to drive the hour to her home and hear what the issue is. I liked how he gave her his undivided attention and listened thoughtfully to her concerns. It was fortunate he was still there when the FBI agents returned.
 
The suspense of the story was very good. The victim was her father's coworker, and their investigation began by looking at her parents' lives before they died. The deeper they dig, the more questions they have. As they close in on some answers, someone is determined to keep their secrets buried. The twists and turns kept me hooked, while the escalating danger ramped up the intensity. The final confrontation, precipitated by a stupid decision by Allie, was a nail-biter. I had begun to suspect the identity of the perpetrator, but there was a creepy twist that I did not see coming.
 
The development of Allie and Steve's relationship was pretty laid back. They had good memories of each other, and being thrown together as they were gave them a chance to get to know each other as adults. The sparks of attraction were evident, but they put them on hold during the investigation. I liked the realistic ending instead of the more common "insta-love."

The Marriage Plan - Christine Rimmer (HSE #3119 - Dec 2025)

Series: Bravo Family Ties: The Next Generation (Book 6)
 
When old friends become newlyweds, love isn't part of the plan.
 
Forget true love! Joe Bravo wants to marry and start a family with someone he can trust. Someone like Macy Storm, his longtime friend and business partner. Joe trusts Macy with everything. They're already a great team in life -- why not in family? No passion, no drama. It's the perfect proposal.
 
Macy has never considered marrying without love, even though she's only known heartbreak. Yet Joe's proposal makes sense on many levels. Hearts safely locked away, Macy and Joe make their vows and start a new chapter as husband and wife. But their loveless wedded bliss may be short-lived when Macy breaks the one condition of their marriage: She's fallen in love with her husband.
 
Terrific friends-to-lovers story. This is the sixth book in the series following the second generation of the Bravo family, and I love catching up on the lives of the original characters. In this case, Joe is Nate and Meggie Bravo's son (Marriage by Necessity). He has seen their long and loving marriage, as well as those of other family members. However, Joe has been burned by love twice and refuses to go down that path again. Be that as it may, he still wants to marry and have a family, if he can find a woman he can trust. Who better than his best friend, Macy?
 
Macy moved home with her daughter, Ana, after she divorced her cheating husband. She works as a bookkeeper for her mom's florist business and Joe's hardware store. Though she wouldn't mind marrying again, trusting another man won't come easily. Joe's proposal surprises her, and she initially flatly refuses even to consider it. But Joe is persistent and eventually convinces her that it will work.
 
I loved watching Joe and Macy's relationship grow. Their long-standing friendship means they know each other very well. I loved the prologue, with its sampling of letters that show they've had each other's backs all their lives. Their marriage seems to be an easy extension of their friendship, and they settle quickly into marital bliss, including an unexpected amount of chemistry. That chemistry opened Macy's eyes to her changing feelings.
 
Matters become complicated when Joe's past comes calling. Macy's acceptance and embracing of the situation showed how much she trusted Joe. But does that trust extend to confessing her feelings? And what will Joe's response be? There were times when I wanted to shake him for being so blind, but I also understood his fear. Of course, I knew everything would work out, but the journey was emotion-packed and kept me hooked to the end. The epilogue was a nice peek at their future.
 
My favorite secondary character was Ana. Her relationship with Joe was sweet, and I loved how he thought of her as his. I couldn't understand how her father was so uninterested in having anything to do with her, though at least he lived up to his financial responsibilities. 

Amish Midwife Witness - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #1217 - Dec 2025)

Series: Amish Country Danger (Book 1)
 
She overheard something she shouldn't have…
Now she's in a killer's crosshairs.
 
After certified nurse midwife Vanessa Hall prevents a kidnapping attempt on a pregnant Amish patient, she becomes the target of a dangerous enemy. Lieutenant Carter Flint is determined to keep Vanessa safe as the police investigate an abduction and illegal adoption ring targeting Amish families. But after dodging several deadly attacks, Carter realizes the criminal seems to know their every move and no one can be trusted. Can they expose the kidnapper and stop his sinister plot before more innocent lives are put at risk?
 
Terrific start to the new series. The author excels at grabbing my attention from the first pages, and this was no exception. I stayed up way too late finishing the book because I could not put it down.
 
Vanessa is a certified nurse-midwife in a small clinic in western Pennsylvania. The clinic serves both Amish and non-Amish patients. As the story opens, Vanessa overhears another employee talking about kidnapping a pregnant Amish woman and selling the infant. Horrified, Vanessa confronts the woman and calls the police.
 
Lieutenant Carter Flint is one of two police officers who respond. They succeed in protecting the Amish woman before she is medevacked to another hospital, but the suspect employee is murdered as they leave the clinic. A second shot fired at Vanessa sends her scrambling for cover. Carter is determined to keep her safe, though Vanessa initially believes she is in no danger.
 
The suspense of this book was fantastic, and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Vanessa and Carter quickly realize they are dealing with an illegal adoption ring that targets Amish families. They work together to identify potential targets while attempting to discover who is behind the ring. Their efforts are complicated by the need to escape several attacks, leading them to believe there is a leak in the investigation. The intensity ramped up with every attack until the shocking final confrontation. I loved Vanessa's ability to stay calm and controlled, especially in the aftermath. There was an unexpected twist at the end of that scene that complicated Carter's plans.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Carter and Vanessa's relationship. The attraction was there from the start, but both have pasts that have affected their belief in themselves. Carter carries a load of guilt over his sister's death, feelings exacerbated by his mother's dementia-fueled accusations. Vanessa suffered a betrayal and tragedy years earlier that affected her faith and her relationship with her family. I liked seeing how Vanessa and Carter's time together helped them overcome their pasts and find love and healing together. The hospital scene was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue was adorable.
 
I loved meeting Vanessa's family. Their love and worry for their sister were evident in every scene. I especially enjoyed seeing them pull Carter into their family circle. I like the friendship between Carter and Brett, and hope to see him get his own story. He seems like a great guy. I also liked the references to LaMar Pond and Sutter Springs, as well as to the characters from some of those books.