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. 

 
 
 
 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Dr. Seuss (Random House - Oct 1957)

Get in on the Christmas cheer with Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic starring the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who—guaranteed to grow your heart three sizes!

Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot...but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!

Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. From the Grinch and his dog, Max, to Cindy-Lou and all the residents of Who-ville, this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will warm even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is perfect for readers young and old.

 

I love this classic Christmas tale of a bitter, lonely creature who ultimately comes to understand the True spirit of Christmas. I remember the book and the cartoon from my childhood, when watching it and A Charlie Brown Christmas kicked off the Christmas season.
 
The Seussian poetry, with its cadence and uniquely descriptive words, narrates the Grinch's transformation from bitter to exuberant. His glee at stealing all the trappings of the holiday turns to confusion when he witnesses their pared-down celebration.
 
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!"
 
My favorite character in the story isn't the Grinch, nor is it Cindy-Lou. I adore Max, the Grinch's dog. His devotion to the Grinch, despite the grouchiness, is sweet. The expressions on his face as the Grinch makes his plans show his dedication, but also his skepticism about the success of the endeavor. I love the ending and seeing him enjoy the feast too.
 
I love the animated version of the story and still watch it all these years later. I've never been able to get into the Jim Carey version.
 

Big Sky Slayer - Juno Rushdan (HI #2321 - Nov 2025)

Series: Ironside Protection Services (Book 1)
 
Can he protect a cop
willing to risk her life against a killer?
 
When the bullets start flying, Winter Stratton's only mission is to apprehend the rampaging shooter before more people die. When it's over, the woman who gave up a big-city badge to protect her Montana town now owes her life to investigating attorney Chance Reyes. Fighting their attraction while trying to take down a sniper tests them both to their limits. But with the trail going cold and too many suspects, Winter and Chance are up against a killer who now has them in the crosshairs.

This book started with a bang, literally, and didn't let up until the last page. In addition to the intensity of the suspense, the chemistry between the two main characters, Winter and Chance, is undeniable.
 
Winter is a recent arrival in Montana, moving there from Texas to be closer to her two sisters. Prior military, and then a big-city cop, she now works for the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. She's just met with Chance, part of the Ironside Protection Service, when a shooter takes aim at people on the street. Winter's immediate instincts are to locate and stop the shooter, while Chance is close on her heels, trying to protect her.
 
Small-town politics and jurisdictional jealousy lead to them working together to identify and apprehend the shooter. The fast-paced action and twists in the investigation kept me glued to the pages. The more they uncover, the more complicated the mystery becomes. It isn't long before Winter and Chance discover that they are targets, too. Attacks on them ramp up the intensity as they close in on the sniper. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, though the outcome was never truly in question.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Winter and Chance's relationship. Chance has a reputation as a serial dater, rarely spending more than a short time in a relationship. He isn't afraid of commitment; he's looking for the right person and doesn't believe in giving false hope. When he met Winter, something about her made him think she was it. The problem is convincing her that he is serious. Winter hasn't had good luck in relationships, so she is wary of Chance. She has trouble taking him seriously when he flirts with her. But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes that there is more behind the flirty façade. The sparks of attraction grow stronger, and Winter must decide if she's willing to trust Chance with her heart. I loved the ending, especially seeing how each character faced their vulnerabilities and looked to the future together.
 
I liked the secondary characters. We see a little more of Logan and Winter's sister, Summer, from the previous book. I loved the family barbecue scene with them. Winter's other sister, Autumn, plays a significant role in this book, offering a little more insight into her character. I hope to see her get a story of her own. I also liked getting to know some of Chance's IPS coworkers. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the following books.

 

Duty Devoted - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - July 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 2)
 
She saves lives with steady hands. He takes them with deadly precision.
 
In the war-torn jungles of Corazón, Dr. Lauren Valentino runs a field hospital under siege—treating the wounded, protecting the innocent, and risking everything to hold the line. Knowing the danger is getting critical, Lauren's family sends Citadel Solutions security expert Logan Kane to get her out.
 
One doctor should be no problem for a battle-hardened Marine who specializes in impossible missions—even when the mission doesn't want to be rescued and a hurricane is closing in.
 
They clash instantly.
The heat between them? Instant too.
 
When communication is cut off and killers close in, Lauren and Logan are forced into the jungle. The storm's not the only thing hunting them. Survival means moving fast and finding some way of trusting each other.
 
In a world where death is always only one step behind, love might be the risk that breaks them both.
 
Or saves them.
 
Terrific second book in this series. The action and tension started on the first page and kept me turning the pages to the end. From the action to the setting, the descriptions are so vivid I felt almost as if I were there. Dual first-person POV from Lauren and Logan gives insight into their actions and feelings.
 
Doctor Lauren Valentino works for a medical outreach program, currently in the jungle of Corazón. She is highly skilled, works exceptionally well under the most challenging circumstances, and cares deeply for her patients. The story opened with an example of the conditions she works under, and I couldn't help but root for a successful outcome. We also learn that political unrest and expanding cartel activities are making conditions more dangerous. Lauren's wealthy parents pester her frequently to return to Chicago, where she "belongs."
 
Former Marine Logan is the second-in-command at Citadel Solutions. He is professional, protective, and experienced. When Lauren's parents hire Citadel Solutions to extract Lauren and her team from danger, he prepares for the worst.
 
When Logan and his team arrive, disguised as a weather research team, Lauren immediately takes exception to the plan. Logan wants to leave within a week, while she insists it will take at least a month to safeguard her patients. Matters become complicated when the cartel leader's son becomes obsessed with Lauren. She thinks politely telling him "not interested" will be the end of it, while Logan sees the danger. When the cartel leader gets involved, Lauren finally realizes the peril of her situation. Their departure suddenly becomes critical.
 
I was glued to the pages as Logan and Lauren fight for their lives. Lauren's refusal to desert a patient in need leaves her and Logan on their own to escape the cartel. Not only must they evade those out to stop them, they must also fight Mother Nature, as a hurricane makes landfall. They must learn to trust each other if they are going to escape. I enjoyed watching their connection grow as they relied on each other. I loved seeing how Logan appreciated Lauren's strength and resilience, which only added to his attraction for her. Lauren's understanding of Logan's PTSD is something he doesn't expect.
 
Just when I thought everything would work out for them, Logan allows his fears to push Lauren away. I ached for Lauren because it brought back her insecurities. Each runs from the memories of what they had as they try to convince themselves that the other is better off without them. I loved seeing Logan's friends attempt to get through to him. However, it is an unexpected twist that reveals to each of them what they almost threw away. The conclusion was an intense, nail-biting event. The teamwork was outstanding, and I loved Lauren's actions. The two epilogues were fantastic, especially seeing what is in store for their future.
 
The secondary characters were terrific. I loved the chance to get to know the team members, Tyler and Jace. Their respect for each other is evident in every interaction, while light-hearted teasing does a great job of breaking the tension. My favorite was young Elena, one of the villagers. Her presence of mind and determination to help Lauren were incredible.