Duty Unbound - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - June 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 1)
 
Duty was supposed to be simple -- until she walked into his mission.
 
Ethan Cross doesn't get emotionally involved. As the head of Citadel Solutions, he handles high-stakes security with military precision and zero distractions. Protecting international pop star Nova Rivers from a dangerous stalker? Just another job.
 
Until he meets her sister.
 
Melanie Rivers is the quiet force behind Nova's chaotic empire -- efficient, invisible, and utterly selfless. She's spent her life in the shadows, sacrificing her dreams to hold her family together.
 
But Ethan notices what no one else does -- the way she shoulders everyone's burdens without complaint, the quiet fire burning beneath her calm exterior. She's not the client. She's not part of the mission. Yet the longer he's near her, the harder it gets to remember the lines he swore he'd never cross.
 
But in an industry full of secrets, danger lurks closer than anyone suspects. And one wrong move could cost them everything.
 
He was hired to keep one woman safe… but the one he can't stop thinking about might be the one who brings him to his knees.
 
When two of my favorite romantic suspense authors recommend a brand-new author, it is definitely motivation to try them. I was not disappointed, as this book reminded me of Janie Crouch's Linear Tactical books and Josie Jade's Resting Warrior Ranch series. The characters were complex, and the action scenes kept me glued to the pages.
 
Ethan is the founder and head of Citadel Solutions, the elite security firm he started after he left the military. He has a reputation for being cool under fire and impossible to distract. If he's haunted by the things he experienced, well, staying busy keeps the ghosts at bay. Being hired to protect pop star and diva Nova Rivers is just another day at the office.
 
Nova's sister, Mel, has devoted her life to making Nova's dreams come true. She's quiet, blends into the background, and puts everyone else's needs before her own.
 
Ethan's first meeting with Nova and Mel doesn't go well. Nova laughs off the idea of a dangerous stalker, resists any notion of restricting her activities, and generally behaves like a spoiled brat. Mel's business-focused attitude rubs Ethan the wrong way because she reminds him of his ex-fiancée. He turns down the job initially, but reconsiders when the stalker strikes again.
 
The mix of suspense and romance was very well done. Ethan and his team settle in to protect Nova and Mel while investigating the stalking situation. As he spends more time with them, Ethan begins to see them differently. He is drawn unwillingly to Mel, seeing past her professional façade to her warm, caring nature. Mel doesn't know what to think about Ethan. He's the first person to see her, from her growing exhaustion and burnout to the dreams of home and family portrayed in her paintings. At the same time, Mel sees past Ethan's control to the memories that haunt him. I liked seeing how happy he was when he was with her.
 
The suspense builds as they prepare for Nova's multi-city tour. Each city brings new challenges and escalating threats. Each one added more intensity to the team's determination to identify and stop whoever is behind them. Just as I thought I had it figured out, an unexpected twist threw my theory out the window. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages to the end.
 
Once the danger is past, Ethan and Mel will have to decide if their burgeoning relationship has a future. I liked their honesty with each other and seeing how they worked things out. The epilogue was terrific and I can't wait to see them in future books.

Meet Me in the Orchard - Carolyn Brown (Sourcebooks - Aug 2025)

Series: The Paradise (Book 1)
 
Two and a half months have passed since Brodie Carter showed up in Spanish Fort, Texas to meet the father who never knew he even existed. Well, family is family, and Brodie is welcomed in (once everyone gets over their shock). Getting to know his seven half sisters and all their spouses has not been an easy job. Add to that Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard next to his. Between Audrey haggling Brodie to buy his property and his matchmaking Great Aunt Bernie setting him up on flop dates, nothing seems to be going right.
 
And then a tornado demolishes the house Brodie and his brothers live in and everything they own. At least the orchard and farm are left untouched. Luckily, his new family offers up rooms to Brodie and his brothers while they work to rebuild. They move into the former brothel known as the Paradise, and try to get on with their lives.
 
Audrey claims the storm is an omen that Brodie should sell, but that's the last thing he's going to do. No one boils his blood like she does, and Aunt Bernie can see it. Can Brodie and Audrey stop arguing over their properties long enough to realize the spark that's growing between them?
 
Fun enemies-to-lovers, family-centric romance. In the previous series (which I haven't read yet), Brodie came to Spanish Fort to find his biological father. Once Joe Clay and his family got over the shock, they embraced Brodie and his two brothers. Brodie bought an organic orchard that was once part of a feuding family's land. He's determined to make a go of the orchard, but matters are complicated by the woman who owns the land next door, and a tornado that levels his house. His family invites Brodie, Knox, and Tripp to move into their home until they rebuild.
 
Audrey wants that land back in the family. The backstory of how it came to be split was a vital part of the story. She constantly harasses Brodie about selling to her. Audrey's great aunt Hettie lives with her and hates Brodie's family with every fiber of her being. She pushes Audrey even harder to get the land back.
 
Audrey and Brodie's encounters are antagonistic from the start. She pressures him to sell to her, telling him he'll never succeed, and mocks his organic principles. But underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither wants to acknowledge - until they can no longer resist. Their interactions are particularly enjoyable, especially in scenes like Brodie's blind date and the encounter with the stray pot-bellied pig. Their antagonism diminishes as they get to know each other, and friendship grows, with stronger feelings not far behind. I appreciated how they took their time getting to know each other, ensuring their feelings were genuine rather than reactionary.
 
Their lives and relationship become complicated by their families. Brodie's Aunt Bernie is an unrepentant matchmaker, determined to find him a wife - anyone except her nemesis's niece, Audrey. Audrey's Aunt Hettie is even more vocal about her disgust for Aunt Bernie, who used to own a bar, and whose family owns the house that used to be a high-end bordello a hundred years ago. I enjoyed watching Audrey and Brodie navigate the obstacles and find their path to happiness. There are twists involving Hettie and Bernie that caught me by surprise and added both tension and hilarity to the story. I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of Brodie and Audrey in future books.
 
Though I haven't read the previous series, Sisters of the Paradise, I never felt lost. References to the past usually came with enough explanation to understand the connection. I thoroughly enjoyed the family relationships on Brodie's side of the family. I liked how the sisters and their husbands jumped in to help when the tornado leveled Brodie's house, including assisting with the rebuilding. Aunt Bernie was a hoot with her matchmaking attempts, and her feud with Hettie provided some wild scenes. I liked Brodie's brothers. The relationships among the three brothers were close, giving support, teasing, and the occasional kick in the pants. I loved how they were just as welcomed into the family as Brodie, even though they are not blood-related. I look forward to Tripp and Knox's stories.
 
For Audrey, the family mainly includes just her and Aunt Hettie. There is a cousin that Audrey has little contact with because of the family feud. Audrey promised her uncle she'd care for Hettie after his death, but it isn't always easy. Hettie isn't just contrary; she can be downright mean, which frequently frustrates Audrey. I liked seeing Audrey stand up to her in the end, but I didn't like Hettie's reaction or her actions. That's one character I wouldn't mind never seeing again. 

 
 
 
 
 

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. 

 
 
 

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. 

 

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 Summer That Shaped Us - Lori Wilde (HarperCollins - Apr 2025)

Series: Hobby Island (Book 1)
 
In the Gulf of Mexico, near South Padre, sits a private island with a bit of a magic about it: the colors are brighter, the food tastes better, and turtles and cranes find sanctuary there. The billionaire heiress who built the thriving resort on Hobby Island exclusively for crafters, Eloisa Hobby, is as much a mystery as she is a mentor. Those with troubles are invited in the aftermath of an emotional turmoil, and with help from the other crafters on the island Eloisa acts as a sounding board while she gently and unobtrusively guides the visitors toward healthy resolutions in their lives. Only a few receive the honor of a golden ticket.
 
Luna, ever the pragmatist, is reeling in the wake of tragedy: she's just moved with her fierce, opinionated teenage daughter Artemis to her mother's house, after they lost their husband and father. But her mother, Jeanie, artistic and sensitive, has faced her own troubles recently, and her home may not be the stable sanctuary the three women so desperately need.
 
When Jeanie receives one of the coveted tickets, inviting her and her family to Hobby Island, the blessing is one they can't turn down, though both Luna and Artie remain skeptical of their eccentric host and benefactor. Together, the three of them will have to learn to trust one another again, accept help from those who love them, and embrace life -- during a summer they'll never forget.
 
The premise of this book was interesting. It is a private island, a place for crafters of all kinds to get together, share their projects, and learn from each other. It is peaceful and beautiful, with people who look out for each other. The owner, Eloisa, has a knack for helping struggling people. She invites a few special people to an all-expenses paid vacation on the island each year.
 
Jeanie is a quilter who received one of those invitations, which includes her daughter Luna and granddaughter Artemis. The entire family has had a rough time lately. Luna's husband was murdered, and she discovered that he had lost everything gambling. She and Artie had to move in with Jeanie. Artie is struggling with grief over her father's death. Meanwhile, Jeanie fell victim to a scam artist and is on the brink of losing her home.
 
I enjoyed watching the changes the three women experienced. Artie is almost sixteen and none too thrilled to be there. There is no internet, and cell phone service is practically non-existent. She's quite the brat at the beginning of the book, but meeting a new friend opens her eyes to a life outside a screen. There is some typical teenage eye-rolling and snark, but Artie is, at heart, a good kid. I loved seeing her and the other girl, Orion, get to know each other. Their collaboration on an art project for the contest was intriguing.
 
Jeanie is a people pleaser. Her backstory was heartbreaking, between her unstable childhood and her alcoholic husband. She and Luna have a strained relationship, but they need each other. She must win the craft contest's grand prize to save her home. I loved her confidence in her quilting skills and ached for her lack of belief in her design skills for a contest-worthy quilt.
 
Luna has difficulty trusting people.. Her difficult childhood, combined with her husband's betrayal, makes allowing anyone to get close a challenge. She is overprotective toward Artie, which strains their relationship. Luna also looks sideways at how easily Jeanie makes friends with total strangers. She is wary of the exuberant residents of Hobby Island, wondering what darkness lies beneath the smiles. The last person Luna expects to encounter on Hobby Island is her high school boyfriend, Paul.
 
I liked Paul. A single dad, he moved to Hobby Island to be near his Aunt Eloisa and have her help raising his daughter, Orion. He's in charge of the landscaping, the golf carts (no cars), and security. His past with Luna is an integral part of the book as they reconnect and deal with that past. Paul is a great guy, a terrific dad, and has an excellent outlook on life.
 
I enjoyed the story's progression as the island works its magic on Jeanie, Luna, and Artie. I especially liked seeing Jeanie and Luna work together to design the quilt Jeanie will make for the contest. Their time together brings them closer than they've been in years but also stirs up some unwelcome memories.
 
I enjoyed watching Paul and Luna reconnect. It doesn't take long to resurrect their feelings from the past, but Luna is wary of believing a future is possible for them. I loved Paul's patience with her fears and his steady encouragement to let go of them.
 
The story's intensity built as the competition's time grew closer. A crisis with Artie resurrected Luna's fears, causing her to push Paul away. I liked the advice Luna got that helped her move past the obstacles that were holding her back. Twists and turns add intrigue to the contest with a surprise conclusion. I loved the epilogue.
 
The island itself was one of my favorite characters. The little village of craft shops has something for everyone and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages creativity. The descriptions of the flowers were so vivid I could practically smell them, and the scene with the butterflies was fantastic. Wicked Martha, the left sock-stealing tortoise, was a surprise. I also enjoyed the quirky residents, such as the knitting-while-riding-a-unicycle Eloisa and "Auntie" Dot. I'm looking forward to another visit to Hobby Island. 

Spilling the Tea - Brenda Jackson (HQN - Apr 2025)

Series: Madaris Family (Book 23)
 
Ninety-something Mama Laverne is determined to find all of her great-grandchildren their perfect match before going home to glory. So far, her success rate is 100 percent -- and she intends to keep it that way.
 
After sustaining injuries in Iraq, Chancellor Madaris was told he'd never walk again. Chance credits his great-grandmother Mama Laverne with giving him the will to heal and prove the doctors wrong. He has a healthy respect for her meddling ways and knows he'll eventually end up next on her matchmaking list.
 
When Zoey Pritchard was eight, she survived a car accident that took the lives of her mother and father, and was sent to live with her great-aunt who refused to speak about her parents. Zoey has no memory from before the crash, but she's been having the same dream over and over…
 
Searching for answers, Zoey travels to Houston, where she uncovers a scandal involving her parents and the wealthy and powerful Madaris family. Her trail leads her straight to Chance's door. The dislike and intense attraction are instant and simultaneous. But to help Zoey restore her memory, he grudgingly introduces her to his great-grandmother…
 
Was it chance, or Mama Laverne's plan, that threw this pair together?
 
Terrific book. I have read a few of the Madaris family books, but I need to read the others. Mama Laverne, matriarch of the family, vowed to find perfect matches for all her great-grandchildren. She has a 100 percent success rate so far, but some of the guys are determined to foil her efforts. The prologue of this book opens with Chance and his cousin, Corbin, discussing the problem. Corbin's precautions are over-the-top, while Chance accepts that he will eventually end up on her list.
 
Thanks to a broken engagement, Chance is in no hurry as he has trust issues. He served in the military, and when he came home in a wheelchair, unable to walk, his fiancée walked away. He credits Mama Laverne with motivating him to prove the doctors wrong. He's back to normal, physically, but limits himself to one-night stands.
 
We also meet Zoey. Injured in a car accident that killed her parents when she was eight, she has no memory of her life before the accident. Zoey was raised by her aunt, who refused to discuss her parents. She is now an orthopedic surgeon and professor at Johns Hopkins. When her aunt dies, Zoey finds some information about her parents that sends her to a ranch near Houston, looking for answers.
 
The first meeting between Chance and Zoey doesn't go well. Chance jumps to conclusions about Zoey, which angered her. I enjoyed watching her tear into him and call him out on it. Once he learns what she is looking for, Chance introduces her to Mama Laverne.
 
The book is a terrific mix of present and past, as Laverne remembers the events that happened between the two families. The past is rife with tragedy, lies, and heartbreak, and I ached for these ancestors of the present-day characters. Laverne kept these secrets for many years, but it may be time to lay the past to rest.
 
I loved watching Zoey learn about her past. For the past several months, she's had flashes of what might be memories of her parents. Those flashes occur more frequently now; she believes they are actual memories, not wishful thinking. Zoey receives family photo albums and diaries that her mother's best friend saved. These items play a critical role in Zoey's discoveries.
 
I enjoyed seeing Chance and Zoey's relationship develop. Underneath their initial antagonism were intense sparks of attraction. But Chance doesn't do relationships, and Zoey doesn't do meaningless flings, so they try to bury their feelings. However, they spend a lot of time together, and as friendship grows, so do their feelings. It was amusing to see Chance work so hard at denying what he felt when everyone around him could see he was falling for her. Zoey recognizes her feelings sooner. Things start to look up for them until Chance's ex-fiancée shows up, determined to take him back.
 
As more of the past comes to light, Laverne must decide how many secrets she will divulge. Matters become complicated when a surprise connection turns dangerous to Laverne and Zoey. That confrontation was intense and unexpected, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. The ending was sweet and emotional. I loved seeing Zoey and Chance overcome the obstacles of their pasts. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved the conversation between Zoey and Laverne.
 
The author writes about wonderful family relationships. The relationship dynamics of the past were fascinating, with love, jealousy, honor, and stubborn pride playing a role. The current family illustrates its close ties with how they support each other, look out for each other, and occasionally call each other out when needed. Throughout it all, it is clear that Mama Laverne is the glue that holds them together.

 

Bodyguard Rancher - Kacy Cross (HRS #2308 - Jan 2025)

Series: Secrets of Hidden Creek Ranch (Book 2)
 
It's his job to protect her
Will she let him?
 
A former Navy SEAL, Heath McKay knows how to stay cool in life-and-death situations. Keeping Charli Lang safe while archaeologists dig up the treasure buried on her ranch should be easy. But Charli might prove to be more than he can handle. She doesn't want a bodyguard, even one posing as an undercover rancher, and she's as captivating as she is contrary. Wagering that he can change her mind within three weeks seems like the perfect way to keep her close -- until their romantic sparring starts to feel like the real thing….
 
In the previous book (Undercover Cowboy Protector), stolen artifacts were found on ranch property. Now, the place is crawling with archaeologists and their staff, interfering with the sisters' plans for the ranch. Although an attempt to steal the items failed in the first book, and the culprit was captured, security is still tight for the sisters.
 
Heath is the bodyguard assigned to watch over Charli. A former SEAL, he was known as "The Enforcer" on his team. Unfortunately for him, Charli doesn't want a bodyguard and delights in giving him the slip. That ends when she attempts to fight off a handsy archaeologist and Heath steps in, and then Heath discovers an unknown someone watching the activities on the ranch. The situation becomes more complicated when a gold jaguar figure is found.
 
The tension between Charli and Heath leaps off the page. The sparks of attraction between them are unexpected and unwelcome. Charli recently left a bad relationship, and Heath is in love with another woman. However, Heath bets Charli that he can change her mind about men's trustworthiness in three weeks, while she maintains that he can't.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Whenever Charli is near him, she scrambles Heath's mind, which he finds incredibly frustrating when trying to keep her safe. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow. I liked how they shared their past relationship problems and loved the reactions to the so-called issues. Neither one wants to admit to their growing feelings for each other, preferring to call it "practice" for Heath to regain his old girlfriend. But when the ex-girlfriend, Margot, shows up, Charli's old insecurities flare up, and she pulls away. Meanwhile, Heath must decide if he still loves Margot or if his heart has discovered a better home. I loved Heath's "aha" moment; his bet pay-off scene at the end was fantastic.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. The discovery of a second jaguar figure ramped up the danger as it became evident that someone wanted them. When someone succeeded in stealing the statues, Heath immediately set out to find them. It didn't take long for him to figure out the culprit. The final confrontation was intense, but I did not doubt how it would turn out.
 
I liked the epilogue and look forward to Veronica's story.

Love Letters from Her Cowboy - Sasha Summers (HSE #3075 Jan 2025)

Series: Texas Cowboys and K-9s (Book 7)
 
He may be an aloof cowboy…
But still waters run deep!
 
Practical cowboy Dougal McCarrick sure didn't believe in things like love at first sight. But the moment he sets eyes on Emory Swanson and the injured dog she's rescuing, Dougal can't help but be captivated by the beautiful Granite Falls newcomer with the mournful eyes. So much so that the shy rancher pours his feelings out in letters. Racked with guilt over her husband's death, Emory's still paying penance for the past. Why does she deserve the beautiful words of a mysterious cowboy poet? Dougal may just be the one to melt the ice from her heart…and in the process, capture his own elusive and forever love.
 
Sweet holiday romance with enough heat to warm your heart. Emory came to Granite Falls for a new start after her husband's death, cooking for the guests at her aunt's B&B. Weighed down with grief and guilt, an injured dog wiggles its way into her heart.
 
Dougal came along as Emory attempted to rescue the dog and helped her. He is immediately smitten with the beautiful woman with the sad eyes. However, Dougal is anything but a smooth-talking cowboy and is completely tongue-tied around her. The only thing he can do is put his feelings into letters and poetry and leave them anonymously in her mailbox.
 
I enjoyed watching Dougal and Emory's relationship develop. The sparks of attraction are there from the beginning, but Emory tries to ignore them. Mistakes of the past haunt her and make her unwilling to risk her heart again. I liked how Dougal spent time helping Emory and Ruth, allowing him to spend time with her. Many sweet scenes with Dougal and his triplet nieces and nephew (the "critters") show him in a wonderful light. But Emory is afraid to trust her feelings beyond giving in to their attraction. It takes patience on Dougal's part and some straightforward advice from Ruth to break through the fears holding her back. The ending was sweet, and I enjoyed seeing the changes in both characters.
 
A little bit of a mystery ran through the book, too. The black sheep son of the B&B's former owner returns to town, claiming he's dying and looking to make amends. But something about Lucas feels off to Emory, and Dougal remembers the past too well to trust him. There was a not-surprising twist at the end.