Fake Date on the Orient Express - Jessica Gilmore (HR #4959 - Aug 2025)

Series: Summer Escapes (Book 7)
 
THE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME?
 
When millionaire Lucas West rescues a stunning actress on board the Orient Express to Venice, he has a brilliant idea. He needs a fake girlfriend for the summer, so who better than a woman who pretends for a living? It's certainly the most unusual role Tally has ever had -- and handsome Lucas is now her favourite costar! Soon, their relationship begins to go off script, but can they trust their emotions enough to write the next act?
 
Good story, lovely descriptions of the locations. Lucas is a workaholic entertaining some business contacts with a murder mystery scenario on the Orient Express. Tally is an actress portraying one of the characters. Lucas rescues Tally after the evening performance, when one of the (inebriated) guests gets a little handsy with her.
 
The next day, Lucas approaches her with a proposal. He needs a girlfriend for the summer to protect him from a matchmaking friend. Would she be willing? Tally has nothing important scheduled, so she agrees.
 
Neither expects the attraction that flares between them or the growing feelings that they experience. Both have failed relationships that make them wary of trusting those feelings. Lucas believes that he doesn't have room in his life for love because of his work commitments. I loved their sightseeing trips and seeing them enjoy each other's company. It was fun to see how the people around them saw how right they were for each other, which made it so frustrating when Lucas freaked out about his feelings and ran from them.
 
I liked the support both received from their families. Lucas got the eye-opening advice he sorely needed. Tally's family and best friend gave her the encouragement she needed to recover from the hurt. A secondary storyline involving a person from Tally's past popped up while they were in Tuscany and provided an interesting twist. Lucas did a nice job of redeeming himself in the end. I liked the epilogue and the unexpected direction their future took. 

 

Full Speed Ahead - Merline Lovelace (Merline Lovelace - Sept 2025)

She came to catch a traitor. What she found was trouble, temptation—and a man too dangerous to resist.
 
At the elegant Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, the world's top scientists have gathered for a high-stakes summit. But behind the scenes, a covert task force hunts a traitor ready to sell America's secrets to the highest bidder.
 
NCIS Special Agent Elizabeth Stanton is sharp, relentless, and used to getting her man. So when she spots the suspect her team has been on the lookout for, she doesn't hesitate to act—with a takedown that lands biotech executive Dave Andrews flat on his back.
 
Only Dave isn't the enemy. He's the developer of the sensitive technology now in danger, and he's just as determined as Liz to find the real mole. With the clock ticking and tensions running high, Liz and Dave form an uneasy alliance that quickly sparks into something hotter than the Alabama sun. But trust is hard to earn and easy to lose. Especially when secrets, and lives are on the line.
 
Good, fast-paced, and action-filled story. Liz's assignment: find and stop the man they suspect of selling secrets to the enemy. But not everything is what it seems to be. I loved her ruse to get close to him, and the surprise effect it had on her. However, the confrontation doesn't go as planned, and she discovers her suspect is the victim and equally determined to find the traitor.
 
Dave is the creator of the endangered technology and is furious about the threat. He and Liz team up by pretending to be a couple, using it to conceal their actions. Neither expected the sparks that flared between them. Each has been burned by failed relationships, so they are wary of moving too fast. As the book only covers a couple of days, I like that they acknowledge something is there and that they want to pursue it. They just need to survive to do so.
 
The suspense was good. It kept me turning the pages to see how it would end. I'll admit to figuring out the culprit pretty quickly, though I wasn't sure how the theft would take place. The ending was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
 
I loved the conclusion, and the last page made me laugh out loud. 

 
 
 
 

The Duke's Sharpshooter - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Sept 2025)

Series: Duke's Guard (Book 14)
 
Marriage is the farthest thing from Flaherty's mind…
On a rain-soaked morning, patrolling from Wyndmere Hall to the Village, a shadow shifts at the base of an oak by the graveyard. Ready to defend, or chase down a vagrant, Flaherty is shocked to discover an exhausted widow shielding her four-year-old daughter from the rain. In that moment his life irrevocably changes.
 
Exhaustion has Temperance pausing to rest near the church…
The deep rumble and harsh tone of the huge man garbed in black has her springing to her feet, poised to run. His order to stop in the name of the duke, has her glancing over her shoulder into eyes the color of a springtime sky. The irresistible promise of tea and cake for her daughter tempts her to tentatively trust him.
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to get past The Duke's Sharpshooter before he will let harm come to those he has sworn to protect with his strength, his honor, and his heart.
 
The men of the Duke's Guard continue to fall fast and hard and Rory Flaherty is no exception. On a rainy day during his regular patrol, he discovered a young woman and her daughter shivering near the graveyard. The pair immediately rouse his protective instincts.
 
Temperance is on her own after her husband died in a mining accident. However, finding work when you have a child to care for can be difficult at best. By the time she reaches the Wyndmere area, she is near the end of her rope.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Temperance and Flaherty develop. Flaherty is immediately smitten with Maddy and Temperance. Sweet little Maddy enchants him with her directness and her attachment to "Just Flaherty." Temperance touches him on a much deeper level. He admires her strength and resilience and her determination to provide for Maddy. His frustration was evident when he couldn't immediately fix whatever bothered her, and when he would run up against her independence. It doesn't take him long to realize the depth of his feelings for her, but convincing her won't be easy.
 
Temperance falls just as hard for Flaherty, his kindness to Maddy causing the first crack in the wall around her heart. However, the difficulties of the last few years had left her doubting herself and her worthiness of an honorable man like him. I ached for her as she remembered her past. Her surprise at being well-treated by the Duke and Duchess and their staff was heartbreaking. I loved the interactions between Flaherty and Temperance. The sparks are obvious, though Temperance's self-doubts hold her back. A little well-meaning advice helps her get past those fears. The intensely emotional proposal scene gave me goosebumps.
 
Matters become complicated when nasty rumors about Temperance surface. I loved Flaherty's refusal to give up on her and how everyone rallied around her. An unpleasant twist put Flaherty in danger, and it didn't take long to figure out who was behind the trouble. While the resolution was satisfying, I feel like the culprit got off easier than they deserved.
 
The ending was great, followed by a terrific epilogue. I love catching up with characters a few years down the road. I can't wait for the next book, even though it brings me closer to the end of the series.

Wyoming Bodyguard - Danielle M. Haas (HI #2338 - Aug 2025)

Series: Sunrise Security (Book 1)
 
His job is keeping her safe --
from unrelenting danger.
 
Ever since the Tremonts and the McKays had a dispute over their neighboring Wyoming ranches, they've been bitter rivals. So Madden McKay of Sunrise Security is more than surprised when Lily Tremont reaches out to him for protection after her father is attacked. Soon Madden must deal with vandalism, sabotage and revenge aimed at Lily. Why? Behind it all, he discovers a massive criminal ring. And while the investigation sparks passion between Lily and her heroic bodyguard, one shocking revelation could destroy lives on all sides.
 
Good blend of romance and suspense. Madden returned to his hometown after an IED ended his career in the Marines. Along with his friend Reid, Madden opened Sunrise Security in Cloud Valley. The business is off to a slow start, primarily due to the townspeople's grudge against Madden and his family. Circumstances forced the McKay family to sell a large part of their ranch to developers who built a resort. An influx of outsiders resulted in increased crime and economic hardship for some ranchers.
 
One of those ranchers is Lily Tremont. Her family runs a dude ranch that has suffered from the competition. She and her father blame the McKays for their troubles. The McKay and Tremont ranches are neighbors, and Madden and Lily were good friends while growing up. That friendship is now strained. But when Lily's father becomes the victim of a drive-by shooting, she turns to Madden for help.
 
I enjoyed the development of Madden and Lily's relationship. As they worked together to find out why her father was targeted, Lily's animosity gave way to the rekindling of their friendship, then to the sparks of attraction. I liked Madden's protectiveness as the mystery heated up. I loved the growing trust between them, and that Madden was able to share the reasons for the sale of the ranch land.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. From the initial shooting to vandalism, murder, drugs, and cattle rustling, there is no shortage of danger. The puzzle of who is behind the trouble and why kept me turning the pages as I followed their investigation. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a perp I didn't expect. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. 

 
 
 

Devil's Cub - Georgette Heyer (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Nov 2009)

Series: Alastair-Audley (Book 2)
 
Dominic Alastair, Marquis of Vidal and fiery son of the notorious Duke of Avon, has established a rakish reputation that rivals his father's, living a life of excess and indulgence. He is a bad lot a rake and seducer, reckless, heedless, and possessed of a murderous temper. He is known by friend and foe alike as the "Devil's Cub." Yet as the handsome and wealthy heir to a Dukedom, he is considered a good prospect on the marriage market. Vidal currently has his eye on the young, lovely, and unintelligent Sophia Challoner, and Sophia's greedy mother is more than happy to encourage his dubious attentions. Banished to the Continent after wounding his opponent in a duel, Vidal decides to abduct the silly aristocrat bent on seducing him into marriage and make her his mistress instead. In his rush, however, he seems to have taken the wrong woman?
 
Intelligent, practical Mary Challoner knew wicked Vidal, wouldn't marry her sister, despite her mother's matchmaking schemes. So Mary coolly prepared to protect her naive sister by deceiving Vidal. Substituting herself for her young sister, she certainly hadn't expected the nobleman to kidnap and take her to France. She had little notion he would grimly hold her to her part of the bargain. Now he had left her, and she was alone, a stranger in a strange land, prey to the intrigues of glittering, heartless, 18th century Paris. Only one person could rescue her--the Marquis himself. But how could she ever trust this man? How could she even hope to overcome the contempt in which he held her? And how could even the sudden flowering of her love ever bridge the terrible gap between them?
 
This was a reread of one of my favorite Georgette Heyer books, an enemies-to-lovers story with her signature wit and humor. Dominic Alastair, Marquis of Vidal, is an unrepentant rake at the age of twenty-four. He is known for his high-stakes card playing, his attentions to unsuitable women, and his quick temper. He is an apple that didn't fall far from either of his parental trees. At the beginning of the book, he kills a highwayman and simply leaves the corpse on the road. He later duels a fellow card player, with the result that his father "encourages" him to leave the country for a period of time. He impulsively decides to ask his current flirt, Sophia Challoner, to go with him. Marriage is the last thing on his mind, but the ditzy Sophia (and her calculating mother) believe they can force the issue.
 
Sophia's older sister, Mary, is unlike her mother and sister. She is practical, intelligent, and protective of her sister. When she intercepts Vidal's invitation to Sophia, she disguises herself and takes Sophia's place. She plans to reveal the deception when it is too late for Vidal to do anything about it, then return home. Unfortunately, she did not count on the ferocity of Vidal's temper. She's stunned when he states his intention to take her with him, with or without her consent. Their confrontation is intense, as Mary has no trouble expressing her opinion of him. Her practical side has her going along for the time being.
 
Here is where the craziness begins. We have Vidal and Mary headed for Paris. His intentions are initially still dishonorable as he compares Mary to her sister. I laughed out loud when she defends her virtue at pistol-point, waking him up to the fact that she is not her sister. Aghast at having compromised a respectable woman, he is gentleman enough to realize that he must marry her. Their interactions are fun, with Mary calling him out when needed, and Vidal doing his best to get his way. Mary insists that marriage is not possible because their stations are so far apart. Paris provides a respectable haven for Mary, where she stays with her friend, Juliana, who is also Vidal's cousin.
 
Juliana has her own romantic troubles. She has fallen for a young man her mother disapproves of, and has been sent to Paris to get her away from him. Juliana is a bit flighty and spoiled, but has a good heart. Her antics frequently appear childish, and the arrival of her somewhat staid suitor brings out the reckless side of her. Misunderstandings create conflict and heartache.
 
Back in England, Mary's mother acts as the wronged woman's devastated mother, demanding action from Vidal's mother, the Duchess of Avon. The Duchess remains the same volatile and outspoken person she was in These Old Shades, determined to save her son from such a clear misalliance. I laughed out loud as she once again importunes her brother-in-law, Rupert, into helping her. Their journey to France in search of the runaways is excellent fun.
 
Meanwhile, misunderstandings all around send Mary fleeing Paris with the assistance of a chivalrous gentleman, to avoid ruining Vidal's life. Vidal, who has finally realized the truth of his feelings, is in hot pursuit. All roads lead to Dijon, where everyone comes together in a flurry of accusations, fights, and further confusion. My favorite part of the book comes near the end, when Mary, fleeing once again, encounters an older gentleman who comes to her aid. I loved watching him draw her out about what had happened to her, and his commentary along the way is priceless. The gentleman, of course, is the Duke of Avon, in all his glory. I loved the subsequent arrival of Vidal and Avon's master touch in the resolution of the issues, topped off with Rupert and his wine.

 

To Steal a Lyon's Heart - Dayna Quince (Dragonblade - July 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 86)
 
A marriage contract, a life debt, and a love worth defying fate for..
 
Lord Samuel Clark, Earl of Alston, woke from the brink of death to a new life he didn't recognize. To save him, his sister made a deal with the Widow of Whitehall, trapping Sam in a marriage contract with a total stranger. But Sam refuses to accept such a cold fate and schemes to free himself in secret.
 
When Miss Daisy Blakewood is unscrupulously ousted from her traveling party, she takes shelter with her brother in the residence of the recovering Earl of Alston. Free of her strict chaperones for the first time, Daisy takes the chance to find her voice and forge a new future.
 
A chance meeting brings Sam and Daisy together, and their unexpected connection sparks an easy friendship and a secret alliance to help each other achieve their goals. But the embers of their bond catch fire, and friendship turns into a forbidden love that could shatter their carefully constructed worlds..
 
Will Sam and Daisy find their happily ever after or will the shackles of fate prove unbreakable?
 
Fun follow-on to Pretending to Love a Lyon. In that book, Lord Samuel Clark suffered a life-threatening injury that put him at death's door. His best friend Graham Blakewood moved into Sam's house to help Sam's twin sister, Amelia, care for him. Desperate to save Sam's life, Amelia made a bargain with Mrs. Dove-Lyon - a top-notch surgeon to care for Sam in exchange for Sam marrying a woman of the widow's choice. The twists and turns of that book were fascinating.
 
As this book opens, Sam finally regains consciousness to find his life permanently altered. His sister is married to his best friend, much of society believes he is dead, and he is engaged to an unknown woman. Sam has no intention of carrying through with the marriage, as he wants a woman he can love.
 
In the meantime, Graham's younger sister, Daisy, has been promised to an earl since childhood. When rumors about her brother's marriage reach her chaperone, Daisy finds herself summarily exiled from her current situation. She takes refuge with her brother at Sam's house, where she renews her acquaintance with him.
 
I enjoyed the development of Sam and Daisy's relationship. It begins as a simple friendship, with Daisy keeping Sam company as he recovers. She witnesses his frustration with his sister's overprotectiveness and helps him with his secret attempts at rehabilitation. It doesn't take long for stronger feelings to grow between them, but neither is truly free to pursue those feelings. Sam must find a way to win his freedom that will satisfy Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and Daisy must overcome her ingrained need to please everyone else before attending to her own needs.
 
The resolution is well done as the Black Widow weaves her web and pulls the strings to gain her desired outcome. There were some tense moments as Sam and Daisy each carried out their tasks. Secondary characters Tristan Chase and Miss Smith provide a couple of twists in the plot. I suspect we will see them in a subsequent book. 

 
 
 

The Paradise Petition - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - July 2025)

Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle traded a colorful past for a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas, and their aim to spark a women's rights movement is raising eyebrows among the town's dumbfounded men. But among the ladies? Tired of being treated like possessions, they have two words: Amen, sister!
 
Beulah, a sassy shop owner as formidable as a cannon shot, is on board. So is Alma, a timid preacher's wife who hit her breaking point. Before long, a courageous female posse has a liberating petition of demands. Surprisingly, they also have an empathetic ear in sheep rancher Matt Maguire, who's as keen on women's independence as he is on Lily.
 
As Daisy and Lily make waves in the small town, their secrets threaten to come out. But they haven't traveled this far to let their past define them. In fact, with love and the forging of new lives on the line, they've never felt more defiant.
 
This was my first historical novel by Carolyn Brown. I am a huge fan of her contemporary stories, and this historical did not disappoint. I believe this is linked to the author's Sisters in Paradise series and upcoming The Paradise series.
 
Lily and Daisy formerly worked at The Paradise, a brothel in Spanish Fort, Texas. With the closing of the brothel, they pack up and move to Autrie, Texas, determined to start new lives as seamstresses, far from their old life. In addition to starting their business, they also plan to start their own women's rights movement. One of the first people they meet is Buelah, owner of the only general store. Outspoken as they come, Buelah is entirely on board with their plans.
 
I loved watching Lily and Daisy jump right into their plans. They don't back down when faced with the disapproval of some of the men. It isn't long before they're holding Women's Auxiliary meetings in their shop, and encouraging other women to stand up for themselves. When the men show no sign of changing their ways, the ladies go on strike. I loved watching them band together and support each other. The scenes of their efforts were fantastic. I loved the part with the rattlesnakes. I cheered for the part where the "shady ladies" from the saloon joined the movement, and loved how they were accepted into the group.
 
It was fun to see them assemble their list of demands and the reactions it received from the men in the town. I felt the reactions were realistic, and I enjoyed seeing the effects. It wasn't perfect, and things got complicated when Lily and Daisy's past came out. I loved the support they received and the solution to their problem. The concurrent stories of some of the other women added more depth to the characters and provided a variety of outcomes to their efforts.
 
There is also a little bit of romance in store for our intrepid suffragists. Neither Lily nor Daisy had plans for relationships. Past betrayals left them with trust issues. But local sheep farmers Matt and Claude Maguire had different ideas. From the moment he met her, Matt's admiration and respect for Lily were evident. Lily was wary, but couldn't deny her growing feelings for him. She worried about his reaction when she finally got around to telling him about her past. Claude was equally impressed with Daisy, and I loved how easily they connected. An unexpected revelation cleared the way for the futures Lily and Daisy had only dreamed of.
 
I'd love to see stories for the new arrivals and some of the secondary characters. 

 
 
 

Wilderness Search - Cindi Myers (HI #2307 - Sept 2025)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Unsolved Mysteries (Book 2)
 
A child disappears in the mountains
And reunites two people looking for answers…
 
Nurse Willa Ryan is shocked to discover Aaron Ames is a sheriff's deputy in Eagle Mountain. Aaron had been the love of her life -- until a tragedy tore them apart. But with a child missing in the Colorado wilderness, they must put aside the past and focus on bringing the girl home. As the high-stakes investigation leads them down one dark path after another, Willa and Aaron find comfort in their rekindled attraction. And when Willa also disappears, Aaron will scale every jagged rock to find her and make their reunion permanent.
 
Terrific book that grabbed my attention from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Willa and her brother moved to Eagle Mountain from Vermont, escaping the rumors that followed her brother after being accused of a crime he didn't commit. That false accusation also ended her relationship with Deputy Aaron Ames, one of the investigating officers. Willa is a nurse and part of the Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue team. The last thing Willa expected during a rescue mission was finding Aaron at the scene as an Eagle Mountain deputy.
 
Attraction still sparks between them, but Willa can't forget that Aaron was one of Gary's accusers. When a young girl disappears from a nearby camp, Aaron and Willa find themselves working together to find the girl. Aaron had never stopped caring for Willa, but was sure she would never forgive him for suspecting her brother. With a bit of time and distance from the events surrounding their breakup, and the feelings that continue to grow between them, Aaron and Willa had the opportunity to talk through the past and realize they'd never stopped loving each other.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. First was the suspicious death of a motorist who was also an employee of the camp. Then the disappearance of the girl, Olivia. Questions about whether she left on her own or was taken directed the investigation. The intensity ramped up with the revelation of disturbing information. I was glued to the pages when an unexpected twist followed Willa's disappearance. A very satisfying resolution led to the epilogue and the answer to one final question.
 
I look forward to seeing what is in store for the other two Ames brothers, Carter and Dalton. 

 

The Lyon Rampant - Elizabeth Keysian (Dragonblade - July 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 85)
 
She's pretending to be respectable.
Tricking her way into a gentlemen's card game isn't Belinda Bellamy's cleverest idea. Especially not when it's at the Lyon's Den, and one of the gamblers is a theatre owner who knows an actress when he sees one. Unmasked, Belinda's ploy to raise enough money for Mrs Dove-Lyon's services backfires badly. Instead of hiring the best matchmaker in London, Belinda is blackmailed into becoming her employee, and her hope of escaping her tragic past through marriage is shattered.
 
He's pretending not to be . . .
The man who's ruined Belinda's plan is the rich but ruthless Piers Darvill, a notorious rake whose secret suffering is concealed by a heart of steel. He's on the hunt for the woman hiding his young son. He'll use any means to find her, including a young street urchin called Tom and Roland Chetwynd, Belinda Bellamy's hapless chaperone and confidant.
 
Seeing Darvill as her nemesis, Belinda is determined to rescue Tom and free Roland from his obligations. But she has totally misunderstood Piers Darvill and ends up exiled and disgraced. Now he's the only one who can restore her to Society, but his help comes at a price: she must become his fake fiancée.
 
Will their false betrothal fool anyone? And what if it becomes more than an act? Belinda's scapegrace past could resurface, and Darvill will lose his last chance of finding his missing son.
 
This is a follow-on book to The Lyon and the Lamb. Belinda is the younger sister of the heroine of that book. She is determined to no longer be a burden to her sister and believes that Mrs. Dove-Lyon can help find her a husband. All she needs is the money to pay the fee. Rather than ask her sister for it, Belinda dresses like a man and talks her sister's brother-in-law into taking her to play at the Lyon's Den. She does well until one of the other players spots the deception and rats her out. Instead of winning the funds needed to hire her, Belinda ends up working in Mrs. Dove-Lyon's kitchen.
 
Piers is a wealthy theater owner and mine owner with a rakish reputation. His decision to expose the imposter in the card game was simply because he considered it cheating, and moved on. The majority of his focus is on his search for his former mistress and the son she bore him.
 
This isn't the usual matchmaking effort by the Black Widow. Here she throws them together and lets them work it out on their own. They begin as antagonists, especially Belinda, who holds a grudge against him for exposing her disguise. Her attitude leads her to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong, mistakenly interfering with Piers's search. Piers is understandably angry and frustrated, but also inexplicably drawn to her. When she joins him on his search, attempting to make amends, she realizes they have more in common than she expected. Traveling together intensifies their mutual attraction, leading to a reputation-protecting fake engagement.
 
I liked Piers. He wants to find his son and do the right thing by marrying the mother. I ached for him as more of his story unfolded. His rakish reputation is more talk than substance as he uses it for protection against matchmaking mamas. Despite his reputation, he has a protective streak that comes out as he spends more time with Belinda. I had a harder time warming up to Belinda. For a significant part of the book, she appeared self-centered, focused on her own wants, and bemoaned the consequences of her actions. She redeemed herself somewhat by the end of the book, but lost some points with her demands about his business.
 
The emotional ending brought the answers to questions, enabling Piers and Belinda to move ahead with their relationship. I liked the epilogue, with a fun little twist arranged by Mrs. Dove-Lyon.

 

Lei and the Fire Goddess - Malia Maunakea (Penguin - June 2023)

Series: Lei and the Legends (Book 1)
 
Curses aren't real.
 
At least, that's what twelve-year-old, part-Hawaiian Anna Leilani Kamaʻehu thinks when she listens to her grandmother's folktales about sacred flowers and family guardians. Anna's friends back home in Colorado don't believe in legends, either. They're more interested in science and sports -- real, tangible things that stand in total contrast to Anna's family's embarrassing stories.
 
So when Anna goes back to Hawaiʻi to visit her Tūtū, she has no interest in becoming the heir to her family's history; she's set on having a touristy, fun vacation. But when Anna accidentally insults Pele the fire goddess by destroying her lehua blossom, a giant hawk swoops in and kidnaps her best friend, and she quickly learns just how real these moʻolelo are. In order to save her friends and family, Anna must now battle mythical creatures, team up with demigods and talking bats, and evade the traps Pele hurls her way.
 
For if Anna hopes to undo the curse, she will have to dig deep into her Hawaiian roots and learn to embrace all of who she is.
 
I read this book at the recommendation of my daughter, a children's librarian, and I am so glad I did. Though I don't have a drop of Hawaiian blood, I was born in Honolulu and given a Hawaiian middle name. Hawaiian history and culture have always been part of my life. This book explores the land, history, and culture of the Islands in a fun way.
 
Anna/Lei is a twelve-year-old girl with a Hawaiian dad and a haole (white) mother. They moved off the island of Hawaii to Colorado several years earlier, but Anna visits her Tūtū (grandmother) every summer. She listens to the stories and legends of their family, which Anna rolls her eyes at. At home, she is into sports and science. On the rare occasions she mentions anything related to Hawaii, her classmates laugh. On her upcoming trip, Tūtū expects Anna to devote her time to learning more about the family history, but Anna would rather do touristy activities.
 
Anna is in a grouchy mood when she arrives on the island. The only bright spot is seeing her friend Kaipo. But even Kaipo isn't overly sympathetic to her frustration. In a fit of anger, Anna does the unthinkable - picks a flower sacred to the Fire Goddess, Pele. The earth trembles, a fissure of lava opens, and a giant hawk swoops down and carries Kaipo off. Anna realizes that maybe the old stories aren't just stories, and it is up to her to rescue her friend from Pele.
 
Anna is caught between her two worlds and is comfortable in neither of them. Now she must call upon her memories of the stories her Tūtū taught her and find a way to appease the goddess. Along the way, she picks up helpers - Ilikei, the snarky shapeshifting talking bat, and Makani, the wind. Ilikei is like a friend who can be very nice, but who also can be an annoying know-it-all. She pushes, teases, and challenges Anna all along the way, forcing her to confront the reality of her heritage. Makani is the helpful breeze that assists Anna in unusual ways.
 
I loved watching Anna experience her heritage up close and personal. At each step, it opens her eyes to its impact on her life. I was glued to the pages as she passed each quest, learning important lessons each time. The intensity built with each chapter, leading to the final showdown with Pele. I loved seeing Anna seamlessly blend her two worlds, utilizing skills from both to complete her quest. The showdown with Pele was a nail-biter with a twist I didn't expect.
 
In addition to the fun and adventure of this book, it also addresses Anna's struggles to blend her very different heritages into an identity that feels right to her. I enjoyed watching her embrace her Hawaiian side, including using her Hawaiian name with her new friends. There are also references to friendship issues back in Colorado that I hope will be addressed more in the next book.
 
The author's love for her island home is evident throughout the book. The descriptions of everything from the flowers and animals to the power of the volcano and the stories of the gods and goddesses made me feel as though I was there. 

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

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 
 
 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 
 

The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop - Annabel French (Avon - Aug 2025)

Series: The Floating Shop (Book 1)
 
One fresh start. One unexpected encounter. Can love bridge the gap?
 
When Rosie leaves behind her ordinary life in England to open a flower shop on Amsterdam's water, she expects nothing less than a fairytale.
 
Max, her handsome but brooding new neighbour, prefers to keep the world at arm's length - and living on the houseboat next door, he's not too thrilled about the new company.
 
As Rosie's business blossoms, so do her feelings for Max. But Rosie isn't sure she's ready for a relationship, and Max is still nursing a broken heart.
 
Then a rival in the flower market threatens her dreams, Rosie discovers that the most beautiful things can bloom when you learn to go with the flow - and allow someone to stand by your side.
 
Will Rosie and Max allow themselves to be swept away by love, or is their relationship doomed to sink before it can swim?
 
Sweet story of love, friendship, community, and new beginnings. Rosie inherited her late mother's love of plants and flowers. After several failed relationships and multiple boring, dead-end jobs, Rosie leaves it all behind in London to open a flower shop in Amsterdam.
 
Rosie is determinedly cheerful, impulsive, and a little bit naïve. She moves to Amsterdam with little more than some savings and a dream. She rents a houseboat to live in - one that's condition is not quite what was advertised. Her next-door neighbor is a gorgeous but grumpy artist with a perpetual scowl. And setting up a business in a foreign country where you don't speak the language is more complicated than she expected.
 
Very little gets Rosie down. She overcomes her shock at the condition of her houseboat, the Forget-Me-Knot (love the name!), and immediately sets out to make it habitable. Her initial exploration of the flower market nets her a friend who helps her navigate the process of setting up her business. It's not all hearts and rainbows, as Rosie faces several setbacks, from flooding in her houseboat to delivery mix-ups and a rival florist who causes trouble. Her positive attitude goes a long way toward overcoming these obstacles, thanks to the help of new friends. I especially enjoyed the parts with her rival, Finn. A devastating development with her houseboat nearly breaks her, but the blessings of friendship bring a heartwarming solution.
 
A relationship was the last thing Rosie was looking for, but it found her anyway. She's drawn to her neighbor Max, but his grumpiness initially discourages her. Early on, it seems that everything about her irritates him, but under the grumpy exterior is a man with a good heart. I liked seeing him step in to help on her houseboat and then introduce her to the city he loves. However, Max has his own emotional baggage that periodically gets in the way of his relationship with Rosie. Fortunately, these episodes don't last too long, and they continue to grow closer. I liked how it ended.
 
One of the book's best aspects was the author's vivid descriptions of the city, its culture, and its people. I visited Amsterdam several years ago, and this book brought back many pleasant memories.
 
The secondary characters were terrific. I loved how each brought out a different facet of Rosie's personality. I also liked Rosie's family dynamics. We get a glimpse of how her mother's death affected them all. I liked how Rosie encouraged her sister, Melody, to be a little bolder, and loved Rosie's weekly "dinners" with her dad. Each of Rosie's new friends highlighted another aspect of her personality. The epilogue was a terrific look at the results of her hard work and relationship-building. 

 

Lyon in the Way - Regina Jeffers (Dragonblade - June 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 83)
 
One man wants her dead. Another may love her forever.
 
For over a year, Lord Richard Orson has been quietly captivated by the unconventional Lady Emma Donoghue. Headstrong, brilliant, and unapologetically involved in causes that rattle Society's comfort, Emma is nothing like the debutantes he's expected to court.
 
But when he finds her bruised, confused, and alone in Covent Garden after midnight, Richard is thrust into a far more dangerous game.
 
Someone wants Emma silenced. And now, Richard has only moments to uncover the truth, protect her from harm, and keep her out of scandal's reach. But staying focused is harder than he imagined—especially when every glance, every accidental touch, reminds him how perfectly she fits in his arms.
 
As danger closes in and secrets are revealed, Richard must decide whether he's willing to risk his life—and his heart—for a woman who's always been worth the fight.
 
A good mix of slow-burn romance and suspense. This is the first of a five-book miniseries within the larger Lyon's Den collection, and a good introduction to the characters. Richard is one of five adopted "sons" of Lord Duncan. They were taken in as children to protect them from unscrupulous relatives. Lord Duncan is also an operative for the British government and trained them also to work for the Crown. This training proves particularly useful during the book.
 
Lady Emma is the daughter of a career diplomat who has spent the past decade out of the country, leaving Emma at home to be cared for by servants. She is intelligent, stubborn, and has strong opinions that she acts on with enthusiasm. Most recently, she joined others blocking the entrance to White's, calling out its members for their various sins. For more than a year, she has caught Richard's attention. Though he shakes his head at her antics, she fascinates him.
 
Matters become complicated when Richard finds Emma badly beaten and confused in Covent Garden. His protective instincts kick in, and he takes her to Duncan's home for care and protection. Emma doesn't remember anything about what happened to her. Richard and his brothers join forces to investigate what happened to her. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end. The nail-biting final confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
I liked Richard's care and understanding as Emma slowly recovered from the attack. The time they spend together allows them to get to know each other. Richard falls hard for her and struggles to maintain focus when she is near. Emma's feelings for Richard grow, but she hesitates to give in while her memories remain elusive. I enjoyed their interactions and seeing how they balance each other. The ending had a cute twist that suited their relationship.
 
There is a secondary mystery that runs through the book. A mysterious assailant shot Lord Duncan at the beginning of the story. The brothers are determined to bring the shooter to justice, but clues are hard to find. The epilogue provides a hint of what is to come in future books.