Natalie, a British-Italian emergency room doctor, has just experienced the ending of yet another romantic relationship. Her Italian grandfather inviteNatalie, a British-Italian emergency room doctor, has just experienced the ending of yet another romantic relationship. Her Italian grandfather invited her to spend Christmas with him and his friends in the Italian Alps. This gives her a chance to reevaluate her life. She's about to turn forty, and her dream of marriage and children hasn't come to pass, so she decides to concentrate on work. Natalie also has another challenge: she has ADHD, which frequently complicates her relationships and work.
I felt bad for Natalie. She's always honest about her ADHD with the men she dates, but it doesn't take long before they start trying to change her behavior. She takes short-term jobs as a substitute doctor, believing that once her coworkers get to know her, they, too, will try to change her. It makes for a lonely life. She signed on to help at the family clinic in the village where she and her grandfather are staying.
Gio is the doctor at the clinic. He also owns the house where Natalie and her grandfather are staying and has his own rooms there. Natalie's grandfather and his friends were Gio's professors back in medical school, so he enjoys having them stay. He's taken with Natalie when he meets her but is wary of getting involved. His last relationship also ended badly.
I enjoyed watching Gio and Natalie's relationship develop. Natalie's ADHD gets worse when she's nervous, and her first encounter with Gio gets her seriously flustered. Gio quickly won my heart with his easy acceptance of Natalie's quirks and insistence that nothing was wrong with her. They make a great team at work, where Natalie's rapport with the patients shines. It doesn't take long for them to admit their attraction and give in to it.
They do well at communicating with each other, but each still holds back just a little, their pasts making them wary of risking everything. When an abandoned baby is found in the church nativity scene, Gio and Natalie step up to care for her. But the baby's presence stirs up insecurities in both. It takes some timely advice to break through the fears holding them back. The ending was sweet, and the epilogue was fantastic. I especially enjoyed seeing how Natalie found the perfect job for her. ...more
Terrific book. I was hooked from the prologue and read this book in one sitting. As the book opens, we see the heartbreaking abuse Mollie's husband inTerrific book. I was hooked from the prologue and read this book in one sitting. As the book opens, we see the heartbreaking abuse Mollie's husband inflicts on her. There is a brief flash of hope that rescue is in sight, but that hope is soon dashed. Her husband's new driver looks like he wants to help, but Mollie won't endanger him by asking for assistance.
Fast forward two years. Mollie has escaped her abuser's clutches. She works as a waitress and tries to put the past behind her, but overcoming the fear she has lived with for so long isn't easy. She is helped along the way by her service dog, Magnus, a goofball dog with his own ideas about his job. Also present is her ex's driver from the prologue, who turned out to be an undercover detective. Joel is trying to get his life back on track after being badly injured in an undercover op that went terribly wrong.
I enjoyed watching Mollie and Joel's relationship develop. The connection is there, but both are wary of getting involved, thanks to the traumas of their past relationships. They settled first on friendship, pushed together by Magnus. However, Joel's protective instincts kick in when Mollie becomes a target, and Mollie finds it unexpectedly easy to trust Joel. I loved their support of each other, especially when Joel helped restore Mollie's confidence in herself. His growing feelings for Mollie show Joel he's ready to start living again.
The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Mollie has something her ex wants, and he will stop at nothing to get it. The escalating attacks kept Mollie and Joel on edge while working with Joel's boss to stop him. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved how it went down.
Marcus was my favorite secondary character. He is Mollie's support dog and a big, loveable goof most of the time, but that can change if the situation calls for it. He seems to have some issues paying attention to his duties. I laughed out loud when his trainer diagnosed his problem and thoroughly enjoyed Magnus's solution. ...more
Good book whose twists and turns kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Lies, betrayals, and rumors made this love triangle more complex.
ViGood book whose twists and turns kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Lies, betrayals, and rumors made this love triangle more complex.
Viscount "Wolf" Wolfton is known for charming the ladies but moving on as soon as they start hinting at marriage. He's frustrated at the constant assault on his bachelorhood and asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to accompany him to several charity events as protection. She declines but proposes a bet: She will find him a companion who can resist his charm.
Christina's family is in financial difficulties due to an investment that is the victim of an embezzler. She helps Mrs. Dove-Lyon with planning a series of charity events, and when the widow offers to pay her to take her place during those events, Christina can't say no. Christina isn't the usual society miss. She has a mind of her own, an interest in astronomy, and a caring heart.
Richard St. John is Christina's brother-in-law's cousin. He has been drawn to Christina since he met her. He has a quiet, steadfast personality rather than Wolf's blatant charm.
Christina spends a great deal of time in Wolf's company, attending the charity events. She enjoys his company but also senses that he has secrets that prey on him. I had mixed feelings about Wolf. He has charm and potential but also exhibits ungentlemanly behavior that turned me off. Meanwhile, Richard is there to help when Christina needs him, and they bond over their interest in astronomy. I loved Richard's protectiveness, Christina's worry about him, and how it brought them closer together.
Trouble comes when Wolf gives in to jealousy and makes a stupid decision. Meanwhile, rumors swirl around Richard, casting aspersions on his honor. Mrs. Dove-Lyons leads the charge to clear Richard's name. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end. There was one surprise at the end I didn't see coming. I'd like to see it followed up on in a later book....more
This was my first book by Sara Ackerman, but it won't be the last. She immediately drew me in with her opening description of Dane waiting for and ridThis was my first book by Sara Ackerman, but it won't be the last. She immediately drew me in with her opening description of Dane waiting for and riding the big wave at Peʻahi, one of the islands' most incredible surfing spots. I could feel Dane's excitement at the wave's strength and his respect for the ocean. It gave an excellent first impression of his identity and what drives him.
'Iwa is a field biologist, born and raised on the island. Her job is to track and protect the flora and fauna of the island. That also includes going up against a developer of an "eco-resort," which is anything but that. Her love and passion for the land leaped off the page. Spending time in the forest also brings back memories of her time with her late mother.
Dane and 'Iwa meet when Dane and the other surfers come into 'Iwa's dad's restaurant. They are immediately drawn to each other, but 'Iwa has a rule of no surfers and no off-islanders, having been burned in previous relationships. Dane is persistent in wanting to get to know 'Iwa better and finds a way by appealing to her love of nature.
I enjoyed seeing the slow build of Dane and 'Iwa's relationship. 'Iwa is wary of getting involved with another surfer whose goal is always the next big wave. But there is more to Dane than just the thrill, and I loved seeing them connect through their love of nature. There were some terrific scenes of them showing each other what was unique about each of their lives. Dane's appreciation of 'Iwa's work and his support of her efforts to protect the land went a long way toward softening her initial wariness. I especially enjoyed the scene at the waterfall. As a surfer herself, 'Iwa has a deeper understanding of Dane's fascination, almost obsession, with searching out the biggest waves. I enjoyed watching her support him, from Maui to California to Portugal.
However, some obstacles must be overcome to have a chance at a future together. A surfing event that goes wrong strains their relationship by stirring up insecurities on both sides. Dane and 'Iwa need to deal with their pasts before moving forward. Both journeys were intensely emotional, and I loved the realistic way they were depicted. The ending was terrific, and I loved seeing how it all worked out.
The secondary characters were fantastic. Dane's surfing friends, Kama, Yeti, and Hope, played significant roles in the story, from surfing to giving advice Dane didn't always appreciate. 'Iwa's friend Winston was a big part of her life, from being her musical partner to another warrior in the fight against unwanted development. However, the most important secondary character is Mother Nature herself. The vivid descriptions of the oceans as Dane and the others surfed made me feel as though I was there. The depth of the author's love for Hawaii was evident in the descriptions of the forests and animals. Seeing a rare endangered bird made my heart beat faster, just as it did for 'Iwa.
The surfing scenes and the background were fascinating to read about. I looked up surfing big waves at Peʻahi and Navare on youtube and gained a deeper appreciation for Dane's abilities. ...more
This was another exciting visit to Garnet Bend, Montana, and the world of Resting Warrior Ranch. As usual, with this author's books, I was immediatelyThis was another exciting visit to Garnet Bend, Montana, and the world of Resting Warrior Ranch. As usual, with this author's books, I was immediately drawn into the story and hooked to the finish.
Kenzie is a very successful commercial real estate agent in Denver who also gives seminars on how to grow a business. She is a city girl to the bone, but when she has a stalker whose threats escalate, the police send her to tiny Garnet Bend to lay low while they investigate. She arrives in town and immediately has car trouble. The sheriff sends her to Jensen, the town mechanic.
Jensen had a rough childhood, but meeting Lucas was a bright spot. They maintained their friendship through the years, and when Jensen came to a crossroads after his time as a security consultant, Lucas invited him to Garnet Bend. Jensen has a garage where he works on cars and is a talented wood carver.
When Jensen notices some suspicious trouble with Kenzie's car, he consults his friends at the Resting Warrior Ranch. They all agree that the sheriff needs to know about it (he knows about Kenzie's stalker problem). Jensen agrees that he should be her first line of defense since he is nearest Kenzie's location and unattached. Meanwhile, the other RWR men put their talents to use in helping uncover the identity of her stalker and provide extra protection.
The intensity grows when it becomes evident that Kenzie's stalker has found her. Threatening messages and physical attacks keep everyone on edge as they try to protect her. I was glued to the pages as the attacks escalated. The final confrontation had a twist I didn't see coming and kept me flipping pages as fast as I could read. The twist in the resolution was unexpected, and I can't wait for the next book.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Kenzie and Jensen develop. They are such different people it was hard to see how they could become a couple. Kenzie is a city girl who likes the hustle and bustle of the city, the culture, and being close to her friends. She is outgoing and friendly. She doesn't look forward to her time there, expecting extreme boredom. Meanwhile, Jensen is quiet, not very sociable, and downright grumpy until he's had sufficient coffee in the morning. He's also honorable, a good friend, and has a heart bigger than he lets on.
Kenzie and Jensen have one thing in common. Both have trust issues - Jensen because of his childhood and Kenzie because of a relationship that turned out badly. However, it doesn't take them long to form a connection. Jensen's protective instincts kick in when he discovers the danger Kenzie is in. I loved how he understood her need to occupy her time with something productive and invited her to set up his social media sites for his woodworking business. Neither could deny the attraction that was building between them. Could they give into it without being hurt when Kenzie returns to Denver? I loved the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
I loved seeing characters from the previous books. They aren't thrown in just to connect this book to the series; they play vital roles in the story. I loved how the men immediately jumped in to help. The women made Kenzie part of their group without blinking an eye. It was fun to see Kenzie included in the RWR Sunday dinner tradition and its effect on her and Jensen. ...more
Terrific book that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Luke is a hotshot firefighter who was found unconscious and injured near a fire, wTerrific book that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Luke is a hotshot firefighter who was found unconscious and injured near a fire, with no memory of who he was or how he got there until a woman came to the hospital to identify him.
Shelby had known Luke five years earlier when she had an interview with him. They had an irresistible attraction that they gave into until the morning she awoke, and he was gone. No goodbye, just a thank you note and an envelope of cash. Hurt and furious, she wrote him off until she discovered she was pregnant. When she confronted him, he called her a liar and slammed the door in her face. She has raised her son on her own.
But when Shelby left the hospital, she never planned to see him again. Unfortunately, on her way home, someone ran her off the road in such a way that she could have died. When the police investigated, they discovered her car had been tampered with.
Thus began a roller coaster ride of action and suspense mixed with the emotions of dealing with their past. Luke's memory begins to return, but some events remain MIA. An investigation into Luke's life reveals some financial irregularities and actions he can't believe he did. Luke and Shelby, along with the people of Sierra's Web, work to keep them safe and try to figure out what is going on. The action and suspense are intense as the bad guy stays on their tail no matter what precautions they take. I began to suspect part of the truth, but the twist at the end shocked me. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
The rekindling of the relationship between Luke and Shelby was full of obstacles. Shelby is understandably wary of trusting Luke but can't deny the sparks that still fly between them. Luke adamantly denies he would have treated her the way she claims. As they spend time together, Shelby sees the man she thought she knew but also knows what he did to her. I ached for Luke and his emotional turmoil when he learned about Carter. They have much to overcome, and it takes honest conversations to make it happen. The ending was terrific, and I loved the scene with Carter. ...more
Good second chance love story. Winslow McInniss is Garrick's vassal, and thanks to his service to the king, he was awarded the estate of Sedgeworth. HGood second chance love story. Winslow McInniss is Garrick's vassal, and thanks to his service to the king, he was awarded the estate of Sedgeworth. He has been too busy to do anything with it, but now that he's returned from Scotland, he must do so. On his way back to Merewood, he stumbles across a young woman under attack. He rescues her, but she is badly injured. He takes her to Merewood to be cared for. There is something about her that arouses his protective instincts.
Genvieve is Augustin's cousin and is on the way to Merewood to help care for his daughter when she is attacked. She fights as best she can but is badly injured before a stranger appears and saves her. She wakes up surrounded by strangers and unable to speak because of an injury to her throat. She is wary of those around her but trusts McInniss. I ached for Genvieve. Her fear of her unknown circumstance and frustration at being unable to communicate was palpable. (Though she can read and write, why didn't she just write notes to people?)
McInniss and Genvieve initially resist the attraction between them. McInniss loves a woman who is married to someone else and has given up on love because of it. Genvieve had loved and lost and had no desire to risk further pain. Nonetheless, McInniss is determined to discover who is behind the attack on Genvieve and doesn't recognize that the need stems from his growing feelings for her. Being forced into marriage isn't what either wants.
Suspense builds as McInniss delves deeper into the attack on Genvieve. Matters become complicated when he, too, is attacked. The truth he uncovers shocks and appalls him. The resolution was heartbreaking in what it exposed. I liked seeing Genvieve and McInniss finally let go of their pasts and embrace the future. The epilogue was well done.
Another thing I enjoyed about this series was the presence of McInniss's "Irish Contingent." These men are O'Malleys and the ancestors of those in the Duke's Guard series. I'd like to know more about them. ...more
This was a sweet story of family and love, with lots of warmth and humor. I love the author's small-town stories, which are full of quirky and relatabThis was a sweet story of family and love, with lots of warmth and humor. I love the author's small-town stories, which are full of quirky and relatable characters.
Lila returned home to tiny Ditto, Texas when her Aunt Gracie died and left Lila her estate. It is up to Lila to make the more than one-hundred-year-old house her own. Bittersweet memories of growing up there make sorting through Aunt Gracie's effects an emotional experience, most notably going through the sympathy cards. There are rumors that Gracie had some big secret, but no one has discovered what it is.
Aunt Gracie's best friend and neighbor, Jasper, is a fun addition to the story. He is a feisty old gentleman with plenty of stories about the good old days. I loved how they comforted Lila and gave her insight into her beloved Aunt Gracie. Jasper was family to Lila, and watching the two together was often amusing, as was her insistence on a trip to the hospital when he was sick. Jasper was equally protective of Lila, and I laughed out loud when he dealt with the unwelcome visitors.
A newcomer to town, Connor recently left the military and works for his grandfather, Emmett. Emmett leases Lila's strawberry fields and is set to turn his businesses over to Connor. He's laid back and charming and shows a decided interest in Lila. I enjoyed seeing his kindness and support when she needed it and the twinkle of humor ever-present in his eyes. There are some sweet scenes of them together. My favorite is the picnic by the river. You can see them falling for each other; there's no drama, just a steadily growing attachment.
The book is mainly about Lila's journey through her grief over Aunt Gracie's death. Listening to Jasper's stories and those told by others helps Lila see her aunt as the strong woman she was. Little things lead to unexpected revelations and a desire to change her life. The scene where Lila cleans out Gracie's closet was fantastic, with the memories it stirred up.
The epilogue was terrific. I loved seeing them ten years down the road and seeing what their lives were like. ...more
Terrific story about Dorcas Anderson, a twice-widowed mother of a young son. She eloped with her first husband and followed him to the war, where her Terrific story about Dorcas Anderson, a twice-widowed mother of a young son. She eloped with her first husband and followed him to the war, where her husband was killed just before her son was born. His commanding officer, who was also her husband's twin brother, refused to give her the money to return to England, leaving her no choice but to marry another soldier for protection. After he was also killed, she made her way back to London, where she takes in embroidery to make ends meet.
One day, Dorcas saves Mrs. Dove-Lyon from an accident and is rewarded with three tokens, each worth a favor from Mrs. Dove-Lyon. The timing was propitious, as she was shortly thereafter accused of theft by her former brother-in-law. Dorcas uses her first token to request help, and Mrs. Dove-Lyon sends Ben, the Earl of Somerfield, to get her out of jail and bring her to the Lyon's Den for protection. There are some lovely scenes of Dorcas and her son at the Lyon's Den. I especially enjoyed seeing Mrs. Dove-Lyon's "wolves" and the third-floor ladies become part of Dorcas's cheering section.
Ben knew Dorcas from when he was with the army. He remembers her as kind and honorable. He is happy to help and, in spending time with her, is reminded how much he admires her. I enjoyed seeing them together as Ben steps in to help her get the justice she deserves. They begin to develop feelings for each other, but Dorcas believes that she is not of sufficient class to hope for marriage. An invitation to the Lyon's Den masque opens her eyes to possibilities for the future. I loved this part. The description of the gown Dorcas designed and its effect on the men who attended the ball was very emotional.
Dorcas and Mrs. Dove-Lyon agree that her best plan to protect herself and her son is to marry again to a man of sufficient rank to stand up to her former in-laws. This is where Mrs. Dove-Lyon excels. Ben recognizes the depth of his feelings for Dorcas, but it is almost too late. I enjoyed seeing Mrs. Dove-Lyon make Ben work to earn the hand of the lady he loves. The ending was intense, but we know love will triumph.
There is trouble for Dorcas throughout the book as her husband's twin brother continues to make trouble for her. Dorcas doesn't know why he shows such enmity toward her. Ben's determination to ensure her safety soon uncovers the truth. Ben's protectiveness goes a little too far at one point, angering Dorcas and possibly opening her up to more trouble. Fortunately, he learns from his mistakes. I liked the twist during the ceremony and the resolution of Dorcas's troubles. ...more
Good book about two people with painful pasts who have come to Cottonwood to rebuild their lives. Kenna is a single mother who moved back to her hometGood book about two people with painful pasts who have come to Cottonwood to rebuild their lives. Kenna is a single mother who moved back to her hometown to get away from her dangerously obsessive ex. She blames herself and her poor judgment for her situation and is too ashamed to confess to her sisters what she experienced.
Lucas is the town's new K-9 officer. He is looking for a new start after his brother's tragic death. He blames himself for not seeing how far Brock had fallen before it was too late.
Both Kenna and Lucas have put relationships on the "no go" list while they get their lives together. However, neither anticipated the sparks of attraction that flared between them. They try to ignore their feelings and avoid each other, but Fate conspires to throw them together. I liked the trust that slowly built between them as they got to know each other. Matters become complicated when a past relationship comes back to haunt Lucas. A little distance helped him put some things in perspective but also stirred up some unresolved feelings.
The suspense portion of the story was well done. Kenna kept her past secret from her sisters (bad idea). She wants to believe that her ex either can't find her or isn't interested in doing so. But when a feeling of being watched combines with some odd happenings, Kenna wonders if she is being paranoid. It isn't hard to reach the correct conclusion and expect a confrontation. The twist in the resolution surprised me, but I loved how it happened. Unfortunately, Lucas's reaction to some of Kenna's revelations disappointed me, and I ached for Kenna. I liked the butt-kicking he got that set him straight. The ending shows promise for the future, and I look forward to seeing them in later books.
The best secondary characters were Lucas's K-9 partner, Noble, and Kenna's ten-year-old son, Ty. Noble was a terrific partner for Lucas, on and off duty. I enjoyed his reactions when Lucas talked to him about personal issues. Noble also served as a great ice-breaker when Lucas worked with young people like Ty. The story opens with Lucas dealing with Ty, who is committing vandalism. Ty isn't handling the move well, and along with the trauma he experienced before the move, he acts out in destructive ways. I liked seeing his changes as Lucas became a bigger part of his life. ...more
This was a good role-reversal story. Usually, the man picks a bride using practical reasoning, while the woman wants to marry for love. In this book, This was a good role-reversal story. Usually, the man picks a bride using practical reasoning, while the woman wants to marry for love. In this book, Jessica is a wealthy ironmaster's daughter. He hopes to gain a titled son-in-law and provides Jessica with a hefty dowry. Unfortunately, this attracts the wrong kind of suitor. Jessica looks around her and decides the honorable Alexander, Duke of Malvern, would suit her well. He has a good reputation, and he needs the money. The opening scene is intriguing, as she proposes to him.
Alex is surprised by Jessica's proposal, and though her reasoning is sound, he wants what his friends have - a marriage of love. He's kind but adamant in his refusal, and she leaves disappointed. However, they frequently cross paths in social settings and soon form an unusual friendship. Alex still hopes that that bolt of lightning will hit, but he discovers that he can't keep his mind off Jessica. There's a terrific scene where he comes to the rescue in an awkward situation.
Eventually, Alex realizes he can't wait any longer - he needs the cash influx to restore the castle and take care of his tenants. So he proposes to Jessica, believing they will get along well enough. Jessica is a little wary, worried that he will find his "soul mate" after they are married. Immediately after the wedding, they leave for his castle. Only after they arrived did she find out about the fires that devastated the village, and she believed that was why he proposed. It is a misunderstanding that dents their trust in each other.
I liked how Jessica rolled up her sleeves and got to work helping handle the crisis. This enabled her and Alex to get to know each other and deepen their friendship. That friendship grows into more, but Alex is still fixated on the lightning bolt and doesn't recognize that he's fallen in love. Jessica, too, has fallen for her husband but hesitates to say anything.
When a young woman from Alex's past shows up, Jessica fears her worst nightmare has come true. After the conversation she overheard, I ached for her and understood her need to get away. Alex doesn't know what sent her running and is hurt and confused by her actions. I loved the ending, where a combination of good advice and honest communication gives them the marriage both wanted and neither thought they could have. ...more
Mrs. Dove-Lyon succeeds again at matching two unlikely subjects for a happy marriage. Hattie has been a scandal magnet since she turned sixteen. SocieMrs. Dove-Lyon succeeds again at matching two unlikely subjects for a happy marriage. Hattie has been a scandal magnet since she turned sixteen. Society's rules frustrate her, so she ignores them. Now twenty-nine, her parents are fed up with her antics and hire Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a husband who will take her off their hands. Hattie doesn't want to be married, but she's given no choice.
Simon is a retired Navy captain who lost an eye in the war with the Americans a few years earlier. He's stayed busy since then, including spending time with his friends. However, many of them have fallen prey to Mrs. Dove-Lyon's manipulations and are now married (albeit happily). He's somewhat envious of their happiness, but not enough to step into that trap himself - until the night he wins a drinking wager at the Lyon's Den. The next thing he knows, Mrs. Dove-Lyon threatens to reveal his secret unless he marries the scandal-ridden Hattie immediately.
I liked the development of Hattie and Simon's relationship. Honest communication from the get-go smoothed the way as they decided to make the best of their situation. Hattie is stubborn and impulsive but not stupid, and she quickly sees the benefits of her marriage. Simon understands her and doesn't try to push or control her. I liked watching them get to know each other and discovering that they like what they have together. And that's before they give in to the sparks of attraction that grow stronger by the day.
But there are some obstacles between them and the future they want, obstacles caused by the trust that is difficult to bestow. Simon keeps his professional singing career to himself because he wants to be appreciated for who he is, not his celebrity. Hattie knows he's keeping something from her and is hurt by the lack of trust.
Meanwhile, it takes a while for Hattie to confide in Simon about her propensity for prophetic dreams. She has been dreaming about lions, and some of those dreams terrify her. Complicating matters is a rejected suitor who refuses to give up his pursuit of Hattie. The resolution of that matter was very well done....more
This was an emotional story about two people whose pasts cause them to believe that romance and love are not in their futures. Their journey from flinThis was an emotional story about two people whose pasts cause them to believe that romance and love are not in their futures. Their journey from fling to forever was filled with attraction and anxiety.
Tamsin is a transplant surgeon who chose her career because of the effects of her own transplant on her and her sister, Emily. The backstory is heartbreaking and leaves Tamsin blaming herself for what happened to Emily. While romance is not welcome, the occasional one-night stand is okay. So, when sparks fly between her and pediatric surgeon Max during a working trip to Edinburgh, she gives in. But the deep connection she feels freaks her out, and Tamsin quickly distances herself.
Max has his own reasons for avoiding commitment, but there is something about Tamsin he's unable to forget. When aftercare for her transplant patient brings her back to Edinburgh, Max wants to pick up where they left off. Tamsin is wary but sets her doubts aside when they agree to a short-term, no-strings fling.
I enjoyed watching Max and Tamsin's relationship develop. It's evident from the start that their connection is more than just physical, but neither wants to admit it. They soon spend just as much time outside the bedroom, enjoying being together. The scenes of ordinary activities of being a couple raise red flags in Tamsin, but she doesn't want to lose what they have. She knows she's getting in deep when Max introduces her to the children at the orphanage where he grew up.
I liked watching Max open up and reconsider his no-commitment stance. But Tamsin is still mired in her guilty feelings, which drives a wedge between them when he wants more. I ached for both as harsh words were exchanged. Can Tamsin take Max's advice and mend the rift with her family before it's too late? I loved the ending and the intervention that brought Max and Tamsin to their big moment.
The medical theme of this book is transplants and what happens before and after. I loved how Tamsin's past made her so passionate about her work. The transplant patient at the center of the story was a terrific way to explain the process without feeling like a med school lecture. ...more
Another terrific book in the West Investigations series with a gripping mystery, second-chance romance, and an interesting art museum setting. It starAnother terrific book in the West Investigations series with a gripping mystery, second-chance romance, and an interesting art museum setting. It starts with a bang when the famous Vipere ruby is stolen from the Larimer Museum.
Maggie is one of the curators at the museum and the force behind the special exhibit. The night of the donor's preview, Maggie is attacked, and the ruby is stolen. Later that night, she discovers that her best friend and fellow curator has been murdered. Complicating matters, the investigator for the security company is Kevin, the college sweetheart who left her without looking back.
Kevin recently started working for West Investigations. This is his first case with them, and he's determined to excel. The last person he expects to see is Maggie, the girl he's never forgotten.
The suspense of this story had me glued to the pages from start to finish. The search for the ruby is a rollercoaster ride of promising clues and dead ends, with a twist at the end that I never saw coming. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a terrific ending.
I enjoyed the rekindling of Maggie and Kevin's relationship. Maggie still feels hurt and resentful over how Kevin walked away from her, while Kevin realized long ago that he'd made a terrible mistake. I liked how Maggie insisted on being part of the investigation, which meant spending more time with Kevin. It quickly became evident that the sparks between them were as strong as ever, but Maggie was wary of getting her heart broken again. I liked Kevin's protectiveness and his support of Maggie during the turmoil of the investigation. I liked seeing that they could talk about their past, mistakes, and hopes for the future, taking things slowly to ensure they get it right. ...more
Terrific book. Maddox Hale grew up on the ranch next to the Bravos but couldn't wait to leave Medicine Creek behind. He's now a successful businessmanTerrific book. Maddox Hale grew up on the ranch next to the Bravos but couldn't wait to leave Medicine Creek behind. He's now a successful businessman, thanks to his workaholic ways. For the same reason, he is divorced and hasn't been much of a dad to his two kids. He plans to right that wrong by spending the summer on the family ranch with his kids. Those plans alter when his father breaks his leg, and Maddox goes home early to care for him. First on the agenda is to hire a nurse to supervise Fergus while he heals.
Sarah Bravo is home recovering from an injury sustained while running a free clinic in Bolivia. She is saving money to get her Master's in nursing, and when she hears of the opening at the Hale ranch, she applies.
The story starts with a bang as Maddox and Fergus interview potential nurses. Feisty Fergus isn't thrilled with any of them until Sarah shows up. He knows Sarah well and likes her. Maddox is not as enthusiastic. She's too young, too pretty, and too much of a possible distraction. I laughed out loud at the conversation between Maddox and Fergus as they debated hiring her. Obviously, Fergus wins.
I enjoyed watching Maddox and Sarah's relationship develop. Their attraction is evident from the start, but there are obstacles. Nursing ethics prohibit Sarah from getting personally involved with a patient or a patient's family member. Maddox has no plans to marry again. However, discussions during late-night swims encourage a closeness neither expected, and the attraction becomes harder to resist.
Giving in to the attraction for the summer is one thing, but what happens when Sarah wants more? Maddox's past convinces him that he is unworthy of love, and nothing will convince him otherwise. I loved seeing Sarah stand up for herself and her needs. Maddox earned his misery when he walked away from what he had with Sarah. Some well-meaning interference from Fergus leads to an unexpected twist that motivates Maddox to take a chance. I loved the ending.
Fergus was my favorite secondary character. Nothing gets him down for long. The story behind his broken leg is hilarious, and I loved seeing him deal with the consequences. Maddox's kids were great. I liked the realism of RJ's issues with his father's neglect and Maddox's determination to redeem himself. ...more
Sweet story. Adaline owns the local bakery and is an active member of Comfort Paws, an animal therapy group. As the book opens, she takes her dog, FuzSweet story. Adaline owns the local bakery and is an active member of Comfort Paws, an animal therapy group. As the book opens, she takes her dog, Fuzzy, to the local assisted living facility to visit the residents. Adaline meets Gus, who could give the Grinch a run for his money. On the way out of his room, she encounters Gus's great-nephew, Jace, her fifth-grade nemesis.
Jace lived with Gus for a year while his dad was undergoing cancer treatment. Then he went back home to his parents. He's never forgotten the time he spent with Gus. When he learns that Gus is ill, Jace packs up his life and returns to the small town. Gus is the only family Jace has left, and he's determined to spend Gus's remaining days with him.
Jace is happy to see Adaline again. He fondly remembers the bubbly, larger-than-life girl from school. He doesn't understand why she is so cold to him. The strain continues when Jace unknowingly interferes with a planned Comfort Paws fundraiser.
I liked Jace and Adaline. Jace is a good guy. When he finds out about the fundraiser, he finds a way to help them. I liked how he cleared the air with Adaline about the past and opened the door to renew their friendship. Adaline loves helping her friends and tends to go all in on any project she takes on.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Jace and Adaline. Once they got past the initial antagonism, they quickly discovered that they liked each other. When Adaline's grandmother signs her up for a matchmaking service, Adaline panics and claims she has a boyfriend, even though she doesn't. Jace comes to the rescue and claims that it is him. As they spend time together, their feelings for each other grow, but neither is ready to risk rejection by saying so,
Things get complicated when Jace and Adaline discover a secret about Gus's past. This causes a rift between Jace and Gus, stirring up Jace's insecurities. Instead of staying and working it out, Jace runs. I hurt for him and the loneliness he feels. I also hurt for Adaline, who had other bad news. Jace's departure was a final blow that hurt more than she expected. I loved that she didn't let it stop her for long. I laughed as she read Gus the riot act and hoped it would have the necessary effect on him. The ending was terrific. I loved Jace's big moment and the surprise he had for her. The epilogue was sweet and emotional, with a happy outlook for Jace, Adaline, and Comfort Paws. ...more
A terrific book with the fascinating setting of a Las Vegas casino. Annalise's casino is losing money to a thief, and she has been unsuccessful in catA terrific book with the fascinating setting of a Las Vegas casino. Annalise's casino is losing money to a thief, and she has been unsuccessful in catching them. When she talks to her brother about the problem, he hires Luca, a technical wizard, to investigate. The difficulty is that Annalise and Luca have a history that made them enemies.
Eight years earlier, Luca was wrongly accused of cheating in that casino. He feels great resentment toward Annalise's father, who meted out his own form of punishment with Annalise as a witness. He finds it ironic that he is tasked with helping her find a real cheater.
Their first meeting is contentious. Annalise wants nothing to do with the man she believes is a cheater, no matter what he can supposedly do. Luca thinks that she is arrogant and spoiled. Neither trusts the other, and Luca enjoys pushing her buttons. Neither expected the intense attraction they felt. As they worked together to identify the thief, Luca and Annalise realized they had misjudged each other. Both are stubborn and still have clashes, even as their attraction strengthens and their feelings for each other grow. But a confrontation over dealing with the thief stirs up insecurities and drives a wedge between Luca and Annalise. It takes some straight talk from a friend to open Luca's eyes to what he might be missing. I loved seeing him face his fears in an emotional scene with Annalise.
I enjoyed the casino setting and getting a small taste of what goes on behind the scenes. ...more
Fun Christmas book with a Cinderella theme. I liked the interweaving of the real-life Cinderella with the village play. The characters were realistic Fun Christmas book with a Cinderella theme. I liked the interweaving of the real-life Cinderella with the village play. The characters were realistic in their situations and their actions.
Ella is an artist whose art takes a back seat to the other things happening in her life. Her father died a year or so earlier, but not before asking Ella to look after the family business, her stepmother, and her stepbrothers. The company is Magic Mops, a cleaning service, but Ella is the only one doing much work. Lucinda is demanding and selfish, and her two stepbrothers constantly call out with excuses; everyone but Ella can see right through. She's exhausted from doing everyone else's work, and because of it, she misses many lessons with famous artist Henry.
Alex is also an artist who has come to Mistletoe to study with Henry. He works for his father in the family business and is on a short hiatus for the lessons. His dad still expects Alex to keep up with his work remotely.
Ella and Alex did not get off to a good start. A runaway dog and a car driving too fast for the conditions nearly led to disaster, and Alex's cold attitude left an unlikeable impression. Ella was doubly dismayed to find they would both be working with Henry. Henry has a unique way of drawing the best out of his pupils, though it takes some time for them to see results.
One of Henry's methods is to get Alex to broaden his experience. To do this, he ropes Alex into helping with the village Christmas production of Cinderella. It was funny and painful to see Alex floundering with things so far outside his experience.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Ella and Alex. It is rough initially, as Ella sees Alex as cold and unfeeling, and Alex thinks Ella is irresponsible. Their attitudes begin to change as they get to know each other. I liked seeing Ella encourage him to embrace the feelings he suppressed for so long. She also helps him develop confidence in his artistic ability. Working together on the play adds a layer of complications when a practice kiss as Cinderella and Prince Charming gets out of control.
Their complicated lives leave both wondering whether pursuing a relationship is possible. Alex will return to Edinburgh by Christmas, and Ella is stuck in Mistletoe running the family business. Trouble looms when two misunderstandings stir up Ella and Alex's insecurities. The first was dealt with easily, and I loved how Alex gave Ella the moral support she needed to tackle the problem. The second one involved Alex and his father and was especially painful to watch. Alex's reactions were intense, and he said some hurtful things to Ella. It takes serious self-examination for Alex to break free of the chains that kept him struggling for acceptance. I loved his "aha" moment and the joy he finally embraced. His big moment at the end was sweet, romantic, and fun.
The secondary characters were terrific and added lots of emotional growth and development opportunities. Ella's stepmother was a selfish and manipulative woman who thrived on making Ella's life miserable. Her stepbrothers were spoiled and selfish. Though I detested them in the beginning, by the end of the book, they showed great promise in turning into decent human beings. The artist, Henry, who instructed Elle and Alex, could be insensitive, but he made good points with his instructions. It was interesting to see how he struggled with his relationship with Ella's godmother. I loved Mae's relationship with Ella and her support and understanding as Ella faced the challenges in her life. My favorite was Hunter, the young boy who was a budding artist and so much like Alex. Their conversation in the café was sweet, and I loved how Alex helped him. ...more
Terrific story. Amy is a war widow with two young boys. Her dream was to own her own bakery, which she has achieved. It doesn't matter that it consumeTerrific story. Amy is a war widow with two young boys. Her dream was to own her own bakery, which she has achieved. It doesn't matter that it consumes all her life outside of caring for her sons. However, she sometimes yearns for something more, even if she doesn't know what. That changes when a visitor arrives in town.
After an injury ended his career as an Air Force pararescue jumper, Noah isn't sure what to do with his life. He is doing a 50-state tour, looking for a place and a reason to put down roots. On his way to his last stop in Alaska, Noah stops in Coho Cove to visit his friend Jax (The Soldier's Refuge). He impulsively stops at the bakery, where he meets Amy. There is an instant connection.
I enjoyed watching Noah and Amy's relationship develop. The connection is there, but Amy is wary, not just for herself, but also worried her sons might get hurt if they get attached and Noah doesn't stick around. When Amy has a crisis at the bakery, Noah jumps in to help. This allows them to get to know each other. There are some great scenes of Noah and Amy together as their friendship grows and becomes more. There is a surprise connection between Noah and Amy's late husband that could have ended things before they got started, but honesty and compassion got them over that hurdle. I loved how sensitive each was to the other's difficult past. The ending was fantastic.
I loved the bakery scenes and seeing how happy Noah was when he was there. Not only was he with Amy, but it also brought back some of the few happy memories from his childhood. I also loved seeing Noah with Amy's sons. The scene at the fair was heartwarming, with Noah's joy at experiencing it with the boys....more
Terrific book. One of the things I like most about this author is her use of ordinary people instead of members of the nobility. It makes a refreshingTerrific book. One of the things I like most about this author is her use of ordinary people instead of members of the nobility. It makes a refreshing change of pace. In this book, we have Jerusha, the penniless daughter of a vicar, and Jamie, a surgeon with the Royal Navy.
Jerusha's prospects are slim in her small hometown. Her mother sends her to Plymouth to be a companion to her aunt, where she looks at a dismal future catering to grouchy old women. Her aunt is selfish, snobbish, and mean-spirited. Things begin to change when chance takes her to a naval hospital nearby. She encounters Jamie, a navy surgeon she knew as a child, and discovers a calling to help the injured.
Jamie joined the Royal Navy as a surgeon's mate when he was thirteen. He eventually studied and passed the exams to become a surgeon. He spends most of his time either at the hospital in Devonport or onboard various ships. Because of the war with Napoleon, he is very busy. The last person he expects to see is the little girl from fifteen years earlier.
Jerusha quickly becomes involved with Jamie's work at the hospital. Her aunt would disapprove, so she sneaks out. Experience tells the reader that this will eventually cause a problem. I loved Jerusha's interactions with the patients she helped. Their stories are frequently heartbreaking, but some are filled with hope. I liked seeing how her confidence grew as she took on more responsibility.
I loved seeing the relationship between Jamie and Jerusha develop. It started in a fun manner, as Jamie referred to the day they met. There is a sweet part that refers back to that day, and Jamie won my heart right away with how he comforts her. I liked seeing them together. Their interactions are real and relatable, from the discussions of their work to the lighter moments of teasing. It is an unusual relationship in that they spend more time apart than together because of Jamie's long periods spent at sea. However, the often difficult and extreme circumstances of their time together bring them closer than a more traditional relationship is likely to do. The scene where Jerusha joined Jamie on the ship was especially intense. The ending was great, with a twist that would affect their future.
One of the many things I loved about this book was the detailed descriptions of the hospital and its patients. They weren't just nameless props for the story but portrayed as real human beings. Their lives and personalities were realistic, and their injuries and actions were believable. This book gave me a different perspective on the Napoleonic War's naval blockade, the effects on people, and the Battle of Trafalgar.
As a side note: The name Jerusha is unusual and memorable, and it took me a while to remember where I had heard it before. I finally recalled that Jerusha was the preacher's wife's name in James Michener's book Hawaii. ...more
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