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

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

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

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

 

A Hero's Return - Carrie Nichols (HSE #3107 - Sept 2025)

Series: Finding Forever in Sandy Shores (Book 1)
 
He knows how to be brave on a battlefield
Now he has to be brave with his heart
 
Years of military service taught decorated veteran Braden Sullivan how to be strong. It didn't teach him how to be vulnerable. Back in his Oregon hometown, with a job as a helicopter pilot and a two-family home to renovate, he's not at all prepared for his heart to take flight after meeting his tenant, Cassie Donovan. The widowed single mom is beautiful, charming…and terrified of loving another pilot after losing her husband in a crash. Overcoming her fears and his own uncertainties will take courage -- but isn't that what a hero soldier is for?
 
Good story of starting over. Cassie and her preteen daughter, Amelia, moved across the country from Massachusetts to Oregon three years after the death of her airline pilot husband. They needed a fresh start after the investigation's results became public. Cassie's sister lives in Sandy Shores, suggested they move there, and found them a place to rent.
 
Cassie's landlord is Braden, a veteran who moved back to his hometown to take care of the sister who helped raise him. After her death, he renovated her house and rented part of it to newcomer Cassie. He uses his military experience as a helicopter pilot in his new career with the fire department.
 
I enjoyed the first meeting between Cassie and Braden. Cassie is in the backyard right after they arrive, giving Amelia's Flemish rabbit some time out of his carrier when Braden appears. Immediately intrigued by her, the suddenness of it disturbs him, and his reaction to her isn't exactly welcoming. Cassie responds with her own snark, leaving both to wonder whether the arrangement will work out. Fortunately, Braden's conscience leads him to make amends quickly, which leads to a growing friendship.
 
There was a sweet connection between Braden and Amelia. I loved how lovely he was with her and how encouraging he was as she adjusted to her new life. His care for her touched Cassie's heart, and began to break down her walls. I enjoyed how they bonded over repairs and dinners as they slowly got to know each other.
 
But both have baggage that makes them wary of involvement. Although others look up to him as a hero, Braden's past haunts him, leading him to believe he is unworthy. He hesitates over declaring his feelings. It takes a heartwarming conversation with a special little girl to open his eyes. At the same time, Cassie wavers over the risks of giving her heart to another pilot, especially one with a dangerous job. She also had to face her fears and decide if she was willing to take a chance on happiness. The ending was terrific, and I loved the epilogue.
 
Cassie's daughter, Amelia, was terrific. She was mature for her age, thanks to the loss of her father, but still believable as a character. I liked how she connected with Braden and how he always treated her with respect. Her commentary on their relationship was fantastic.

 

Forbidden Fling with the Princess - Amy Andrews (HMED #1483 - Sept 2025)

Series: Royally Tempted (Book 2)
 
OFF LIMITS BUT IRRESISTIBLE…
 
World-class obstetric surgeon Edmund is furious that his long-awaited Seychelles retreat is hijacked by a helicopter carrying a smart-ass (if stunning) princess! Xiomara is determined to engage Edmund to save her cousin the King's unborn twins. He takes some persuading! Now in London together, a powerful attraction develops, and Xiomara learns Edmund's talents go far beyond surgery. He makes her feel empowered and free -- in every sense! Until the paparazzi discover their secret affair, reminding them they come from impossibly different worlds…
 
Fun and emotional story. Edmund, a famous obstetric surgeon, is enjoying his first vacation in five years when a helicopter carrying a determined princess interrupts his relaxation. Princess Xiomara needs his expertise to save her cousin, the King's unborn twins, and she won't take no for an answer.
 
I loved the first meeting between Edmund and Xio. He was not happy about the interruption, and she was determined to get her way. The back-and-forth of their "negotiation" was amusing, with Xio's offers becoming more and more excessive and Edmund's refusal to budge growing stronger, until she found the key to his cooperation. Once he decided to help, Edmund was all in, and matters moved swiftly.
 
I enjoyed the development of Edmund and Xio's relationship. The sparks flew from the moment they met, but their lives are so different that only a brief fling is possible. However, the more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings grow. Xio sees the man behind the fame, and likes what she sees. Edmund sees Xio as a woman, not just a princess, and gives her a taste of what life beyond the palace has to offer. But can Xio pry herself away from devoting herself to her country and grab at a chance for happiness and a different life? And can Edmund find a balance between the work that fulfills him and the family life that he yearns for? The emotional journey to their HEA was well done and believable.
 
I enjoyed the secondary characters. Despite their worry about the unborn babies, the King and his wife are not oblivious to what is happening between Edmund and Xio. I loved the little nudges and knowing looks that showed how much they wanted Xio's happiness. I also liked Xio's head of security, Xavier. He was unexpectedly mellow in his efforts to protect, and I loved how he aided and abetted Edmund and Xio's getaway.
 
This being a book in Harlequin's medical series, the core motivation was an intriguing health crisis. I had never heard of this particular issue and found the explanation and treatment fascinating. 

 
 
 
 
 

The Highlander's Mysterious Maiden - Nicole Locke (HH #1878 - Sept 2025)

Series: Lovers and Highlanders (Book 3)
 
A defiant Highland lass
To awaken the brooding warrior
 
Seoc of Clan Graham knows his scars run deep. How else to explain the emptiness he's felt inside since the battle that almost killed him? Nothing -- and no one -- has interested him, until the arrival of a beautiful and intriguing stranger on Beltane night…
 
Barabal has spent her life moving from clan to clan, always seeking but never finding a place to belong. Yet the Graham clan, and gruff Seoc in particular, call to her. Still, she's been abandoned before and is wary of drawing Seoc close, unless he can prove he won't abandon her too…
 
The blurb on this book intrigued me. Seoc is a warrior recovering from injuries and haunted by events that he blames on himself. His physical recovery has been slow, and his mental recovery even slower. He can't find anything or anyone that stirs his interest outside of his mead-making. That changes on Beltane night when a stranger arrives in the village.
 
Barabal has been on the move most of her life. After losing her parents as a child and being separated from her brothers, she's been looking for a place to belong. She arrives in the Graham village late on Beltane evening, hoping to make herself useful enough to be accepted.
 
I wanted to like this book. Seoc touched my heart with his survivor's guilt and his longing to feel normal again. His friends worry about him, but he can't pull himself out of his funk. Even during the celebrations, he remains on the edges. Then he's confronted by a beautiful stranger, and everything changes. Barabal sees a woman kidnapped, and no one else seems to notice or care. When she spots Seoc standing alone, she confronts him about the event and harangues him about not helping. She's blunt and rude and shocked that he is more interested in attempting to kiss her than helping the victim. She's unsure if she should try to stay or keep moving on.
 
Barabal was one of the most unlikable characters I have read in a long time. She wants to find a place to belong, but she is rude, abrasive, a know-it-all with no tact, and suspicious of everyone. Offers of help are met with skepticism and sarcasm. I kept waiting for her to see the possibilities and let go of the attitude, but I saw only minor changes.
 
Watching Barabal and Seoc's relationship develop was frequently painful and frustrating. She fascinates Seoc, and he can't stay away from her, even as she tries to avoid him. He stirs something in her, but trust is hard to come by. I liked how he tried to watch over her and help her even though she kept pushing him away. He sees past the harsh façade to the vulnerable woman, but is unsure how to reach her. Misunderstandings due to poor communication created tension. Sparks of attraction flare up, but even those lead to more misunderstandings. A well-meaning surprise engineered by Seoc backfires, but eventually leads to an emotional ending.
 
I liked the secondary characters, who were most likely the centerpieces of the other books in the series. I liked how the women accepted Barabal and tried to connect with her. There was a poignant scene that involved a couple of jugs of mead and some conversation about her past, which emphasized their empathy and understanding. I think there is hope for a strong friendship with them and Barabal in the future, especially if she can lose the attitude. I liked Seoc's friends and how they worried about him. 

 

Duty Compromised - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - Nov 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 3)
 
Ty Hughes handles the most dangerous protection assignments on the planet—it's what Citadel Solutions is built for. So babysitting some old computer scientist for a few weeks?
 
Boring as hell, but no problem.
 
Until he meets Dr. Charlotte Gifford.
 
She's not the gray-haired researcher Tyler expected—she's young, brilliant, and gets adorably flustered every time he looks at her. When her quantum-encrypted signal research is stolen by terrorists, someone wants her dead before she can rebuild what they need.
 
Charlotte has spent her whole life in labs, more comfortable with code than people. She eats lunch alone, speaks in programming logic when nervous, and definitely doesn't know what to do with a bodyguard who makes her forget her own name.
 
Now they're on the run with assassins on their trail and a traitor somewhere in her inner circle. Charlotte can reconstruct the tech that could save thousands—if Tyler can keep her alive long enough.
 
She's a genius with code, not running from terrorists.
He's trained for warfare, not falling for the woman he's protecting.
 
But when every ally becomes suspect and death waits around each corner, breaking all the rules might be their only chance at survival.
 
Another fantastic book in the Citadel Solutions series, and this may be the best one yet. The action was fast-paced, the suspense was intense, and the romance was adorable. The story is told from the dual first-person perspectives of Ty and Charlotte. The action scenes are especially vivid and made me feel as though I was right in the middle of it.
 
Recovering from injuries received on his last mission (Duty Devoted), Ty is on forced medical leave and going stir crazy. When an FBI friend asks him to watch over a scientist for a couple of weeks, he jumps at the chance. Hanging out in a lab should be an easy way to keep busy. The job turns complicated when the scientist becomes the target of terrorists who want to weaponize her work.
 
Charlotte is the picture of the absent-minded scientist. She is brilliant, having earned two doctorates by the time she was twenty. She gets so immersed in her work that the world around her disappears. She is uncomfortable around people, slips into scientific speech when nervous, and avoids social situations like the plague.
 
I loved the first meeting between Charlotte and Ty. He mistakes her for a receptionist, and he so discombobulates her that she comes across as a total ditz. Ty expected an older researcher, not a beautiful young woman he finds intriguing and adorable. The attraction between them is evident from the beginning, but Charlotte is unsure how to handle it, and Ty struggles to maintain a professional demeanor.
 
When word comes that her stolen program is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, Charlotte has days to come up with a program that will neutralize the threat. Ty's job is to keep her safe while she does it. That isn't easy, as the other side is determined to keep her from succeeding, and their efforts become increasingly dangerous. While struggling to stay one step ahead of the terrorists, Ty realizes that someone on the inside is working against them. I was glued to the pages as they raced toward a stunning climax. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
 
I loved watching Ty and Charlotte's relationship develop. They are so different that it seems impossible for them to work as a couple. Ty is protective, and his observational skills enable him to adapt to their constantly changing circumstances. Charlotte is brilliant at what she does, but needs Ty to keep her safe. I loved watching Ty see past Charlotte's outer scientist to the vulnerable woman inside. His methods of caring for her were sweet and demonstrated his understanding of her. He's a little freaked out by his growing feelings for her because of his insecurities about his education.
 
Meanwhile, Charlotte finally identifies the feelings Ty stirs in her. She has trouble believing that a man like him is interested in her awkward self. I loved how they saw the best in each other. Charlotte is in awe of Ty's people skills, which she has never possessed, while Ty is blown away by Charlotte's intelligence and resilience. Together they make an unbeatable team. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was fantastic. I loved seeing the changes that being together brought to both of them.
 
I enjoyed seeing more of the Citadel Solutions gang. There isn't much at the beginning, as Ty took the bodyguard job without telling his boss (Ethan) and the others about it. Eventually, he realizes that he needs help. I laughed out loud at what happened when he finally got the courage to call. I loved seeing everyone jump in to help, and how each person's specialty played a role in the final takedown. I enjoyed meeting Ty's brother, Donovan, and look forward to getting to know him better in future books.