Fun start to this series about four brothers, each in a different branch of the military, and their attempt to regain possession of the family ranch. Fun start to this series about four brothers, each in a different branch of the military, and their attempt to regain possession of the family ranch. In a convoluted inheritance process, when Mason's father died, the control of the ranch went to their Uncle Zeke. He has passed away, and his son doesn't want it, so their Aunt Heloise offers it back to the brothers. But she has particular requirements for them to meet. All four brothers must marry within a year, with one of them having a baby on the way at the end of that year. They must fix up the ranch and have one hundred cow/calf pairs on it simultaneously.
Mason is none-too-happy about the requirements, but he'll do whatever he must to get the ranch back in the family, and he'll drag his brothers kicking and screaming along with him. As the oldest and the first to be leaving the military, Mason takes the lead by placing four "Practical Wife Wanted" ads online - one for each brother. He starts going through the responses while he waits to leave Afghanistan, separating the ones that sound promising until he gets to one that tickles his fancy.
Regan Anderson is tired of waiting for The One. She decides to become a single mother through artificial insemination. She quits her job as a bank loan officer to start a new career as a consultant and moves to a smaller apartment to save money. When she arrives home after her last day on the job, she pours some wine and, feeling bored and lonely, browses the web. When she comes to the "Practical Wife Wanted" ad, she's just tipsy enough to respond to it. I loved her Austen-esque, over-the-top email to Mason.
I loved the communications between Mason and Regan while he was still overseas. She was surprised to hear back from him and made sure he knew she hadn't been serious in her response. But Mason is determined that Regan is exactly who he wants and refuses to give up on convincing her. I liked how they went from emails to chats to Skype. I loved their exchange of questions and answers and how much they had in common. It didn't take long for Regan to start thinking that maybe this would be possible after all. Mason sealed the deal when he showed up on her doorstep, ready to add his in-person attempts to the mix. He suggests that Regan accompany him to the ranch for a month and see it for herself.
This is where things get tricky. The ranch is in much worse shape than Mason expected. Uncle Zeke let things go near the end and sold anything that wasn't nailed down. Further complicating matters, Zeke also died owing money to many people. These people now look to Mason for repayment. I wanted to shake Mason and tell him Zeke's debts weren't his problem, but Mason's sense of honor won't let him do that. Mason's frustration leaps off the page, but he's determined to succeed. I loved that Regan was with him each step of the way and seeing her go from city girl to ranch woman. It isn't easy, and the problems are realistically portrayed. There are some heart-wrenching scenes as Mason deals with his memories of the ranch and its current condition. There are also heartwarming scenes, such as the neighbors who come to help, not collect, and the help Regan gets in recovering some of the things so important to Mason.
I loved seeing the relationship between Mason and Regan develop. Working and living together 24/7 gives them a lot of time to get to know each other. Mason's honor and commitment continue to inspire Regan, and her feelings for him grow stronger. There are times when his single-minded focus makes her feel unseen, but he usually pulls himself out of those situations quickly. Mason's love for Regan grows stronger as he sees her throw herself into restoring the ranch. However, there comes the point where Mason starts to lose faith in his ability to make it happen. I loved seeing Regan bring him back from the brink and laughed out loud at how she did it. She also steps in with his brothers and makes her own pitch for their cooperation.
I loved the ending and seeing the progress made when Mason and Regan get married. It was great to see all three of his brothers arrive for the wedding, knowing that Austin was now there to stay. I can't wait to read his story and see how his wife hunt goes.
Good book. Thea is a nurse who joined Florence Nightingale in caring for the wounded in Crimea. She saved one soldier from being left for dead. She caGood book. Thea is a nurse who joined Florence Nightingale in caring for the wounded in Crimea. She saved one soldier from being left for dead. She calls him Edward because he can't remember who he is. When she returns to England, she takes him with her, hoping her doctor father can help him further in his recovery. Falling in love with Edward was never her plan.
I loved Thea. She received the same education as her twin brother, William, who became a doctor like their father. But because she is a woman, that path isn't open to her. Events from her past convinced her that marriage is not an option, so she devotes her time to her medicine. She is independent, fierce in her advocacy for her patients, and outspoken in her opinions.
I loved Edward also. His determination to get well and then discover who he is was undeniable. It is evident from the start that he is a gentleman, but he remembers nothing of his life before the battle that injured him. He is handsome, charming, kind, and just as fierce as Thea when it involves something he believes in.
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Thea and Edward. They became friends as she cared for him in the hospital. It was easy to see that something about him made her want him to get better. Edward thought of her as his angel, who quieted his fears and made the pain go away. Once they arrive back in England and Edward's health improves, things change. Sparks start to fly between them, but they try to resist them. Thea believes that Edward will return to his old life and leave her behind once his memories return. Edward won't make any advances while he lives in her family's home and doesn't know the truth about who he is.
There are some sweet and emotional scenes between them as Edward continues to improve. I loved Edward's protectiveness when he stood up for Thea against another dinner guest. His respect for her and her profession is undeniable, and I loved his vocal support. The nightmare scene broke my heart as it showed Edward's fear and despair. There was also good that came out of it, as they used some of the information to ask for help figuring out who he is. But by this time, Edward isn't sure he wants to know because it could take him away from Thea. I could feel their desperation as they reached for what happiness they could grab before their questions were answered.
The arrival of Thea's sister and brother-in-law brought that wait to an end. I was glued to the pages as Edward learned of his past and its meaning for his future. I ached for Thea, who tried to push him away, sure that there was no way for her to fit in his world. There are obstacles to face, from skeptical family members to cruel-hearted society members, not to mention Thea's insecurities. I loved Edward's big moment and his way of showing her his love. The epilogue was terrific, and I hope to see more of them in the rest of the series....more
Good book. At the end of the previous book, Uncovering Colton's Family Secret, the serial killer Len Davison broke into Olivia Margulies's deli, forciGood book. At the end of the previous book, Uncovering Colton's Family Secret, the serial killer Len Davison broke into Olivia Margulies's deli, forcing her to make him a sandwich before robbing her. In this book, FBI agent Bryce Colton becomes Olivia's protector as he waits for Davison's next move.
I like Bryce and have throughout the series. He's a good man with a tough job. He initially sees Olivia as a means to an end, but that changes as he gets to know her. Thanks to his career, Bryce tends to be a glass-half-empty kind of guy but being around Olivia's brighter outlook on life begins to change him. I enjoyed seeing him hang out in the deli with her, stepping in to help in the kitchen and becoming part of her life. Complicating matters is the intense attraction he feels for her. It manifests in heated kisses that he then regrets as being inappropriate and tries to back away from. Olivia feels the same attraction and wonders if it will continue after Davison is captured. There are some sweet scenes between them as they grow closer, such as Bryce's care of her when she's sick to Olivia's trying to help him through his feelings about his father's return. I loved seeing them come together at the end after the terror of nearly losing each other.
The suspense was excellent. After that first visit by Davison, the tension continued to build as they waited for him to try again. The situation took a creepy turn with the second visit and his confession that he had a crush on Olivia. I could feel Bryce's frustration as each lead led to a dead end. When the final confrontation came, I was glued to the pages as Bryce raced to find Olivia before it was too late.
The epilogue was great and included a lead-in to the final book in the series. It will be interesting to see if Baldwin Bowe, bounty hunter, succeeds in finding his estranged brother Randall....more
Good book. Durango Westmoreland and Savannah Claiborne met at the wedding of his cousin Chase to her sister Jessica. Their attraction was instant and Good book. Durango Westmoreland and Savannah Claiborne met at the wedding of his cousin Chase to her sister Jessica. Their attraction was instant and intense, and they snuck away from the reception to enjoy it. Two months later, Savannah shows up at his Montana ranch to let him know she's pregnant.
Durango was stunned at the news and reacted like a complete jerk. Years earlier, he'd fallen for a city woman who had used and manipulated him, destroying his trust in women. With that at the back of his mind, his suspicious and dismissive comments made his opinion clear. Savannah was hurt and furious. She came to tell him in person because it was the right thing to do, but she didn't need him. I loved seeing her push back and walk away.
But it isn't over. Durango quickly realizes that the baby is his, he acted like a jerk, and as a Westmoreland, he has to step up and take responsibility. He immediately goes after Savannah and catches up with her at the airport, where she's just learned all flights are canceled because of an impending blizzard. Durango offers the use of his guest room and says it will give them a chance to talk.
Durango wants to be involved in Savannah's pregnancy and their baby's life. He proposes that they marry now and plan to divorce when the baby is six months old. Savannah is wary. She doesn't believe in love and marriage thanks to her father and doesn't see the need to marry Durango. He eventually wins her over when he agrees that it will be a marriage in name only. This made me laugh because it's clear that he wants her back in his bed.
The sparks of attraction between Durango and Savannah are just as intense as before. Durango accepts it and plans to use the attraction to get her back in his bed while she's living there. Savannah also feels the sparks but believes that she can resist them. It was fun to watch her try to fight the battle against Durango's campaign of sexy kisses. Eventually, they give in to the power of the attraction, both believing that it's just for fun while they are together. With their time together and getting to know each other, the attraction deepens into stronger feelings. Both fight hard against admitting those feelings until forced to do so in conversations with others. I loved those conversations - Durango and Jared, and Savannah and Jessica - who brought the voice of experience to the situation.
Thanks to a document Savannah received in the mail, there's a bit of a hiccup in the prospect of a future together. Believing Durango doesn't share her feelings sends her fleeing into the teeth of a blizzard. I loved Durango's big moment and the emotional confession of his feelings. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved the big family get-together and Durango's meeting with the other Westmoreland men. I especially enjoyed the tagline, "Which one of you will be next?"...more
Terrific conclusion to the series. This is the story of Courtney Baker, Lauren Baker's sister-in-law, and the subject of a missing person search in thTerrific conclusion to the series. This is the story of Courtney Baker, Lauren Baker's sister-in-law, and the subject of a missing person search in the first book of the series (Disappearance at Dakota Ridge). She ran off with Trey Allerton, a man who claimed to be friends with her late husband, and talked about building a ranch to help disadvantaged kids. Over the first three books of the series, we saw increasingly suspicious activity from Trey and worrisome events involving Courtney.
As this book starts, Courtney realizes that Trey is not the man she thinks he is. She attempts an escape but is caught by Trey. He threatens to harm her daughter Ashlyn if she tries to leave him again. Right after he makes these threats, Deputy Ronin Doyle stops to check on her because the situation looks suspicious. With Trey's threats fresh in her mind, Courtney tells him everything is fine. Ronin doesn't buy it, but there's nothing he can do right now.
I ached for Courtney, who came so close to breaking free from Trey, only to find her life become even more difficult. But she now desires to try again, and when Trey slaps Ashlyn, she has the motivation to do so. Her desire to learn some of the things he's kept hidden from her leads her to discover some gold bars he's hidden away, and she takes a few for later use. When he finds the hidden bars and the papers she concealed, Trey drags them off and locks them in an abandoned mine. She's terrified they'll die there until help comes from an unexpected source.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Courtney and Ronin. Ronin couldn't forget Courtney even though she was "taken." His instinct that something was off also kept her on his mind and caused him to stop by her trailer several times. Courtney was drawn by his kindness and the compassion she saw in his eyes. She kicked herself after each visit for not having the courage to ask for help, but her fear was too great. I loved when Ronin took her the photography book and its effect on her. Their feelings had a greater chance to grow after the rescue at the mine allowed them to spend more time together. I loved the realism at the end, where Courtney and Ronin make an intelligent decision about their relationship.
The suspense of the story was complex, with several layers. First was the situation with Courtney and the increasingly abusive Trey. I was invested in seeing how she was going to escape. The second was the ongoing question of the youth ranch and whether it was real or a scam. All indications during the series said "scam," but there were a few instances where it seemed legit. Then there was the addition of a detective from a nearby town who is looking for youth-related drug activity. The elusive Bart Smith remains a person of interest in that search. Detective Fletcher also seems inordinately interested in Trey. The storylines come together in an intense confrontation that had me glued to the pages until it was all over....more
Good book. In the previous book (A Colton Internal Affair), Madison saw a man who looked like her father while in a nearby town with her cousin Grace.Good book. In the previous book (A Colton Internal Affair), Madison saw a man who looked like her father while in a nearby town with her cousin Grace. But Richard Foster has been dead for twenty-five years, so how is that possible? This book picks up a week later as Madison returns to that town looking for the man she saw. But just as she is about to follow the man into a store, Marshal Oren Margulies stops her. Oren has good reasons to stop her from speaking to the man, but Madison refuses to leave it alone.
I laughed as kindergarten teacher Madison outwitted the marshal and succeeded in speaking with her quarry. She never expected to find that it was her father and that he's been in witness protection all this time. Oren fears that now that contact has been made, both Madison and her father could be in danger, and he is proved right within hours.
The action and suspense took off as a revenge-driven adversary attempted to take out Madison and her brother and sister. Madison was the main target at this time, and Oren was determined to keep her safe. I was glued to the pages as each attack seemed closer to succeeding. I loved seeing the partnership between Oren, the Grave Gulch PD, and Madison's brother Bryce, the FBI agent, as they worked to track the attacker. Just when the reader thinks they have him located, a bit of deception puts Madison in extreme danger. I loved seeing her keep a cool head and exceed even her law enforcement family's expectations when her pursuer confronts her. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me engrossed to the end.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Oren and Madison develop. Oren is fascinated and attracted to Madison from the beginning but determined to remain professional. Madison is equally attracted and has no problem letting Oren know her interest. Oren's protectiveness had him sticking to Madison like glue, and I enjoyed seeing him fall under her spell. Oren has had bad luck with previous relationships and believes there is no future for them as much as he would like it. There are some terrific scenes between them as they get to know each other and bond over his sister's matzo ball soup. I wanted to shake Oren at the end as he pushed Madison away, ostensibly to protect her from being hurt by him. I loved the lecture he got from his sister, followed by the advice from Madison's father. His big moment at the end was sweet, romantic, and pretty impressive.
The story of Madison's father and what happened to him was heartbreaking at times. It was easy to understand Madison and her family's disbelief, hurt, and anger when they found out the truth. There were also times I wanted to shake him for possibly carrying it too far. The final scene with the family dinner was a hopeful sign for their future as a family.
There was a brief mention of the story arc about the missing forensic scientist. The serial killer story had an odd turn at the end of the book when he robbed Oren's sister Olivia's restaurant, but it serves as a lead-in for the next book....more
This short novella serves as a bridge between the Whiskey Creek series and the Silver Springs series. Mack and Natasha met when she was sixteen, and hThis short novella serves as a bridge between the Whiskey Creek series and the Silver Springs series. Mack and Natasha met when she was sixteen, and he was twenty-five. Her mother had married his father, but those two were no kind of parents. Mack and his brothers took over looking after Tash. She made no secret of her feelings for Mack, but he always treated her like a little sister.
Years later, Tash returns to Whiskey Creek to visit her mom during the holidays and sees Mack again. Her feelings for him are just as strong, but what about his for her? I loved seeing Mack finally admit to himself that Tash is now a grown woman and what that means to him. There are some sweet scenes of the two as they wander the Christmas market, and you can feel the tension between them.
When they finally give in, it's everything that Tash hoped for. She has high hopes for their future, but the distance grows between them after her return to medical school. Heartbroken, Tash vows to move on until she realizes something that will make it impossible to forget him.
The story stops there, to be picked up in the Silver Springs book When I Found You. ...more
A terrific blend of romance and suspense. The romance gets off to a quick start when Blade participates in a rescue involving Daisy and her new employA terrific blend of romance and suspense. The romance gets off to a quick start when Blade participates in a rescue involving Daisy and her new employer. He is immediately smitten with her, and when he finds the scarf she left behind plans to return it to her personally. While Daisy certainly noticed Blade, her mind was understandably occupied with other things.
The reader learns that Daisy and her sixteen-year-old daughter Sophie have just arrived in the small town of Knoware, Washington. Daisy left Denver after breaking her engagement to a man whose controlling actions set off warning bells and who refused to accept her decision. She hopes she's gotten cleanly away but can't relax her guard just yet. Her friend Jane helped her find a new job and home in Knoware. On the other hand, Sophie is decidedly not happy with the move and makes sure her mom knows it.
Blade is divorced but still friends with his ex-wife. This makes parenting their sixteen-year-old daughter Raven much easier. Blade is a good guy, liked by his coworkers, and active in his community. He is also, reluctantly, the co-chair of the fire department's spring fundraiser, which currently has no corporate sponsor or second co-chair. Daisy is also the first woman who has stirred his interest in some time, for which he gets some teasing from his friends Marcus and Jamie.
Blade's hopes for romance took a bit of a hit when he showed up at Daisy's house the next morning to return her scarf. Daisy was grateful but not particularly receptive to his hints. All thoughts of romance were derailed when Daisy discovered Sophie was gone, along with one of Daisy's credit cards and her car. After determining that Sophie was headed back to Denver, Blade offered to help by getting his friend Jamie to fly them to a spot along the route where they could intercept Sophie. I loved Blade's voice of reason in the crisis, though he did stick his foot in his mouth at one point. They parted on relatively cool terms after finding Sophie, leaving Blade wondering about his chances.
Fate isn't through with them just yet. In gratitude for his rescue, Daisy's boss signs on as the corporate sponsor for the fundraiser and assigns Daisy to be the liaison/co-chair. When she discovers that she'll be working with Blade, Daisy is taken aback, but they quickly make peace over their last encounter and move on. Blade hopes to advance his interests, but Daisy reiterates her "friendly cochairs" expectations. I enjoyed seeing them bond over cooking chili for the station and Blade's introducing her to a day in the life of a firefighter. Daisy gets a wake-up call about the dangers Blade faces and realizes she is more interested in Blade than she thought.
I liked seeing Blade and Daisy get to know each other over the next few days, but Daisy remains wary, hesitant to trust herself. When a troubling delivery arrives, she tries to hide her unease from him. Blade senses something is going on but doesn't push. When another incident happens a few days later, Daisy is spooked enough and has come to trust Blade enough that she confesses all. Blade's protective instincts are aroused, as is his desire to find Jacob and fix the problem. When circumstances make Daisy unwilling to stay in her house, he insists that she and Sophie stay with him.
I liked seeing Daisy and Blade grow closer during this forced proximity. Their attraction continues to build, as do their feelings for each other. Daisy is in denial about her feelings, still reluctant to trust her judgment, but it's getting harder to do. When danger comes calling, Daisy regrets not telling Blade how she feels and wonders if she'll have the chance to do so. Meanwhile, Blade refuses to entertain any doubts that he will find her in time. I loved his confidence and that it wasn't misplaced. I enjoyed how he got the satisfaction he wanted when he confronted Jacob. He followed it up with an unexpected question to Daisy and a chance for her to follow through on her previous thoughts. The ending was sweet.
The suspense of the story was very good. We get the hint of things to come when Daisy thinks about her past and her worries about escaping Jacob. The tension builds as we wait for that first sign of danger, and it's almost a relief when it happens. I loved that both Blade and Marcus (the cop) take her seriously and treat the incidents as the threats they are. The period of no activity ramps the tension up higher because we're sure that Jacob hasn't given up. I wanted to shake Daisy for getting complacent. When the final confrontation came, Jacob knew precisely how to get Daisy to cooperate with him. The things he said to her on their journey were disturbing, and I fully understood Daisy's fear. Blade was fantastic with his logical deduction of where Jacob might be headed. I loved seeing Blade and Jamie take to the skies again. I laughed at their recalling the antics from their younger years and how they used one of those events to stop Jacob. The confrontation with Jacob was great, and I loved seeing him get what was coming to him.
I liked meeting the various people of Knoware. They were unique and well-developed as characters, and I look forward to seeing more of them in the following books. I loved both Sophie and Raven. Sophie's actions and reactions were spot-on for her age and the circumstances of their move. I also liked that her relationship with Daisy was strong enough that they overcame their initial problems and built a better relationship. I liked Raven too. Her friendship with Sophie was great. I also liked that she has a strong relationship with both parents, attributed to their excellent parenting. I can't wait to read Marcus and Jamie's stories....more
Good fake-relationship-turned-real story. Benedict and Penny work together in the local NICU. They've known each other for several years and were frieGood fake-relationship-turned-real story. Benedict and Penny work together in the local NICU. They've known each other for several years and were friends before Penny became engaged and moved away. Benedict had a bit of a crush on her but has many reasons to keep his emotions locked up. Then Penny returned to DC, no longer engaged, and took up her old position in the NICU, but their friendship didn't follow suit.
Penny came back after she ended her engagement to her lying ex-fiance. It turned out the man was married and managed to hide it all that time. Devastated by the betrayal and angry that she missed the signs, Penny has difficulty trusting her judgment.
Benedict and Penny were in the same subway car when a medical incident happened with a baby. Their teamwork kicked in, and they handled the emergency efficiently, quickly becoming a social media sensation. Because the hospital is fundraising for a cause near Benedict's heart, they reluctantly agree when the PR department asks him and Penny to pretend to be a couple for a few weeks. Neither expected the strength of the sparks that flared between them.
Benedict and Penny fool themselves into believing that they can indulge their attraction without their feelings getting involved. Penny already knows that Benedict doesn't believe in love, while she still hopes for the kind of love and marriage her parents have. Benedict's history is heart-breaking, and I ache for the load of guilt that he carries. At the time of his brother's death, he also did something that speaks well of his kindness and compassion but is about to come back and cause problems for him with Penny.
I liked seeing Benedict and Penny spend time together. Penny's powers of observation give her some good insight into Benedict, but nothing she says gets through his layers of guilt. And despite the feelings he refuses to admit, he hangs on to his opinion about love. I ached for Penny, who could no longer deny her feelings, and whose feelings of betrayal hit hard when she found out Benedict's secret. Benedict redeemed himself very nicely, with an excellently carried out surprise.
Good second chance story. Philippa and Dominic knew each other six years ago when both competed for a sous-chef job in the Caribbean. Despite the compGood second chance story. Philippa and Dominic knew each other six years ago when both competed for a sous-chef job in the Caribbean. Despite the competition, they became good friends, sharing dreams and having fun outside the kitchen. But when a distracted Philippa made a mistake with the wrong customer, she lost her chance at the job. After receiving some advice about distractions and priorities from the head chef, Philippa broke things off with Dominic and moved on.
Now, after a varied path of cooking jobs and an unexpected course change, Philippa is head chef at her own restaurant in Maryland. She has good friends, loves her work, and is preparing to cater a high-end film premiere on the property. So she is stunned to arrive at work one day to discover that she's been replaced for the event by a celebrity chef. Adding insult to injury, that chef is Dominic.
Dominic's path had been very different. He went from being a chef in a restaurant to being picked for a reality cooking show. His charisma, charm, and talent made him very popular, leading to his own cooking show, cookbooks, and restaurants. He's looking forward to working with Philippa again and is furious when he finds out that no one has given her a heads up about the change in plans.
Philippa and Dominic are caught between a rock and a hard place. If they don't work together, the rumors won't be good for either one. But if they do work together, they risk stirring up old feelings. I liked their honest conversation about their expectations but laughed at their belief that their past wouldn't matter. It was fun to watch them work together. Their styles are complementary, with each having particular strengths. Neither one is big-headed, and I especially liked Dominic's easy way with all of the kitchen employees. I loved watching him go to bat for them when the publicist tried to take over the cooking demo.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Philippa and Dominic. It was clear from the start that the sparks between them were still there, but Philippa was wary of risking her heart again. They spend as much time as they can together, both in the kitchen and out of it. There is a heartwrenching scene where Philippa shares some of what happened after they parted, but it goes a long way toward healing her heart also. I enjoyed the scenes where Dominic involved Philippa in his world, such as her guest appearance on one of his shows.
Though they are honest about their feelings for each other, their lives are very different. The tension builds as the day of the event draws near, and Dominic is called away because of his other commitments. A near-disaster almost derails things the night of the event, but Philippa works her magic, and all ends well. But their plans for Philippa to join him in California hit a snag when she realizes what she'll be giving up. I ached for both of them as choices had to be made. I wanted to shake Dominic for assuming what he did and hurt for them both as it seemed there was no way to fix it. I loved when Dominic was told to take a few days off to get his head together and the effect that being away from the pressure had on him. His solution didn't surprise me, and I loved his big moment at the end.
The setting of the story, involving the chefs of high-end restaurants, plus the reality and cooking show aspects, gave the story an added depth. I loved the behind-the-scenes looks at the kitchen activities and what goes into the shows. I especially enjoyed Dominic's reaction to the sudden appearance of his reality show "girlfriend" and what it meant to him and Philippa. ...more
Good combination of suspense and romance. After a family tragedy, Callie moved back to her hometown and now works as a dispatcher for the sheriff's deGood combination of suspense and romance. After a family tragedy, Callie moved back to her hometown and now works as a dispatcher for the sheriff's department. She has a degree in criminal justice and wants to become a deputy. Mac has been sheriff for seven years. He's well-liked and respected by the townspeople and by his deputies.
The story gets off to a quick start when Callie takes a call from someone claiming to have left a dead body in front of the post office. Having just finished her shift, Callie asks Mac to let her come along on the call "for experience," and Mac agrees. He's not sure he's done the right thing, but Callie's insights prove invaluable. The murder is gruesome in its apparent rage and disturbingly weird by the presence of a bird in the victim's mouth. Though Mac fervently hopes that this is a one-off, he has a bad feeling that it isn't.
The suspense is intense and Mac and Callie, along with the other deputies, look for clues that will lead to the capture of a serial killer. They have three top suspects: Roger, a man who has dated at least two of the victims; Nathan, a local handyman seen near where each victim was found; and Ben, a man with deep paranoia about evil spirits. Then there is the puzzle of why each victim also had birds of some kind with them. Mac and Callie believe that they'll have their best chance to identify the killer if they can figure that out. I must admit, I was surprised it took them that long to figure it out. I suspected the link with the first murder and was sure of it on the second. The "who and why" remained a mystery. The tension ramped up with each murder, and I could feel Mac's frustration. I was glued to the pages when the killer snatched his next victim, wondering how Callie would get out of it. Her fear leaped off the page as she believed death was inevitable yet still tried to talk the killer out of his plans for her. I ached for Mac when he realized that Callie was missing and likely taken by the killer. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Mac and the others raced to find her in time.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Mac and Callie. In the two years she'd worked for him, Callie had a significant crush that turned into love. She is an observant, empathetic, and warm-hearted woman, and she senses a deep sadness in him. This is especially noticeable around the holidays, and she is determined to bring the holiday spirit back into his life. Mac has been aware of Callie since the beginning but buries those feelings. His past has made him believe that he is unlovable, and he refuses to risk giving his heart again. However, he hasn't counted on Callie's loving nature and belief in him. I enjoyed seeing her chip away at his walls, but he is a hard nut to crack. I ached for both as his fears came between them. Luckily, at least some of the things Callie told him got past his walls, and in an emotional Christmas Eve visit, Mac gave up his fear, and Callie got her Christmas wish....more
Gripping suspense combined with a great romance. The beginning was intense as Callie and Jude are part of a medevac crew called out on a stormy night.Gripping suspense combined with a great romance. The beginning was intense as Callie and Jude are part of a medevac crew called out on a stormy night. Callie experiences a flashback to the flight four years earlier that killed the patient and all the crew except her, including her husband. When they discover the same wealthy family pulled strings for this non-life-threatening case, Callie lambasts the patient's entitled mother. Jude is furious when he finds out it's the same family he holds responsible for destroying his mother's life.
Jude recently moved to Texas from Arizona to take a job with LifeWings and investigate the Kingston family. He's worked with Callie multiple times and has a great deal of respect for her. Though she never talks about the crash that changed her life, Jude suspects she feels the same way he does about the Kingstons. When Jude explains his connection to the family and his desire for justice for his mom, Callie is all-in to help him.
The tension is immediately apparent when Callie learns that Jude sent a letter to Beau Kingston detailing the proof of his claim. She believes that Jude is in danger because Beau won't want the truth to come out. Jude is skeptical but becomes a believer when he is forced off the road and nearly dies later that night. Thanks to a complaint by the woman the previous night, Callie is removed from flight duty pending an investigation. Because of his injuries, Jude is placed on medical leave, so the two of them come up with a plan to get the further proof they need. Complicating matters, Jude's apartment was trashed while he was in the hospital by someone who was clearly searching for something.
I could not put the book down as Callie and Jude fought to stay one step ahead of those determined to keep Jude from revealing the truth. Their deceptive entry into the Kingston home ended badly and sent them on the run. Every time it looked as though they were safe, their pursuers would find them again. A couple of plot twists caused me to rethink my initial suspicions, and I wondered how Jude's quest would turn out. The final confrontation revealed some new information and a change in perspective. There was also one last attempt on Jude's life. I loved the ending and the surprise waiting for Jude and Callie.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jude and Callie. It began as coworkers only. Callie shut herself off from the people around her, still grieving her husband after four years. She refuses to let herself care for anyone again. Jude breaks through her walls a little when he pulls her out of her flashback and more when he invites her to join his quest for justice. Jude is attracted to Callie but backs off when she insists that she has nothing to give him. As they spend time together, Callie is dismayed to discover that she is no longer frozen with grief and that Jude stirs up feelings buried for four years. I got a little frustrated with her when she'd give in to the attraction then pull away because it was so unfair to Jude. He was aware of his feelings well before Callie was, and I ached for the way he hurt. It didn't stop him from caring or wanting to protect her, even though she didn't want to be protected. There were some harsh words exchanged when Jude's protectiveness took over. The catalyst for Callie's realization of her feelings created a nail-biting situation as she raced after Jude. What happened next was terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would turn out. The scene at the hospital was deeply emotional, and I loved seeing Callie finally let go of the past.
There was a secondary storyline involving Callie's mother and her abusive husband. I ached for Callie, who'd been trying to help her mom for years. There were some twists in that story as Callie dealt with her mom's issues while she was running for her life. I loved how the similarities between their mothers' lives influenced Jude and Callie's plans. ...more
Terrific conclusion to the series. The Colton family has dealt with murders, kidnappings, stalkers, and other problems for the past year. The most recTerrific conclusion to the series. The Colton family has dealt with murders, kidnappings, stalkers, and other problems for the past year. The most recent was Axel Colton's murder and the attempt to frame Nash Colton for it (Secret Alibi). Detective Harry Cartwright was assigned to investigate the case and has his work cut out for him. Everyone is a possible suspect, even (especially?) family members. Then one person jumped to the top of Harry's suspect list.
Sara moved to town six months earlier and got a job at the nursery owned by Axel's ex-wife and her husband. She had recently found out that Axel was her father and hoped to use the time to get to know the family before revealing her secret. Axel's death was a blow to her dream of having a real father.
Harry and Sara met briefly at the end of the previous book, and the sparks were evident. Harry had no plans to pursue them. The deaths of his wife and son several years earlier still haunt him, and he buries his grief in his work. When he discovers Sara's connection to Axel, his suspicions of her are aroused. That her fingerprints are also on a mug in Axel's house adds to the look of guilt. I could feel Sara's frustration with Harry's aggressive questioning of her after their brief connection when they met. I felt a little bad for Harry, whose suspicions were fighting with his desire for her to be innocent. I liked how Sara stood up to him, refusing to let him believe things that weren't true. As they spend more time together, cooperating in the investigation, the connection and attraction continue to grow. Harry fights hard against his feelings, believing that he can no longer fully give his heart. I ached for Sara when she told Harry how she felt, and she watched him pull away. A life-threatening situation opened his eyes, and a difficult conversation helped him let go of the past. I liked the ending and seeing Harry and Sara come together at last.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. Harry's determination to solve the murder showed in the thoroughness of his investigation. It didn't look good for Sara when her fingerprints were on a mug in Axel's house or when several suspects had connections to her mother, Regina. Regina's disappearance was also suspicious, with another layer of complications added when she was found. An unexpected twist came close to killing Sara but opened up a new path of investigation. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Sara faced an unexpected foe. I was surprised by the number of things this person had their fingers in, though it did tie up some loose ends.
I ached for Sara and her desire to know her father's family. I could see how much she wanted to be part of them while she feared what their reaction would be if they knew. Axel's murder accelerated the reveal and increased Sara's worry about their reactions. I liked her courage and determination in revealing the truth and was not surprised by the response she received....more
Good second chance love story. Lia and Micah fell in love during medical school. But when graduation came, and Micah wanted them to join Doctors WithoGood second chance love story. Lia and Micah fell in love during medical school. But when graduation came, and Micah wanted them to join Doctors Without Borders, Lia panicked and broke things off with Micah, breaking both of their hearts. Lia has prosopagnosia (Face blindness, or prosopagnosia, is a brain disorder characterized by the inability to recognize or differentiate faces. People with face blindness may struggle to notice differences in the faces of strangers. Others may even have a hard time recognizing familiar faces.) She has learned to cope where everything is familiar, but going somewhere so far out of her comfort zone terrified her. But rather than tell Micah the truth, she pushed him away.
Several years later, Micah returns to Nashville and takes a job at the same hospital where Lia works. He's surprised when he spots her at a hospital fundraiser concert and the memories that flooded him of their time together, including that final rejection. He was hurt and angry when she didn't recognize him. Lia faced one of her greatest fears when she saw Micah and didn't recognize him until he spoke and scrambled to minimize the damage. Unfortunately, she only made things worse when she discovered they would be working together.
Though they plan to avoid each other whenever possible, they are thrown together when Lia treats a case that calls for Micah's expertise as an epidemiologist. Working together to spread the word about the outbreak and the need for updated vaccinations, their old feelings don't take long to resurface. I loved watching those feelings deepen and grow and seeing their attraction follow suit. But Lia's fears are never far from her mind, and Micah's dreams soon run up against those fears. I ached for Micah as he saw history repeat itself, breaking his heart again. I loved how Lia found the courage to tell him everything and Micah's love and support as he finally understood her. The epilogue was sweet.
I love the Harlequin Medical line because they always have interesting situations. In this book, Lia and Micah face an outbreak of pertussis or whooping cough. Because of widespread vaccinations, it is something that is rarely heard of these days but can be deadly. I liked seeing the steps that Micah and Lia took, from public education to contact tracing (with a nod to lessons learned from Covid). I also liked getting the follow-up to the medical issue with Avery's friend, Bonnie, from the first book in the series (New Year Kiss with His Cinderella). ...more
Kelby Creek is still suffering the aftereffects of "The Flood," the name given to the exposure of the corruption discovered in the town's government aKelby Creek is still suffering the aftereffects of "The Flood," the name given to the exposure of the corruption discovered in the town's government and law enforcement two years earlier. What's left of the sheriff's department is determined to regain the town's trust. The department's newest hire, Deputy Marco Rossi, has his reasons for choosing Kelby Creek while keeping his heart closely guarded.
The suspense starts quickly before Marco has officially started working when he comes across Bella broken down on the side of the road. Though taken by her beauty, the fear in her eyes as he approached got his attention. Marco won my heart immediately with his sensitivity to her anxiety and willingness to work with it. Bella's first worry when she saw the stranger was whether he was the author of the messages she'd been receiving. She relaxed a little after seeing his badge but remained wary.
Marco didn't see Bella again for two weeks, though he couldn't stop thinking about her. Not only was he attracted to her, something about her situation that day had been niggling at his instincts. So when he saw her at the local bar, he decided to ask her about it. Unfortunately, before he could do that, he stuck his foot in his mouth over one of her building projects. Bella was a little quick to take offense, and heated words were exchanged. They were interrupted by Marco's partner as a call came in they had to answer, leaving his question unasked. Eventually, Marco got his answer, but it left him feeling that something was off.
The suspense heats up when Bella gets another one of the creepy messages - this time on her bathroom mirror. Around the same time, Marco becomes the victim of a hit-and-run driver, and the reader discovers the connection between the two. The intensity ramps up as the stalker escalates his attempts to get his hands on Bella. Meanwhile, Marco is equally determined to keep Bella safe and find the stalker. I loved following his investigation as he and his partner and Bella dig into her past to see who has it in for her. I was glued to the pages to see if my suspicions were correct, though it took a couple of unexpected twists before I found out. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how it turned out. I loved Bella's strength of will and her faith that Marco would come.
I enjoyed the development of the romance between Marco and Bella. Because of his past, Marco keeps his heart closely guarded. He dates but ends relationships before they can get serious. Something about Bella gets past his walls from the beginning. Their relationship gets off to a slightly rocky start thanks to Bella's oversensitivity about being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Fortunately, both retain their senses of humor and can move past that awkwardness. Marco surprises himself when he shares things about his past that he's always kept to himself. Despite her initial tendency to jump to conclusions about him, it doesn't take long for Bella to realize that she can trust Marco. I liked watching the attraction build between them as they spent more time together, and Marco's protectiveness became more personal. There are a couple of fun scenes where his protectiveness runs up against Bella's independence and stubbornness, and Marco learns which battles are worth fighting. I loved the ending and seeing how well they understand and support each other and the love that made it possible....more
Terrific book. The suspense starts immediately, as Rebecca arrives at the sheriff's office to report that her nephew is missing. Cash is a nineteen-yeTerrific book. The suspense starts immediately, as Rebecca arrives at the sheriff's office to report that her nephew is missing. Cash is a nineteen-year-old young man who decided to put his energies toward a career in climbing after dealing with addiction for several years. To do that, he moved from California to Eagle Mountain to live with his aunt. When he doesn't come home one night and doesn't answer texts or calls, she worries that something happened to him. Deputy Wes Landry takes her report.
I loved that Wes took Rebecca's fears seriously and didn't write off Cash as an irresponsible teen. He follows up on the information she gave him and what he learns leads him to believe she is correct. I also liked how he included Rebecca in his investigation, realizing that Cash's friends are more likely to talk to her than "the law." Wes's willingness to work with her makes it easier for her to trust him.
The story immediately sucked me in. The more that Wes and Rebecca learned, the more worried they became about Cash and his safety. None of his climbing friends have seen or heard from him. Who is the angry, threatening man looking for him, and why was he in disguise? Who is the mysterious rancher named Bart Smith, and why is he so secretive? Why is Trey Allerton so interested in Cash's disappearance? And has Mr. Kramer, the paranoid miner at Full Moon Mine, seen Cash? The tension ramps up when Wes and Rebecca, continuing their boots-on-the-ground search for Cash, come under fire. An unexpected encounter answers some of their questions but opens up more. I was on the edge of my seat during this confrontation, wondering who was behind it and how they would get out of it. I wasn't too surprised by the shooter's identity, but there were still some unanswered questions.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wes and Rebecca. The sparks between them were evident from the start, but Wes hesitated to get involved with someone linked to his investigation. He'd done that once before, and it didn't turn out well. I liked seeing them get to know each other while their attraction grew stronger. The amount of time they spent together, combined with its intensity, accelerated the pace of their involvement. I loved the ending and seeing their plans for the future.
The series arc of Trey Allerton and his proposed youth ranch continued to develop. His apparent use of Courtney's daughter Ashlyn to control Courtney is disturbing, as is the way he takes her along on his "business" trips. His lack of visible progress on the project is suspicious, and many people wonder what kind of con he is running. Trey's interest in Cash's disappearance and his unpleasant insinuations about Cash and his whereabouts seems especially suspicious. I can't wait for the next book to see what will happen....more
Terrific book. The suspense started quickly with discovering Sam Russell's body in an irrigation ditch. Deputy Chris Delray is in charge of water righTerrific book. The suspense started quickly with discovering Sam Russell's body in an irrigation ditch. Deputy Chris Delray is in charge of water rights enforcement, including the ditches, and is called in on the case. As he checks out the crime scene, Sam's daughter Willow arrives, looking for her dad. Her shock at his death is evident, as is her determination to bring whoever is responsible to justice.
Though initially considered a possible suspect, it soon becomes apparent to Chris that Willow is innocent. I loved seeing them team up to find the killer. Though Sam was well-liked and respected, he did have a few contentious run-ins with people. The question is, did any of those encounters lead to murder? Then there was the question of who would benefit from Sam's death? As far as Willow knows, she is Sam's only heir, and she didn't kill him. She gets an unpleasant surprise when Sam's ex-wife and her son show up, claiming to have a newer will leaving Emmett half the ranch. Complicating things even more, Trey Allerton claims that with Sam's death, the land he's leasing drops to a fee of one dollar per year. Finishing off the list is ranch hand Von King, a surly ex-con who gives Willow the creeps. These people have the means and motivation to kill Sam, and it's up to Chris and Willow to figure it out.
The developing relationship between Willow and Chris blended well with the story's suspense. The more time they spent together searching for clues, the closer they grew. I liked how Chris appreciated Willow's intelligence and strength as she dealt with the complications caused by Sam's death. Willow prides herself on that independence and also appreciates Chris's protectiveness as strange things happen on the ranch. They also didn't shy away from their growing attraction, which only emphasized their deepening feelings for each other.
The intensity increased as Chris and Willow closed in on the killer's identity. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation as they faced the killer. I ached for Willow as she learned why her father lost his life. It looked like the killer had the upper hand for a while, and I wasn't sure how they'd get out of it. I loved how it worked out.
The epilogue was terrific as all of the loose ends got tied up. I liked Willow's decision about the ranch and how it made her feel. I could feel Chris's worry as he wondered about her plans and what it would mean for them. I loved how she answered his question, and his reaction was fantastic. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
I always enjoy seeing characters from previous books show up as secondaries. It's an easy way to catch up on what's happening with them after being invested in their stories. There is some mention of the ongoing story arc of Trey Allerton, Courtney Baker, and the youth ranch Trey is supposedly building. He's still too slick to be trusted, and his hold on Courtney is disturbing. I look forward to seeing how that storyline works out....more
Good book. Things are heating up in Grave Gulch. The police department is throwing everything it has at bringing in the department's forensics specialGood book. Things are heating up in Grave Gulch. The police department is throwing everything it has at bringing in the department's forensics specialist, whose manipulation of evidence put so many innocent people behind bars and let others like serial killer Len Davison go free. They also want to get Davison back behind bars and stop his killing spree. Meanwhile, the town's growing distrust of the GGPD frustrates the officers who do their best to protect those under their care, especially Police Chief Melissa Colton and the other Coltons on the force.
As the book opens, Grace, a rookie cop and youngest of the Colton family, is out on patrol when she spots a person acting suspiciously and pursues him. When he draws a weapon on her, she is forced to defend herself. But when backup arrives and the suspect is taken into custody, the gun is nowhere to be found. Because she discharged her weapon, Grace is suspended while the incident is investigated, and Internal Affairs is called in to do the investigation.
Unfortunately, Internal Affairs departments are often mistrusted, and Grace's family members warn her to be careful what she says. Even though Camden Kingsley has an excellent reputation for integrity in his investigations, he is still from IA. He impressed me with his determination to find the truth, even though others pressured him for a quick resolution. Camden's history shows he has a solid motivation to treat each case fairly, and this one is no exception. However, he didn't expect the attraction and feelings of protectiveness he felt toward this subject.
I enjoyed watching both the mystery and the romance develop. The sparks between Camden and Grace are evident from the start, as is their desire to ignore them. Camden knows that getting involved with the subject of his investigation would affect his objectivity. Grace has been warned about IA investigators' willingness to do anything to trip up the people they investigate. But Grace instinctively feels that she can trust Camden, and he quickly recognizes her innocence. I loved watching them work together while maintaining their professional distance, but their connection was too strong. There are some terrific scenes of them together. I liked how Grace stood up for Camden when she took him to the family party, and the interaction between them on the terrace that night was intense. I loved Camden's belief in Grace, her innocence, and her professional abilities. Their relationship moves along quite well despite everything that says they should stay away from each other. Then Camden makes a grand gesture that doesn't go the way he envisioned, creating a bit of a bump in their road. But Camden is there when she needs him, and a life-threatening situation shows both the depth of their feelings. I liked the ending and hope to see more of them in the final books of the series.
The suspense of the story was well done. We see the situation through Grace's eyes and what she is confident she saw. The trouble comes when the two witnesses flee the scene and can't be found. Neither can the gun Grace knows the perp had, which puts her in a bad situation. All of the Coltons expect trouble from the IA officer. Grace got lucky with Camden, who is honest to the bone. The suspense was a slow build as Grace and Camden worked together to uncover the truth. A few included scenes with the missing witnesses allow the reader to see things that Grace and Camden don't know about, which increased my investment in the story. I loved the plan to draw out the witnesses and was glued to the pages to see if it worked. An unexpected twist put Grace in danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that kept me hooked until it was over.
The series storyline of Randall Bowe (forensics guy) and the serial killer advanced somewhat. The good guys get outside help to track down Bowe, and I can't wait to see how that works out. The conflict between the town and the police continues as the GGPD deals with the fallout from the forensics debacle and some things that have happened since then. A twist I never saw coming involved the police chief, and I look forward to seeing the effects of that event....more
Good book with an interesting concept. I liked the idea of an animal shelter also doubling as a shelter for people in danger. Scott is a cop with the Good book with an interesting concept. I liked the idea of an animal shelter also doubling as a shelter for people in danger. Scott is a cop with the local police department, but his primary duty is running the Chase Animal Shelter. His "managers" are also law enforcement, while the "staff" are the people who need protection. I loved seeing the detail Scott and the Chase PD put into making the shelter as safe as possible.
Nella is a former LAPD officer who left the department after losing her partner during a gang-related shooting. Her boss recommended the shelter as a good place for her to work, and Nella's enthusiasm for it is evident as she arrives for her interview. As Nella waits for her interview, another woman comes looking for a "job" and is obviously afraid. Even though she doesn't yet work there yet, Nella's actions show she's a good fit.
I liked the development of the relationship between Scott and Nella. The attraction is there from the start, though neither intends to do anything about it. Both are cognizant of the employer/employee dynamic and how inappropriate it would be. But the connection between them won't be denied, and they can't stay away from each other. When the texted threats start, Scott's normal protectiveness toward the shelter and its inhabitants ramps up even further to keep Nella safe. While Nella appreciates Scott's protection, she isn't one to stand back and let someone else take all of the risks. She makes it clear that she has a stake in her own safety. As the days go on, Scott and Nella spend a lot of time together, both alone and with the others, and it is easy to see their feelings grow stronger. Despite a speedbump in their relationship caused by Nella's reluctance to endanger the others, their big moment at the end was great.
The suspense of the story was well done. When the first threat arrives, Scott and Nella aren't sure who it is directed to. I liked seeing Nella use her newness at the shelter to get to know the others' stories and see if those lead anywhere. Once the threats focus on Nella, the tension steadily grows. I could feel their frustration at the lack of progress in identifying the source of the threats. Nella is convinced that it is one of the gang members from her last operation, but her former boss doesn't make any progress either. As the book neared the end, I suspected the source of the threat and the reason. However, I never saw the twist that came along with the final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was over and loved how it happened.
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the prominent part the animals played. I loved meeting the various critters and how they had their own personalities. My favorites were Spike and Baby. It was sweet to see how Nella connected with them. I also liked the attention paid to their training and the vetting of the potential adopters. I enjoyed getting to know the human residents and look forward to seeing more of them in later books....more
Terrific friends-to-lovers romance with fast-paced suspense. Lexi is a bright, intuitive criminalist with the KCPD crime lab. As the story begins, sheTerrific friends-to-lovers romance with fast-paced suspense. Lexi is a bright, intuitive criminalist with the KCPD crime lab. As the story begins, she's just been promoted to supervisor of her team and is a little nervous about her ability to do the job. On the other hand, her coworkers are thrilled with her promotion after dealing with her predecessor. Among those who believe in her is K-9 officer Aiden Murphy, a good friend, and pseudo-brother. The problem for Lexi is that her feelings for Aiden are anything but sisterly.
Aiden grew up near Lexi and her brother Levi. Thanks to an abusive father and other parental issues, his family life was terrible. When their parents took him in and made him part of their family, it significantly impacted his life. It is a testament to their care and example that he turned out to be the good and honorable man that he is. Aiden is in love with Lexi but is convinced he is no good for her. While his best friend Levi is deployed, Aiden promises to keep her safe - even from himself.
I loved watching the development of Aiden and Lexi's relationship. When Lexi is attacked during a crime scene investigation, Aiden moves into her house, where he and his K-9 Blue can watch over her. They have been friends for a long time, and it shows in the ease of their interactions. I loved watching Aiden take care of her while trying to keep his distance. He doesn't know that Lexi feels the same way about him and is ready to push for more. I ached for her as she ran up against Aiden's fear of losing the only family he has if something goes wrong. I loved her understanding of his feelings and willingness to give him the time he needed but also felt her frustration as she wanted to step things up. The connection between them when she finally broke through his walls was fantastic. Aiden's only worry was Levi's reaction when he came home for the holidays. That scene was hilarious and was the perfect ending for the book.
The story's suspense sucked me in and kept me hooked from start to finish. When Lexi's first case after becoming supervisor goes south because of the attack on her, it creates a bit of self-doubt and the determination to solve the crime as quickly as possible. I loved seeing her mind work and how she motivated her team to give their best. An attack at her home and two more similar murders, with another attack on Lexi, makes the case feel personal. As she unraveled the clues, she made a horrifying discovery. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation as Lexi walked into a trap and had to fight for her life. I loved the faith that kept Lexi going and how it all worked out. I can't wait for the next book in the series....more