The Duke's Guide to Fake Courtship - Jade Lee (HH #1841 - Feb 2025)

 

Series: Daring Debutantes (Book 1)
 
A match destined to end
Yet impossible to resist… 
 
Since he inherited a dukedom, all Declan seems to do is put out fires. The latest? Deterring his feckless cousin from chasing a reprehensible woman. Except Grace Nayao Richards is far from reprehensible, and the beguiling, feisty young woman draws Declan closer… 
 
As the illegitimate daughter of an earl, Grace needs an advantageous marriage to protect her and her sister's futures. The handsome duke's solution? A fake courtship with him to increase her popularity among the ton. But as he teaches her to navigate London society, it's her dangerously attractive guide she desires!
 
Intriguing story about two people from very different backgrounds. Declan recently inherited the dukedom and feels he's done little but solve other people's problems. The latest issue is his mother's and aunt's claim that his cousin Cedric is about to disgrace the family by marrying an unsuitable woman.
 
Grace is the illegitimate daughter of an earl and a Chinese woman. She and her sister were recently found by the earl and brought to England. Grace knows she needs to make a good marriage to protect herself and her sister.
 
Grace was a fascinating woman. She disguised herself as a boy in her early life and became a ship's navigator. But when revealed to be a woman, she returned to the temple orphanage where she was raised, where her father found her. She knows Cedric only wants to marry her for her dowry, especially the ship, but she accepts its necessity. Unfortunately, being illegitimate and biracial makes acceptance into Society nearly impossible.
 
Declan initially agrees with the ladies that Grace is unsuitable as a wife for a man who will eventually be an earl. But his first meeting with Grace leaves him astounded and intrigued. In his attempts to convince Cedric to back off, he offers to introduce Grace to society so she can find a more suitable mate. He uses a pretend courtship to make her more appealing to other men.
 
But prejudice and pettiness complicate matters, and Declan becomes more and more protective of Grace. There were some terrific scenes during which he stood up for or protected her from harm. Declan is a man who never stops learning, and Grace's life fascinates him. I loved the respect he showed her knowledge and customs.
 
Grace is drawn to Declan even though she knows there is no way a duke can marry a woman like her. I liked her willingness to stand up for herself and her sister, and loved her self-defense scene. She is equally protective of Declan and is afraid of doing anything that could harm him, including believing they could have a future together.
 
The ending was fantastic. I loved Declan's "aha" moment and the awesome scene at Almack's. The epilogue was an excellent lead-in for Lucy's story - I can't wait to read it. 

Christmas Bodyguard - Katherine Garbera (HRS #2297 - Oct 2024)

Series: Price Security (Book 3)
 
She'll risk her life to right history's wrongs
But is she willing to risk her heart?
 
An anonymous tip about a missing rare artifact has put antiquities investigator Daphne Amana in the line of gunfire. But giving up the investigation is unthinkable. Being protected by her ex-lover, security expert Kenji Wada? Impossible! She's used to working alone. Not to mention the fiery attraction still simmering between her and Kenji…waiting for the right moment to combust. But when a killer's dangerous game of cat and mouse unveils a nefarious black market operation, the art world -- and Daphne's fledgling reconciliation with Kenji -- is rocked to the core.
 
Terrific second-chance romance with a fascinating theme. Daphne is a lawyer who assists countries wishing to reclaim items stolen from them during war or disaster. In this case, she is the link between a village in Ethiopia and a Los Angeles museum. The story opens as Daphne follows an anonymous tip and receives a bullet to the shoulder instead of the information she expected.
 
Concerned about her safety, Daphne's boss hires a bodyguard from Price Security to protect her until the case is resolved. The last person she expects to see is Kenji, a past lover with whom her relationship ended badly. Neither expected the resurgence of their previous feelings for each other.
 
The combination of suspense and romance kept me glued to the pages well past my bedtime. Daphne and Kenji had to come to terms with their past to work together effectively. It wasn't easy, and both had issues affecting their efforts. Kenji worries that his feelings for Daphne will distract him from protecting her properly, but burying them doesn't work. Daphne is reluctant to risk her heart, fearing that Kenji will walk away again. It takes learning to trust themselves and each other to give them the courage to plan a future together.
 
The suspense of the story was outstanding. The museum's stonewalling of providing the requested information raises Daphne's concerns that something shady is occurring. The escalating attacks reinforce that feeling, and she and Kenji work together to uncover the truth. The twists and turns kept me guessing, while the final confrontation brought everything to a satisfying conclusion. 

 
 

Big Sky Bachelor - Joanna Sims (HSE #3077 - Feb 2025)

Series: Brands of Montana (Book 19)
 
Right man, right time, right place…
But for how long?
 
When successful real estate broker to the rich and famous Danica Brand leaves her two-timing fiancé to regroup at the family ranch, the city girl doesn't count on a tall, handsome doctor sweeping her off her feet. Dr. Matteo Katz is the most eligible bachelor in Big Sky, Montana. And everything from his Miami good looks to his small-town hospitality tempts Danica into his bed. Matteo's endgame has always been marriage and a family, but Danica is the only woman who makes him ready to commit. Can he convince her to trade her big-city lifestyle for a small-town dream and a chance to redefine her idea of "home"?
 
Two romances in one! The main story revolves around Danica Brand, a top realtor in LA, and hometown doctor Matteo Katz. When Danica discovers that her long-time fiancé and business partner has been cheating on her, she heads home to Montana to regroup. Hurt, angry, and confused, the last thing she expects is to be bowled over by a handsome doctor and his pet pig.
 
I loved the first meeting between Danica and Matteo. His pet pig, Lulu, knocks her down, but it is Matteo who is down for the count. He's pretty smooth in asking her out, though it helps that she is equally taken with him. Their connection is quick and strong, and I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other.
 
This book was a bit unusual in that the man falls fast and hard instead of the woman. Matteo thinks long-term and permanent from the beginning and must frequently remind himself to slow down. Danica is just as drawn to Matteo, but the drama of trying to disentangle herself from her ex makes her wary of committing again so soon. She also believes she will return to LA rather than stay in her hometown.
 
I loved how Matteo supported Danica through the drama of dealing with her ex. She is very independent and initially tries to keep that part of her life separate. I liked watching her learn that there is strength in accepting help. Being around Matteo and her family also helps Danica look at her life and realize that she wants to make changes, but will it be enough to keep her in Montana? I loved the ending and seeing how it all worked out.
 
The secondary romance involves a visitor to the ranch and the cowboy who works with the horses. Journey is a single mom and romance author looking to break through her writer's block. Having written a cowboy romance that had some less-than-stellar reviews, she's looking for inspiration and authenticity for her next book. She's immediately taken with Cody, a former rodeo star who works on the ranch. I enjoyed his no-nonsense attitude and how it helped her through her difficulties. Neither expected the feelings that grew between them. Cody won her heart even more with his connection with her son. I liked these two and hope to see them again in future books. 

 
 

Shadow Survivors - Julie Miller (HI #2215 - Apr 2024)

Series: Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book 1)
 
With children seeking a safe haven
Her ranch becomes a refuge.
 
Jessie Bennington's past motivated her canine-focused business, where she heals those who are emotionally traumatized. When two young children show up at her ranch, predators on their trail, Jessie can only trust her longtime friend Garrett Caldwell. The deputy goes into protector mode without a single hesitation. Garrett has buried his feelings for Jessie long enough. He isn't about to let any danger come between them -- or the innocent children -- now.
 
Terrific blend of suspense and romance with the added bonus of a "mature" couple. This is the first book in a new series centered around K-9 Ranch. Owner and dog trainer Jessie pairs up with her old friend Garrett to protect two children with trouble on their trail.
 
Jessie and Garrett have traumatic pasts that still influence their lives. Jessie lost her husband and baby in a home invasion twelve years earlier, leading her to start her business training support dogs. Garrett is a former sniper who has flashbacks to some of his missions. They have been friends for many years, but Garrett wants more. At forty-six, Jessie is wary of risking her heart again, especially on someone with a dangerous job. Garrett is fifty and has been in love with Jessie for years. I loved his patience and understanding of her fears while emphasizing that his feelings are forever.
 
When odd things happen around her ranch, Garrett's protective instincts kick in. Matters become complicated when two runaway children show up in Jessie's barn. Nine-year-old Nate and his five-year-old sister, Abby, escaped from their drug dealer father and his predator boss. The intensity ramps up as the bad guys close in. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, both terrifying and exhilarating, as danger was faced and overcome. I loved the ending and seeing Jessie find happiness at long last.

 
 

The Lyon and the Lass - Callie Hutton (Dragonblade - Jan 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 71)
 
An arranged marriage, a desperate escape, and a Highlander's hope—can love find a way to their hearts?
 
Laird Kerrigan Lindsay never thought he'd be hopeless enough to save his clan by marrying a stranger for her money. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
 
Thus, he finds himself at The Lyon's Den in London prepared to meet the woman Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the owner of the Lyon's Den, has arranged for him to marry.
 
Lady Christine Spencer is so determined not to marry the man her greedy uncle has chosen for her that she climbs out her bedroom window late at night and makes her way to The Lyon's Den to find a man she chooses for herself, with help of the notorious Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
 
She needs to leave England as quickly as possible; he needs the coin to save his clan as quickly as possible. What they never expected to find was a forever love.
 
Short but sweet story of two desperate people brought together by Mrs. Dove-Lyon. The story opens as Christine prepares to escape the marriage her greedy uncle arranged for her by climbing out of her bedroom window. She flees to the Lyon's Den, where she appeals to the widow for help. She needs to marry and escape London as quickly as possible.
 
Laird Kerrigan Lindsay desperately needs a wealthy wife. Disease decimated the flocks of sheep his clan relies on, and he needs the funds to rebuild the flocks to save his people. There is no time to waste.
 
Kerrigan and Christine are practical people. When Mrs. Dove-Lyon introduces them, a few moments of conversation convinces them they will deal well with each other. As a bonus, there are already sparks of attraction. The marriage happens quickly, followed by the requisite trip to the lawyer to arrange their finances. I liked the lawyer, who was kind and efficient, and arranged a a place for them to stay for a few days. Their time is cut short when Christine's uncle tracks her down and attempts to force her to return with him. I loved Kerrigan's protectiveness.
 
I enjoyed their journey to Scotland. Over those few days, Kerrigan and Christine had the chance to get to know each other. The drawbacks of their characters become evident as the reader discovers that Christine has no idea what will be required of her when she takes over running his home. At the same time, Kerrigan simply assumes that Christine received the typical training of most young women. Both are in for a shock.
 
I loved how, despite having little idea of what to do, Christine took charge right away, quickly earning the respect of Kerrigan's clan members. Meanwhile, Kerrigan was oblivious to the difficulty he left her with when he immediately left to acquire new sheep. Though he was somewhat apologetic when he arrived home, I feel like he still didn't understand how difficult it was for her. Fortunately, Christine was forgiving, and as they worked together, their feelings for each other strengthened.
 
But Christine's uncle hasn't given up, and trouble comes calling. The buildup to the climax kept me glued to the pages as I waited for him to strike. I liked the twist that altered the outcome, though I thought Christine's uncle got off too easily.
 
The epilogue was good and a nice wrap-up to the story. 

 
 
 

The Major and the Scandalous Widow - Sarah Mallory (HH #1651 - Oct 2023)

The infamous lady…
He must resist!
 
Major Jack Clifton must fulfill his military friend's dying wish by returning his wedding ring to his widow. But when honorable Jack finds Eloise a year later, she's nothing like the woman that he was told to expect. In fact, the ton view her as utterly scandalous! Yet, Jack quickly learns that Eloise's reputation has been wrongfully imposed on her…and that he has forbidden feelings for the real Eloise!
 
The book opens with the heartbreaking scene of Lord Tony Allyngham receiving a fatal injury during the Battle of Waterloo. He entrusts his friend, Major Jack Clifton, with two keepsakes he wishes to return to his wife. A year later, Jack finally has the chance to fulfill his mission. He is dismayed to find a widow with a scandalous reputation instead of the grieving young woman he expected.
 
Eloise spent her year mourning, then reemerged in Society as a beautiful and wealthy young woman. Though sought after by many, she is not interested in marrying again, only continuing Tony's charitable intentions by setting up a foundling hospital. By her side is her good friend, Alex, who grew up with her and Tony. Their relationship is the subject of speculation and rumor.
 
Jack and Eloise's first meeting did not go well. They encountered each other at a Society event, where Jack saw the flirtatious, care-free façade that Eloise shows in public. He's judgmental and believes the rumors he hears. However, when they meet again for him to deliver Tony's keepsakes, Jack sees a different side of her. He is still unsure what to believe, but he can't deny the sparks of attraction he feels. Eloise also feels something that has been missing from her life.
 
Jack's emotions are torn when it comes to Eloise. He can't deny his growing feelings for her, but he knows she has secrets she won't share. Those secrets become a problem when Eloise finds herself the victim of a blackmailer. I could feel her fear of exposure, her unswerving loyalty to those who would suffer if they were revealed, and her determination to protect those she loves. Jack wants to help but she shuts him out.
 
The blackmail plot introduces a sense of danger as the blackmailer grows more desperate. Eloise's determination to handle everything alone put her in several dangerous situations, making her future increasingly uncertain. The final showdown with the blackmailer was an intense nail-biter of an event with an excellent resolution.
 
The only thing left is for Jack and Eloise to get past the secrets that keep them apart. I figured out the secrets that Eloise was protecting early on and why it was so important to protect them. I loved Alex's part in bringing them together and Jack's ultimate understanding of the truth. The ending was terrific. 

 

Hunted on the Bay - Amber Leigh Williams (HRS #2230 - May 2023)

Untangling her past
With dangerous consequences
 
When Desiree Gardet finds herself on the shores of Mobile Bay, she's there to claim what's rightfully hers. But soon she is engulfed in a mystery about her past…with handsome bar owner William Leighton as her only guide. If Fairhope once seemed like a refuge, what insidious forces compelled Dez to flee there? And can she trust kind, sexy William with the entire truth?
 
Good book with intriguing characters. Desiree arrived in Fairhope with one thing on her mind - retrieving the car that should have been hers after her mother's death, even if that meant stealing it. But the heist didn't go quite as she had expected, and Desiree finds herself absorbed into the local community and learning things she never knew about her mother. However, someone from her past has other ideas.
 
William spotted Desiree trying to take his car and stopped her. But instead of turning her in to the police, he talks her into sticking around and finding out how and why her mom's car ended up there. There's something about her that draws him in.
 
I loved watching William and Desiree's relationship develop. He is patient, kind, and an all-around nice guy. Desiree's past left her believing she can only depend on herself and trust no one. I loved his easy way of watching over her, encouraging her without pushing her, and being the support she needs and hasn't had in a long time. I loved seeing her lose some of her wariness and discover that she no longer had to be alone.
 
The suspense was good, more of a psychological suspense than a whodunit. Her mother's past and secrets caused problems for Desiree that she'd been running from for years. Here, she had the opportunity to have those questions answered and put that past behind her. However, someone has their own version of the past and is bent on revenge. The escalating attacks put more than Desiree in danger, and there were multiple occasions where survival was doubtful. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
I will watch to see if William's brother Finnian gets his story.