The Guest Cottage - Lori Foster (Kensington - June 2025)

Series: Firefly Summer (Book 1)
 
Marlow Heddings is starting over. She's carried the outrage of her husband Dylan's affair with a younger woman -- and the expectations of his family's powerful Chicago holdings company -- long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she's unapologetically moving on.
 
Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views -- and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they're sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow's new life feels like a dream.
 
Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.
 
To Marlow's astonishment, Dylan's "other woman" is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws' demands, and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they'll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.
 
Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship . . . and even a second chance at love.
 
Terrific book about starting over, forgiveness, friendship, and love. After Marlow discovered her husband's infidelity, she began divorce proceedings. Unfortunately, Dylan passed away before the divorce was finalized. Now she is stuck with grief-stricken and clingy in-laws and their unrealistic expectations. Ready to move on, she rents a lakeside cabin in a small Kentucky town and sets out to rediscover who she is.
 
I loved how Marlow embraced her new life. Her joy in peaceful sunrises and sunsets illustrates how she heals from the emotional turmoil of her marriage. I laughed out loud at her enthusiasm for her new job as a waitress at the Dry Frog bar. The quirky characters added another layer of depth to the story's realism. And then there was Cort: former Marine, local handyman, and her landlord. Cort is a quiet man with a big heart. I loved his interactions with the locals, who see him as a hero and an essential member of the community.
 
I enjoyed watching Cort and Marlow's relationship develop. Sparks of attraction are there from the beginning, but they don't rush into anything. Cort joins Marlow for sunrise coffee and shares the peace of evenings watching fireflies. I loved his sensitivity to her moods and how he offers quiet support when she has issues with her in-laws. I loved the steady progress of their relationship and the cautious acceptance of their growing feelings.
 
Matters become complicated when Dylan's "other woman" shows up at Marlow's house. Instead of the manipulative homewrecker Marlow expected, Pixie is a desperate young woman who was used and discarded by Dylan. My heart broke for what she'd been through. Marlow's reaction wasn't what I expected, and I loved seeing her take Pixie under her wing. I liked Pixie and loved the growing closeness between the two women. A confrontation with the in-laws brings tension, but also closure.
 
As Cort and Marlow continue their relationship, the town's unique residency requirements may put a kink in their hopes for the future. The town meeting was terrific, and I loved how they resolved the issue. I look forward to the next book and seeing what is next for the residents of Bramble.

The Duke's Champion - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - June 2025)

Series: Duke's Guard (Book 13)
 
Flaherty asks permission to court Mary Kate, but his jealous reaction to her gregarious nature stalls their courtship.
 
Mary Kate Donovan has had Flaherty tied up in knots from the moment he pulled her free from the duke's overturned carriage. But the lass hasn't been saving her smiles only for Flaherty—and worse, she seems to have forgotten his rescuing her, telling everyone of Garahan's earlier rescue when she was kicked to the curb by Lady Kittrick's cook.
 
Mary Kate is abducted—twice—and a misunderstanding has Flaherty leaving his position and resigning from the duke's guard!
 
A suitor who cannot take no for an answer, despite Mary Kate's insistence that she and Flaherty are courting, causes a rift between the two, leaving Flaherty to doubt Mary Kate's feelings, until he regains consciousness bound hand and foot next to her…in a burning barn!
 
It will take the patience of a saint—which Flaherty isn't—and the understanding of the woman he loves to straighten out the situation that threatens the very fiber that holds the men in the duke's guard together.
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to get past the Duke's Champion before he will let harm come to those he has sworn to protect with his strength, his honor, and his heart.
 
Another outstanding story about members of the Duke's Guard. Seamus and Mary Kate have been secondary characters in several earlier stories, with their on-again-off-again relationship simmering in the background. I've looked forward to seeing them get their act together.
 
Mary Kate's sunny personality is a result of feeling safe after her recent trials and tribulations. Her habit of bestowing her smiles on everyone (including other men) stirs up Seamus's jealousy. His quick temper, combined with his jealousy, causes him to doubt Mary Kate's feelings for him. Their relationship, complicated by something he said under the influence of fever-related delirium, drives her away from him.
 
Both Mary Kate and Seamus suffer from their separation, each doubting the other's feelings. I laughed a bit at Seamus's moping and the hard time he gets from his cousins. His shock when they revealed what he had said to her was genuine, and I loved his realization that he needed to make amends. Meanwhile, Mary Kate's self-doubts intensified after the incident. I loved the support she received from her friends and how they helped reunite the couple.
 
However, another man wants Mary Kate for himself and refuses to accept her rejection. His actions put Mary Kate in life-threatening situations that kept me glued to the pages until they were resolved. But the aftermath of this event creates a strain between Seamus and his employer, the viscount, that leads to Seamus making a drastic decision. I loved the support he received from his cousins and brothers. I loved seeing the efforts made to resolve the situation. As usual, it seems that the ladies play a significant role in resolving thorny issues.
 
The epilogue was fantastic. It's always fun to get a peek into the futures of these fantastic characters.

 
 

A Touch of Steele - Cathy Maxwell (Avon - May 2025)

Series: Gambler's Daughters (Book 3)
 
From the moment the enigmatic Mr. Steele "almost" kissed her on a Dublin street, her world was forever altered. He commands the respect of rogues and nobles alike... and Gwendolyn owes him a favor. 
 
She believes he owes her a kiss.
 
Beckett is a lone wolf. However, he needs Gwendolyn to discover the secrets of his past. He has no choice but to seek her help -- even though she threatens the walls he has carefully erected around his heart. 
 
He doesn't need a woman in his life; she knows he can't live without her.
 
Together, they must navigate a world of deception, where love defies the odds and secrets threaten to unravel everything they hold dear. Will they find a future together, or will the past tear them apart?
 
Good conclusion to the Gambler's Daughters series. I've looked forward to Gwendolyn and Beck's story since their first meeting at a Dublin gambling hell. Ever since that first meeting and the kiss that almost happened, Gwendolyn has known he is the man she wants. Those feelings grow with every encounter over the first two books in the series.
 
Many people respect Beckett, from members of London's underbelly to the highest echelons. I'm still not sure exactly what he does, other than help people solve problems. This frequently involves them owing him favors, which he then calls in when needed for future activities. Gwendolyn is one of those who owes him.
 
The book opens as Beck investigates a personal mystery. The opening line, "He'd asked for the oldest whore in the house," was a unique hook to pull me into the story. Beck is a man searching for the truth about his past. A wartime injury stirred up long-buried memories, and he is determined to discover the truth. To do that, he needs Gwendolyn's help.
 
Gwendolyn is happy to help, but she intends more involvement than Beck is willing to accept. She is a strong-willed woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. I loved their interactions as Beck attempts to keep her safe, and Gwendolyn fights to help the man she loves. I enjoyed seeing how she chips away at his "go it alone" attitude by refusing to step back. Her understanding and support also crumble the walls he had around his heart, and he begins to believe that he might be worthy of her love. My heart broke for him and the past he uncovered.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Gwendolyn knows her feelings from the start, but getting Beck to admit his was an uphill battle. She never gives up on him, and I had to laugh at some of the situations she took advantage of to chip away at his objections. Beckett fights hard against his feelings, but he's no match for her unconditional love and determination. A dangerous situation forces him to finally accept his feelings and stop pushing her away. I loved the ending and the surprise he had for her.
 
The mystery of Beckett's past intrigued me and kept me turning the pages. The twists and turns of his investigation kept me guessing at the whole truth. I figured out parts of it, but others took me by surprise. There were some nail-biter moments involving those who intended to make sure their secrets stayed buried, but the teamwork of Beckett and Gwendolyn brought them through safely. The resolution surprised me a bit, but I can see why they made the choice they did.
 
Though this book is the last of this series, I believe, I would like to see a book with Lord Elliston as its hero. He was a young man who exhibited some intriguing character growth throughout the book, and I would like to see where it leads. 

 

The Viking's Royal Temptation - Roxy Harper (HH #1863 - June 2025)

Duty vs. desire…
Which will win?
 
Princess and healer Theadora doesn't flinch at the sight of armed soldiers. Yet when another uprising threatens to disturb Constantinople's peace, and Varangian guard Erik bursts into her sanitorium, she's stunned by her body's immediate reaction to the rugged Viking…
 
After the tragic loss of his family, Erik vowed to never love again. So he refuses to let his inconvenient attraction to Thea distract him from his duty: escorting her to marry the king of Macedonia. 
 
If Thea doesn't wed, her people will suffer, so can the star-crossed lovers fight their feelings, as well as their enemies?
 
A very enjoyable romance set in a rarely explored era and location. The story takes place in 10th-century Byzantium during one of its many periods of political unrest. The main characters are Erik, one of the Emperor's Varangian guards, who buries the grief of losing his family in his work, and Princess Theadora, the Emperor's niece, a skilled healer.
 
Erik and Theadora meet when he brings an injured young boy to her for healing. The attraction between them is immediate, but Erik's past makes him resistant to risking his heart again. Theadora is wary of men after multiple attempts to manipulate her. Matters become complicated when a rebellion erupts, and Theadora must rely on Erik to get her to safety.
 
The book's pace picks up as Erik and Theadora face the dangerous journey from Constantinople to Macedonia. In the quieter moments, they have the opportunity to get to know each other. The attraction between them grows, along with the realization that there is no chance of a future together. I liked Theadora's empathy for Erik's losses and the effect it had on him. I also liked Erik's respect for Theadora's abilities and her position. Though he is considered a nobleman in his own country, here, Erik is seen as a barbarian. Meanwhile, Theadora is promised to the king of Macedonia. Their journey provides its own obstacles, from fire to bandit attacks to an attempted kidnapping. The conclusion is intense with a nail-biter confrontation, leaving Theadora and Erik with questions about their future. I loved Erik's clever solution to their romance and the epilogue that followed.
 
I enjoyed the look at life in the Byzantine Empire. We get a glimpse into the politics as the Emperor faces a rebellion, and we see how he fights back, both physically and politically. There is a little bit about the differences between the Christian Byzantines and the polytheistic Norsemen of the Varangian guard. There are glimpses of daily life, both royal and commoner. I look forward to reading more from this author. 

 

The Lyon Whisperer - Kimberly Keyes (Dragonblade - May 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 81)
 
In this high-stakes game of love and marriage, when love equals surrender, who will be the victor?
 
Lady Amelia Duval is used to being indulged. The reckless daughter of an earl has evaded each and every suitor her father has put before her. She knows she's pushed him too far, however, when her litter of mud-covered puppies upends a meeting between him and the darkly handsome colonel, Lord Chase Culver, aka the "Iron Lion of Barrosa."
 
Lord Culver stays calm in the face of disaster—such as when his uncle informs him of the fortune-crushing bet he lost in the notorious Lyon's Den. To satisfy the debt, Culver must marry Lady Amelia Duval, a woman he's glimpsed only once, and bring her to heel—or the loss doubles.
 
The stern tactician's simple plan to tame the raven-haired beauty by any means hits a serious snag when he finds himself reluctantly drawn to his wife's tender heart and unladylike eccentricities.
 
Quickly softening toward her magnetic and oddly scandal-averse new husband, Amelia struggles to reign in her less-than-proper tendencies, and with little success.
 
When she confesses she's fallen head-over-heels in love with Culver, she unwittingly dismantles his entire scheme and achieves the unthinkable, garnering the Iron Lion's unconditional surrender.
 
Knowing the terrible secret he guards would destroy her, he will bet everything to protect the woman who owns him, heart and soul, even if it means losing her forever.
 
Will his gamble on love win them a happily-ever-after, or cost them both all they hold dear?
 
Fun story where a high-stakes card game brings two people together - Colonel Lord Chase Culver, a man who prefers order and stability, and Lady Amelia Duval, a free-spirited young woman whose antics concern her father.
 
After Chase's return from the war, he concentrates on revitalizing the property awarded to him by the king. He also finds himself attempting to make his uncle's properties solvent again after the man's gambling debts bring him close to bankruptcy. He has no interest in marriage until everything is in order. But when his uncle loses a substantial amount to Amelia's father, the two men decide that if Chase marries Amelia and turns her into a "proper lady," the debt will be fulfilled. If he does not, Chase's uncle will owe twice the amount.
 
Though not entirely happy about the forced marriage and its requirements, Chase is intrigued by Amelia. He met her briefly a few days earlier and hasn't been able to forget her. With his reputation for bringing order out of chaos, he anticipates little trouble in fulfilling the earl's demands. Amelia doesn't give in easily. I loved seeing her confront Chase with her own demands.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Amelia's sunnier attitude nicely balances Chase's seriousness. Though Chase is initially disturbed by Amelia's seemingly reckless actions, it doesn't take him long to see that it is her soft heart that motivates her. I laughed to see him fall under her spell, with the pup Roddy wiggling his way past Chase's walls. I especially enjoyed seeing Chase's growing appreciation of Amelia's differing viewpoints and his willingness to stand up for her. Amelia quickly loses her heart to Chase despite his occasional attempts to rein her in. Neither can deny the sparks of attraction between them, which help bring them closer together.
 
There is a bit of suspense included in the story. Someone is setting fires on his property, destroying the timber he sells to get his finances back in order. Chase is determined to stop the culprit and is none too pleased when Amelia gets involved in the investigation. Some interesting developments provided a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
 
I especially enjoyed the puppies in this book and how they affected some of the plot points. Roddy was my favorite. It was fun to see his effect on Chase. 

 

Hunting the Amish Witness - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #1190 - Aug 2025)

Series: Amish Country Justice (Book 20)
 
A witness in hiding.
An enemy with a vendetta.
 
After discovering her best friend's dead body, Miriam Troyer knows two things: the killer is the same man who murdered her husband…and he wants her dead. With the culprit in pursuit, Miriam goes on the run with her baby and seeks refuge in the Amish community she left behind. However, after an attack leaves Miriam with no memory, Caleb Schultz, a man from her past, must step in to protect her and her daughter. But the criminal is determined to silence Miriam for good and will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
 
Fast-paced story that grabbed my attention in the first pages and kept me hooked to the end. We first met Miriam in Amish Witness to Murder, as Beth's sister, who had left the Amish community, briefly reappeared and then disappeared again. The book opens as she witnesses a second murder by the man who killed her Englisher husband. She flees the scene with her baby, heading for the only place she feels safe - her old hometown. The murderer is hot on her heels, and she barely survives the hit-and-run attack that leaves her with no memory.
 
Caleb witnesses the attack and saves her and her baby. He's stunned when he recognizes Miriam as the troublemaking girl from his youth. He steps up to protect them despite his wariness over her past. Something about her keeps him determined to stay near.
 
The suspense is intense from start to finish. The man and his companions who pursue her are determined and ruthless. The escalating attacks kept me glued to the pages as they evaded gunfire and attempted kidnapping. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a heart-pounding conclusion.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Miriam and Caleb. Caleb is wary of her due to her past actions and her current status as an Englisher. He has no intention of leaving the Amish community, so a relationship with her is impossible. Miriam has changed since becoming a mother and tries to overcome her past actions. They grow closer, but their lives remain on different tracks. I ached for Caleb, who fell hard for Miriam. Miriam must take a hard look at her life and what she wants for her future. I liked how she was honest with Caleb about her feelings and that she took her time to be sure of what she wanted. The epilogue was fantastic.
 
I enjoyed seeing characters from earlier books, especially Steve and Miriam's sister, Beth. 

 

Lilac Time - Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, Carolyn Brown (Kensington - May 2025)

Sweet collection of stories. A favorite part is that each story had at least one animal (dog/cat) that was important to the story.
 
SWEET AS HONEY * Fern Michaels
Natalie is through with pining over her ex. If only her efforts to be social again didn't lead to repeated run-ins with an infuriating beekeeper at the local farmer's market. Yet Garrett keeps buzzing around. And as Natalie watches his patience and dedication in tending his hives, she begins to wonder if life has a sweet surprise in store.
 
After a difficult breakup with her boyfriend, Natalie was more than happy to return to her hometown to help her parents while her dad recovered from hip surgery. On her first full day, she encountered Garrett, the local beekeeper. With her current distrust of men, she makes a snap judgment of him. She spends an inordinate amount of time thinking negatively about him until she actually meets the man. I liked Garrett and his devotion to the bees, as well as his efforts to educate people about their importance. Meanwhile, Natalie contemplates moving back home for good. She and Garrett circle each other for a while but eventually show their interest in seeing where a relationship might lead.

 
EVERYTHING SHE'D EVER WANTED * Lori Foster
Annabeth can see that her neighbor's handsome nephew, Devlin, has his hands full, raising his little girl single-handed. Yet though his life is frazzled, it's full of the kind of joy and togetherness she longs for. And when Devlin's daughter and Annabeth's tiny dog fall hard for each other, it might be the start of more than one beautiful friendship.
 
Annabeth is lonely, though she tries to hide it. With no family of her own, she has sort of adopted Sony, the elderly man next door. She also got to know Sony's nephew, Devlin, and Devlin's little girl, Mia. Annabeth is a take-charge kind of woman and, as the story opens, steps in to help Devlin during a crisis with Mia. The growing relationship between Annabeth and Devlin is helped along by Uncle Sony's machinations and the love between Mia and Annabeth's adorable dog, Ruby. Annabeth has some self-esteem issues, but Devlin and his family's love and support show her the way to her forever home.

 
THE MEMORY CABIN * Carolyn Brown
Jenna Stewart loves gathering at her Texas lakeside cabin with her girlfriends. It's an annual tradition to reconnect with the women who helped her deal with her mother's passing along with the end of her marriage. But this year, lives are changing, dreams are evolving. And perhaps Jenna's heart has healed enough to welcome a new love that arrives with the first flowers of spring . . .
 
After her mother's death and the end of her marriage, Jenna moved back to the lake house that was her favorite summer memory. There, she becomes reacquainted with Carter, her teenage crush and soon-to-be park ranger. I liked how he stood by her side in support when she faced trouble rather than stepping in and taking over. Jenna also faces a crossroads in her life, as her yearly retreats with her best friends come to an end due to changing lives. I loved her friends and how they remained close even with those changes.

 
 
 
 

The Lyon's Last Gamble - Brenna Ash (Dragonblade - May 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 80)
 
A game of chance brings fortune unimagined.
 
Lord Christopher Campbell has been down on his luck. Being the second son was an unfortunate status. Being the brother of a duke even more so. But worse than either of those was losing the family's livelihood because of a gambling problem. Now Christopher has fled the wilds of Scotland for the sophistication of London hoping to turn his luck around. The invitation from Ms. Dove-Lyon looks to be exactly what he needs to put the odds back in his favor.
 
Miss Whitney Watkins has been blessed with a life of privilege. Her parents ensured she never wanted for anything. She was a much sought after match for many of the wealthy suitors visiting her family home and filling her dance card – until she ruined everything, including her reputation. Now, she spends her days alone, and her nights wishing she would be offered just one dance.
 
The Lyon's Den was Christopher's last chance to make things right and prove to his brother that he has worth. A big win would make that happen.
 
Whitney's parents paid a grandiose fee for her devilishly handsome husband—if only he knew what he was getting into.
 
With a game of chance offering a new beginning can they put their pasts behind them so Christopher and Whitney come out on the winning side for a change?
 
Quick read with likable characters. Whitney has had a good life. Her family is wealthy, and her parents love her. She was the center of attention for many young men as they sought her hand in marriage. However, she fell for the wrong man, which ultimately led to a ruined reputation. Out of options, Whitney's parents pay Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find their daughter a suitable match.
 
Christopher has a gambling problem. After nearly bankrupting his family in Scotland with his catastrophic losses, he headed to London to try to recoup his losses. Unfortunately for him, Christopher is just as bad a gambler there, racking up more losses. Just as he decides to give up gambling completely, he receives an invitation from the Lyon's Den to participate in a special game that could turn his luck around.
 
Neither Whitney nor Christopher had any idea what they were getting into. The tension was thick as each arrived at the Lyon's Den. Whitney's nervousness was evident as she waited to see who her bridegroom would be. Christopher put on a confident show, but he, too, worried about what was ahead. Mrs. Dove-Lyon lived up to her reputation of providing unique challenges. I was glued to the pages as Christopher and his rival faced their fate. Of course, I knew who would win, but it was still fun to see the process unfold.
 
After recovering from the shock of discovering he had won a wife, not the money he expected, Christopher accepted his fate. I loved their first meeting. Whitney is understandably nervous, and I loved how Christopher tried to put her at ease. I especially loved that they were open and honest with each other about their pasts. Christopher won major points with his reaction to Whitney's revelations. I loved his unconditional support.
 
Their relationship looks like it will be smooth sailing until Christopher makes a bone-headed decision that butts up against Whitney's fears. Once again, honest communication comes to the rescue, and both come out of it changed for the better. There was a nice surprise for Christopher at the end. 

 

Lie Down with a Lyon - Cerise DeLand (Dragonblade - Apr 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 78)
 
He loved her at first sight…but she was his enemy's daughter.
 
Dáire O'Neill has a terrible problem: he's fallen in love with his enemy's daughter. He met her by accident, but loved her from the moment he first saw her. She savors their friendship, but he won't go beyond it.
 
Despite her father's scurrilous reputation, Blanche has built a good name for herself—and a respectable business. When the man she met by accident appears uninterested in marriage, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to secure a husband for herself—and a new life.
 
When Dáire O'Neill hears that the man Blanche will wed is not the one Dove-Lyon chose, but one her father has put in his place, what can he do if not save her from her own father—and the life she will hate?
 
He'll never possess her…but he'll set her free from all she despises. Even him.
 
A good, fast read at only 132 pages. Dáire is an Irishman with a sketchy past but has made a name for himself as a "fixer" for the upper classes. He wants to make a better life for his two younger sisters and protect his reputation as best he can. He fell in love with Blanche at first sight and, knowing her father's reputation, has had his men following her to keep her safe.
 
Blanche is a young woman whose father is the local crime boss. She is aware of his activities but has stayed separate from them. Her stepmother raised her to be respectable, and Blanche runs an employment agency with a friend.
 
Dáire and Blanche met by chance while out riding. Dáire gave her a false name when they met, knowing her father would disapprove. They quickly became friends, meeting twice a week to ride together. Each has unrevealed feelings for the other, but circumstances keep them from saying anything. When Blanche's father tells her he intends to marry her to one of his men, Blanche takes matters into her own hands. First, she sounds out Dáire, but when he shows no interest, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for assistance in finding a husband.
 
There is a twist with Mrs. Dove-Lyon's pick, a brouhaha at the church, and a heart-pounding rescue to keep things interesting. Blanche worked hard to overcome Dáire's objections to marriage, and I thoroughly enjoyed those efforts. The ending had still more interesting twists and revelations as they began their life together. I especially enjoyed their conversation with Mrs. Dove-Lyon.  

The Lyon's Love Letters - Deb Marlow (Dragonblade - May 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 79)
 
Who would be so foolish as to blackmail the Black Widow of Whitehall?
 
Lady Anna Parbury is in trouble. Her father has passed on and his estates and title have passed to her cousin. It's not enough, apparently, for her cousin wants the fortune Anna's father left in trust for her, and he's willing to compromise her—or worse—to get it.
 
But Anna has discovered her charming rogue of a father was also a charming rogue of a blackmailer, and that leads to brand-new sorts of trouble—like Mr. Elliott Ward, who has arrived looking for the evidence her father held against someone he cares for. And like Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the famous Black Widow of Whitehall, who has come for the same reason—and with a bargain in mind: Anna will give the Black Widow the files Anna's father held over her, and in exchange, she will find the girl a husband.
 
But all Anna wants is her fortune and her freedom. To get it, she'll have to team up with Mr. Ward and Mrs. Dove-Lyon. The stakes are high as they battle lies, threats, and thugs, but the Black Widow is betting that she can fix this game of love.
 
Fast-paced, intriguing story about two people brought together by a blackmailer. Anna's father recently passed away, with his title going to her profligate cousin and his fortune in trust for her. She spent most of her life at their country estate while her father stayed in London. While going through her father's study, Anna discovered that he was also a blackmailer. Complicating matters is the arrival of her cousin and his friends at the estate. Not satisfied with just the title, he wants Anna's fortune and is willing to do anything to get it.
 
When Elliott learns a family member is a victim of a blackmailer, he vows to retrieve the offending documents. Disguised as a servant, Elliott is searching the Earl's study when he encounters Anna. They join forces to find the papers. They are shocked to discover that even the infamous Mrs. Dove-Lyon was one of the Earl's victims. She offers to find Anna a husband in exchange for the return of those documents.
 
Anna and Elliott discover that one of the men at her cousin's house party is tracking her. They work together to find out why and grow closer in the process. Elliott wants to protect Anna from harm while trying to hide his feelings for her. He feels he is in no position to offer for her. Meanwhile, Anna's feelings about marriage change when she realizes that Elliott is one of the few good men in London. But can she overcome his fears?
 
The ending was intense as matters with the blackmail documents came to a head in a nail-biting confrontation. There was a twist to the ending that I didn't see coming but probably should have, given Mrs. Dove-Lyon's involvement.

Canyon Killer - Cindi Myers (HI #2290 - June 2025)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Unsolved Mysteries (Book 1)
 
Finding a would-be killer's motive…
May be the key to staying alive
 
Somebody wants Ian Seabrook to know that he's not welcome in Eagle Mountain. Is it because they oppose his plan to build a high-end tourist attraction, or is it because he and Bethany Ames have uncovered a murder scene? Ian tries to keep the feisty search and rescue volunteer out of harm's way, but staying apart may prove impossible given the attraction they both feel. Working together, they begin to unravel a decades-old mystery, but the closer they get to the truth, the closer they get to danger…
 
Terrific start to the new series. The Eagle Mountain location feels more like home with every book I've read from the previous series, and this was no exception. I can feel the love the author has for her state in every book. I also loved the main characters.
 
Ian is a relatively new arrival to Eagle Mountain. A professional climber, he has a vision for a unique climbing venue that will attract climbers, from beginners to experts. However, he encountered resistance from people who fear the influx of tourists would change their lifestyle. The threats escalate when he and Bethany stumble on a murder scene.
 
Bethany and her family are relatively new to the area also. Her family runs a tour company where Bethany works. As the youngest and only girl in the family, Bethany is plagued with over-protective parents and three over-protective brothers. She meets Ian when he rents a Jeep from their business, and they immediately hit it off.
 
I enjoyed the development of Ian and Bethany's relationship. Though immediately attracted to each other, neither is looking for a relationship. Ian doesn't plan to stay in Eagle Mountain, and Bethany doesn't want to get involved with someone who isn't going to stick around. However, they can't stay away from each other, and their preferred "friends-only" relationship quickly grows into something stronger.
 
I loved their support for each other. Between the resistance to his plans and his father's lack of support for his plans, Ian feels alone until Bethany appears in his life. Her belief in his vision helps him stick to his plans. Frustrated by her family's treatment, Bethany is drawn to the man who treats her like a capable adult. As they work together on his project and the mystery of the murders, their feelings for each other grow. But will it be enough to keep Ian in Eagle Mountain?
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. I was as intrigued as Ian and Bethany were by the decades-old murder mystery and enjoyed Bethany's research into the victims' pasts. As Ian and Bethany experienced escalating attacks on them, the question of why grew more urgent. Are the attacks related to Ian's plans or the discovery of the bodies? With two possible motives, the suspect list kept them guessing. The heart-pounding final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books reappear in their roles as law enforcement and first responders. It's always a pleasure to catch up with old friends. My favorite secondary characters were Bethany's brothers - Aaron, Dalton, and Carter. I enjoyed watching them navigate Bethany's relationship with Ian and her growing independence. I look forward to reading their stories. 

Personal Security - Lisa Childs (HRS #2325 - May 2025)

Series: Bachelor Bodyguards (Book 15)
 
He'll risk anything to protect her…
Even his heart.
 
Watching over Blair Etheridge as she reopens her family's art gallery is Ivan Chekov's first chance to prove himself as a bodyguard. He hopes it's also a chance to start over. But this job brings up bad memories, and Blair doesn't want him anywhere near her. Ivan overcomes her stubborn streak after an attack on her life proves she's in danger. The undeniable attraction sizzling between them makes posing as her boyfriend easy, while the thought of losing her frightens him more than he's willing to admit.
 
Good addition to the Bachelor Bodyguards series. This book features Ivan Chekov of Payne Protection Agency and Blair Etheridge, a woman determined to reopen her family's art gallery.
 
Ivan is coming off weeks of desk duty after being injured on a previous case (Hostage Security) and is looking forward to his first case as lead bodyguard. He feels he has a lot to prove, starting with his name. As a child, he witnessed his father's murder by his uncle, then forced to work for his uncle, a local crime boss. He escaped but is still attempting to redeem himself. Providing security for an art gallery owner should be an easy start.
 
Blair spent the time since her father's death preparing to reopen his art gallery. She invested everything she had, determined to make it a success. She's not happy that her insurance company insists on hiring the Payne agency to protect her and the gallery. She gives in when an attack proves her life is in danger.
 
Things get off to a rough start for Blair and Ivan. Ivan and his coworker arrive at the gallery to discover an attack in progress. They stop the attack, but Blair doesn't trust them, especially when she learns Ivan's name. She holds his uncle responsible for the trouble that ultimately caused her father's death. Ivan is equally wary, as he isn't sure if Blair is involved in the gallery's previous activities.
 
The story's suspense kept me turning the pages. The escalating attacks threaten the upcoming gallery opening, and Blair refuses to let that happen. There are multiple suspects to complicate the investigation, paintings of dubious origin, and a twist at the end I didn't see coming. The final confrontation kept me turning the pages. There are some unanswered questions that I expect will be addressed in subsequent books.
 
I enjoyed the development of Blair and Ivan's relationship. Sparks of attraction flared between them despite their initial mistrust. They can't ignore the attraction, but Ivan fears the distraction will affect his ability to protect her. Blair's realization that Ivan puts his life on the line for her softens her heart, but both must overcome their pasts before they can think about a future together.
 
I enjoyed seeing characters from past books. Garek and Milek, who run this branch of Payne Protection, are still feeling their way. They catch some flak about the people they hired to work for them but are steadfast in their support. Penny Payne and her new husband, the police chief, play important roles. I have issues with one of the law enforcement characters, Sheila Carlson, who I thought was extremely judgmental about Ivan and his coworkers. Judging by the interactions between her and one of the bodyguards, I suspect that there may be a surprise in her future. 

 

Marriage Bargain with the Comte - Parker J. Cole (HH #1858 - May 2025)

Series: Proposals in Paris (Book 1)
 
From first kiss
To husband and wife?
 
Dieudonné, the Comte de Montreau, steps in when he catches a disreputable suitor trying to ruin his friend, heiress Evena. Only to accidentally compromise her himself, forcing them to wed!
 
Dieudonné might be the man who occupies Evena's thoughts, but he's not the well-connected nobleman she needs to help her ailing father. And now, as they head to the altar, their friendship is in jeopardy, too! Could her convenient husband ever see her as more than a burden…and could their bond become something even more thrilling?
 
Good friends-to-lovers romance in an unusual setting. It begins in Saint-Domingue (current-day Haiti) and moves to Paris in the 1770s, a little-used era in the Harlequin Historical line. It was refreshing to step outside the Regency period. I liked learning more about these two locations and people. I do wonder about their fates in the coming years of unrest.
 
Dieudonné is the illegitimate son of a French nobleman, raised by his aunt and uncle. Though illegitimate, he inherited his father's title (we find out why eventually). Though raised primarily in France, his aunt and uncle also own property in Saint-Domingue, where they frequently visit. Dieudonné and the girl next door, Evena, have been best friends since childhood. The book opens with a visit in 1769 when Dieudonné is twenty-one, and Evena is seventeen. Suddenly, he sees her in a whole new light.
 
Evena is a beautiful and outgoing young woman who adores her best friend. But something changed with this visit, and he stirs feelings she doesn't understand. An impulsive kiss changes everything. Both try to forget, but the memory is there between them.
 
Five years later, they meet again when Evena and her family travel to Paris. Her father developed a mysterious illness, and they hope to gain access to the King's doctor for his help. That access requires Evena to marry a well-connected nobleman despite her attraction to Dieudonné. At the same time, he wants to marry a well-connected Frenchwoman who can give him the legitimacy he needs for respectability. His first attempt ended with him being left at the altar.
 
The development of Evena and Dieudonné's relationship was enjoyable and frustrating. Their connection and attraction remain strong, but their goals create an insurmountable obstacle. Dieudonné has trouble controlling his attraction to Evena and copes by avoiding her whenever possible, which strains their friendship. However, Dieudonné is there when Evena's "suitor" attempts to ruin her and rescues her, only to compromise her himself. Marriage to each other is their only option.
 
Once they marry, each spends an inordinate amount of time beating themselves up for ruining the other's plans. Frequent misunderstandings prevent them from actually talking to each other about their situation and feelings. Dieudonné frustrated me with his frequent response of "not now" whenever Evena tried to speak to him about it. He wasted so much time because he thought she would reject him. I liked Evena's strength of will in taking charge of her life and doing what she thought would help him. I liked how her support helped him see he was chasing the wrong thing. The ending brought several surprises before they found their way to their desired future. The epilogue was good.
 
Evena's twin sister, Sophiette, intrigues me. She is very different from Evena in that she prefers to be alone. I liked how she clearly sees Evena and Dieudonné and tries to help them through their issues. I look forward to her story and the man who wins her heart.

 
 

The Lightkeeper's Curse - Cassie Miles (HI #2288 - May 2025)

Series: Lighthouse Mysteries (Book 2)
 
With the darkness closing in around them
They'll risk everything to bring a killer to light
 
Rookie FBI agent Skylar Gambel and police detective Jake Armstrong both had their lives shaped by the Lightkeeper Murders. Now, twenty years later, a new serial killer called the Shadowkeeper has emerged from foggy obscurity. Are the deaths the work of a new murderer, simply an evolved one…or a curse? Skylar is determined to crack the case, even as she fights her hidden phobias and her attraction to Jake. But when she is kidnapped along with the killer's next victim, Jake vows to silence the violent slayer once and for all.
 
The action and intensity begin with the first page as we see the serial killer set up his first victim. The similarities to a twenty-year-old murder spree are undeniable and leave law enforcement wondering if this is the same killer or a copycat.
 
Rookie FBI agent Skylar and her veteran agent partner, Harold, join local police detective Jake to investigate the murder. Harold was one of the investigators on the original unsolved murders. Jake was a child at the time but fascinated by the investigation. Now, they face a killer with the same MO. Harold and the now-retired sheriff he worked with before concentrate on following up on the old investigation's leads while Jake and Skylar investigate leads for the current murder.
 
The investigation intensifies when a second murder occurs. There are twists and turns leading to multiple suspects, some of whom have connections to the original murders. I stayed glued to the pages as Jake and Skylar worked through the information they collected. Matters became complicated when Skylar received taunts and threats from the killer, making her the next target. The intensity of the ending had me on the edge of my seat as the final confrontation played out.
 
I enjoyed watching Jake and Skylar's relationship develop. The sparks between them are immediate, but both are determined to keep things professional. I liked their teamwork during the investigation and how they avoided allowing their growing attraction to distract from it. I liked how Jake was tuned in to Skylar and could sense when something was wrong. I liked how he figured out her secret and reacted to it. I liked that while Jake respected Skylar's abilities, he was also very protective. I liked the ending and Jake's plan for the future. 

 

A Summer to Start Over - Sera Taino (HSE #3092 - May 2025)

Series: Soledad Bay (Book 1)
 
She needed help…
He needed to begin again.
 
Single mom Indya Linares has always been Ms. Independent -- especially when her family's hurricane-ravaged resort is at stake. But when Indya's boat breaks down at sea, she's forced to accept help from a handsome stranger who immediately makes her heart beat faster. Who would have imagined that he's also her stubborn mother's pick for a new facilities manager extraordinaire? After Santiago Pereira left Venezuela to begin again in Soledad Bay, he's got something to prove to his family…and a mission to bring his daughter back to him. But when Santi just can't stop thinking about his new boss, will hospitality take on a new meaning for them both?
 
Good story about new beginnings. I liked the Gulf Coast setting, the diverse cast of characters, and the role reversal of the main characters.
 
Indya returned to her hometown to help her parents with their resort after it was heavily damaged during a hurricane. She is a single parent with a somewhat tense relationship with her ex, whom she divorced when she discovered her independent businesswoman persona didn't mesh with his expectations of a traditional wife. Her efforts to carry out the needed repairs are hampered by the unexpected departure of her facilities manager.
 
Santiago left Venezuela looking for a better life after a business betrayal left him with nothing. His goal is to bring his daughter and her mother to join him in the US. Landing the job at the resort will give him the income and stability to make that happen.
 
I enjoyed watching Indya and Santi's relationship develop. They first met when her boat broke down, and Santi towed her back to the marina. The sparks of attraction flared as soon as they met, but both tried to resist. Indya isn't interested in a relationship after being burned by her time with her ex. Santi doesn't need the distraction from his goal. Matters become complicated when Indya hires him as the new facilities manager - Santi is now her employee. Working together brings them closer; shared experiences as single parents help them bond. There are some bumps in the road on their way to a happy ending, especially when something Santi does runs up against Indya's insecurities. I liked seeing them work through the issues and develop a stronger relationship.
 
I liked the secondary characters. The kids in the story are well done, with age-appropriate actions and reactions. I liked Indya's mom and could also understand Indya's issues with her interference in resort matters. Santi and his father have a strained relationship due to Santi's past actions, and his dad has trouble letting go of the past. I loved Indya's spirited defense of Santi and its effect on him.
 
I look forward to further books in this series. 

 
 

Hazardous to a Duke's Heart - Sabrina Jeffries (Kensington - May 2025)

Series: Lords of Hazard (Book 1)
 
Napoleon's war has ended, and English captives detained for years in a French fortress are finally released. Returning to a London he no longer recognizes, and facing astonishing changes in his own family, Lord Jonathan Leighton learns he has inherited a dukedom. But the new nobleman carries the guilt of having wronged his late mentor. Now, he vows to fulfill his promise to find a suitable match for the man's daughter, Victoria -- even if it takes offering a nonexistent dowry to spark her interest in matrimony . . .
 
Sharp-witted Victoria would just as soon sculpt the Greek god who has come to take charge of her future. In fact, she has her sights set on founding a school for women artists. As Jonathan matches wits with the talented beauty, revelations from his past -- and their connection to her father's demise -- threaten to unveil both of their closely held secrets and thrust them into a danger they can only escape together.
 
Good start to the new series. I especially enjoyed learning about a little-known part of the Napoleonic Wars - the imprisonment of British men of fighting age found on French soil immediately after the declaration of war. These civilian men remained in prison for up to eleven years before being released at the end of the war.
 
Eleven years ago, Jon was the third son of a duke, with little to do but get into trouble. Fed up with his antics, Jon's parents hired Professor Morris to accompany him on a tour of Europe to get him away from bad influences. Unfortunately, Jon and Professor Morris got caught up in the sweep and spent the next eleven years in prison. Those years left a deep mark on Jon's soul, including an intense sense of guilt over the professor's death. He promises to find a husband for the professor's daughter. When Jon finally returns home, he discovers his father and two brothers are dead, leaving him the dukedom. Not only must he adjust to being free, he must also learn how to be the duke. To fulfill his vow, he invents a dowry to assist in finding a suitable match.
 
After her mother's death, Victoria became a governess for Jon's sister, Chloe. Now that Chloe is grown, Tori has become her companion instead of governess. This also gives Tori time to pursue her love of sculpting.
 
I enjoyed watching Jon and Tori's relationship develop. The beginning is a little rough, as Jon doesn't expect Tori's independent nature. He plans to find her a husband, while Tori isn't interested in marriage. She wants to use her dowry to fund a school for women artists. I loved their interactions as each fights for their own plans until they work out a compromise. I liked how Tori held Jon to his promise. I laughed out loud at some of the art lessons.
 
Neither expects the sparks of attraction that flare between them. Tori doesn't intend to marry, as experience has convinced her that men are unreliable. She has another compelling reason to avoid marriage that she has kept secret from everyone. I understood her concerns and loved her protectiveness. At the same time, Jon finds himself increasingly drawn to Tori. However, he is wracked with guilt over her father's death and fears that she will hate him if she learns the truth. I liked seeing both finally trust each other and themselves enough to open up.
 
The ending was excellent, and I loved seeing how everything worked out.
 
There is also a hint of mystery in this book that I suspect will run through the entire trilogy. When Jon and his friends were captives in France, they planned an escape. Unfortunately, they were betrayed and recaptured. Now, they want to find out who was responsible. There is an interesting twist involving one of their suspects. 

 

Hardly a Gentleman - Eloisa James (HarperCollins - May 2025)

Series: Accidental Brides (Book 2)
 
Desperate after her Season comes to a spectacularly disastrous end, the Honorable Miss Clara Vetry jumps into a carriage hired to take a housekeeper to Scotland.
 
The laird of Castle CaerLaven has no interest in a wife, especially a love match -- but when Caelan sees his new housekeeper, he changes his mind. Marriage to a delectable bookworm strikes him as a perfect arrangement.
 
To his surprise, Clara refuses his proposal once…and again…yet again.
 
When her true identity is revealed, and they're forced to marry, Caelan realizes he has a far more crucial challenge.
 
He finally has Clara's hand -- but how will he ever win her heart?
 
Fun book about two people who are very different than their peers. I enjoyed the story's premise and the two main characters' interactions.
 
Caelan is a widower whose wife died two years ago. He's not interested in remarrying and prefers simply to be left alone to write his books about whisky and fishing. His family and the villagers believe that he is lost in grief over his wife's death. Most of his staff are gone, and his castle is a filthy mess. He doesn't care. However, his sister insists that he needs a new housekeeper and sends to England for one, as no one locally will touch the place.
 
Clara is a young lady whose fourth Season comes to a disastrous end. A beautiful and curvy young woman, she unfortunately drew the attention of the (married) Prince Regent. Matters come to a head when a drunk Prince makes a spectacle of himself and her, ending with him groping her and ripping her dress in full view of a ballroom full of people. I thought her reaction was great, but it didn't go over well with the Prince. Clara's mother, who is far more concerned with appearances than her daughter's feelings, banishes her to stay with a distant relative in Scotland.
 
However, Clara isn't about to roll over and accept her mother's plans for her. At a coaching inn, she bails out of her carriage and jumps into one taking a housekeeper to Scotland. She looks at it as an adventure despite having no experience. Her arrival at Castle CaerLaven is an eye-opener, as she stumbles on Caelan while he is fishing (kiltless) in the loch. The encounter is highly amusing and sets the tone for the book.
 
While Clara attempts to pass herself off as the new housekeeper, no one believes her. That doesn't slow her down, and I enjoyed seeing her put everyone to work - including Caelan. I loved the cleaning scenes and seeing Clara steamroll over his reluctance.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Caelan made no secret about his desire not to remarry. Clara is off men, thanks to her recent experiences. However, there is no doubt about the sparks that fly between them. After spending lots of time together cleaning and getting to know each other, Caelan realizes he wouldn't mind marrying again as long as Clara is the bride. Clara fights her feelings for Caelan because, like everyone else, she believes he's still in love with his late wife. She won't risk her heart on someone who can't love her back.
 
I got frustrated with Caelan's refusal to talk about his wife and the truth of their relationship, which allowed the misunderstanding to go on way too long. Caelan keeps proposing, and Clara keeps turning him down until an unexpected twist forces them to marry. The misunderstandings continue until a crisis forces them to face that which keeps them apart. I liked the ending and have high hopes for a happy future for them.
 
The secondary characters provided additional humor to the book. From Caelan's sister, Fiona, who ignores his protests to hire a housekeeper and has a matchmaking glint in her eye, to Elspeth, the maid, and Cobbledick, the driver, each one provides lighthearted moments and occasional serious advice. But my favorite was Fiona's son, Alfie, and his pet chicken, Wilhelmina. Alfie is adorable, and his unfiltered comments are fun. 

 

Corralled in Cutthroat Creek - Juno Rushdan (HI #2286 - May 2025)

Series: Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor (Book 6)
 
She was looking for evidence
What she found was him
 
Logan Powell never expected to see Summer Stratton again. He definitely hadn't imagined a reunion under fire. After he scares off an intruder who seemed bent on killing her, Logan's instincts -- as a cop and as a cowboy -- demand that he keep her safe. But the persistent lawyer won't stop asking questions about her best friend's death, which means that protecting Summer involves helping her find a murderer. The threats against their lives seem to come from every direction… And Summer's grit and courage prove as irresistible to Logan as her undeniable beauty.
 
Terrific conclusion to the series. The story opens with a bang as Summer searches for proof that her best friend did not die in an accident. Summer believes Dani was murdered because they were investigating a link between suspicious deaths and pollution caused by a local company. While searching Dani's house, an intruder fires shots at Summer before Logan's arrival scares him off.
 
Logan is Dani's cousin, and his uncle sent him to assist Summer. As Wyoming law enforcement, Logan initially is skeptical of Summer's claims that Dani's death was murder. However, subsequent attacks soon convince him.
 
The story's suspense was fantastic. It hooked me from the first page and kept me hooked to the end. As Summer and Logan delved deeper into their investigation, the intensity of the attacks increased along with the number of suspects. The snake scene had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. Several twists kept me guessing to the end, with an unexpected final revelation.
 
I liked Summer and Logan. Summer is focused and driven by her quest for the truth. She can be impulsive, which sometimes gets her in trouble. Logan is the Powell brother who is a little out of step with his siblings. While he grew up on their ranch, he doesn't consider himself a rancher.
 
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. They met a few years earlier and connected, but nothing came of it. When Logan's uncle asked him to help Summer, he jumped at the chance to see her again. Though their reunion got off to a rough start, there was no denying the sparks between them. But Summer is wary of forming a long-distance relationship with someone and insists on "friends only." I ached for Logan, who wants more but accedes to her wishes and backs off but doesn't give up. I loved the ending and seeing how they worked it out.
 
I'm looking forward to seeing what the author has next. 

 
 

Hero Mine - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - May 2025)

Series: Linear Tactical: Oak Creek (Book 5)
 
"Survival is always the most important thing."
 
You don't get far in Oak Creek, Wyoming, home of Linear Tactical and its gruff and rugged heroes, without hearing that motto.
 
Free-spirited Joy Davis—opposite of gruff and rugged—heard the slogan her whole life and generally met it with a roll of her eyes.
 
Until the night she was attacked and left for dead.
 
He's always been her anchor. But now, she's his reason to fight.
 
Bear Bollinger, the Oak Creek's rough-hewn mechanic, has been Joy's protector and confidant for years, waiting for the right time to make his move.
 
Watching her struggle in the aftermath of the attack breaks something inside him. Determined to see her smile again, he steps in to help her rebuild her shattered confidence.
 
But Oak Creek has danger closing in.
 
When a new threat begins to stalk the town, Bear must protect the woman who means everything to him, even as Joy fights to reclaim her life and face a danger unlike anything she's ever known.
 
I've eagerly anticipated this book, and it did not disappoint. The prologue overlaps the end of the previous book, Hero's Heart, from Joy's point of view. We see the blossoming of Joy's relationship with Bear and the hope for the future. Then comes the attack.
 
I loved Joy in both books. Before the attack, she was Miss Sunshine, with a smile or a joke for everyone. With the reputation of being a "wild child," she was full of spontaneous energy and actions. A month after the attack, she has healed physically, but mentally, she struggles. She copes as best she can, hiding her fears from those around her. The dreams she had before the attack are now buried, victims of her loss of confidence in herself. She's loved Bear for years, but not even that can break through the trauma.
 
Bear, the son of Finn and Charlie (Eagle), took over the mechanic garage from his uncle after returning from his time as a Marine. He is observant and caring and can be lethal when those he cares about are threatened. He returned from war with secrets of his own that give him insight into Joy's struggles. He has loved her since she was a teenager and wants to help her.
 
I ached for Joy and her struggle to recover. I also wanted to shake her and tell her to stop pushing away the people who want to help. Joy is fiercely independent and believes she can get through this on her own. I also hurt for Bear, who struggles to give her the space she wants. I loved seeing him finally reach his breaking point and step in after a particularly bad flashback. He won my heart with his quiet support, encouraging her to return to following her dreams and helping rebuild her confidence with his self-defense training.
 
I enjoyed watching Bear and Joy's relationship progress as she recovers. I especially liked how in tune they were, with each understanding how and when to push and when to back off. I loved their ease of communication, from serious subjects to lighthearted teasing. I liked how Joy turned Bear's encouragement to talk about what happened to her back at him when he revealed the secret he kept. As their relationship deepened, there were flashbacks to their past, especially Bear's issues with the eight-year age difference. I understood his position from their early years, but it took him a while to finally get past it. I loved Joy's growth as she healed and regained belief in herself and its effect on her relationship with Bear. I loved the epilogue, Bear's emotional speech to Joy, and his surprise for her.
 
There is a subtle layer of suspense in this book. Rather than a bad guy they have to hunt down, this occurs at home. A frequent feeling of being watched slows Joy's ability to move past her trauma. She doesn't know if the feeling is real or if she imagines it. It didn't take long to suspect the who, but the why was a mystery until the final confrontation. I loved how it turned out.
 
Another mystery affects the entire town. Someone is stealing odds and ends and junk from local businesses. This perplexed everyone; it took outside-the-box thinker Lincoln to figure it out. I loved this twist and how they handled it.
 
I continue to love the community of Oak Creek. They take care of their own, and I loved their support for Joy. Characters from the original Linear Tactical series and the second-generation members of this series play critical roles. Joy and Sloane remain close friends, and I loved Sloane's help and encouragement. My favorite secondary character in this book is Lincoln. His character fascinates me, and I'm excited that he is the hero of the next book. It will take a special lady to partner with him.