My Book Reviews

Series: Coltons of Oklahoma (Book 3)

After a hit-and-run, all the frightened victim can remember is the handsome Dr. Eric Colton, who rescued her. She has no identity and no memory, other than the flash of a gunshot and a man's name. But she knows she's in grave danger.

Eric can't explain his irresistible attraction to the mystery woman who, in hours, transforms him from workaholic surgeon to vigilant bodyguard. He can't let her out of his arms, not when danger stalks her. But why? What lies hidden in her mind? Eric doesn't know what she's forgotten, but he knows people will kill to ensure she never remembers…and it's up to him to stop them.

Very good book with excellent suspense and romantic tension. Eric is on his way home from work as an ER trauma surgeon when he witnesses a hit-and-run. As he gives assistance and accompanies her back to the hospital in the ambulance, Eric is strangely drawn to her. The next day he discovers that she has no memory of who she is or what happened. What he does know is that he can't let her go until they know more about her, so he takes her back to his place.

I really liked Eric. We haven't seen much of him in the previous books. He doesn't go home to the ranch very often and his relationship with his parents seems strained. In this book we learn more about why. In spite of this, he does have an excellent relationship with his siblings, and I enjoyed their encounters. They are also very supportive of Eric when he needs them. I loved his protectiveness toward MW (mystery woman).

I liked MW also. Her amnesia has her scared, but she doesn't fall apart. She doesn't know why Eric is so determined to help her, but she feels she can trust him, so she accepts it. She's also very attracted to him, but wary because she doesn't know if she's free to be. I liked the way that she tried to maintain some independence even when she was dependent on him. She had no trouble standing up for herself when she needed to.

I loved the development of their relationship. MW is a woman with a kind and sensitive heart, which is obvious even without knowing her background. I really liked the way that she was so aware of Eric's feelings around his family and how her presence helped him deal with them. I loved seeing Eric help her work through her feelings as her memory started to return. Eric was surprised when he realized that what he was feeling for her was more than just attraction. It only added to his determination to keep her safe. Once she remembered everything, MW wanted to protect him from the trouble she was in. I liked seeing the way that they worked through everything and came out stronger in the end.

The suspense of the story was really good. It started fast with the hit-and-run, and kept the action going with the attempts on her life. As each bit of memory returned, the more the sense of danger increased. When all was revealed, the intensity really picked up. The car wreck and kidnapping kept me reading, and I was happy to see the way that MW really kept her head. I was expecting a wild ride, and have to say that the ending was a bit anticlimactic. 

There was a little more progress on the series storyline involving the attack on Eric's mother. There are indications that she knows something about what happened to her that she isn't sharing with anyone else. There are also still questions about the skeleton that was found in the first book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Series: Silver Valley PD (Book 1)

A Sinister Silent Night

Two female ministers have been shot in the heart of Silver Valley, Pennsylvania. Now Zora Krasny, navy veteran turned undercover operative, is posing as a new preacher. That means her life's on the line, yet it's the only way to smoke out a psychopath. But she's not alone. She's got the best of the Silver Valley P.D. at her side -- Detective Bryce Campbell, the high school boyfriend Zora left behind when she joined the navy. Bryce must pose as her fiancé, so he can stay close and protect Zora. It's a role they're both finding way too easy to play. But with the killer's imminent Christmas countdown, Zora and Bryce can't afford any distractions.

Very good book with excellent suspense and a terrific reunion romance. After her years in the navy, Zora became a counselor and moved back to Silver Valley to open her own practice. She also has a secondary job that no one is aware of, as an undercover operative. She has avoided getting in contact with any of her old friends, especially her old boyfriend Bryce, but now she has no choice. Someone is killing female preachers and Zora's mission is to pose as one to draw him out. As a detective on the police force, Bryce will be playing the part of her fiance, to stay close to her and protect her.

I liked Zora a lot. She's a strong woman with a calling to help people. She's a bit nervous about pulling off her role, but it's working with Bryce that has her emotions all wound up. She still feels badly about the way she broke up with him all those years ago, but at the time she thought it was the right thing to do. Now she discovers that her feelings for him never really died. 

Bryce is a terrific guy. He has his own drive to help people, which is what pushed him into law enforcement. He's never forgotten Zora, and he was stunned to find her as the replacement preacher. Right away his protective feelings went from professional to personal. He knows that the only way to keep her safe is to keep his mind on the job, but that's much easier said than done.

I loved the rekindling of their relationship. The fact that they knew each other so well in the past gives them a good place to start getting to know each other as adults. I really enjoyed seeing how easy it was for them to pretend to be engaged. The biggest thing that Zora had to deal with was allowing herself to trust Bryce with the full truth about her past. Once she did that, I loved seeing how emotions that she'd been burying for years started to reemerge. Bryce's reaction to what she told him made me love him even more. His sensitivity to what she'd been through, and his admiration for what she had done were great. I also liked the way that they were determined to keep their personal feelings on hold until after the killer was caught. There were a few slips, but I loved how their dedication kept them focused.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. There was the issue of the guy who was killing the female preachers. I liked the parts where we got his point of view, so that we could see what his motivations were. While his identity was revealed to the reader early, it didn't diminish the story at all. The suspense continued to build as it got closer to when they expected him to strike. The final confrontation was intense, and kept me riveted until it was over.

There was also a secondary storyline involving the reappearance of Zora's mother and if it was connected to the release of some former cult members from prison. I completely understood Zora's reluctance to have anything to do with the woman. I hurt for her after that last scene with her mother. I also suspect that we haven't heard the last about the cult members. 

The secondary characters were also good. I liked Zora's boss Claudia, who is an amazing woman and leader. There's an interesting vibe between her and Bryce's boss, the police chief, that I suspect will play a part in a later book.  I also liked Bryce's friend Rio. I hope he gets his own story too.

Series: Fenwick Sisters Affairs (Book 1)

Lady Ivy Fenwick is desperate. Since her father's fatal duel, she and her sisters have sold off every valuable possession to make ends meet. With the manor stripped bare, Ivy has one last resort: Apply as governess to the Duke of Ellsworth's wards.

James should have known better than to hire the desirable lady who had fallen on hard times--and who tempts him at every turn. As her employer, he tries valiantly to remain noble and not let a kiss they shared as strangers years ago entice him. Yet the more he learns of Ivy's secrets, the more he wants her. And when another suitor proves aggressive, James is confronted with a challenge: Surrender Ivy or fight for the woman he's come to love against all odds, knowing that it takes a scoundrel to trump a scoundrel.

Good book. James and Ivy had met briefly five years earlier at the first ball she attended. James was a soldier, headed off to war the next day. They shared a kiss that neither has ever forgotten. Life intervened and they hadn't seen each other since.

Now, Ivy and her sisters live in seclusion at Fenwick Manor. The night of the ball her father was accused of cheating at cards and was killed in a duel. Since then, Ivy and her sisters have been scrimping and saving to pay off his debts. They have finally succeeded in that, but if they are going to keep their home they need some income. Ivy decides that she will find a position as a governess.

James recently returned from the war with a career ending injury. After his father's death it's up to him to fulfill his ducal duties. He's not quite ready to marry and have kids, so he decides to invite a potential mistress to his home and live  it up for a few weeks first. On his way to his estate, he passes Fenwick and decides he wants to buy it, whether the owner wants to sell or not. His encounter in the garden is pretty amusing. When he arrives at his home, he discovers his niece and nephew in residence. His brother is still at war and the children's mother has run off with her lover. He doesn't want to change his plans with his mistress, so he decides to hire a governess. His first interview is with Ivy who he recognizes and decides to hire. 

The attraction is still there, but they initially plan to ignore it, even though a shared kiss is inflammatory. Ivy needs the money and James still wants his time to play. But resistance is futile and James soon decides that Ivy would be the perfect wife for him. He just needs to woo her to his way of thinking. The chemistry between them is hot, and they discover that they can't keep their hands off each other. Another man shows up, wanting to court Ivy, which gives James more motivation to claim Ivy as quickly as he can.

The other man, Oliver, actually has more on his mind than winning Ivy. She is just the means to an end. He has heard that there is a treasure hidden at Fenwick and he wants it. Though he is pursuing Ivy, he also wonders if he'd do better to go after one of the other sisters instead. Though his reasons for being there aren't the best, he does have some redeeming qualities. There's also a surprise connection to the prospective mistress. In the end, Oliver ends up on the right side of the issues. I have a feeling he'll be playing a larger role in a future book.

I liked seeing the relationship develop between Ivy and James, though I sometimes felt that he was relying too much on the physical to win her. I enjoyed his protectiveness as the strange happenings at Fenwick Manor became more dangerous. I also liked the way Ivy took care of James when his war injury flared up. The epilogue was great and shows good promise for their future.

The mystery of the Fenwick treasure ran throughout the book. Oliver certainly created some real problems for them with his pursuit of it. I didn't feel like there was a real resolution with it, so I expect that it will show up again in later books.

Series: Cynster (Book 24)

Restless and impatient, Marcus Cynster waits for Fate to come calling. He knows his destiny lies in the lands surrounding his family home, but what will his future be and with whom will he share it?

Of one fact he feels certain: his fated bride will not be Niniver Carrick. His elusive neighbor attracts him mightily, yet he feels compelled to protect her -- even from himself. Fickle Fate, he's sure, would never be so kind as to decree that Niniver should be his. The best he can do for them both is to avoid her.

Niniver has vowed to return her clan to prosperity. The epitome of fragile femininity, her delicate and ethereal exterior cloaks a stubborn will and an unflinching devotion to the people in her care. She accepts that she cannot risk marrying and losing her grip on the clan's reins to an inevitably controlling husband. Unfortunately, many local men see her as their opportunity.

Soon, she's forced to seek help to get rid of her unwelcome suitors. Powerful and dangerous, Marcus Cynster is perfect for the task. Suppressing her wariness over tangling with a gentleman who so excites her passions, she appeals to him for assistance with her peculiar problem.

Although at first he resists, Marcus discovers that, contrary to his expectations, his fated role is to stand by Niniver's side and, ultimately, to claim her hand. Yet in order to convince her to be his bride, they must plunge headlong into a journey full of challenges, unforeseen dangers, passion, and yearning, until Niniver grasps the essential truth -- that she is indeed a match for Marcus Cynster.

Very good book. I love the Cynsters stories and this one lived up to my expectations. We got to know Marcus somewhat in The Tempting of Thomas Carrick. He is the twin brother of Lucilla, who is heir to their mother as the Lady of the Vale. His role growing up was to protect and assist his sister, until such time as she marries. She has done so, leaving him now with no purpose. He does know that his future lies in the area where he grew up, and that Fate knows exactly who will share his life. He just needs the patience to wait for it to be revealed.

Niniver is the only daughter of the late Laird of Carrick. Thanks to various events outlined in the previous book (but mentioned in this one, so it can be read as a stand alone) and at the beginning of this one, she ends up as the Lady of Carrick, leader of the clan and the one with the responsibility of bringing the clan back from the brink of disaster. She is determined to stay unmarried, as any husband would expect to take over as leader, and that isn't possible. But when she has to spend valuable time fending off the attentions of unwanted suitors, she knows she needs help. Her neighbor, Marcus, had once told her that if she ever needed help, to ask and she is desperate enough to do so.

Thus starts the story of two people who are perfect for each other, but need to be convinced. Marcus has been attracted to Niniver for a couple years, but believes that Fate would not be so kind as to give him what he wants so easily. In many ways, he is right. He is reluctant to agree with the method of help she suggests, sensing that there could be pitfalls for both of them. Her method of convincing him was unique, but effective. It isn't too long before Marcus realizes that Niniver is the woman meant for him, but winning her hand isn't going to be easy. Because she is the head of the clan, he knows that he must be very careful not to diminish her in the eyes of her people. He can help and support, but he can't take over. For most men of this time period that would be an impossibility, but Marcus is a Cynster. He has been raised around strong and capable women and has enough confidence in his own manhood not to be threatened by her. The fact that his own father, and now his sister's husband, are in the same position has given him the perfect examples to follow. I loved being able to see his thoughts as he worked out the best ways to show her that he was the man for her. His sensitivity to her needs was outstanding. His only drawback was his reluctance to tell her of his feelings until he was sure that she felt the same way. That almost caused a permanent rift between them, until fate once again intervened.

Niniver had known Marcus all her life and had always been fascinated by him. But he is a Cynster, and far above her in her opinion, so she had never allowed herself to think of him as anything but a neighbor and friend. After the deaths of her father and older brothers, she is stunned to find that the clan considers her to be the logical successor to leading the clan. Though she has had no training (she is a woman, after all), she makes a vow to do whatever necessary to save the clan. She's reluctant to ask Marcus's help because she knows that she could easily fall in love with him, but he's really her only choice. Once she gains his consent, they are locked into spending quite a bit of time together. Niniver realizes that she was right to be worried about her heart, as she falls and falls hard. The last thing she wants is to become an object of pity, because there's no way he could feel the same way, so she buries her feelings deep so that he won't suspect.

I loved seeing the relationship develop. They had so much in common, such as their love of the dogs they bred and the lands they lived on. One of the best things about Marcus was that he understood Niniver so well and knew what she needed from him, even if she didn't yet realize it. There were wonderful scenes of him standing behind her as she dealt with various issues, there to support her but not interfere. The scene with two different tradesmen was a perfect demonstration. The scenes where he dealt with her unwanted suitors were really fun, especially the one who came to serenade her. The more time they spent together, the more their attraction grew, until they were no longer able to fight it. Marcus hoped that it would help her see what they could have together, but Niniver believed that only a short term affair was possible. When a misunderstanding has her believing that he is bowing down to pressure from the clan to marry her, she is devastated and sends him away.

There is one suitor who refuses to be chased away. He is desperate to gain Niniver's hand and everything that goes with it, even though she makes it plain that he has no chance. The things he does put her in danger, and nearly kill both her and Marcus. The final confrontation with him was quite intense in places, and very well done. The resolution was excellent and perfect for the life that Marcus and Niniver want going forward. The epilogue was great, and makes me wonder if Sebastian will be the next cousin to fall. I can't wait to see if I'm right.

A new life in Wyoming!

Newly widowed, Eve Townsend is left with a grand title and not a penny to her name. She doesn't know what future she can build in the Wild West…but she's ready to learn, and to reunite with her family.

When she arrives in Wyoming, she discovers her beloved sister's death and sets about caring for her niece and nephew. But burly Clint Lonigan is everywhere she turns! Even though he's Eve's opposite in every way, maybe a rough-mannered cowboy is just what this genteel countess needs…

Good book with an interesting story line. Back in England Eve's husband died and left her with nothing, so she decided to go to her sister, who had married an American. After an exhausting and eventful journey, she arrived in Wyoming to discover that her sister has died. She's determined to stay and care for her niece and nephew, but things aren't quite what they seem.

Clint meets Eve on the stagecoach and is drawn to her beauty and her strength when dealing with an attack on the coach. But she is joining the household of his enemy and he isn't sure that he can trust her. He is caught in the middle of a range war, between cattle barons like her brother-in-law, Roderick, and local farmers and homesteaders. But if he can show Eve the truth of what is happening, maybe she will help them.

I liked Clint a lot. He's rough and gruff on the outside, but he's a good man where it counts. He's still mourning his wife, who was killed during an attack on his property. He doesn't expect to love again, so his attraction to Eve takes him by surprise. He's suspicious of her at the beginning, but takes a chance when he uses her to rescue a friend. He explains what is going on and asks for her help. I liked the way that he decided to trust her, and how his protectiveness started to grow along with his feelings. 

Eve was great. I loved her courage in pursuing a brand new life. I enjoyed her thoughts as she learned about her new country and became accustomed to its differences. She also has a very loving heart, and her determination to care for her sister's children put her in some uncomfortable situations. I thought she handled Roderick very well. She was surprised by her attraction to Clint, and her feelings were very different than what she had felt for her husband. She had some prejudices that she had to overcome, but she did that quickly and saw Clint for who he really was. I loved her strength and ingenuity as she helped Clint. 

Romance tended to move fast in the old west, and Clint and Eve were no exception. I think that working for a common cause helped that along. The times that they were together the chemistry burned hot between them and those scenes were great. Though he had a brief moment of doubt toward the end, I liked the faith that Clint had in Eve's trustworthiness. What happened at the end showed them how much they cared. 

The story line of the range war was interesting and gave good insight into some of the conflicts that happened during that period of history. The creep factor was definitely there in Roderick, and I felt that he definitely got what he deserved at the end. The build up to the final confrontation was really good. Eve was quite clever in some of the things she did, and her actions made a big impact on what happened. I liked the epilogue and finding out what happened to some of the other characters in the story.

Bad to the bone…in all the right ways

A brilliant civil lawyer, David Hennings has always been the outsider -- at odds with his wealthy family, shunning relationships, defying convention as a sexy leather-jacketed biker. Which is why sculptor Amanda LeBlanc agrees to his request to reconstruct a skull from a cold case murder. The instant heat between them is scorching.

But once Amanda takes the job and gets too close to the rebellious attorney, her carefully balanced life is upended by a series of methodical attacks. Someone doesn't want her to finish the job. Now David will risk everything not to lose the woman he unknowingly put in jeopardy.

Loved this book, the latest in the series about the Hennings family and their friends/coworkers. It begins with a Chicago detective finding a skull while walking his dog. Five years later the victim has still not been identified and the detective is looking for help. Enter Amanda, an artist and sculptress, who the detective asks to do a reconstruction from the skull. She initially refuses, but is overheard by Mrs. Hennings, David's mother. She talks him into seeing if he can convince Amanda to take on the project.

David has just moved back to Chicago after living and working in Boston for several years. He has never felt like he fit in with his family of rather intense criminal lawyers. As the oldest, he was expected to join the family firm, but that wasn't what he wanted to do. Being able to live his own life took moving far away from his family. But now he wants a chance to mend fences and connect with them again. He doesn't expect his mom to rope him into her latest project. He especially doesn't expect the instant attraction between himself and Amanda. I really enjoyed seeing how he showed his individuality, and loved the motorcycle riding, bad boy image.

Amanda is very reluctant to take on the forensic sculpture job. Her mother had done that before her death and Amanda remembers all too well the emotional trauma that it caused her. Thanks to her mother's extreme emotional highs and lows, Amanda has led a life that she works hard to keep on an even keel. She avoids anything that could wind her up, until David appears at her door. The man is seriously sexy and has a way of overcoming all her misgivings. As soon as she agrees to help, her life goes completely crazy.

Within hours of her agreement, the building where she lives and works is shut down, her bank accounts are frozen, and the plaster cast of the skull is stolen. Many of her paintings are destroyed in another attack. Throughout it all, David is at her side as they try to track down who is doing these things, and why. David is determined to protect her from whoever is causing the problems. As they try to track the clues they uncover, it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want her to finish what she started. It was really interesting to see the way it all came together. I was totally surprised by who was behind it and the reasons for their actions. I could not put it down until I finished it.

I loved seeing the relationship grow between David and Amanda. The chemistry was hot from the very beginning. I liked the way that David accepted it and wanted to pursue it. I loved the way that he saw her hesitation and understood what caused it, but he wasn't going to give up. Amanda fought her feelings hard. She didn't want to deal with the riot of emotions that being around him brought out. I loved seeing the way that they balanced each other. David brought a sense of fun and spontaneity to Amanda's life, and Amanda's calm helped to temper David's volatility. I loved how they realized that neither was perfect, that their relationship would always be a work in progress.

The family dynamics were wonderful. David was mentioned in previous books, and I always got the impression that he wanted nothing to do with them. In this book we got to see what had driven him away. I loved seeing him come home wanting to be part of the family again. The relationship he has with his mom is a good one. I loved seeing the way that she was able to get him to do exactly what she wanted him to do, and that he saw what she was doing and didn't resist. He gives a great description of his relationship to his mom when he's talking to Amanda about her. I liked that he and his brother didn't really have any problems between them and got along well. It was the relationship with his sister Penny that had the most turmoil. There were times that I wanted to smack her, because she really seemed to be doing her best to piss him off. She definitely came off as being something of a spoiled brat. David made up his mind that he wanted to fix things, but stopping the bickering was harder than he thought it would be. There were a few moments when I thought they were never going to get through it. Once again their mom steps in, and I loved seeing her lay down the law.

Series: Appaloosa Pass Ranch (Book 1)

A Texas Ranger must protect the daughter of a serial killer from becoming his next victim…

Breaking into the home of the woman who shared his bed three months ago isn't Weston Cade's usual MO. But the Texas Ranger is on a personal vendetta to catch a killer, and Addie Crockett is the man's biological daughter. The beautiful rancher also happens to be carrying Wes's child…

Addie can't remember her birth father, but she'll never forget the lover who took her to bed -- and then disappeared. Now she has to trust Wes with her life. And the life of their unborn baby. As desire reignites, Addie quickly discovers that with this lawman by her side, she just might escape the target on her back.

Good book with lots of action. Addie recently discovered that her biological father is a serial killer, something that has turned her life upside down. Three months earlier, right after she found out, she had a one night stand with a rodeo cowboy and is now pregnant with his baby. Then that same cowboy breaks into her house and she finds out that he's not a cowboy, he's a Texas Ranger. He's determined to catch the killer, and she's his only link. 

Wes hadn't planned to sleep with Addie that night, just get to know her a little and find out what she might know about her father. Instead, the immediate attraction that he felt for her took over and things got out of hand. He left, and didn't contact her again because he felt guilty about lying to her and had received letters threatening death if he contacted her. Now he's back because she is in danger, too. He's ready to use her as bait, until he finds out about the baby, then protection is the first thing on his mind.

Wes barely finishes his explanations before the first attack comes. From there on the action is nonstop as the killer focuses on getting rid of Addie. As she  hadn't seen her father since she was three years old and had no memory of him, she didn't know why he was after her. But after trying hypnosis to recover something from the past, it becomes obvious he is afraid of what she might remember. No one has ever seen his face, and all they have is DNA to identify him. As Addie, Wes and the others follow various clues to find out who he is, the attacks continue and intensify. There are multiple suspects and each one seems to have an equal chance of being the one. Another attacker shows up with a surprising connection to Addie, and no one is sure exactly what his motives are. There are several twists and turns before the final confrontation comes, including another law enforcement officer with a personal reason to find the killer. The final confrontation was intense, with multiple players. Some questions get answered by the end, but others are left hanging, waiting for the next books in the series.

The relationship between Wes and Addie moved fast because of the baby and the danger. Being with each other constantly gave them the chance to get to know each other and the attraction to grow into love. I liked the way that Wes was sensitive to Addie's inner turmoil and helped her cope with her feelings about it. Wes knew that he wanted to stay involved with Addie and the baby, but his true feelings didn't hit him until the end. I loved the scene in the sheriff's office when he finally accepted the truth. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the later books.

Series: Battling McGuire Boys (Book 4)

New town, new name…more trouble!

Dr. Jamie Myers has tried outrunning her past, but now someone is stalking her, leaving her deadly messages. Once, she'd trusted the wrong man. So how can she rely on Davis McGuire, the fiercely handsome ex-SEAL she's hired as a bodyguard? And how can she ignore the way his hands-on attention excites her?

One of McGuire Securities' best, Davis wants to protect the sexy doc 24/7 and play by the rules. But as Jamie's stalker grows bolder, Davis's desire grows stronger. Soon he's breaking all his rules -- so he can uncover Jamie's secrets in order to protect her…and discover the key to her heart.

Very good book, with plenty of action from the very beginning. Davis has been attracted to Jamie for a year, ever since she became the vet for the family ranch. He's just made his move at his sister's wedding (hilarious scene!) when their dance is interrupted. Jamie gets a call from her security company that her house has been broken into. He sees her fear and insists on going with her.

Jamie has been running from her past for a long time, but she's just started to feel safe. Dancing with Davis reminds her of everything she's missed, but also that she's been burned in the past. But when her house in broken into, she's afraid that her past has come back to haunt her. She asks for Davis's help, and gets so much more than she expects.

I loved Davis. He may be a big, bad, former SEAL, but he's also a pretty sensitive guy. He saw her wariness from the beginning and took his time, getting to know her a little first. When the trouble began he was determined to keep her safe, even though his brother Sullivan had doubts about what Jamie told them. Jamie was terrific also. She had been through so much, and came through it much stronger than she believes. She wants Davis's help, but she is also afraid that he could get hurt because of her. I really liked seeing how Davis's confidence in her helped her gain the strength of will to stand up to her stalker and stop running.

Their romance moved quickly, thanks to the danger they were in. I loved how Davis's belief in her helped Jamie to open up to him. I was a bit frustrated that she held back at first, but it was believable because of her past. Davis was a little slow to admit his feelings, but he suspected that he was in pretty deep. It was fun to see the teasing he got from his brothers, but the support was there too. Jamie took a little longer to realize the strength of her feelings, I think mostly because of the guilt she felt for bringing her trouble to him. I especially liked how Jamie told him how she felt, even in the middle of the final confrontation. 

The action and suspense in the book was great. The escalation of the stalker's actions kept me turning the pages. There were also several twists and turns that made identifying the stalker a little more difficult. I loved the involvement of Davis's brothers, and how they supported him even when they had some doubts about what was happening. The final confrontation was intense, and the stalker really creepy. There were also some really interesting things that came out about the events of Jamie's past. It was a very good ending. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the part with Jamie's bouquet.

Series: Specialists: Heroes Next Door (Book 4)

She's the perfect pawn

Covert CIA specialist David Martin has his orders. Keep a terrorist cell from using Terri Barnhart as leverage to get their hands on a nearly perfected biotech weapon. Falling for her could compromise his mission and turn the dedicated nurse into a moving target.

With her brother off the radar for three months, Terri fears the worst. Having the sexy Southerner to lean on helps -- except the hospital's new staff member isn't what he seems. To survive, she'll have to trust David with her life -- trusting him with her heart is something else entirely.

Very good book. David is one of a new type of operative, one who is given a permanent undercover assignment to be on the lookout for terrorist activity. In his case, he is sent to Charleston to keep an eye on Terri, a nurse who is connected to a research doctor. They are worried that someone could use her to get to the doctor.

I really liked David. He's a nice guy, who feels a little guilty about getting to know Terri under what he feels are false pretenses. It gets worse when he realizes that he really likes her for herself, not just his mission. When the action starts to heat up, his protective instincts really kick in. I really enjoyed seeing the way that he stood up for her against the way her brother was treating her.

Terri hasn't had it easy the last few years. Her parents were killed and her brother badly injured in a car crash. She devoted most of her non-working time to helping her brother recover, and finally got him off to college a couple months earlier. But then he disappeared without a word to her, and she's worried about him. David's attention has been a great distraction, and when Trey's return seems to coincide with some strange happenings, she's very glad to have David by her side.

I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between David and Terri. It started as a simple friendship, with them getting to know each other and doing some fun things together. David had the extra motivation of his mission, but he found himself attracted to Terri also. That worried him because of the potential distraction from what he was supposed to be doing. I liked the sweet things he did for her, like the flowers he sent and walking her to her door. As the time went on, David's feelings started to deepen, causing even more conflict within him, especially if she were to find out the truth of who he is. Terri starts out looking at David as just a friend. They have fun together and she enjoys his company without the added stress of a relationship. But after a couple months things begin to change, and David makes it clear that he's ready for something more. She's a little wary, but when her brother comes back, she finds herself leaning on David more and more, as things about Trey begin to scare her. I loved seeing her feelings for him grow as he is there for her through all the danger. When it was all done, I loved how they realized that they were stronger together than apart.

The mystery/suspense part of the story was fantastic. David's part in protecting Terri at the same time he needed to stop whoever was after her boss kept the action humming right along. Trey was a character that I had mixed feelings about by the end. When he came back, I did not like the way he treated Terri. He definitely had the attitude of a spoiled brat, and one that really had no idea of what he had gotten himself involved in. I enjoyed his confrontations with David, because he so obviously came out on the short side of them. His attitude toward David seemed to be a combination of suspicion because of what Trey was involved in, and jealousy because Terri cared for him. I loved David's ability to puzzle out just what was going on, and how he thought it was going to happen. The final confrontation was really intense and I wasn't sure who was going to come out of it at the end. I still wanted to shake Trey, but he redeemed himself a little bit. I thought that Terri handled herself and the things she found out very well.

Series: Hope's Crossing (Book 5)

Sometimes going back is the best way to start over

Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation. To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she's passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn't come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope's Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst. A retired pro baseball player on the mend from injury -- and a damaging scandal -- he's interested in his own brand of reinvention.

Now everything about Spencer's new-and-improved lifestyle, from his mission to build a rehab facility for injured veterans to his clear devotion to his preteen daughter, Peyton, touches Charlotte's heart. Holding on to past hurt is her only protection against falling for him -- again. But if she takes the risk, will she find in Spencer a hometown heartbreaker, or the hero she's always wanted?

Good small town reunion story. Charlotte is a lifelong resident of Hope's Crossing. She lost her mother at a young age and used food as comfort, leading her to become very overweight. Her high school years were miserable because of it, the only bright side being her crush on Spencer Gregory, the high school baseball star. Recently, she has taken control of her life, lost a lot of weight, and feels much better about herself. Then Spencer returns to town, throwing her life back into turmoil.

Spencer couldn't wait to leave Hope's Crossing when he was a teen. The son of an alcoholic mother, he spent his teen years working three jobs just to keep their lives together. When he was offered a baseball contract, he took it and never looked back. Now he is back, trying to put his life back together. His career ended with a shoulder injury, during which he got hooked on painkillers. He came through rehab stronger, but was then accused of dealing drugs and steroids to fellow teammates, lost his wife to a drug overdose, and is now the sole parent to his twelve year old daughter Peyton. With nothing left for him in the baseball world, he accepts the offer to run the new recreation center in Hope's Crossing. Peyton is angry about being taken away from her friends, and the people of Hope's Crossing aren't too sure they want Spencer running the center.

Charlotte is stunned to find out that Spencer is back in Hope's Crossing. She first met his daughter, before she knew who Peyton was, and  recognized some similarities in their lives. But she's not too sure she wants anything to do with Spencer and his problems. Plus, she can't forget the way he broke her heart as a teenager. Though she is wary around him, the old feelings are still there, and she finds herself drawn back into his life. She fights it because she can't see anything between them ending well.

Charlotte is suspicious of his intentions at the beginning. She thinks he is only back in Hope's Crossing as a way to repair his reputation, but he slowly begins to show her that he wants more. I liked the way that Spencer wants to repair his relationship with Peyton, and how hurt he is by her attitude toward him. I thought he did a really good job of keeping his patience with her. He was very glad to be able to get Charlotte to help him connect with Peyton. Spencer remembers what a good friend Charlotte had been when they were in school, but now there is something more that he starts to feel for her. I liked the way he wants to show her that he's not the same jerk he was back in school.

When Spencer first came back to town, he was still feeling a bit lost. Without baseball he isn't sure who he really is. I liked the way he started to feel more a part of things while working at the center, and things really took off for him when Peyton suggested that he find a way to work with wounded veterans. That cause really appealed to him and he felt an enthusiasm he hadn't felt in years.

I loved the rekindling of the relationship between Spencer and Charlotte. I really liked that Spencer saw the woman inside Charlotte, not just the new and hot outside. I also liked the way that Charlotte was able to look past the scandal surrounding him, remember who he had been, and realize that there was more to the story than the public knew. It was really good to see how they each brought out the best in the other. I really liked how Charlotte was there for Spencer when Peyton had a health crisis, and was able to help both of them get through it. Spencer finally realized what his feelings for Charlotte were, but she still has issues with herself and can't believe that there's any chance of a future for them together. I loved the way Spencer got help from her friends and made his case in a really sweet and romantic way.

I really liked the part that Peyton played in bringing Spencer and Charlotte together. Spencer loves his daughter, but he is somewhat lost in knowing how to deal with her. There were times that Peyton was a real brat, and I felt sorry for Spencer. Charlotte recognizes a lot of the same things in Peyton that she went through herself, so she tries to help Peyton settle in. It was pretty easy to see the problem that was building for Peyton, and when it came I liked that Spencer was determined to do whatever he needed to. Charlotte's support was just what they both needed to become the father-daughter team that they were capable of.

The ending of the story was great. The veteran's center was really coming together quickly. It was also interesting to see Spencer's former teammates come out to support him, and show how much they respect him. There was an interesting twist involving one of those teammates, which led to a very satisfying revelation. 

Series: Comrades in Arms (Book 2)

A hero…a rebel…a desire worth fighting for!

When Major Finlay Urquhart was last on the battlefield, he shared a sizzling moment with daring Isabella Romero. Two years later, Finlay has one final duty to perform for his country -- one that reunites him with this rebellious señorita!

Except Isabella has her own mission, which means that no matter how much she craves Finlay's touch, she can never tell him the truth. But she's underestimated Finlay's determination to protect her, and soon she finds herself letting her guard down, one scorching kiss at a time!

Good book about two people whose lives are defined by what they see as their duty. Finlay and Isabella meet in 1813 as both come across a cache of French weapons. As one of the Spanish guerilla fighters, Isabella promises to get the information to El Fantasma, a guerilla leader, so that it can be taken care of. Finlay and Isabella are intrigued by each other and share an instant connection, but are parted by the needs of the war.

Two years later, Finlay receives a request to return to Spain and find El Fantasma. The leader is in danger from the Spanish government, who now considers him a traitor and threat. Wellington wants him rescued so that the Spanish don't torture uncomfortable secrets about British activities from him. As Finlay remembers that Isabella claimed to know him, he returns to Spain to look for her and enlist her help.

Once he arrives there, undercover as a wine merchant, he discovers that she isn't the peasant girl he thought, but sister to one of the local landowners. Isabella is worried when she sees him, as her brother and others don't know about the part she played in the war. When Finlay tells her of his mission, she is shocked, and he is more so by what she has to tell him.

I liked Finlay a lot. He is a man who worked his way up to Major through the ranks, which was nearly unheard of. It has also given him a different perspective than most other officers, one that has him willing to do unconventional things. His life has been the army and his sense of honor and duty are what drive him. He is shocked by what Isabella tells him, but understands what drives her. As his feelings for her grow, he becomes even more concerned for her safety.

Isabella was one that I had mixed feelings for. I really liked her strength and determination at the beginning, as she fought against the French in her own way. In the current time, I was also impressed by the way she wanted to help work for the changes she felt Spain needed for its people to prosper. However, I wasn't so happy with the way that she didn't seem to realize the danger that she put her family in. While I fully under
stood her desire to stay and continue her work, it took some really blunt talk from Finlay to show her the danger she was in.

Their feelings for each other continued to grow as Finlay worked to convince her of her danger. Once he did, and the escape plans were explained, they realized that their feelings had no future. Isabella was headed for a new life, and Finlay to return to his duty as a British soldier. But as they made their escape across Spain, each of them begins to understand the toll that their service has taken on them. Both realize that they want something different for their futures. But can they grab that future without destroying the honor that is such a big part of who they are? I really liked the way that they finally made it happen, though I would have liked more details.

The epilogue was good, but left some questions unanswered. First, and most important, how did Finlay and Isabella get their new life? Where is it and what are they doing? Second, what happened with Isabella's brother and his family? Did they escape the consequences of Isabella's activities?

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the deeper look at the effects of the war on Spain. I liked the bits about the guerrilla activity, and how some of it was carried out. I also liked learning more about the conflict between the rich and the poor after the war, something that isn't usually included.

Series: Burke Brothers (Book 2)

Hell hath no fury like a bridegroom scorned...

Maximillian Burke has always prided himself on being the man every mother would want her daughter to marry. But after his scoundrel of a brother makes off with Max's bride, Max discovers it's more satisfying to be a rogue than the perfect gentleman. Forced to flee London after a duel gone wrong, he seeks refuge at Cadgwyck Manor on the lonely coast of Cornwall, a place as wild and savage as his current temper. The tumbledown manor comes complete with its own ghost but oddly enough, it's not the White Lady of Cadgwyck who haunts Max's heated dreams--but his no-nonsense housekeeper.

The last thing housekeeper Anne Spencer needs is a new master, especially one as brooding and gorgeous as the Earl of Dravenwood. Even as she schemes to be rid of her new employer, she finds herself irresistibly drawn into his strong, muscular arms. When Max vows to solve the mystery of Cadgwyck's ghost, he doesn't realize it will put both of their hearts at risk and tempt them to surrender to a pleasure as delicious as it is dangerous.

Fun book. Max has been running wild ever since his fiancee jilted him to marry his brother. He'd always been the good brother, but now he just doesn't care. When he finally goes a bit too far, he heads off to the furthest piece of property the family owns. All he wants is to be left alone to wallow in his misery. He arrives to find a manor in disrepair, rumors of a ghost that drives almost everyone away, the oddest group of staff he's ever seen, and a housekeeper he can't keep off his mind.

Anne and her coworkers have had the manor almost entirely to themselves for years, which suits them just fine. There's something at the manor that they have been searching for, and others just get in their way. Anne will do whatever she needs to in order to keep it that way. But the new owner doesn't scare easily, and it isn't long before she doesn't want him to leave.

Max wasn't very likable at the beginning. It had been a couple years since his fiancee had jilted him, but he was still feeling sorry for himself. He was drinking too much and doing stupid things, including the duel that was the final straw. I liked the fact that he knew getting away was the best thing for him, but his attitude was still bad. His arrival at Cadgwyck wasn't anything like he expected and it has soured his mood even more. But there's something about Anne that breaks through the wall of misery around his heart, and a mystery about the manor that gives him something else to think about.

It was fun to see the things that Anne and the others did to make Max's stay as miserable as possible, and how he refused to let it affect him. The confrontations between them had sparks flying that both were determined to resist; Max because she's a servant, and Anne because mistakes from her past keep her from believing she deserves any happiness. I loved Max's refusal to be driven away, and how the mystery intrigued him enough to want to solve it. I liked his determination not to be driven away, and how he started to like the craziness around him. Anne was a bit frustrated by his fascination with the "White Lady", especially when he also seemed taken with her. Their verbal battles were fun to see, but also showed that they were getting to know each other very well. I liked the protectiveness that Max developed and how he showed it. Anne also came to understand Max well, which led her to say the things she did when his brother came to visit. 

Things got a bit intense when a fire was set that could have killed them all. The results of that fire had some interesting consequences, involving a search on the rainswept moor, an illness and a night time visit with the "White Lady". What happened next was pretty intense. I had suspected the truth about the mystery of the "White Lady" and was happy to see that I was right. There was one twist that I didn't expect. I really liked the epilogue and seeing the changes that had happened. The surprise that Max brought home for Anne was the perfect ending.

Series: Sweet, Texas (Book 4)

PLAYING NAUGHTY OR NICE . . .

Fiona Wilder knows all about falling in lust. Love? That's another story. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, the single mom and cupcake shop owner is focused on walking the straight and narrow. But trouble has a way of finding her. And this time it comes in the form of a smoking hot firefighter who knows all the delicious ways to ignite her bad-girl fuse.

CAN LEAD TO HEARTBREAK . . .

Firefighter Mike Halsey learned long ago that playing with fire just gets you burned. He's put his demons behind him, and if there's one line he won't cross, it's getting involved with his best friend's ex. But when fate throws him in the path of the beautiful, strong, and off-limits Fiona, will he be able to fight their attraction? Or will he willingly go down in flames?

OR A SWEET SURPRISE!

Good story about two people who are trying to put past mistakes behind them and move on with their lives. Fiona is a single mom who is determined to get it right this time. She's left her party girl ways behind her and has opened a cupcake shop. She's divorced from Jackson, but they are still friends and good parents to their daughter, Izzy. She's got a lot going on and a new relationship is way down on her list of things she wants.

Mike is Jackson's best friend and has been attracted to Fiona for awhile. But getting involved with her would be against the "man code" so he tries to keep his distance. Thanks to some meddling by Jackson's mom, Mike finds himself committed to helping Fiona get her shop ready for business, something that puts quite a strain on his self control.

I loved seeing this relationship develop. Fiona starts out resisting her attraction to Mike. She's looking for a man who wants the same thing she does - commitment, family, someone who will love her for herself, and she doesn't think that Mike is that man. Mike starts out thinking the same way. He's attracted to Fiona, but he doesn't do relationships. His family life has made him reluctant to risk his heart, but he can't stay away from Fiona. The fire between them gets hotter as Mike helps her prepare her store for opening, but Fiona doesn't want to repeat past mistakes. Though it was hard for her to do, I loved seeing how she explained her needs to Mike and stood strong for them. It gave Mike a lot to think about, and I really liked seeing him really think about his past and what he wants for his future. 

It was sweet to see them get to know each other. The heat was there, but they kept it under control as the focused on other things. There were some great scenes of them doing ordinary things like cooking dinner and taking Izzy to the zoo, all things that show Fiona that Mike is everything she wants. There are also some serious discussions, including Mike opening up about his family and what they have been through. Things are moving along well when those same family issues crop up again and Mike has to go off and deal with them. Mike realizes that he has to decide what will have priority in his life, and if he can really be everything that Fiona needs. I loved the ending, and Mike's surprise for Fiona and Izzy was really romantic and adorable.

The secondary characters of the Wilder family and Fiona's friend Sabrina were all wonderful. I loved the closeness of the family and how, even though they were divorced, Fiona was still considered part of them. Jana Wilder, the boys' mother, was pretty awesome with her successful matchmaking ways. I really enjoyed the way that she got Mike to help Fiona. You could definitely tell she had ulterior motives. The others were all there to support Fiona with her business and help her when she needed it. I also loved how Fiona's friend Sabrina helped her see that she was pushing away something that could end up being very good for her. I liked the friendship she had with Fiona and would love to see her get her own story.

Series: Company of Rogues (Book 15)

Lady Hermione Merryhew, daughter of an impoverished marquess, already has her share of problems. The last thing she needs is an intruder in her bedroom, especially not a fugitive thief. She should scream, but the shabby rascal is a man from her past.

Six years ago, at her first ball, dashing Lieutenant Mark Thayne failed to steal a kiss, but succeeded in stealing a little of her heart. She's older and wiser now. She can't toss him to the wolves. Besides, she wants that kiss.

Now Viscount Faringay, Mark has never forgotten Lady Hermione, but he mustn't involve her in his dangerous life. He's infiltrated the Crimson Band, violent revolutionaries who plan a bloodbath in London, and if he survives the night he will be able to destroy them. Hermione is involved, however, and only he can protect her.

Very good book. It's been awhile since I've read a Rogues book and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them. It starts out quickly with the heroine, Hermione, having an intruder in her room. Being of a fairly even temperament, she stays calm and realizes that the intruder is someone she knows. Years earlier, she had met him at a ball, as a seventeen year old debutante, and he was a nineteen year old Lieutenant, headed off to war. Now he appears to have taken to a life of crime, but her heart won't let her expose him, so she allows him to hide out in her room. 

Mark remembers Hermione very well, but doesn't want to put her in danger. He's gone undercover to stop a group bent on starting a violent revolution. He's stolen some papers that will expose them, if he can escape and get them to the authorities. Though he didn't mean to get her involved, his actions have put her in danger, so he must find a way to protect her and continue his mission.

I loved the relationship that grew between them. Their encounter in her room brought back their memories of the event and rekindled their feelings. But Mark has to continue his deception in order to reach his goal of stopping the revolutionaries. Hermione is a very practical person, but still has a touch of the romantic in her soul and continues to carry the uniform button Mark gave her all those years ago. Mark has a more passionate nature, hence his devotion to stopping the ringleaders, and also still carries the silk rose she gave him. 

Mark has inadvertently put Hermione in danger and is determined to keep her safe. This is hard to do when he can't tell her exactly why. She resists being told what to do, and their conversations as he tries to convince her show their personalities. She is practical and independent and he is passionate and protective. Those conversations also bring them closer together, and their connection can't be denied. When Hermione ends up in London, assisting an elderly relative, it puts her in more danger. Mark has to balance his need to keep her safe, and his need to stop the revolutionaries. Eventually he has to tell her the truth and engage her help. This is where they really start to mesh as a couple. I really liked the way that Hermione had of looking at things from a practical side and pointing out things that Mark hadn't considered. This, in turn, gave Mark a more logical way of looking at things. 

The part where they reach London is where the action really begins to intensify. Mark attempts to sow discord among the ringleaders before abandoning his disguise. The search is on for the Frenchwoman who is behind some of the worst of the problems, and who plans some kind of explosive disaster. A mix up relating to Mark's disguise has Hermione believing he is dead, and help from an unexpected source brings them back together. The final confrontation was well done, with just enough danger to keep it interesting. 

The secondary story of Hermione and her Uncle Edgar was really good. I really liked the way that she was determined to stay with him and help him recover, whether he left money to her and her sister or not. The relationship between the two of them was fun, with his grumpy old man attitude and her ability to deal with it. It was through this part of the story that the Rogues made their appearance, with her late brother having been one of their group at school. It was fun to see Hermione try to deal with Nick Delaney and his way of doing things, but also wonderful to see the way he was there to help her when she needed him. Hermione's exposure to Rogue wife Beth Arden was also an eye opener for her, and gave her some extra confidence. And of course, the Rogues themselves end up having a part in Mark's mission, in their own special ways.

Series: Brides of Waterloo (Book 1)

In a time of war…

Mary Endacott has no intention of ever surrendering to a man, especially when she meets stubborn yet infuriatingly handsome Lord Randall! But with a major battle fast approaching, normal rules dissolve, and Mary gives herself to him.

…can true love survive?

Justin is renowned for his authority on the battlefield, but Mary is a challenge of a whole new kind! He's determined to seize every moment of happiness while he can, but when the fighting commences, will the promise of Mary's kiss be enough to keep him safe?

Good book. This is the first in a trilogy centered around the Battle of Waterloo, but can easily be read as a stand alone. I read the series out of order and had no trouble following the story. Each book takes place during the same time period, the days just before and after the battle with a little bit of shared events.

Mary and Justin meet at a dinner party in England. Justin is visiting his sister and accompanies her to a dinner where the attendees are an eclectic group of artists, writers, scholar and free thinkers. As a nobleman and a career soldier, he feels quite out of place, and as a man who admits to being low in social graces he is rather awkward. Mary notices him and makes an effort to talk to him and ease his discomfort. Mary is a woman who was raised by free thinking parents, and has an independent spirit and a mind of her own. She runs a girls' school in Brussels and has no plans to marry.

There are sparks between Mary and Justin from the beginning, but they are so different in background and attitude that they realize there is no future in a relationship. Justin's sister has other ideas, and maneuvers Justin into escorting Mary back to Belgium with him. During the trip their interest and attraction to each other grow, but are determined to part ways when they reach their destination. However, they can't seem to stay away from each other and decide to pursue a friendship in the time leading up to the battle they know is coming. 

I really enjoyed seeing how well they got along in spite of their perceived differences. Justin has been careful in the past to avoid romantic entanglements. His father was a notorious womanizer, leaving an untold number of illegitimate children behind, and Justin believes that he is like his father. He refuses to allow himself to love a woman and put her through the kind of hell his mother suffered. But the more time he spends with her, the more he likes her, and finds his resolve to remain a bachelor wavering. I enjoyed the way that his previous attitude toward her background changed as he got to know her. Mary finds herself just as drawn to Justin, in spite of the fact he represents everything she dislikes. He is a nobleman and she believes that people should be judged on what they do, not who they are. He is also a soldier, and she hates the violence of war. As she gets to know him, she sees that he is not an arrogant aristocrat but actually a good man. As the time of battle grows closer, they choose to reach for some happiness. 

At this point things are looking very promising in their romance. Justin begins to believe in the possibility of marriage, and Mary is ready to take a chance on them also. Then Justin jumps to an illogical conclusion and says some really cruel things to Mary because of it. By the time he realizes he's wrong, it's too late. He's in the midst of battle and Mary is justifiably hurt and angry. 

Now Justin has to survive the battle and find a way to make amends with Mary if he wants what he had before. As hurt as she is, Mary can't bring herself to leave Brussels while the battle is happening because she is worried about Justin. When she discovers he's missing, I loved seeing the way she takes charge. She worked hard to care for him while at the same time trying to protect her heart. Justin is determined to find a way to gain her forgiveness, but Mary doesn't make it easy. There are some tense moments, but in the end, it does work out.

Disgraced by His Grace!

Frederick, Duke of Falconwood, has vowed never to marry, instead dedicating himself to protecting his country. But when he's caught in a very compromising position with a coquettish debutante, Freddy does the only thing that will salvage her reputation -- he proposes marriage!

Even though Minette Rideau craves the stoic duke's touch, she knows she can't become his wife. For giving in to her desires will reveal a shameful secret, putting much more than her virtue in jeopardy… 

Good mix of romance and mystery. Minette is a young Frenchwoman being launched in society by her sister and her sister's English husband. But it comes to her attention that a man from her past is back in England and has something of hers that could ruin the lives of her family. She know that she can't retrieve it herself without the help of Freddy, Duke of Falconwood. But getting to him in order to ask for that help proves to be difficult.

Freddy is a man with a past that haunts him. He has vowed never to marry and instead uses his time and talents to his intelligence work for the government. There is one French agent that he is determined to catch, one who has proved very elusive. When Minette comes to him for help, telling him that she has information on the whereabouts of the man Moreau, he feels compelled to help. But Minette's price - being involved in the search - may be too high.

I loved these two together. They've known each other for several years, through her sister and brother-in-law, who is Freddy's best friend. There have been sparks between them, being exhibited by their constant sniping at each other. That has been their way of dealing with the attraction, denial by distraction. Minette may be fairly young, but she has been through a lot and has a great deal of independence and strength of will. She is not afraid to go after what she wants, and her way of getting Freddy's attention was pretty creative. Freddy is horrified, and determined to protect her, whether she wants him to or not. Their negotiations for their joint mission are full of tension, but they do reach an agreement. One thing that comes to the forefront is the attraction that burns between them, one that Freddy is determined to resist.

But that resistance is fragile at best when they are alone together, and when they are caught in a compromising situation Freddy proposes marriage. He never wanted to marry, but now that he hasn't got the choice, he finds that he's not as upset as he thought he'd be. However, he is still quite determined to keep control over himself.  Minette, on the other hand, is not happy. She would love to be married to him for real, but there are things in her past that make her completely unsuitable to be a duke's wife. She's determined to set him free as soon as they complete their mission.

Their common goal and public engagement force them to spend a lot of time together. The attraction continues to grow, but so do their feelings. Freddy's reasons for not wanting to marry begin to fade under Minette's determined attentions, but getting her to agree is a challenge. Minette loves Freddy too much to saddle him with a wife who is so unsuitable for the role. I did love Minette's treatment of Freddy's mother, whose attitude toward Freddy could be blamed for most of the way he felt about himself. It will take both of them trusting the other and letting their past mistakes go before they can hope to have a life together. The ending was pretty emotional as both take that chance on each other and risk their hearts. I especially liked Minette's insight that helped Freddy see the truth of what happened.

The search for Moreau was well done. I liked the slow revealing of bits of the backstory as their efforts progressed. It was really fun to see the way that Minette refused to be shut out, though there were a couple times she took some pretty big risks. I enjoyed the scene in the tavern, and seeing the back and forth between she and Freddy. Though her refusal to stay where it was safe frustrated him, Freddy ended up respecting her efforts and abilities. Though there was quite a buildup, Moreau's capture was a little bit of an anticlimax for me, as it wasn't as intense as I expected. I had begun to suspect what the big secret was, but the focus of Moreau's plan did surprise me.