Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #3038 - Mar 2024)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Book 3)
 
Not looking for a hero…
But she found one!
 
When pregnant widow Courtney Meadows steals away from her duplicitous in-laws in the dead of night, she has one goal: to protect her baby. An unexpected car breakdown miles away and a looming hurricane are the last things she needs! Enter a gruff knight in shining armor in Officer Brigg Harrington. Courtney's compelled by the lawman's compassion and integrity…and she has to admit he makes her pulse race in a way no one has since the tragic death of her firefighter husband. But can a woman as independent and wounded as Courtney let anyone else into her life again -- especially another man courting danger in uniform?
 
Widowed and pregnant, Courtney caught my attention from the first page. After overhearing her in-laws plotting to seize custody of her baby, she sneaked away from their home in the wee hours of the morning. Her destination - her sister's apartment in Ft. Lauderdale. Unfortunately, her car broke down on the way, stranding her on the side of the road. She's rescued by police officer Brigg Harrington, who shelters her in his home.
 
I enjoyed watching Courtney and Brigg's relationship develop. There is no way Brigg can abandon the pregnant beauty. What he doesn't expect is the compulsion he feels to watch over her or the intense attraction when she is near. At the same time, Courtney tries to bury the feelings Brigg stirs in her. The last thing she wants is to fall for another man with a dangerous job.
 
They cannot deny the connection they feel from the beginning, nor their fast friendship. But Courtney is still determined to continue to her sister's place. However, the baby's early arrival keeps her in town longer than planned. Brigg shows Courtney that he is interested in seeing where their relationship is going, but she is wary of risking her heart again. Brigg's plan for twenty-eight dates while they wait for Jayson to get out of the hospital is a clever way for them to get to know each other better. I loved seeing Brigg fall under the baby's spell.
 
A tense situation that put Brigg in danger resurrected Courtney's fears, driving a wedge between them. I ached for both as they faced the future without each other. I loved seeing their loved ones help them see past the obstacles keeping them apart with some well-placed advice. The conclusion was sweet and emotional.
 
I liked spending more time with the Harrington family. The dynamics between the brothers are fun - lots of teasing but all the support needed when things get tough. It was fun to see the couples from the earlier books, especially watching the brothers give advice to Brigg. 

An Alaskan Arrangement - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #3083 - Mar 2025)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Book 4)
 
It was smooth sailing
Until they tied the knot.
 
When cruise ship assistant manager Kaylin Sampson is passed over for a promotion, she takes a break to regroup. And when her sexy ex offers to reignite their old fling and accompany her on an Alaskan adventure, Kaylin can't say no. Ethan Harrington knows how to get her out of her funk. Fun is the theme for the week, down to the white water rafting and their fabulous old-timey fake wedding. Except the paperwork is genuine -- and now two commitment-phobes are married. The real question is, will it be for better or for worse?
 
Good second chance story. Kaylin and Ethan met when her sister married his brother. The sparks between them were instant and intense, and they had a good time giving in to them. Neither is interested in anything permanent. Ethan isn't ready to give up his bachelor ways, and Kaylin's childhood left her determined not to depend on anyone other than herself. But when Kaylin realized Ethan occupied her thoughts more than she liked, she broke things off to protect her heart.
 
Back on the cruise ship where she works as an assistant manager, Kaylin learns that she was passed over for the promotion she wanted. Disappointed, she takes a well-deserved vacation, a cruise to Alaska. Meanwhile, back in Florida, Ethan hasn't been able to forget his time with Kaylin. When he hears about her disappointment and her cruise plans, he decides to show up on the cruise and see if they can pick up where they left off.
 
Kaylin is not exactly pleased by Ethan's arrival. She has buried herself in work, trying to drive him from her thoughts. Unexpected circumstances result in them sharing a suite on the ship, and Ethan convinces her to participate in excursions with him. One excursion results in them missing the boat and being stranded in a small town. Matters get complicated when the only available inn requires couples to be married if they share a room. (Okay, that's a bit of a stretch, but it was a cute concept). Unfortunately, the wedding they thought was pretend for appearances was legit. Now what?
 
Though they plan a quick divorce after the trip, they spend the rest of their time in Alaska playing newlyweds in all ways. After the "honeymoon" ends, they are in no rush to end things. I enjoyed seeing them grow closer and eventually admit their feelings for each other. But Kaylin's insecurities flare up over career decisions. There is trouble in paradise when her needs run into Ethan's pride. I understood Kaylin's decision and wanted to shake Ethan for being so blind. I loved the ending and seeing both realize their mistakes. Their reunion was sweet and emotional, with a nice little surprise.
 
Family is a big theme in this book. Kaylin and her sister Courtney had an awful childhood, and their bond is undeniable. They have had only one another to depend on for most of their lives. I loved how they supported each other through good and bad times. Ethan's family of seven brothers are also very close. Their interactions are terrific, whether they are teasing each other or providing support.