Terrific book. I was so happy to see Alec get another chance at finding love after losing one of Mrs. Dove-Lyon's challenges. Unlike many of the otherTerrific book. I was so happy to see Alec get another chance at finding love after losing one of Mrs. Dove-Lyon's challenges. Unlike many of the other defeated contestants in her contests, Alec is a good man and deserves his chance. I ached for him and everything he has gone through. He was forced to retire from the Navy after the Battle of Trafalgar when his injuries resulted in the loss of part of his left leg. In another blow, his fiancée cried off. Because of that, he seeks a marriage in name only. I especially loved his commitment to help other returning veterans.
Kit needs to marry before her twenty-first birthday or lose her inheritance. She needs that money to take care of her bedridden mother. She tried the usual route of Society balls, but she'd rather be in the country with her horses. This unconventional attitude and tendency toward direct speech limit her desirability in Society's eyes. All she wants is a marriage in name only and the opportunity to be with her horses. Her aunt makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a husband.
Alec and Kit first encounter each other during the Lyon's Den masked ball. They are immediately drawn to each other. Alec does something that gets him banned from the Lyon's Den before he can uncover the mysterious lady's identity. Fortunately, with the aid of two friends, he convinces Mrs. Dove-Lyon to give him a second chance. His biggest obstacle is to win the challenges set up to win Kit's hand - challenges that involve his greatest fear. I loved his determination and how he faced those fears. Kit fell quickly for the man who saved her from a drunken patron but had no idea who he was. She was thrilled when she discovered he would be one of those vying for her hand.
I loved their quick connection. They are open and honest with each other, which goes a long way toward achieving their happy-ever-after. Though both looked for a marriage in name only at the outset of their journey, their growing feelings led to the decision to make it real. I ached for Alec, whose injuries have made him wary of trusting someone with his heart. Kit won my heart with her love and acceptance in an emotional scene on their wedding night. Not everything is sunshine and roses. Alec and Kit must contend with a sore loser in the marriage competition who is bent on revenge.
I loved the characters' appearances from the author's other series and previous books in the Lyon's Den. The seamless inclusion of those such as Captain Coventry and members of the Duke's Guard are always fun to read. ...more
Fun story. Nathan and Verity were secondary characters in the previous book, A Rogue at Stonecliffe. Nathan had the unenviable role of Annabeth's Fun story. Nathan and Verity were secondary characters in the previous book, A Rogue at Stonecliffe. Nathan had the unenviable role of Annabeth's fiancé and lost out to that book's hero, Sloane. He spent several months traveling in Europe to get over his heartbreak. Nathan is a nice guy who gave up the woman he loved so she could marry the one she truly loved. Once he returns to London, he slowly gets accustomed to seeing Annabeth and Sloane. Life returns to normal until a man who claims to be his brother and the rightful heir confronts him. Nathan doesn't believe him but needs to be sure. He knows exactly who he needs to help him investigate.
Verity was previously Sloane's partner as they spied for the Crown during the war. After retiring, she set up a discreet private investigation firm that has become quite successful. She is content with her independence and living life on her own terms, even if she's a bit lonely at times. The secrets in Verity's past make her believe she has no chance of marriage.
Nathan and Verity knew each other in the previous book. They frequently butt heads, but under the antagonism are sparks of attraction. When Nathan encounters Verity at a Society function while she is working on a case, he unexpectedly finds himself helping her. I loved his internal conflict. He feels that what she is doing is dangerous and foolhardy, but he must also protect her. Matters between them become complicated when he asks for her help investigating the stranger's claim. Nathan won't sit back and let Verity investigate on her own, but he insists on being involved. I enjoyed watching them work together and how they balance her tendency to take chances with his resistance to taking risks. Their teamwork was very effective, and I loved seeing Nathan get into the spirit of the chase.
There is no shortage of action and dangerous situations to keep me invested in the mystery. Some things didn't make sense, leading to questions about who was really behind the claim. The twists and turns of this investigation kept me guessing to the end. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation as the intensity of the danger peaked. There was also a secondary mystery as Verity's past returned to haunt her. The resolution of that was not what I expected and brought unexpected happiness to Verity.
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Nathan and Verity as they went from antagonists to partners to friends to more. I liked seeing how Nathan's growing feelings for Verity took him by surprise, opening his eyes to the differences between his former feelings for Annabeth and his feelings for Verity. I liked his persistence in pursuing her once he realized the depth of his feelings. I ached for Verity because of her belief that there was no chance they could be together. I loved the emotional scene as he overcame her insecurities, opening up the opportunity for the future they wanted. The epilogue was terrific. ...more
From one night stand to forever. The story opens two years earlier than the main story. Zara is stranded in New Orleans while she waits for a storm toFrom one night stand to forever. The story opens two years earlier than the main story. Zara is stranded in New Orleans while she waits for a storm to pass before traveling to Catalina Cove, nursing a broken heart and swearing off men. But the sparks between herself and a sexy stranger at the bar are too much to resist, and she and "Saint" spend a passionate night together.
Fast forward two years and Zara is back in Catalina Cove to visit her brother and some friends. She is stunned when she walks into a gathering of friends and sees the man she hasn't been able to forget. Saint is equally shocked to discover that Zara is his boss's younger sister. The chemistry between them is still off the charts, and they can't stay away from each other. Neither is interested in a relationship. Zara is not ready to risk her heart again, and Saint is still recovering from his own disappointing love life. They are content to hook up whenever Zara visits the Cove.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zara and Saint develop. It starts as purely physical and casual, as they agree that emotions will play no part in their encounters. But over several months, they find themselves enjoying time spent together outside of the bedroom. When Zara comes for a more extended stay in the Cove, she and Saint begin spending much more time together. It is easy to see that they develop feelings for each other but are wary of confessing them. Their avoidance of talking about the future frequently frustrated me. Matters became more complicated when Saint's ex showed up looking to rekindle their relationship. I liked those scenes between Zara and Mia and Saint and Mia. I liked the ending, seeing them face and share their fears and look to the future with open hearts.
There was also the beginning of a secondary romance between two of the older characters. I loved Levi's patient pursuit of Margie as she became accustomed to the idea of falling in love again after her husband's death. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books, as well as some of the other new arrivals in Catalina Cove. ...more
Good book. Niko and Cami met during a medical conference and were immediately attracted to one another. They spent one night together and went their sGood book. Niko and Cami met during a medical conference and were immediately attracted to one another. They spent one night together and went their separate ways. A few weeks later, Niko asks her to come to his cardiac institute to consult on a case. It is a difficult decision for Niko. He needs her help with his patient, but resisting his attraction to her is impossible, despite her now being a colleague. Matters become more complicated when she tells him she is pregnant with his child.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Their attraction is undeniable, but neither planned on anything more than that one night. With a baby on the way, they are permanently linked and must find a way to co-parent. However, both have major trust issues that keep them guarding their hearts. Niko's problems with his late father affect him personally and professionally. He has difficulty separating Cami's need for publicity for her work and his father's narcissistic craving for fame. Cami's father deserted them when she was a baby, leaving her mother bitter and passing her distrust of men onto Cami.
Niko and Cami give in to their attraction, but neither looks ahead to what will happen when her time in Greece ends. I wanted to shake them for avoiding such a critical discussion. Their feelings for each other grow past physical attraction, but their trust issues keep them from admitting those feelings. Misunderstandings brought on by their insecurities threaten to derail what could be a happy future. I liked seeing how straight talk from friends and family opened their eyes to their mistakes and finally allowed them to trust themselves and each other.
I enjoyed the medical aspects of the story. I always learn something new from these books, and this was no exception. The technical details were a bit more involved here than in others I've read, but they added to the intensity of the work Nico and Cami did together. ...more
Enjoyable rags-to-riches story. Cora is the oldest of an impoverished vicar's five daughters. Her aunt takes her and her next sister, Elise, to LondonEnjoyable rags-to-riches story. Cora is the oldest of an impoverished vicar's five daughters. Her aunt takes her and her next sister, Elise, to London, giving them a Season to find husbands. Since her mother's death, Cora has become the family's caretaker, putting everyone else's needs before hers. So when a mix-up occurs over her dress order, Cora subdues her qualms and wears the beautiful dress to the Duke of Harlow's ball. She never expected to catch the eye of the Duke himself!
Declan is under pressure from his mother to marry. She carefully selected several young women for him to choose from, with the proper breeding to be suitable matches. But when he sees Cora, all thoughts of those women disappear. He bypassed them all to dance the first dance with Cora.
I enjoyed the development of Cora and Declan's relationship. Their connection is immediate and strong. But Cora doesn't talk about her family circumstances, knowing that her background is not what he needs. Matters become more complicated when he invites her to the house party his mother has arranged. Declan finds every opportunity to spend time with her, and it is obvious that he is falling hard for her. Cora's feelings match his, but she doesn't believe they have a chance to be together.
I liked Declan's determination to have the woman he loved. He does an excellent job of standing up to his mother. But when the truth comes out, he doesn't react well. As I expected, Cora's decision to wear the dresses came back to bite her, and she must face the consequences of her actions. Once Declan realizes his mistake, he must work to earn Cora's trust before convincing her that they belong together. The ending was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue was a chance to catch up with them a few years later. ...more
Good book in a beautiful setting. Anisa is a production assistant for a film company shooting a picture in Madagascar. She is stunned and angry when sGood book in a beautiful setting. Anisa is a production assistant for a film company shooting a picture in Madagascar. She is stunned and angry when she arrives and discovers that her estranged brother has hired a bodyguard without her permission. But no matter how vocal her objections are, nothing dissuades him from sticking close. Anisa would find it much easier to ignore him if he wasn't so good-looking.
Nesser agreed to guard Anisa in exchange for her brother's help on a private matter, but nothing would keep him from carrying out his plans. Anisa's stubborn resistance is both frustrating and amusing. However, the job would be much easier if he wasn't so attracted to her.
The sparks flew between Anisa and Nasser from the moment they met. The first few days were rough as Anisa made her displeasure known and tried hard to ditch Nesser whenever possible. Her frustration was evident as he foiled her at every turn. I liked that Anisa realized she was being unreasonable and changed her attitude. I liked seeing her and Nasser get to know each other. As they did, the attraction between them grew. But guilt from a devastating event in his past keeps him from giving in to his feelings.
A twist involving Anisa's brother adds new tension to their relationship. Nesser's need for revenge drives a wedge between them. I ached for what he went through in the past, its effect on his life, and what it was doing to his relationship with Anisa. I liked the ending and seeing that Anisa's words and care brought him unexpected peace. The epilogue was good, but left me wondering about Anisa's brother. I'd like to see a story about him.
I enjoyed the parts about Anisa and her history. I ached for her and the pain she felt over her relationship with her brother, Ara. There was some stubbornness on both sides that added to the strain. Seeing them mend that relationship with honesty and love was a lovely secondary storyline....more
Wow. This was a fast-paced, spine-tingling hunt for a serial killer with a touch of romance. This book had such a grip on me that I read it in one sitWow. This was a fast-paced, spine-tingling hunt for a serial killer with a touch of romance. This book had such a grip on me that I read it in one sitting.
Hannah is a detective with the local police department. A serial killer who has plagued the university for more than a decade is active again. Hannah is undercover on the campus, posing as a student to draw the killer out. As the book opens, she witnesses the killer's attempt to abduct his latest victim and intervenes. The killer gets away, leaving Hannah frustrated and dealing with campus security chief Matt.
Matt is a former special ops soldier who went into law enforcement after leaving the military. He worked for the police department for a while but left for the university job after his partner was killed. He is determined to stop the killer and isn't happy with Hannah taking so many risks.
Matt and Hannah worked together in the first book of the series and butted heads over their differing methods. That antagonism continues here, as Matt considers Hannah reckless and far too ready to take unnecessary risks. However, the best way to stop the killer is to combine forces and so they agree to work together. It takes some serious effort to overcome their differences, but they make a terrific team once they do. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them. I liked seeing them get to know each other as they worked together and developed a mutual trust they didn't share with anyone else. Both have past experiences that have made them who they are, and opening up about those experiences brings them closer still. But before they can explore their growing feelings, they must catch the killer who has Hannah in his crosshairs.
The suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. It opens with a prologue from the killer's point of view, giving an immediate glimpse of what is to come. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end. Is it a faculty member? One of the law enforcement officers? Or someone unrelated to the university? The tension ramped up as it became apparent that the killer had chosen Hannah as his next victim. His actions are chilling as he finds ways to torment her as he closes in. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Hannah risked herself to save another. I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. ...more
Fun book with an interesting twist on the enemies-to-lovers theme, in that Poorvi and Kavan don't know they are enemies until near the end of the bookFun book with an interesting twist on the enemies-to-lovers theme, in that Poorvi and Kavan don't know they are enemies until near the end of the book.
Poorvi is a medical researcher on her way to present a paper at a conference in Dublin. She is under much pressure from her boss - the man who got a promotion instead of her because of unfounded rumors about her. She is determined to do well despite those trying to undermine her.
Kavan is an ophthalmologist whose family practice relies heavily on the procedure Poorvi's presentation refers to. His brother sent him to intercept the researcher and talk them into backing off. Kavan feels indebted to his brother, so he gives in to his request even though he disagrees.
Poorvi and Kavan first encounter each other before their flight to Dublin during a conflict over a power outlet. Sparks fly, and they aren't all sparks of anger, though neither wants to acknowledge the attraction. They put their differences aside - mostly - to help an older woman who doesn't speak English. When bad weather diverts their flight from Dublin to Cork, they are thrown together again to share a rental car. Complicating matters, they agree to help the older woman, whom they call "Ba" (grandmother), get to her family in Dublin.
Ba is a piece of work. She clearly sees the sparks between Poorvi and Kavan and sets about making sure they spend enough time together to see it themselves. I liked how she incorporated seeing the sights of Ireland by appealing to their sympathies over the loss of her husband. She is a feisty granny, and I laughed out loud at her blatant attempts to push them together. She has no trouble calling them out when she thinks they need a kick in the pants. I loved her part of bringing them together.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Poorvi and Kavan. Poorvi is very independent and doesn't accept help easily. Kavan is a nice guy whose attempts to be a gentleman Poorvi frequently rejects. Poorvi loosens up a little as they spend time together, and they discover that they enjoy their interactions. Their feelings for each other grow quickly, but they are hesitant to say anything, resulting in misunderstandings. When their identities are exposed, each feels betrayed. It takes a determined Ba to break through the hurt and bring them back together in a fun and heartwarming reunion. ...more
Fantastic book with a sweet romance and intense suspense. Deni and Ryan know each other slightly from running into each other at the coffee shop severFantastic book with a sweet romance and intense suspense. Deni and Ryan know each other slightly from running into each other at the coffee shop several times a week. There are sparks between them, but Ryan is hesitant to ask her out. Deni wants to know more about the guy who seems confident but not brash. I loved the interactions between Deni and Ryan during the SAR exercise at the beginning of the book. There was a hint of flirtiness as well as some definite sparks. I loved how his protectiveness came out when she reacted to the bomb scare at the bridge.
Deni worries about her father, Mike, who has been acting strangely and has disappeared. She knows he is an environmental activist and is afraid that he may be involved in the spate of bombings. She doesn't believe that he would do anything that would hurt people, but there are questions. I liked how Ryan stepped up to help her, even though his past mistakes told him he should step back.
I liked seeing their relationship develop. Ryan is very protective of Deni and can't resist supporting her in her search for her father. I liked how his calmness kept her from panicking when things looked especially bad. That calmness and support came in handy when she had to deal with two ATF agents who seemed more interested in accusing her of being an accomplice than finding the real culprit. The more time Deni and Ryan spent together, the closer they got and the stronger their attraction and feelings became. As some of her father's past was revealed, Ryan worried about Deni's reaction to his own mistakes. I loved her response when he finally confessed, showing how well she understood him. I loved the ending and seeing their plans for the future.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. From the first bomb sighting to the final confrontation, I was glued to the pages. I ached for Deni and how so many details added to her fear for her father. I liked how Deni tried to help as the severity of the bombings intensified and ached for how she was looked at with suspicion despite it. Unwilling to sit back and leave it to law enforcement to find her dad, she and Ryan kept up their searches. An unexpected twist at the end provided the answers they needed but put them in extreme danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.
Merged review:
Fantastic book with a sweet romance and intense suspense. Deni and Ryan know each other slightly from running into each other at the coffee shop several times a week. There are sparks between them, but Ryan is hesitant to ask her out. Deni wants to know more about the guy who seems confident but not brash. I loved the interactions between Deni and Ryan during the SAR exercise at the beginning of the book. There was a hint of flirtiness as well as some definite sparks. I loved how his protectiveness came out when she reacted to the bomb scare at the bridge.
Deni worries about her father, Mike, who has been acting strangely and has disappeared. She knows he is an environmental activist and is afraid that he may be involved in the spate of bombings. She doesn't believe that he would do anything that would hurt people, but there are questions. I liked how Ryan stepped up to help her, even though his past mistakes told him he should step back.
I liked seeing their relationship develop. Ryan is very protective of Deni and can't resist supporting her in her search for her father. I liked how his calmness kept her from panicking when things looked especially bad. That calmness and support came in handy when she had to deal with two ATF agents who seemed more interested in accusing her of being an accomplice than finding the real culprit. The more time Deni and Ryan spent together, the closer they got and the stronger their attraction and feelings became. As some of her father's past was revealed, Ryan worried about Deni's reaction to his own mistakes. I loved her response when he finally confessed, showing how well she understood him. I loved the ending and seeing their plans for the future.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. From the first bomb sighting to the final confrontation, I was glued to the pages. I ached for Deni and how so many details added to her fear for her father. I liked how Deni tried to help as the severity of the bombings intensified and ached for how she was looked at with suspicion despite it. Unwilling to sit back and leave it to law enforcement to find her dad, she and Ryan kept up their searches. An unexpected twist at the end provided the answers they needed but put them in extreme danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over....more
Fantastic conclusion to the series. Throughout the series, the hotshot team has been plagued by a saboteur who has caused many dangerous "accidents." Fantastic conclusion to the series. Throughout the series, the hotshot team has been plagued by a saboteur who has caused many dangerous "accidents." Though the field of suspects has diminished, team leader Braden Zimmer is frustrated by the inability to identify them. As a last resort, he asks his brother-in-law Mack to join the team and investigate.
Mack recently retired from a career in military special ops. While deciding what to do with the rest of his life, he trains as a hotshot and takes a place in the team. Mack is suspicious of everyone, including local state trooper Wynona. He feels she is hiding something. Wynona is equally distrustful of Mack. He isn't law enforcement and has no business interfering with her investigation.
With their mutual distrust, neither is happy about the sparks of attraction that affect them. They fight against them, but ultimately, their feelings are too strong to resist. However, each has baggage from their past, making it difficult to open their hearts. I enjoyed seeing them get past each other's walls and take a chance at love.
The suspense of the story was terrific. Mack has a target on his back from his first day as a hotshot. Only his quick reflexes saved him from being crushed by a falling tree. Wynona also finds herself in the crosshairs when someone shoots at her and Mack. There are scenes from the saboteur's point of view where we see his frustration at Mack and Wynona's ability to escape his attacks. There are also hints of his motivation. The attacks intensify as they begin to close in on his identity. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
The epilogue was an excellent wrap-up for the books and series. I liked catching up with the couples from earlier books....more
Good book. It opens with a prologue that tells of how Marie came to leave France for England as a small child, then moves on to the current day. She aGood book. It opens with a prologue that tells of how Marie came to leave France for England as a small child, then moves on to the current day. She and her "uncle" work as servants for a London family. Unfortunately, the lady of the house is not nice and fires Marie. Her uncle finds them new positions working for Mrs. Dove-Lyon at the Lyon's Den.
Marie, who has a flair for cooking, gets off on the wrong foot with the other servants when she comments on the soup. Their jealousy increases when Mrs. Dove-Lyon asks Marie to pose as a lady to keep a French-speaking visitor company.
Marie also aids a soldier who suffers from a flashback while at the Lyon's Den. Samuel was badly injured during the war, and combined with other unhappy experiences, he dislikes anything French. He doesn't realize she is French and is drawn to her kindness. He returns to Lyon's Den, looking for her several times, not knowing she is a servant.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Marie and Samuel develop. He meets her again while she plays her companion role, and he continues to be fascinated by her. I loved seeing them together. Samuel is kind, honorable, and smitten with Marie. Marie is equally smitten with him but knows that anything between them is impossible because of their class differences. However, Samuel is persistent and hopes for the outcome he wants.
Life isn't easy for Marie. While she enjoys her time spent with Mrs. Martin, she is continually harassed by some of her fellow servants. Items go missing and Marie is blamed, putting her job in jeopardy. She enjoys Mrs. Martin's friendship but fears what might happen when she reveals her servant status. The ups and downs of the last third of the book kept me turning the pages to the end. I loved the twist at the end.
I enjoy the variety of characters in the Lyon's Den series. It is a welcome change to read about ordinary people whose lives are touched by Mrs. Dove-Lyon and not just the members of the nobility. ...more
Exciting start to the new series. The story is told with a mix of current action and flashbacks to flesh out the history of the unfolding events. I stExciting start to the new series. The story is told with a mix of current action and flashbacks to flesh out the history of the unfolding events. I started reading and couldn't put it down until I finished.
Zach is a relative newcomer to Eagle Mountain. Four years earlier, his sister was murdered, and his grief caused him to lose focus for a while. Since arriving in town, he has had a steady job with the mining company and volunteers with the Search and Rescue group. As the book opens, he and the others are on a call to evacuate some campers caught in a flood. When they find the body of a dead woman, Zach is stunned to discover it is the sister he thought was dead.
Shelby is an FBI agent who was one of Camille's contacts. Camille was in WITSEC after she witnessed a murder, but it wasn't enough to convict the perps. Camille disappeared from her new life, and Shelby was looking for her. Shelby believes Camille was looking for Zach to warn him about something, but she doesn't know what.
The suspense of the story kept me glued to the pages. Zach doesn't believe he is in danger, while Shelby is sure he knows something that puts a target on his back. I liked the persistence she showed in getting him to open up. The twists of their investigation kept me wondering who was behind it. The final confrontation took me by surprise and wasn't what I expected.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Zach and Shelby. The sparks were there from the start, but Zach's grief and anger over Camille's death overrode them initially. The more time they spent together, the more they connected. I loved seeing them together and how Shelby helped Zach through his grief. There are some obstacles, including Shelby's job, but the biggest one comes at the end. That was a twist I didn't see coming. ...more
Good beginning to the new series. The story drew me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Jillian and her mother lost their home when her fGood beginning to the new series. The story drew me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Jillian and her mother lost their home when her father was killed at Hastings. They took refuge with a neighbor who treated them as servants instead of the ladies they were. After her mother's death, Jillian looks for a way to escape the servitude and abuse she experiences. That chance comes when the baron captures the younger brother of a local warrior. Gillian offers to help Garrick rescue his brother in exchange for marriage and possibly reclaiming her heritage.
Garrick inherited his family's keep but doesn't have the funds to care for it and his people. He believes he doesn't need help to rescue his brother, but circumstances prove him wrong. Garrick accepts Jillian's bargain. It isn't until after they are married that he discovers her family's keep has been given to another.
I liked Jillian and her strength of will. She doesn't give in to despair and works to improve her circumstances. She is clever, determined, and has a loving heart.
I had a harder time liking Garrick. He carries a lot of guilt over the death of his father and the condition of their property. He has tunnel vision when it comes to restoring his property and is so focused on it that he has become something of an arse. His honor compels him to carry through with his marriage to Jillian, but he doesn't react well to discovering she doesn't actually possess the Loughmoe property.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jillian and Garrick. The sparks between them are there from the beginning, though Garrick does his best to ignore them. He is torn when his attraction to her runs up against his distrust. I liked how Jillian used her skills in running the household to get past his walls and try to win his care. I became frustrated with his plans and wanted to shake him for his short-sightedness. It is only when he nearly loses her that he realizes his mistake. Garrick must regain her trust before he can have the future he wants with her.
There was a lot of action in this story. It took place a few years after Hastings, and there is still a lot of unrest in the country. The maneuvering over the balance of power in the neighborhood was intriguing and kept a feeling of uncertainty throughout the book. There is treachery afoot, and when Jillian and Garrick's mother are kidnapped, he must find a way to rescue them. This was a complicated endeavor, politically and physically, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until it was over. The resolution was well done and made sense.
I liked seeing the familiar O'Malley name and the glimpse of the ancestors of the Duke's Guard. I look forward to seeing more of them in the following books. ...more
Terrific addition to the Amish Country Justice series. The books are connected by common characters, themes, and locations, but each can be read as a Terrific addition to the Amish Country Justice series. The books are connected by common characters, themes, and locations, but each can be read as a standalone. As with the author's other books, this one grabbed my attention from the first page and kept me hooked until the end (when I should have been asleep!).
Francesca is a forensic artist and the widow of an FBI agent. One stormy night, she discovered a dead body in her yard. While reporting the body to the police, someone started shooting at her. Besides the arrival of the local police, Special Agent Tanner Hall is also on the scene. Tanner worked with her late husband, and she avoids him whenever possible. He brings up painful memories.
Tanner is on the case because of the identity of the dead man. Francesca's husband, Sean, had been a colleague and a friend, and Tanner believes Sean would want him to watch out for her. Tanner suspects that Sean's death wasn't an accident, and he needs to talk to her about it. But the current crisis has priority.
The dead man was connected to a case that Tanner and Sean worked on and had been in witness protection until he disappeared. Now he's turned up at Sean's house, raising questions about where he's been. Matters become complicated when they find a young Amish boy who is also autistic. What follows is a roller coaster of twists and turns, ups and downs, as they fight off attacks and search for Joey's family. Little clues unknowingly dropped by Joey lead them in an unexpected direction. A discovery at Fran's house provides another surprise and answers a few questions while raising more. The resolution was a nail-biter with a perpetrator I didn't see coming.
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Francesca and Tanner. Each has some things from their pasts that make them wary of getting involved. But the more time they spend together, the more they get to know each other. I liked the respect they had for each other's work. Their attraction and feelings grew, but what would happen when the case was over and Tanner returned to his home base? I liked the soul-searching each did as they decided whether to pursue those feelings. I loved the ending and seeing them get the happy-ever-after they wanted. ...more
Good book. I have enjoyed the author's other Lyon's Den books with their medical settings. It is a nice change from other Regency romance balls and hoGood book. I have enjoyed the author's other Lyon's Den books with their medical settings. It is a nice change from other Regency romance balls and house parties. This is the first time I have read one with a dentist as the hero, and I found it very interesting.
Dustin is a duke in hiding. Rather than take up his duties as duke, he lives under an assumed name and works as a dentist while trying to find the man who betrayed his father. He intends to leave for America and cede the dukedom to his cousin. I liked Dustin. Besides being too focused on revenge, he is kind, compassionate, and professional. I love that he cares for everyone, rich or poor. It bothered me that he was so willing to leave his heritage behind to pursue revenge.
Lexi is in a hurry to marry. Thanks to her sister's liaison with Prinny, Lexi is also tainted by scandal. This doesn't sit well with her obsession with being perfect. She asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a titled husband as quickly as possible. Mrs. Dove-Lyon, realizing that Lexi is suffering from a bad toothache, sends her to the dentist before she will arrange anything. I had a hard time liking Lexi. Her naiveté isn't unexpected, but she is self-centered, paranoid, and judgmental. She epitomized the worst stereotype of a romance reader with her obsession with one of the books she read.
When Lexi arrives at Dustin's office, she is terrified of what will happen. She's heard plenty of horror stories about pulled teeth, and none fit her self-perceived perfection. Instead of sitting and waiting for the dentist, she starts poking around the room and handling the instruments as though she has the right. She and Dustin are gobsmacked by the other's good looks, distracting them from the matter at hand for a little while. I liked Dustin's patience with Lexi's fears. Once she gets past her fear, Lexi's curiosity kicks in. I enjoyed Dustin's explanations and Lexi's interest.
Over the next few days, Dustin and Lexi grow closer. There's an amusing scene where Lexi and the nurse, Wendy, extoll the virtues of their favorite book characters while Dustin listens with amazement. I thought it was sweet how he read some of the book to see what was so special to Lexi.
Complicating matters, Mrs. Dove-Lyon has found a duke for Lexi. The dinner with him is awkward at best, as all Lexi can think about is Dustin. An unexpected twist throws a wrench into Dustin's plans, while his growing feelings for Lexi cause him to reevaluate his priorities. Lexi also discovers something about herself and what is important. It takes Mrs. Dove-Lyon to unravel the issues keeping Dustin and Lexi apart. The resolution didn't surprise me, but I look forward to reading the cousin's story. ...more
Terrific story centered around Quinn, the oldest Mannion sibling. After realizing his big-city lawyer job was no longer fulfilling, Quinn moved back tTerrific story centered around Quinn, the oldest Mannion sibling. After realizing his big-city lawyer job was no longer fulfilling, Quinn moved back to Honeymoon Harbor to become a brewer and take over the family pub. The last thing he expected was to fall in love with a married woman. As an honorable man, he sticks to being the friend she needs.
As the book opens, Amanda and Quinn continue their friendship. She is now divorced from her abusive husband, but the effects linger. Amanda's feelings for Quinn are growing, but is she ready to move forward?
I loved watching the relationship between Quinn and Amanda develop. He is so sensitive to everything she went through with her ex-husband that he has been careful not to push forward with his desires. But it's been eighteen months since Amanda's divorce, and several friends and family members have told him it's time to go after what he wants or risk losing her. I loved when he finally screwed up his courage and invited her to the beer competition. Seeing Amanda blow him away with her flirtatiousness and directness about the weekend was even more fun. I loved seeing them open up about their lives, especially how Amanda told him about her marriage and its continuing hold on her.
That weekend was fantastic for them as they moved on to a new stage in their relationship. As they returned to Honeymoon Harbor, I loved their respect for each other and their lives. With a solid friendship already under their belts, their growing feelings for each other felt realistic. I also loved that their relationship is solid enough not to be fazed when Quinn's past comes knocking on his door. And once Amanda worked past her last bit of past baggage, the sky was the limit for their relationship. Their visit to the Botanical Gardens was sweet and romantic and the perfect lead-in for his surprise for Amanda. I loved the outpouring of emotion that followed and seeing them look forward to a future together.
A secondary storyline follows a newcomer to Honeymoon Harbor. Piper is an eighteen-year-old British woman traveling the US during a gap year before college. She takes a job at Quinn's pub, replacing a former employee who had moved away. She's an interesting character with big plans for her future. I loved how she took to life in Honeymoon Harbor and fit in well with Quinn's family. I loved her family background and the interesting life she'd led because of it and a maturity that is unusual in someone her age. But she also has a secret that gets harder to reveal the longer she stays in Honeymoon Harbor. There's a bit of drama when it finally comes out, but I thought it was handled very well.
There is plenty of time spent with secondary characters, mainly members of the Mannion family. I loved catching up with what was going on with the couples/families from previous books. It is always terrific to see the family dynamics, from teasing to disagreements, to support in times of crisis.
#netgalley
Merged review:
Terrific story centered around Quinn, the oldest Mannion sibling. After realizing his big-city lawyer job was no longer fulfilling, Quinn moved back to Honeymoon Harbor to become a brewer and take over the family pub. The last thing he expected was to fall in love with a married woman. As an honorable man, he sticks to being the friend she needs.
As the book opens, Amanda and Quinn continue their friendship. She is now divorced from her abusive husband, but the effects linger. Amanda's feelings for Quinn are growing, but is she ready to move forward?
I loved watching the relationship between Quinn and Amanda develop. He is so sensitive to everything she went through with her ex-husband that he has been careful not to push forward with his desires. But it's been eighteen months since Amanda's divorce, and several friends and family members have told him it's time to go after what he wants or risk losing her. I loved when he finally screwed up his courage and invited her to the beer competition. Seeing Amanda blow him away with her flirtatiousness and directness about the weekend was even more fun. I loved seeing them open up about their lives, especially how Amanda told him about her marriage and its continuing hold on her.
That weekend was fantastic for them as they moved on to a new stage in their relationship. As they returned to Honeymoon Harbor, I loved their respect for each other and their lives. With a solid friendship already under their belts, their growing feelings for each other felt realistic. I also loved that their relationship is solid enough not to be fazed when Quinn's past comes knocking on his door. And once Amanda worked past her last bit of past baggage, the sky was the limit for their relationship. Their visit to the Botanical Gardens was sweet and romantic and the perfect lead-in for his surprise for Amanda. I loved the outpouring of emotion that followed and seeing them look forward to a future together.
A secondary storyline follows a newcomer to Honeymoon Harbor. Piper is an eighteen-year-old British woman traveling the US during a gap year before college. She takes a job at Quinn's pub, replacing a former employee who had moved away. She's an interesting character with big plans for her future. I loved how she took to life in Honeymoon Harbor and fit in well with Quinn's family. I loved her family background and the interesting life she'd led because of it and a maturity that is unusual in someone her age. But she also has a secret that gets harder to reveal the longer she stays in Honeymoon Harbor. There's a bit of drama when it finally comes out, but I thought it was handled very well.
There is plenty of time spent with secondary characters, mainly members of the Mannion family. I loved catching up with what was going on with the couples/families from previous books. It is always terrific to see the family dynamics, from teasing to disagreements, to support in times of crisis.
I have been a huge fan of Cutter and his people since the first book came out. In the third book of the series, Operation Blind Date, we meet TeagI have been a huge fan of Cutter and his people since the first book came out. In the third book of the series, Operation Blind Date, we meet Teague Johnson, a Foxworth Foundation operative haunted by his sister's disappearance while he served in the military. He has never given up his search for her.
In this book, we meet Terri, a woman who left home when she was seventeen, escaping parents who rejoiced at the death of Terri's brother. She got a fake ID with a new name and ran as far as she could, eventually settling in Iowa. She took control of her life but never stopped mourning her beloved brother. After almost ten years, she returned to Washington to find her brother's grave. As the book opens, she is attacked by a man she witnessed robbing a convenience store, and she is saved when a passerby intervenes.
Case is a former policeman, forced out and discredited when he attempted to expose some corruption. For the past year, he has been at loose ends, unable to move on from what happened. When he sees a woman fighting off an attacker, his instincts send him running to the rescue. Those same instincts insist that he look after her when she is injured.
Terri is wary and not very forthcoming about herself. Case's instincts warn him that she is hiding something. When he spots the contents of her purse on the floor, sees two old letters addressed to her brother, and reads a little of her journal about him, Case heads for his computer to find out more about the man. He's surprised to find out that the man is not dead and works for the mysterious Foxworth Foundation. Case takes it upon himself to contact the foundation and talk to Quinn about Terri. Quinn asks Case to bring Terri to them the next day.
I loved Case's protectiveness and support when Terri learned that her brother was alive (but away on his honeymoon). She doesn't want to interfere with that and insists on waiting for her reunion. In the meantime, Quinn and Hayley learn what brought her and Case together and discover that the convenience store clerk has died from his injuries. This makes Terri the only witness to a murder. I loved watching Quinn and the others jump right into protecting Terri. They enlist Case to help when Terri insists on keeping him near.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Case and Terri develop. There were sparks between them from the beginning. Terri embraces the attraction, but Case resists it. He is unemployed and feeling beaten down by everything that has happened to him. He feels he is in no position to get involved with Terri, but he can't deny his need to protect her. I loved watching them together and seeing the feelings between them grow. Case tries to keep a distance between them, physically and emotionally but is thwarted at every turn by Cutter. Case and Terri grow closer over the week as they await Teague's return and for her attacker to be found. In addition to Case's protectiveness, I loved Terri's belief in Case. Seeing how her support helped put Case on the road to healing was sweet. The ending was terrific.
The story's suspense was good though not very intense until the end. As soon as Quinn is aware of the danger Terri is in, the full resources of Foxworth are used to keep her safe and find the bad guy. It is always fascinating to see them at work, each member using their talents to resolve the problem. I enjoyed seeing so many characters from previous books. The tension ramped up when they used Terri to bait a trap for the murderer. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
In addition to the suspense involving Terri and her witnessing of the crime, we had Case's backstory. I ached for how he was treated by the people who should have had his back. I could feel his pain at losing the career he loved, and the people he thought were his friends. He was surprised by the respect he received from Quinn and the others at Foxworth, and I loved their proposal for him at the end.
I can't say enough about how much I love the dog Cutter. Watching him work his matchmaking magic on each couple throughout the series is fun. I also enjoy seeing how the Foxworth people have come to trust Cutter's instincts after all this time. I loved his reaction to seeing Terri for the first time.
I couldn't wait to see the reunion between Terri and Teague; it was everything I could have hoped for. It was beautiful to see how his friends at Foxworth were so happy for him, and seeing their reactions to Terri was almost as good as Teague's.
#netgalley
Merged review:
I have been a huge fan of Cutter and his people since the first book came out. In the third book of the series, Operation Blind Date, we meet Teague Johnson, a Foxworth Foundation operative haunted by his sister's disappearance while he served in the military. He has never given up his search for her.
In this book, we meet Terri, a woman who left home when she was seventeen, escaping parents who rejoiced at the death of Terri's brother. She got a fake ID with a new name and ran as far as she could, eventually settling in Iowa. She took control of her life but never stopped mourning her beloved brother. After almost ten years, she returned to Washington to find her brother's grave. As the book opens, she is attacked by a man she witnessed robbing a convenience store, and she is saved when a passerby intervenes.
Case is a former policeman, forced out and discredited when he attempted to expose some corruption. For the past year, he has been at loose ends, unable to move on from what happened. When he sees a woman fighting off an attacker, his instincts send him running to the rescue. Those same instincts insist that he look after her when she is injured.
Terri is wary and not very forthcoming about herself. Case's instincts warn him that she is hiding something. When he spots the contents of her purse on the floor, sees two old letters addressed to her brother, and reads a little of her journal about him, Case heads for his computer to find out more about the man. He's surprised to find out that the man is not dead and works for the mysterious Foxworth Foundation. Case takes it upon himself to contact the foundation and talk to Quinn about Terri. Quinn asks Case to bring Terri to them the next day.
I loved Case's protectiveness and support when Terri learned that her brother was alive (but away on his honeymoon). She doesn't want to interfere with that and insists on waiting for her reunion. In the meantime, Quinn and Hayley learn what brought her and Case together and discover that the convenience store clerk has died from his injuries. This makes Terri the only witness to a murder. I loved watching Quinn and the others jump right into protecting Terri. They enlist Case to help when Terri insists on keeping him near.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Case and Terri develop. There were sparks between them from the beginning. Terri embraces the attraction, but Case resists it. He is unemployed and feeling beaten down by everything that has happened to him. He feels he is in no position to get involved with Terri, but he can't deny his need to protect her. I loved watching them together and seeing the feelings between them grow. Case tries to keep a distance between them, physically and emotionally but is thwarted at every turn by Cutter. Case and Terri grow closer over the week as they await Teague's return and for her attacker to be found. In addition to Case's protectiveness, I loved Terri's belief in Case. Seeing how her support helped put Case on the road to healing was sweet. The ending was terrific.
The story's suspense was good though not very intense until the end. As soon as Quinn is aware of the danger Terri is in, the full resources of Foxworth are used to keep her safe and find the bad guy. It is always fascinating to see them at work, each member using their talents to resolve the problem. I enjoyed seeing so many characters from previous books. The tension ramped up when they used Terri to bait a trap for the murderer. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
In addition to the suspense involving Terri and her witnessing of the crime, we had Case's backstory. I ached for how he was treated by the people who should have had his back. I could feel his pain at losing the career he loved, and the people he thought were his friends. He was surprised by the respect he received from Quinn and the others at Foxworth, and I loved their proposal for him at the end.
I can't say enough about how much I love the dog Cutter. Watching him work his matchmaking magic on each couple throughout the series is fun. I also enjoy seeing how the Foxworth people have come to trust Cutter's instincts after all this time. I loved his reaction to seeing Terri for the first time.
I couldn't wait to see the reunion between Terri and Teague; it was everything I could have hoped for. It was beautiful to see how his friends at Foxworth were so happy for him, and seeing their reactions to Terri was almost as good as Teague's.
Good book. After reading the beginning of this book, I wasn't sure how Axel would redeem himself. He is a Hollywood heartthrob who is all about what hGood book. After reading the beginning of this book, I wasn't sure how Axel would redeem himself. He is a Hollywood heartthrob who is all about what he wants, no matter if it inconveniences someone else. The person he most inconveniences is his personal assistant, Maddie. Both characters frustrated me at the start.
Alex thinks nothing of dragging Maddie into whatever he thinks he needs, from mattress shopping to buying gifts. She was hired to manage his schedule and other career-related activities, yet he always manages to make any request about his career to get around her objections. She is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Maddie lost any romantic ideas about Axel early in her career with him. She's frustrated by his thoughtlessness and lack of respect for her time. She is ready to leave on a long-planned and awaited vacation, during which he's promised not to contact her. When he gets into trouble, the next thing Maddie knows, he is on her doorstep, begging to stay with her, completely blowing off his promise. Maddie did what she always does - caved in and gave him what he wanted.
After a few days, Maddie finally has enough. I loved seeing her stand up to Axel and tell him she quit. He has two weeks to find another assistant. In the meantime, his brother Lynx (Rivals at Love Creek) asks Axel to fill in as the drama teacher at his school for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed this segment. Axel and Maddie are great with the kids, and Axel gets a taste of "normal" life. He also begins to see Maddie in a new light after hearing his brothers talk about her. At the same time, Maddie sees a different side of Axel, one that she likes. I liked seeing them grow closer, though both fought against putting a name to their feelings.
Maddie has some self-esteem issues because of what she perceives as her model mother's disappointment in her "plain, ordinary" daughter. There is no way she can believe that Axel would be interested in her. But Axel has deep-seated fears about committed relationships, thanks to his birth father. Maddie and Axel move on when the two weeks are up, each pursuing new career opportunities after sharing a fantastic night. I loved seeing Maddie come into her own, doing what she loves with a boss/mentor who appreciates her. I loved the boost to her confidence and what came out of it.
Meanwhile, Axel gets caught in the manipulative claws of his ex-girlfriend. I understood why he caved in to her blackmail, but the effect on Maddie was devastating. I liked the support Maddie received from her friends, family, and Axel's family. I rooted for Axel to find a way to free himself. The ending was well done. Axel's emotional conversation with his adoptive father opened his eyes to the truth of his feelings for Maddie. I loved seeing them find their way back together. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
#netgalley
Merged review:
Good book. After reading the beginning of this book, I wasn't sure how Axel would redeem himself. He is a Hollywood heartthrob who is all about what he wants, no matter if it inconveniences someone else. The person he most inconveniences is his personal assistant, Maddie. Both characters frustrated me at the start.
Alex thinks nothing of dragging Maddie into whatever he thinks he needs, from mattress shopping to buying gifts. She was hired to manage his schedule and other career-related activities, yet he always manages to make any request about his career to get around her objections. She is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Maddie lost any romantic ideas about Axel early in her career with him. She's frustrated by his thoughtlessness and lack of respect for her time. She is ready to leave on a long-planned and awaited vacation, during which he's promised not to contact her. When he gets into trouble, the next thing Maddie knows, he is on her doorstep, begging to stay with her, completely blowing off his promise. Maddie did what she always does - caved in and gave him what he wanted.
After a few days, Maddie finally has enough. I loved seeing her stand up to Axel and tell him she quit. He has two weeks to find another assistant. In the meantime, his brother Lynx (Rivals at Love Creek) asks Axel to fill in as the drama teacher at his school for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed this segment. Axel and Maddie are great with the kids, and Axel gets a taste of "normal" life. He also begins to see Maddie in a new light after hearing his brothers talk about her. At the same time, Maddie sees a different side of Axel, one that she likes. I liked seeing them grow closer, though both fought against putting a name to their feelings.
Maddie has some self-esteem issues because of what she perceives as her model mother's disappointment in her "plain, ordinary" daughter. There is no way she can believe that Axel would be interested in her. But Axel has deep-seated fears about committed relationships, thanks to his birth father. Maddie and Axel move on when the two weeks are up, each pursuing new career opportunities after sharing a fantastic night. I loved seeing Maddie come into her own, doing what she loves with a boss/mentor who appreciates her. I loved the boost to her confidence and what came out of it.
Meanwhile, Axel gets caught in the manipulative claws of his ex-girlfriend. I understood why he caved in to her blackmail, but the effect on Maddie was devastating. I liked the support Maddie received from her friends, family, and Axel's family. I rooted for Axel to find a way to free himself. The ending was well done. Axel's emotional conversation with his adoptive father opened his eyes to the truth of his feelings for Maddie. I loved seeing them find their way back together. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
Terrific book, as the saga of the Staffords and McKennas continues. Brand Stafford has always felt a little disconnected from his siblings and wondereTerrific book, as the saga of the Staffords and McKennas continues. Brand Stafford has always felt a little disconnected from his siblings and wondered why. When his sister Oakley does a DNA test, he does one and gets the shock of his life. His father is Holden McKenna, his family's nemesis. He's unsure how to deal with the information but drops a copy of the results in Holden's mailbox, which lands him in unexpected trouble. The following day, he catches a strange woman lurking around the ranch.
Birdie Malone came to Powder River looking for answers about her father's disappearance and death. She's convinced that Brand's mother, Charlotte, killed him to get rid of the second husband she regretted marrying. Birdie is determined to find proof of Charlotte's guilt.
Birdie and Brand's meeting was amusing and not what either of them expected. Seeing the usually quiet, attention-avoiding Brand lose his cool around Birdie was fun. There are sparks of attraction between them, but they try to ignore them. Birdie talks him into helping her investigate, but before they can get started, Brand is accused of kidnapping Holden's teenage ward, Holly Jo.
Meanwhile, we witness Holly Jo's kidnapping and the terror she faces as she's held for ransom. Holden is beside himself with worry, and others are determined to help find the girl. We learn that the kidnapper has a grudge against Holden and is bent on revenge. Holden must figure out who it is before it's too late.
A lot is going on in this book. The search for Holly Jo and trying to identify the kidnapper is the most critical. The sheriff is frustrated with Holden's uncooperative attitude and the shortage of leads. That frustration increases when Birdie and Brandon get involved, putting themselves in danger. Birdie is one determined woman, and her impulsive actions do not endear her to the sheriff. There are plenty of tense moments and twists as the search continues. The final confrontation with the kidnapper was terrifying and had me on the edge of my seat until it was resolved.
Throughout the story, Birdie searches for answers about her father's death. I liked her determination and her faith in her father. The progress of her investigation was intriguing, and the conclusion was much more convoluted than I expected.
I ached for Brand as he dealt with the results of his DNA test. He's unsure if he's happy to know the truth or wishes he'd never done it. Should he be angry at his parents, who were married to other people at the time? I also hurt for Holden, who was blindsided and shocked by the news. The backstory between Holden and Charlotte is heartbreaking, as is what started the feud and their lives since then. I'm interested to see what else plays out between them.
The relationship between Brand and Birdie happens fast. The sparks are there from the moment they meet. I enjoyed seeing Birdie's influence on Brand as he took chances and allowed himself to risk his heart. I laughed at Brand's disbelief that he goes along with her schemes. I look forward to seeing more of them in the future.
The book finishes with a scene between Bailey McKenna and the sheriff. Something has been happening with her, but Stuart can't get her to confide in him. I suspect that they will be the focus of the next book. ...more
Emotional story of an unwillingly retired football (soccer) player, a frazzled executive, and the seven-year-old boy who brings them together.
The stoEmotional story of an unwillingly retired football (soccer) player, a frazzled executive, and the seven-year-old boy who brings them together.
The story opens with Matteo attempting to relax in his backyard. The loss of his soccer career has left him looking for something to fill the hole in his life. He is bored until a frilly item of lingerie sails over the fence and lands on his head. When he heads next door to return said item, he is nearly bowled over by a woman in a hurry to leave, followed by one begging her to stay.
Porsha became guardian to her nephew, Fin, two years ago when her sister was killed in a tragic accident. She does her best to give him a good life while keeping her job, but Fin is hard on his nannies. This was the fifteenth nanny in as many months.
I loved this first meeting between Matteo and Porsha. The flying bra, the water balloon, and Fin's starstruck recognition of Matteo made me laugh out loud. Fin and Matteo's immediate connection gave him a chance to relieve his boredom. I loved his shock when he heard himself offer to watch Fin while Porsha works, becoming, in essence, a "manny." The scenes with Fin and Matteo were terrific as they bonded over their love of football.
Matteo had a difficult childhood and refused to open up to the potential hurt of loving someone. He is attracted to Porsha but tries to resist. Porsha's childhood was spent with a family that flew by the seat of their pants, taking risks and living day by day. As a result, she thinks everything through, often focusing on the negatives, resulting in very little fun in her life. Matteo is determined to help her learn to let go. He invites her and Fin to his island home near Capri. I loved watching Porsha learn to have fun, with Matteo and Fin encouraging her. There were some intensely emotional scenes as Porsha worked through the fears that have kept her prisoner, and I loved seeing the changes in her.
Spending that much time together gave the sparks between them a chance to grow. I ached for Porsha, who knew she was falling for Matteo but also that he didn't believe in lasting love. It is also evident that Matteo is falling for her, but he refuses to accept it. Everyone around them can see how they belong together. But both have fears and insecurities to overcome, and the path to their HEA hits a few bumps. The ending was terrific, and I loved the epilogue. ...more
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