His Small-Town Catch - Kaylie Newell (HSE #3088 - Apr 2025)

Series: Hearts on Main Street (Book 2)
 
A will. A recovery.
And a reunion with the love of his life.
 
Professional fisherman Beau Evers's biggest passion is his sport -- or so he thinks. Until an injury and his grandfather's death bring him back to Christmas Bay, the hometown he'd worked so hard to escape…and face-to-face with Summer Smith, the college fiancée he'd left behind. The will decrees he stay in town for a year and run the family business with his cousins. His heart dictates reuniting with Summer, no matter what the cost. But Summer isn't easily swayed -- even as Beau's passionate kisses bring back intimate memories. Can she open herself up to trusting him…and risk her heart in the process?
 
Good second chance romance. Beau is a professional fisherman who returned to Christmas Bay and his cousins Poppy and Cora after his grandfather's death. His will requires them to work together in his antique shop for a year before they can sell it. The timing was good for Beau, who was recovering from a shoulder injury. The last thing he expected was to run into his ex-fiancée, the girl he broke up with, to follow his dream.
 
Summer returned to Christmas Bay to escape a difficult situation with a coworker and pursue her dream of furniture restoration. She stops in the antique store to talk about selling her furniture through them. Surprised to see Beau, she knows working with him is risky for her heart, but she does it anyway.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of Beau and Summer's relationship. Their attraction is as strong as before, but both are reluctant to open their hearts again. Beau's past makes him wary of commitment, and Summer doesn't want to go through the heartbreak she experienced the first time. But as they spend time together, the old feelings grow stronger, and each begins to think, "What if?"
 
Beau's protectiveness kicks in when Summer's coworker finds her and threatens her peace of mind. I liked how he and his cousins stepped up to help her. But when Beau's feelings conflict with his career plans, he panics and pulls away before realizing what he is giving up. Now he must convince Summer that she can trust him not to walk away from her again. The ending was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue was a terrific wrap-up for the book. I look forward to Cora's story.
 
I had two favorite secondary characters - Tank, the goat, and Beau's niece, Mary. Tank is Summer's pet and is sort of an emotional support animal. There are some great scenes, from Tank's lighthearted antics to an emotionally charged health crisis. Mary is a preteen whirlwind of emotion and unfiltered opinions. I laughed out loud at some of her conversations with Beau and her unsolicited advice. I'd love to see a story about her when she grows up.

 
 

Renegade Reunion - Addison Fox (HRS #2320 - Apr 2025)

Series: Wyoming Warriors (Book 1)
 
Their differences once tore them apart
Now they're the only things keeping them alive
 
Former CIA operative Trace Withrow traded a high-risk career in DC for a ranch in Wyoming, leaving behind the partner he couldn't forget. But when Nicola Miles discovers an inside hit on a missing teen, she turns to Trace, stirring up emotions he'd buried for years. Nicola never liked his "toss the rule book" attitude. In fact, their differences ultimately ended their affair. Yet that very character trait could be the lifeline Nicola needs -- especially since she doesn't know who she can trust at her own agency. Or if she's the ultimate target…or Trace…
 
Terrific start to the new series, with great action, suspense, and an emotional second chance at love. Trace was a CIA operative until he became disillusioned with the trustworthiness of his employer. He bought a ranch in Wyoming and, along with his brother, Garner, a former SEAL, and their friend, Jake, a former Vegas cop, trains horses. They also occasionally took on activities that utilized their skills. Trace specializes in finding missing persons. The last person he expected to show up was his former partner and the woman he can't forget.
 
Nicola is desperate to find a missing asset. Olivia is a teenage girl with mad computer skills and a connection to an investigation Nicola is part of. Olivia disappeared, and Nicola, unlike in the past, doesn't know who she can trust. Trust was never an issue with Trace, so she tracks him down to get help.
 
I knew this would be a terrific book when Trace and Nicola's reunion started with her holding a gun on him. As details of their past emerged, I could see the conflict that complicated their relationship. Nicola is a by-the-book agent who believes their agency has the world's best interests at heart. Trace had no problem thinking outside the box regarding the rules. He also had/has a cynical view of his coworkers' trustworthiness. The end of their affair coincided with Trace's departure and harsh words exchanged.
 
Each believes that they have moved on. However, seeing each other stirs up old feelings, even though they try to resist. Working together to find Olivia allows them to face their past and acknowledge mistakes. Their feelings continue to grow, but what happens once they find Olivia? I loved the full-circle ending.
 
The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Nicola's worry about Olivia sent her to Trace for help. The intensity ramps up when they become the target of attacks. As Trace and Nicola dive deeper into Olivia's disappearance, the question becomes, are these attacks related to her disappearance, or are they personal? And if they are personal, who is the target - Trace or Nicola? I loved how they made Olvia's rescue their top priority, even as the truth of what they are up against becomes clear. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a twist I didn't expect. I loved how it turned out.

The Warrior's Bride Alliance - Denise Lynn (HH #1848 - Mar 2025)

Series: Warrior Wolves (Book 3)
 
She needs a husband…
So she captures one!
 
Lady Gillian of Rockskill desperately needs a husband -- one strong and wealthy enough to protect her castle. So she has warrior Rory of Roul captured and blackmails him into marrying her!
 
Awaking in a dungeon to a marriage proposal, Rory stuns his beguiling captor with a counteroffer: to free his men and complete his mission for the king, he agrees to a temporary chaste marriage. One that can be annulled when his quest is over.
 
But despite their stormy beginning, their attraction grows, and so does the temptation to claim their wedding night!
 
Terrific enemies to lovers story. Gillian needs a husband, fast, to save herself and her people. After her older, cruel husband died, her cousin schemes to take Rockskill for his own. The property has been in her family for a long time, passed down from mother to daughter. Cousin Albert plans to marry her to one of his horrible friends and take over the property. Only someone strong and wealthy enough to stand up to Albert can help her, so she takes matters into her own hands.
 
Rory of Roul is the youngest of the Roul brothers and one of King David's wolves. He has been charged with capturing Rockskill and ending the shenanigans going on there. The last thing he expected was to wake up in a dungeon, chained to the wall, after being drugged and captured by a woman. Capping the indignity, Gillian then blackmails him into marrying her by threatening the lives of his men. But is he really so unwilling? Marrying Gillian gets him into Rockskill without a battle, making it easier to fulfill his mission. But Rory has his own conditions: the marriage will be in name only and annulled once his mission ends and Gillian is safe.
 
I loved watching Rory and Gillian's relationship develop. The first obstacle to overcome is their mutual distrust. Gillian's past has shown her that men are not to be trusted. Her protectiveness toward her people causes her to keep certain information from Rory. He senses that she is keeping secrets and wonders how deeply she's involved in the activities he's there to stop. The intense attraction between them complicates their plans. As they spend time together, Rory and Gillian's attraction grows into something deeper. Their banter and arguments were fun to witness, and the push and pull between them as they tested boundaries kept me turning the pages. But when they work together, the results are terrific. I loved the changes in Gillian, as Rory's presence and protectiveness gave her confidence in her abilities. The confrontations with those who want Rockskill for their own purposes were intense and kept me glued to the pages until resolved.
 
But Rory's past haunts him, convinced that his actions made the future he dreams of impossible. I ached for Rory; his pain and guilt leap off the page. Much of his pain is wrapped up in his relationship with his three brothers. Regardless of his fears for the future, he knows they will have his back in supporting Gillian. Their appearance near the end of the book is an emotional revelation of the depth of love and support these brothers share. I laughed out loud at his oldest brother's way of getting Rory's attention and cheered when he finally broke through the walls Rory erected.
 
I loved the ending and seeing Rory finally let go of the past. Their reunion was emotional and sweet but also showed the changes they experienced. I liked seeing more of Rory's brothers. I hope Edan gets his story soon.

 
 
 
 

The Dandy Lyon - Jenna Jaxon (Dragonblade - Mar 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 75)
 
In love, the odds may never be in your favor.
 
Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he's already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail—and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon's Den, whose recommendation is a wild gamble--one Marcus would never lay odds on at his gaming establishments. But he's so desperate to have Joanna, he's willing to roll the dice just once more.
 
Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she's met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge. He's different from the other Society men—which makes her even more susceptible to his unconventional pursuit of her.
 
Still, the odds are against them, until Fate—and her brother's decree that they will never marry—triggers a defiance that may well spell disaster for both of them...
 
Marcus fell in love with Joanna when he first saw her. However, he is from a poor background and made his money by running gambling dens. Knowing she is far above him in social class, Marcus attempts to force a marriage by blackmailing her brother, Geoffrey (The Lyon's Paw). This rightfully angered Geoffrey, who took steps to ensure that Marcus couldn't get near her. Desperate to win the lady, Marcus goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help.
 
Joanna is unimpressed with the men she has met so far. But a single dance with the mysterious Mr. Dandridge piques her interest, especially when her brother makes his displeasure known. Her attempt to meet with him ends in disaster, with Geoffrey even more determined to keep them apart.
 
Marcus doesn't give up and, through some deception, acquires an invitation to the same house party that Joanna attends. His arrival and unmasking show his determination and his negotiating skills. Seeing Marcus and Joanna convince their host to allow him to stay was fun. Marcus's attention gives Joanna the courage to be herself, and there are some amusing moments when she ruffles the feathers of the more conservative attendees at the party. I loved Marcus's matter-of-fact acceptance of her complaints and his willingness to do something about them. It doesn't take long for Joanna to return Marcus's feelings.
 
I loved the development of Marcus and Joanna's relationship. The depth of his feelings for her is evident throughout the book. While he is determined to win her heart, he also wants to protect her and her reputation. Joanna doesn't care what people think; she just wants the man she loves. The ups and downs of their road to happiness kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The intense event that tipped the scales emphasized their feelings for each other. The ending was terrific, and I loved the epilogue.
 
This book was unusual in that Mrs. Dove-Lyon plays a very minor role. Rather than being the matchmaker that brings two people together, she is more of an advisor to Marcus. 

Wyoming Double Jeopardy - Juno Rushdan (HI #2280 - Apr 2025)

Series: Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor (Book 5)
 
A cowboy detective is in a showdown with a killer to protect an assistant DA
 
Waylon Wright can almost accept that he and Melanie Merritt can't be together. Dating a detective wouldn't just destroy her hopes for career advancement; it might be the end of her job as an assistant district attorney. Then a brutal attack sends his cowboy instincts into overdrive. Finding her assailant may not be his case, but he won't let her out of his sight. As the tough prosecutor lets down her guard just enough to get close to Waylon, the killer who wants her dead inches ever closer…
 
Terrific combination of romance and suspense. Waylon, a police detective, and Melanie, an assistant district attorney, spent three years in a secret relationship. However, Melanie ended their relationship when Waylon wanted to make it public. She feared that an open relationship would jeopardize her career and future plans because of the appearance of a conflict of interest. Waylon mostly accepts it but is still in love with her.
 
When Melanie experiences a brutal attack leaving work, Waylon's protective instincts take over. He will stick to her like glue until her assailant is caught. Melanie resists at first before realizing that she really does need his help. Their forced proximity leads to a rekindling of their attraction and strengthening of their feelings for each other. However, the obstacles to their relationship still exist, and it takes some out-of-the-box thinking to find a way to make it work.
 
The story's suspense is outstanding and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The details of the escalating attacks lead to a serial killer case that Melanie thought was closed. Unfortunately, the murderer was released because of a technicality, making him the top suspect. The twists and turns kept me guessing to the end, with a resolution I didn't see coming. 

How to Court a Rake - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1849 - Apr 2025)

Series: Wed Within a Year (Book 1)
 
Sparks fly when the wallflower…
waltzes with the rake!
 
When the Crown awards spy Caine Parkhurst the title of marquess, it's with the outrageous stipulation he marries within the year! Caine's catapulted into London's ballrooms in search of a bride, but the last thing the rakish bachelor is looking for is love…
 
Once a diamond, Lady Mary is now in danger of becoming a wallflower -- or, worse, being married off to a man of her father's choosing! To escape the relentless matchmaking, she agrees to a fake courtship with the new marquess. Yet his touch leaves her longing to court this rake…for real!
 
Terrific start to the new series. Caine and his brothers are known to Society as the Four Horsemen. They are rakes, well known for their outlandish behavior. Society doesn't know that these men are Crown operatives working in the shadows to keep their country safe. The King awards the men with titles, but they must marry within a year if they want to keep those titles.
 
Lady Mary tries hard to be the daughter her parents want and marry well. However, having been passed over by two dukes who chose to marry others, she is on track to becoming a wallflower. If she doesn't find a husband soon, her father will find one for her.
 
Caine and Mary meet at a ball where she impresses him with her intelligence and wit. However, when duty calls, and he leaves her in the middle of a dance, her reputation takes another hit. Caine feels guilty about the fallout and decides paying attention to her will stir up interest and maybe draw the attention of a more suitable husband. Complicating matters, Mary's father is a person of interest in Caine's latest investigation, and courting her will give him opportunities for his investigation.
 
I enjoyed seeing Caine and Mary's relationship develop. Caine doesn't plan to marry - he feels his work for the Crown makes it dangerous to have a family. However, Mary gets under his skin in ways he didn't expect. Caine has a rakish reputation, but underneath, he is an honorable man. I loved Caine's protectiveness as he got to know Mary. The opera scene was fantastic.
 
Caine intrigued Mary from the moment she met him. She didn't expect to trust him as quickly as she did, especially after he left her on the dance floor. I liked how they conspired to help each other. Caine will pretend to court her, while her presence will help protect him from matchmaking mamas. I loved seeing them get to know each other. It's evident that they are developing feelings for each other along with their growing attraction. When Mary meets the man her father wants her to marry, her instincts tell her she's in trouble.
 
Matters get complicated when Caine discovers a connection between Mary's suitor and his investigation. The action intensifies as Mary stands up for herself, with Caine's support, against her father's plan. But has Mary jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire when she learns the truth about Caine? The ending was a nail-biter, with Mary in danger. The final confrontation was intense, with some questions answered but others left open. I loved seeing Caine finally admit his feelings.
 
The story has two epilogues. The first shows what is in store for Caine and Mary's future and leads into the next book. This is Kieran's story, and continues the search for answers. The second epilogue may explain what happened to Stepan, the fourth brother and Horseman. I can't wait to read it.

Husband Material - Brenda Jackson (HQN - Feb 2020)

Matthew Birmingham is used to getting what he wants…and what he wants is his ex-wife. When she returns to their Hamptons estate for the summer, he vows to win her back. But Carmen Akins is hiding a tragic secret from their past that will put their reconciliation to the ultimate test.
 
Carmen, an actress, and Matthew, a Hollywood producer/director, have been divorced for a year. When they first married, they were deeply in love and talked about as one of Hollywood's golden couples. But Matthew's work began taking over his life, driving a wedge between them. The last straw was when he bailed on a special weekend Carmen had planned. She immediately filed for divorce.
 
As the book opens, Carmen has arrived at their home in the Hamptons, ready for some relaxation. She's stunned when Matthew appears at a local event, planning to stay at the house. Neither wants to give up their plans, so they agree to share the space. However, each has an underlying agenda of revenge. Carmen plans to seduce Matthew and then walk away, while Matthew also has seduction on his mind. Neither expects the strength of the attraction that still exists.
 
In their mutual attempt at seduction, Carmen and Matthew realize that something is still between them. They finally do what they should have done years ago - talk to each other and listen to what the other has to say. However, Carmen has one big obstacle to overcome before they can move forward - a devastating secret she kept from him. The ending was sweet and emotional. I liked their character growth in realizing that responsibility for their problems belonged to both of them.