An American Doctor in Ireland - Karin Baine (HMED #1378 - Mar 2024)

CAN A FLING LEAD TO FOREVER?
 
American doctor Mae Watters arrives in Dublin, determined to escape her recent heartbreak. This move is about finding a new life, and the last thing on her mind is romance! So why can't she resist the man she meets at the St. Patrick's Day parade, her sexy colleague, Dr. Liam O'Conner? He's a single dad with baggage of his own! Will a passionate fling give them the confidence to move forward -- together?
 
Irish-American doctor Mae Watters moved to Dublin after being left at the altar by her Irish fiancé. She arrives just in time for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, but it emphasizes how alone she is instead of making her happy. The day goes downhill when another attendee and his daughter crash into her. He rubs her the wrong way with his attempts at humor, and she's about to walk away when a parade participant falls and breaks his leg. Mae and Liam discover they are doctors at the same hospital as they clash over helping the victim.
 
Liam is the single dad of seven-year-old Shannon. Since Shannon's mother left him, he's devoted his life to his daughter and his job. His parents jump in to help when he needs them.
 
Sparks of attraction flare from the moment Mae and Liam meet, even though neither is interested in a relationship. They work together to care for the victim's (also Liam's neighbor) dog and find their animosity diminishing. I enjoyed seeing their feelings shift as they cared for Brodie. Giving in to the sparks via a no-strings fling seems the best option, with neither expecting to want more. Just as they contemplate confessing to their changed feelings, a medical crisis with Shannon stirs Liam's insecurities, and he pulls away, leaving Mae once again facing a heartbreaking loss. I wanted to shake Liam for being so blind and cheered when he got a kick in the pants from an unexpected source. But will Mae give him another chance?
 
I liked the ending and how Liam and Mae decided to stop allowing the past to keep them from moving forward, helped along by Shannon. The epilogue was a nice look at how their relationship progressed over the following few months.

Special Forces K-9 - Julie Miller (HI #2268 - Feb 2025)

Series: Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book 3)
 
A former soldier and his dog
are about to come to her rescue
 
After a heroic career, Special Forces ex-soldier Ben Hunter is fighting a new battle: adjusting to civilian life. But when the life of his occupational therapist is threatened, the wounded vet and his service dog, Rocky, spring into action. Maeve Phillips believes her friend was murdered and won't stop until she tracks down the killer…who is now hunting her. Nobody's going to harm Maeve on Ben's watch. Now a predator is about to find out what it feels like to be prey.
 
Another fantastic addition to this series. The two main characters of this book were secondary characters in The Evidence Next Door, and I am so happy that they got their own story. Ben is a former Special Forces soldier, wounded in an attack that left his men and his K-9 partner dead. He lost his career and left hand and must now adjust to civilian life. He applies for a job as a dog trainer at the K-9 Ranch, where he meets Rocky. Rocky is a military working dog who lost his human partner and hasn't bonded with anyone else. He isn't adapting well and is at risk of being put down. When Ben and Rocky connect, ranch owner Jessie realizes the two might be just what each other needs.
 
Maeve is Ben's occupational therapist. She has been working with him for almost a year. I loved how she sees past his grumpy, growly attitude to the frustrations that fuel his anger. He intimidates some people, but he doesn't scare her; in truth, she feels safe with him.
 
The book opens with Maeve and her roommate, Stephanie, at a bar. Maeve is an introvert and very shy, so this isn't her scene, but supporting her friend is important to her. Stephanie wants to reconnect with her ex-boyfriend, whom Maeve believes is abusive. The scene at the bar is creepy, and Maeve rightfully worries about her friend. Within a few days, Stephanie disappears, Maeve is followed and mugged, and her house is ransacked.
 
Ben notices Maeve's injuries and distraction, and when she tells him about trouble, he and Rocky go into protective mode. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Maeve and Ben develop. They've worked together on his therapy for almost a year, with an interest in more growing between them. Ben wonders what he could offer this woman he admires so much. Maeve is just as drawn to Ben, but her shyness keeps her from doing anything about it. Maeve's protection becomes Ben and Rocky's mission, and their feelings deepen as they spend time together. I loved Maeve's calming effect on Ben, where just her touch settles him.
 
I loved how Maeve found it so easy to lean on Ben as her troubles continued. His care of and for her means the world to her. He is still gruff and growly, but there is an underlying softness that she didn't expect. I laughed when he called her "freakin' adorable" when comparing his "sort-of-friend" Maeve to the "itch-under-my-skin" Maeve. I also loved the effect Maeve had on Ben. He is more open with her about his challenges because of her gentleness and patience. I loved his vocal pride in her resilience. Their growing comfort with talking about their feelings was terrific, and I loved how each of them saw into the other's heart. The ending was fantastic.
 
The suspense kept me just as enthralled as the romance between Maeve and Ben. I  figured out pretty quickly who was after Maeve, but the motivation was a mystery. The escalating attacks were a good indication of the bad guy's growing desperation. The final confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
I loved Rocky. His backstory is heartbreaking, and the outlook for his future is dismal. I loved seeing the impact that he and Ben had on each other. Maeve was an unexpected light in their lives, and Rocky immediately accepted her as part of his pack. I loved the scene where he and Maeve met. He is as protective of her as Ben is and plays a significant role in the final confrontation. 

 
 

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.

Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels - Jennifer Wilck (HSE #3068 - Nov 2024)

Series: Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah (Book 3)
 
Her childhood crush may be her best story yet.
 
Journalist Jessica Sacks's career is on the line if she doesn't ace this next assignment. She must interview firefighter Thomas Carville, Browerville's celebrated hero -- and her forever crush since childhood. When Jessica returns home for Hanukkah, handsome Thomas takes her breath away. And rudely shuts her down when she asks for an interview.
 
Thomas knows he and the man he saved are both lucky to be alive, regardless of his actions. And now Jessica is poking into his business. Thomas would rather kiss her under the mistletoe than answer her questions. But his priority is protecting his sobriety and his secret. They're as far apart as Christmas and Hanukkah, but even their differences can't trump the power of love.
 
Terrific holiday romance full of love, respect, and acceptance. Jessica is an investigative journalist who recently lost her job due to a mistake. Devastated by the loss of her career, which is so much a part of who she is, Jessica leaps at the chance to save her job. All she must do is cover her hometown's heroic firefighter rescue. That firefighter is Thomas, who was her next-door neighbor and childhood crush. Unfortunately for her, Thomas flat-out refuses to talk about the rescue.
 
Thomas doesn't want to talk about that day. Memories of the rescue haunt him, and he spends most of his time alone renovating his house. Though he has recovered from his injuries, he doesn't know what his future will be.
 
I enjoyed seeing Jessica and Thomas's relationship develop. Their first few encounters end awkwardly when he rudely refuses her interview requests. Jessica decides that making friends might make him more amenable to her requests. He feels guilty about his rudeness and accepts her friendship but remains wary. I liked watching them get to know each other, beginning with the holiday decoration contest. Neither expects the sparks of attraction that come along with spending time together.
 
There are obstacles to their growing relationship. Jessica is Jewish, and Thomas is not. This is a particular concern of Jessica's mother, who urges her to be cautious. I loved their open interest in and respect for each other's beliefs and watching them share their traditions.
 
Another issue is how Thomas is, or isn't, dealing with his feelings about the rescue. The secret he guards so carefully keeps him from fully trusting Jessica. When he inadvertently reveals that secret, he panics and pulls away. But Thomas can't forget his feelings for her and realizes he must deal with his past before contemplating a future with her. Thomas impressed me with his determination and willingness to face that challenge.
 
Jessica has her own challenges to overcome. From her embarrassment about being fired to her growing discomfort about the article she must write, Jessica must decide what is more important to her. Is it getting her job back or listening to her conscience? I enjoyed following her thoughts and actions as she made her decision.
 
The ending was an emotional mix of apologies, confessions, and admissions of love. I liked seeing Jessica and Thomas overcome the challenges holding them back. I loved the Hannukah and Christmas scenes that brought both families together and the willingness to learn more about the others' traditions.
 
The love and support of families and friends are a big part of this book. I loved how Jessica's friends helped her see the truth of her feelings about Thomas and her job. Her parents gave her the foundation of love that gave her the strength to pursue her dreams. I liked how Thomas's father and siblings stood by him through his crisis. I especially liked his brother Liam and how he showed up unexpectedly when he felt Thomas needed him. I also liked how his sponsor, Carl, helped Thomas resolve his dilemma. 

 
 
 

Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neill (HMED #1199 - Sept 2021)

Can she tempt this single dad…
To take a risk in paradise?
 
Divorced New York firefighter and paramedic Zach Murphy is looking forward to the more relaxed pace of Hawaiian life and building a brighter future for himself and his son. But his stunning new search and rescue colleague Lulu Kahale has the potential to derail his dreams of a quiet existence! Falling in love was never part of the plan, but Lulu tempts Zach to break all his own rules…
 
Zach and his six-year-old son, Harry, moved to Hawaii after his divorce. As a now-single dad of a special needs son, he needs day-to-day help if he's going to give Harry the best life possible. Zach's parents had moved to Hawaii earlier, so Zach went where he had support. Leaving his busy job as a firefighter and paramedic in Manhattan wasn't easy, but he looks forward to a more relaxed way of life. He did not expect the dynamo of coworker Lulu.
 
Lulu is the youngest of six, with five overprotective older brothers. Their grandmother raised them after their parents drowned when she was a child. Accustomed to dealing with her brothers, Lulu doesn't back down for anyone, even her hot new boss.
 
Lulu and Zach got off to a rough start. Lulu doesn't hesitate to bend the rules when she thinks it's necessary, and Zach is by the book. Adding to the antagonism, Lulu had applied for the job Zach has now, and he bought the house Lulu has been saving up to buy. Neither expected the intense attraction they felt for each other.
 
I enjoyed the development of Zach and Lulu's relationship. They got over their antagonism quickly once their tempers cooled. I liked how Lulu took the whole Murphy family under her wing and introduced them to island life. The more time they spent together, the stronger their attraction grew, and the harder it was to resist the feelings that came along. When they finally give in, the deepening of their relationship accelerates.
 
However, it may be too much, too fast, as the depth of their feelings stirs up old insecurities. Then, a distressing rescue call drives a wedge between them, each one lashing out in hurt and anger. I ached for both as each had to face their past before they could look to a future together. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was sweet.
 
Family is a huge part of this book. Lulu's large Hawaiian family is terrific. Her brothers' overprotectiveness comes from their deep love for their little sister, though it often frustrates her. They are always there to support each other when needed. I liked their grandmother and the wisdom she dispenses. However, my favorite secondary character is Zach's son, Harry. Though he has his challenges (cerebral palsy), he is such a happy and energetic kiddo that I looked forward to scenes with him. I loved his immediate bond with Lulu and his awe of Mak. 

 
 
 

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. 

Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (HI #2272 - Mar 2025)

Series: Hudson Sibling Solutions (Book 7)
 
He's retired from the protector business, but a dangerous discovery changes everything
 
Rancher Zeke Daniels left his secret agent career -- and his doomed romance with Brooke Campbell -- in the past. Until the forensic anthropologist stumbles across Bent County's sinister secret…and attracts a stalker in the process. Brooke refuses to quit the job. And there's no way in hell Zeke will leave her unprotected. But as his professionalism is challenged by their lingering feelings, his determination to protect remains steadfast -- from the stalker, the danger and the violent serial killer using the caves as his burial ground…
 
This was an intriguing mystery with a second-chance romance. Zeke and Brooke worked with the North Star Operations, where they became more than coworkers. When North Star closed its doors, Zeke walked away from their relationship and bought a ranch in Wyoming. Brooke continued her career as a forensic anthropologist. He recommended Brooke to local law enforcement when bones turned up in a cave near his home (Cold Case Discovery).
 
Brooke identified those bones and helped catch the killer, but now she has found more bones that are much older. While working on identifying these remains, Brooke believes she is being followed. Despite her past with Zeke, she contacts him about her concerns. Zeke doesn't hesitate to step in to protect her. The tension between the former lovers is palpable as both try to keep their past out of the equation. However, neither can deny the attraction that still exists.
 
Zeke is determined to keep Brooke safe even though she resists many of his efforts. Brooke is determined to protect her heart, which results in her trying to keep distance between them. This also includes keeping possibly vital information from him, making his job more difficult. During their time together, Zeke slowly realizes that walking away from her was as much to protect himself as her. The question is, can he convince Brooke that he's ready for a different outcome? Can Brooke trust that he won't walk away again?
 
The suspense of the story was great. From the unexpected identity of Brooke's stalker to the final confrontation in the cave, I couldn't put the book down. When Zeke and Brooke discover a connection to the Sons of the Badlands, a gang North Star thought they'd wiped out, Zeke calls on his old friends for help. The final confrontation regarding the cave bones was creepy, terrifying, and nightmare-inducing. Meanwhile, the blast from the past confrontation outside the cave was intense and exciting.