Danger Zone - Cindi Myers (HI #2345 - Mar 2026)

Series: K-9 Avalanche Rescue (Book 1)
 
Can two K-9s and their handlers
rescue a kidnapped child in the snowy wilderness?
 
When a young boy is abducted from a Rocky Mountain ski resort, Lily Alton and her K-9 join a dangerous search-and-rescue mission. Ski patrol captain Scott Linden doesn't think Lily is ready to become part of his elite team. But as they battle the elements together, Lily shows incredible strength under fire…and an unlikely attraction blooms. With their survival skills put to the test, Scott and Lily track a killer through treacherous terrain in a frantic race to find the missing child before it's too late.
 
Fantastic start to the new series! I really must start these books earlier in the day because I can't put them down once I start, and end up staying up way too late. This one pulled me in from the beginning, thanks in part to an adorable avalanche rescue dog named Shelby. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at what ski patrols and avalanche rescuers do. It is far more involved and intense than I realized. The author's research into the subject shines, as does her respect for the jobs they do.
 
Lily and Shelby are new to the resort's ski patrol team, and Lily finds the going a little rough. The ski patrol captain, Scott, appears to have taken a dislike to her, his gruff attitude making her wonder what she did wrong. She has no idea that Scott's gruffness is his defense against the attraction he feels toward her. The friction begins to dissipate as they work together. Learning that both have lost loved ones in avalanche accidents creates an unexpected bond. However, exploring their growing feelings takes a back seat when a nine-year-old guest goes missing.
 
The suspense of Jackson's disappearance was well done. Lily has a personal connection to the boy that intensifies her determination to find him, along with a couple of events that aroused her suspicion about his disappearance. Lily and Scott, with their dogs, are part of the team searching for him. An approaching storm complicates the search, trapping Lily and Scott in an overnight stay in the woods. Hopes rise the next morning when they spot ski tracks, only to be dashed by an avalanche that may have caught Jackson in it. I liked Lily's faith that Jackson escaped.
 
Lily and Scott's continued search is a rollercoaster of hope and fear. I was on the edge of my seat as they closed in on their goal, only to find that someone was determined to stop them. The motivation behind Jackson's disappearance upped the urgency to find him before it was too late. A twist at the end confirmed my suspicion about one of the characters and made a nail-biter of a final confrontation.
 
I liked the ending and seeing Lily and Scott ready to see where the future takes them. The epilogue was a nice follow-up to Shelby's training and Jackson's recovery from his ordeal. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Witness to Murder - Debra Webb (HI #2320 - Nov 2025)

Series: Colby Agency: The Next Generation (Book 4)
 
Just one look…shattered her life.
It was worse than the date from hell.
 
Teacher Leah Gerard waited hours for the man…until she saw his bloody body being dragged away. Did she imagine it? The police believe she did, as there's no body to corroborate her story.
 
Then Leah becomes their prime murder suspect. Determined to find the truth, Leah hires ace investigator Owen Walker, who delves into every possibility while protecting -- and captivating -- Leah. But when her longtime roommate disappears, troubling questions and danger follow. Who wants Leah charged with murder? And who wants her dead?
 
Good combination of mystery and romance. Leah is a grad student who is too busy to date but gives in to her roommate's pressure to go on a blind date with a friend. After arranging to meet at his restaurant, Leah waited for him to show up. When she went looking for him, she saw what appeared to be his dead body being dragged across the kitchen floor.
Terrified, she hid in the bathroom and called the police. But when they arrive, there's no body, no blood, and no indication of foul play. The police detective isn't just skeptical of her story; he considers her his prime suspect in the man's disappearance.
 
Leah's life becomes more complicated when she notices a strange car following her. She hires the Colby Agency to help clear her name. Owen is practical and professional, the calm presence she needs in her life right now. He listens to her story and believes her, determined to uncover the truth. In the face of mounting evidence against her, Leah trusts Owen.
 
The suspense was intense, and ramped up when Leah's roommate went missing too. The twists and turns as she and Owen investigate raise more questions than answers. Just when they think they have a line on who is behind it, something happens to throw doubt on their conclusions. It was especially hard on Leah, as each attack on her credibility adds to her stress and erodes her confidence. The final confrontation kept me turning the pages, anxious to see the resolution—the complexity of the scheme made for an exciting story.
 
I enjoyed Leah and Owen's developing relationship. Their connection develops quickly, thanks to Owen's calm demeanor and willingness to believe Leah's story. Owen's protectiveness kicks in quickly, surprising him with its intensity. He wants to keep her safe, but he also wants to get to know her better. His sensitivity to her fears and frustrations made it easy for Leah to fall for him. I liked the ending and seeing the potential happy future for them.

 

Her Cowboy for the Holiday - Makenna Lee (HSE #3116 - Nov 2025)

Series: Cameron Family (Book 1)
 
Can a little holiday magic turn liars into lovers?
 
Victoria Cameron isn't looking for love -- she's too busy chasing adventure. Seeking an invite to a private art auction, Victoria doesn't hesitate to crash Cade Whitley's work event announcing herself as his girlfriend. When the "King of Dallas Nightlife" reluctantly goes along with her ruse, Victoria's intrigued. Besides, it's just a harmless fake date for one night.
 
Cade has no time for distractions, especially a carefree spirit like Victoria. But now their "date" has morphed into a Christmas weekend together to impress his boss. What starts as a charade becomes a weekend of undeniable chemistry -- which suddenly, uncharacteristically, has this cowboy dreaming of settling down. But Victoria still craves freedom and change. As the holidays approach, can what started as a fake date move from a weekend to remember into true love?
 
This was a fun fake relationship, opposites attract holiday story. Victoria is a free spirit who thrives on spontaneity and adventure. As the book opens, she's waiting for her next job, working on a riverboat in New Orleans, to begin. In the meantime, she wants to get into an exclusive art auction to get a look at her great-grandfather's journal, which is up for auction. She's investigating a family mystery. In an amusing scene, she latches onto a handsome stranger and announces herself as his date.
 
Cade is exactly the opposite of Victoria. After a childhood of upheaval, he is a planner, leaving nothing to chance. Victoria's sudden appearance intrigues him, as does her proposition. She wants access to the journal, which his boss purchases, and Cade needs to look like he's in a settled relationship to gain the promotion he wants.
 
One fake date turns into a holiday season-long ruse that quickly becomes more than they expected. As different as they are, they still have much in common. I loved watching them get to know each other. I laughed to see Victoria embrace some planning and watch Cade surprise her with something spontaneous. Sweet scenes, such as decorating Cade's apartment, show their growing closeness, while past fears and hurts make them reluctant to admit those feelings. The future looks promising until something happens that stirs up old fears and sends them retreating. I wanted to shake them both. I loved the ending and seeing Cade's boss playing fairy godfather (or Santa Claus).
 
I liked Victoria's family and look forward to reading their stories. I loved Cade's boss and his wife. Mr. Harper clearly liked Cade, and I enjoyed seeing how he encouraged him. I also liked how he connected with Victoria over the journal. The storyline of Mr. Harper's development plans was intriguing, and I adored the way it turned out. 

Desperate Justice - Bonnie Vanak (HI #2349 - Nov 2025)

His work is all that matters.
But one woman could change all that.
 
Rafael Rodriguez is determined to get his man. Especially after he narrowly escapes death on the hunt for drug kingpin Hector Hernandez. But as the FBI special agent inches closer to his prey, he didn't bargain on Allison Lexington. After infiltrating the Devil's Patrol, his onetime confidential informant's now on the straight and narrow. With her sister set to marry Hector's nephew, Allison topples headfirst into danger. Then her sister vanishes and the motorcycle-riding trauma nurse might be the one who needs saving. And Rafe's just the one to do it…
 
Fast-paced suspense with romance. The prologue starts the story with a bang, as FBI agent Rafe attempts to stop a drug lord, Hector Hernandez, and ends up shot, and two fellow agents are dead. A mysterious rescuer saves his life. Months later, Rafe is still determined to bring down Hector and will do whatever he can to accomplish his mission. Rafe's father was a police officer killed in the line of duty, and Rafe is driven by his need to avenge his father. Rafe's family, a boisterous Cuban-American group, worries about his safety and his lack of balance in life (meaning romance!). Their interactions on this subject are emotional and occasionally humorous.
 
Allie is a trauma nurse practitioner. She and Rafe have a history, stemming from her becoming a confidential informant for him on an earlier case. Allie is strong, independent, and protective of her younger sister, Diana. Diana is engaged to Hector's nephew, and Hector is providing the wedding of Diana's dreams. Allie knows what Hector is and is determined to talk Diana out of the fancy wedding, thereby getting her away from Hector's influence.
 
Allie and Rafe's lives collide when Rafe raids one of Hector's businesses and finds Allie there. Discovering Allie's link to Hector's estate gives him the perfect opportunity to get inside and investigate. Rafe pushes the envelope of proper procedures and ends up suspended from the investigation when his efforts go sideways. He is still thinking about the case and trying to remain involved on the periphery when he and his fellow LEOs participate in a motorcycle charity ride. He's surprised and not happy when Allie and Diana also show up to join the ride. Trouble is hard on their heels, and Rafe is certain that Diana is knowingly involved.
 
The twists and turns of the charity ride events kept me hooked and guessing. Is Diana innocent or not? Why does Allie feel like she's being watched? The action and intensity increase when Diana disappears, and Rafe and Allie race against time to find her. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with an ending that confirmed a niggling suspicion that followed me throughout the book. I loved Allie's ingenuity, and even Diana got an "atta girl!" from me.
 
I enjoyed the development of Rafe and Allie's relationship. The sparks between them are undeniable, but both try to resist. I enjoyed their bonding over motorcycles and loved the scenes during the charity ride. However, working together intensifies the attraction, and mutual respect for each other's abilities begins to break down their defensive walls. I liked seeing them finally let go of their fears.
 
Family is an important theme in this book. Rafe's mixed feelings about his family and his heritage add to the tension between him and that family. The love is obvious, but the arguments over his work add to the stress. I loved the changes that loving Allie brought to that dynamic. Allie has an interesting history with her sister that continues to affect their relationship. I will say that Diana irritated me throughout most of the book. She was self-centered, stubborn, and unwilling to listen to others' concerns. She redeemed herself a bit at the end, but she still has some maturing to do. 

One Night to Twin Surprise - Rachel Dove (HMED #1499 - Nov 2025)

THEIR CHEMISTRY HAS DOUBLE THE CONSEQUENCES!
 
Nurse Neve is determined to get her mojo back after her bitter divorce. Her plan? One night of no-strings passion! Outback helicopter doc Colton is the perfect candidate. But as her ex's best friend, he's always been firmly off-limits -- which is now fanning the flames of forbidden desire! Their steamy tryst is everything Neve imagined…until she discovers she's pregnant with twins! Yet Colton's placement is only temporary. Can Neve trust that her nomadic doc will stay and be her family's safe place to land?
 
Excellent second-chance story with unexpected consequences. Neve is a nurse at a small hospital in semi-rural Australia, where she can get close to her patients and enjoy small-town life. She recently divorced her husband of several years and, as the book opens, is celebrating with her friends. She's looking to let loose for just one night. The last person she expects to see walk in the door is her ex-husband's former best friend, Colton. There's always been something about him, but as her ex's best friend, he was off-limits. But she can't deny the sparks that flare between them. She gets her one night with him and doesn't expect to see him again.
 
A few weeks later, Colton shows up at her door. He wants to see her again, and unbeknownst to her, has taken a job as a temporary flying doctor at her hospital. She has no idea that he's always had feelings for her and is shocked to see him. The moment is even more awkward because she has just found out she is pregnant. Colton immediately goes into protective mode, making it clear that he intends to be part of the child's life. Neve is wary. Colton is a nomad, moving from job to job and never staying long in one place. Between her difficult childhood and miserable marriage, Neve has always been self-reliant. Depending on someone else is very difficult for her.
 
I loved watching Neve and Colton's relationship develop. Colton is a sweetheart. He watches over her but gives her space when she needs it. He insists he is in it all the way, but Neve has trouble believing him. Colton knows that he loves her, but he also realizes that she isn't ready to hear those words from him. His persistence and patience get past her walls, but Neve can't get past her fear that he will leave when his contract expires.
 
Things get complicated when her ex shows up and acts like the first-class jerk he is. Unexpected revelations and harsh words drive a wedge between Neve and Colton. It takes straight talk from friends and a crisis to resolve the problem. I loved the ending and seeing Neve finally achieve the happiness she craved. 

 

The Lyon Returns - Kimberly Keyes (Dragonblade - Oct 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 96)
 
A widow starting anew. A gentleman dodging the noose. Will their pretense of a marriage turn into a head-over-heels love?
 
To purchase the publishing house of her dreams, new-to-London Gwendolyn Barnes must find herself a husband. With no desire to wed again, the young widow pays an exorbitant fee to the notorious Black Widow of Whitehall for a husband who, she assures Gwen, is almost certainly dead.
 
Then her husband, shipping magnate and aloof son of a duke, Gideon Devereux, walks through the front door.
 
After reading of his marriage to an unknown bride, the date of which provides him a handy alibi, Gideon returns to London determined to discover who framed him for treason. He's content to allow his farce of a marriage to the beautiful bluestocking to stand. He only sees two problems -- Gwen's stipulation the marriage remain in name only, and an ungovernable hunger for each other that neither can quell.
 
Secretly falling for the brooding and seductive Devereux, a wary Gwen vows to avoid a repeat of her disastrous first marriage. And with his enemies circling ever closer, Gideon's inner demons whisper that their white-hot passion can never ignite into a forever love.
 
Can this made-for-each-other couple discover new heights of happiness in each other's arms, or will the echoes of their pasts tear them apart?
 
I thoroughly enjoyed the addition to the Lyon's Den series. The characters were believable and easy to relate to.
 
Gwen is a widow who relocated to London after her husband's and father's deaths. Her father was a well-known editor, and Gwen worked with him, eventually taking over many of his activities. She wants to own her own publishing house, where she can decide what gets printed. Unfortunately, as a woman, she can't do so on her own. She needs a husband, even though she doesn't want to marry again. Her friends in the Ladies Literary Society, like Lady Amelia (The Lyon Whisperer), take her to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. For a large fee, Mrs. Dove-Lyon provides the paperwork for a husband who she believes is dead, and therefore unable to protest.
 
Except - he isn't. Gideon Devereux, shipping magnate, is surprised to read of his marriage. He's been lying low, as he is accused of treason. With his "marriage" to Gwen comes an alibi that allows him to return to London and investigate. Gideon is the illegitimate son of a duke, but was accepted and loved by his father. His backstory is heartwarming and heartbreaking, showing how he was treated by various people and the effect it had on him.
 
I loved the meeting between the two of them. There is a humorous aspect to it, as well as an immediate spark of attraction. Both Gwen and Gideon are practical people, and agree to maintain the deception for mutual benefit. Gwen gives Gideon the cover he needs to uncover the truth, while Gideon provides the male relative Gwen needs to finalize her purchase of the publishing house.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Gwen is already half in love with Gideon before she meets him, thanks to reading the journals he wrote, but she is still wary of him. Her first marriage left her with trust issues. Gideon is also wary; his experiences with women have left him quite cynical. His first marriage ended badly. They have much in common. Both are intelligent and ambitious, with kind hearts. I loved the respect they had for each other, which grew as they got to know each other.
 
Neither could deny the attraction that flared between them. Giving in to the sparks brought them even closer, though both were slow to accept the truth of their feelings. They are also protective of each other, and I enjoyed seeing how they showed their support. It takes a little time, a little danger, and some self-examination to admit their feelings for each other. That scene was the icing on the cake for this story.
 
There were also two mysteries in this book. The first was who was behind the constant nitpicking of Gwen's attempt to purchase the publishing house. Her frustration with each new requirement was understandable. The resolution of this question was not what I expected. The bigger mystery was who was behind the events that framed Gideon for treason? I loved seeing Gwen put her logical mind to work helping Gideon uncover the truth. The twists and turns of their investigation kept me hooked. Though I did have my suspicions early on, I wasn't positive until near the end. The final confrontation was intense with an excellent resolution. The book ended with a bit that wrapped things up perfectly. 

The Blind Lyon - Sandra Sookoo (Dragonblade - Oct 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 95)
 
Mayflowers might mean love, but if not, persistence, charm, and a cat will win the day…
 
Peregrine (Allan) Barrows--the eighth Duke of Masterson--has lived almost half his life mostly blind, for a fever contracted at the age of twenty ensured that. Due to the hardship, he wasn't able to enter the fight against Napoleon and neither has he had luck finding a wife. Not even the title can attract a lady, for a blind man is useless, right? Needing to do his duty by his title and estates, he turns to the tables at the Lyon's Den. There are rumors the owner has some skill in matchmaking.
 
Widowed Annette Jennings has become something of an embarrassing problem. Terrified of leaving her home after a horrible murder stole her husband's life a few years ago, she refuses to have anything to do with society or the Marriage Mart a second time. With her father dying and her mother desperate to see Anne settled, the baroness looks up an old friend who owns a gaming hell. With a promise and the exchange of coin, Mrs. Dove-Lyon consents to find a husband for Anne.
 
This was a terrific addition to the Lyon's Den series. I enjoyed the realism of the two main characters and the slow-burning development of their relationship.
 
I loved the hero of this story. Peregrine (Allan) Barrows, Duke of Masterson, is blind. He lost his sight when he was twenty, and now, almost forty years old, he has adapted well to his life. He could be a bitter old grump about it, but he has an active social life and good friends. The only thing he doesn't have is a wife, and finding one is difficult in his circumstances. His friends have found their mates thanks to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, so he heads to the Lyon's Den to try his hand at an arranged wife.
 
Annette Jennings is a young widow. Her husband died in a horrible murder. The trauma left her afraid to leave her room, much less her home, and she has no interest in risking her heart in another marriage. However, her father is dying, and her parents want to see her securely settled before he does. Annette's mother is friends with Mrs. Dove-Lyon and appeals to her for help in matching Annette to a suitable husband.
 
I enjoyed the development of Allan and Annette's relationship. They were open and honest with each other from the moment they met. He accepted Annette's fears and patiently gave her time to adjust to her new role. I loved how he sat outside her door and talked to her, giving him time to earn her trust and get to know each other. Day by day, she grew more comfortable with him. When she finally emerged from her room (thank you, Romeo, the cat!), it was easier for her to overcome her fears. Both were surprised by the depth of their connection, and I loved seeing it deepen and grow. I liked the ending, with an interesting proposition to Mrs. Dove-Lyon.

Lyon of Scotland - Susan King (Dragonblade - Oct 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 94)
 
Bound by scandal, rescued by love.
 
When Alasdair "Dare" Drummond, Viscount Strathburn and Lord Lyon, head of Scottish heraldry, arrives in London on royal business, he encounters the one Scotswoman he tried to forget. Beautiful, spirited Hannah Gordon is a gifted artist now engaged to another. But when Dare uncovers a threat to her, his protective instincts—and long-hidden love—surface.
 
In London, Hannah hoped for independence and artistic success, not heartbreak. Abandoned by her fiancé and burdened with his debts, she works as a heraldry artist under the cruel eye of Sir Frederic Dove, who loathes Scots and resents the girl's talents. Scheming with his notorious cousin, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, he traps Hannah in a scandalous marriage contract to ruin her—and blackmails Lord Lyon as the unexpected groom.
 
Reluctantly wed, Dare and Hannah navigate deceit, secrets, and the past even as the bond between them grows more powerful.
 
Yet love alone won't be enough to free them, if they can't unravel a treacherous web of lies before it's too late.
 
Sweet story with a hint of heat and a bit of suspense. Dare, Viscount Strathburn, has been appointed the new Lord Lyon, head of Scottish heraldry. It is his responsibility to verify tartans, coats of arms, and other bits of Scottish culture and history. With the new King preparing for his coronation, it is up to the British and Scottish heraldry offices to design new coats of arms for him. On a trip to London to consult with his British counterpart, Dare encounters the daughter of a friend.
 
Hannah traveled to London with her fiancé, a man her father didn't approve of, but she was convinced he loved her. Unfortunately, he quickly abandoned her, leaving only his debts behind. A talented artist, she took a job at the heraldry office to earn the money to repay the debts. The man who claimed the debt also works at the heraldry office and takes every opportunity to threaten Hannah with debtor's prison. Sir Frederic is a vile man who loathes Scots and resents Hannah's talents when compared to his son's.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Dare and Hannah develop. Dare was surprised to encounter Hannah at the heraldry office. He's known her for several years and immediately senses that something is wrong. His protective instincts kick in. He has been drawn to her for a long time, but is a bit shy and reticent. Before he could work up the courage to say anything, she was engaged to someone else. Now that she is free, he hopes to make his case.
 
But before that can happen, the devious Sir Frederic drugs both Hannah and Dare. He convinces his cousin, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, to contract a marriage for her. Using Dare's honor against him, he blackmails Dare into being the groom. I liked the honest conversation between Dare and Hannah as they discussed the ramifications of Sir Frederic's threats and their marriage. I liked the respect that Hannah and Dare had for each other, personally and professionally. It took them a little time to realize that their growing feelings were love, not just attraction. I enjoyed their journey back to Edinburgh as they got to know each other a little better.
 
However, their return to Scotland did not completely remove them from danger. Sir Frederic followed them with more havoc in mind. The final confrontation was intense, featuring unexpected revelations and a satisfying ending. I liked the epilogue, especially the bit about Hannah's artwork.
 
I didn't care for the portrayal of Mrs. Dove-Lyon in this book. I thought she had more honor than to go along with Sir Frederic's plans for Hannah and Dare, but she carried through with it. She suspected Hannah hadn't signed the contract willingly, but she held to it anyway.
 
I enjoyed the background information on the designs of the coats of arms and what went into creating them.

 

Snow Kissed - RaeAnne Thayne (Canary Street/HQN - Oct 2025)

Series: Shelter Springs (Book 3)
 
'Tis the season for a little white lie…
 
Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore's favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she's just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex's family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl…and Holly couldn't be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding…and she needs it now.
 
Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn't sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a deal: he'll be her date if she'll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.
 
This was a sweet, small-town Christmas romance with realistic and relatable characters. Holly is a single mother of a five-year-old daughter, Lydia, with special needs. She usually loves the Christmas season, but this year presents some challenges. Though her ex-husband was a less-than-stellar husband and father, Holly is still close to her ex-in-laws, which led to Lydia being recruited as a flower girl at her ex-sister-in-law's wedding. Lydia is beyond excited, but that means Holly will need to attend the wedding, where she will undoubtedly encounter her ex-husband and his new family. In a moment of self-preservation, she tells the in-laws that she already has someone to bring as a plus one, even though she doesn't. Now she needs to find someone to bring.
 
Ryan is a Navy helicopter pilot stationed in San Diego. After a leg injury grounds him, he's looking for peace and distraction during the holidays. What he gets is a plea for help from his sister in Shelter Springs. She's headed to rehab and needs someone to watch her fourteen-year-old daughter, Audrey. He can't say no to Kim, but he's not looking forward to spending time near his estranged father. Holly's sister, Hannah, approaches him about being Holly's date for the wedding, and after meeting Holly and Lydia, he's willing. They make a bargain: he'll take her to the wedding if she will help him decorate his sister's house for the holidays.
 
I liked watching Holly and Ryan's relationship develop. Neither one is looking for a relationship, but it's clear that there is something there. Ryan won my heart quickly with the way he interacted with Lydia. He was immediately enchanted with her sunny personality. He's also great with Audrey, just the right mix of adult and friend. Ryan and Holly spend time together in a variety of ways, both with and without the kids, and discover an unexpected attraction. They try reminding themselves that it is all pretend, but it quickly becomes obvious that something real is growing between them. I loved how Ryan was there for Holly when she needed support, especially during that scary situation on Christmas Eve.
 
Complicating Ryan's stay in Shelter Springs is his strained relationship with his father. He has legitimate reasons for his bitterness and resentment, and his father is well aware of those feelings. It is also clear that Ryan's dad wants to repair the relationship but has difficulty breaking through Ryan's walls. I liked seeing how Holly's influence helped Ryan let go of some of that pain and start on the road to healing.
 
I loved the ending and seeing Ryan and Holly take a chance on a relationship neither knew they wanted. They still have to face the challenges of a long-distance relationship, but are willing to put in the work to make it happen. I loved the epilogue and seeing how they do it.

Hero's Touch - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Feb 2026)

Series: Linear Tactical: Oak Creek (Book 6)
 
He's spent his whole life knowing everything.
 
Every variable. Every angle. Every threat he could calculate faster than most people could blink. Lincoln Bollinger built two fortunes before thirty, mastered the dark web, and designed systems that made governments nervous.
 
But the one thing he couldn't solve?
 
People.
Emotions.
Her.
 
Mercury—the brilliant stranger he's traded secret coded messages with for two years—vanished months ago. The quiet mind hidden inside poetry and algorithms was suddenly gone… until she sent him a desperate SOS encoded inside Emily Dickinson. A message only he could read.
 
Rescuing her is easy.
Surviving what comes next won't be.
 
The trafficking ring wants her silenced. Corrupt officials want her erased. And the only person she trusts is a man who barely knows how to hold a conversation without someone telling him to use his "inside voice."
 
But with Mercury beside him—quoting poetry when she's scared, reorganizing his library when she's overwhelmed, matching his brilliance with her own—Lincoln finds himself facing something he's never been able to compute.
 
A woman who sees him.
A woman he'll burn the world to protect.
 
And the enemy closing in fast.
 
I have been looking forward to Lincoln's story since the LT: Oak Creek series began. The way his mind works intrigues me, and has from his first appearance as a kid in the LT epilogues. I loved how his family and friends accept him exactly as he is, while finding ways to help him navigate social situations. Their guidance comes from love and respect, accompanied by a fair amount of good-natured teasing. The story of the birthday party made me laugh out loud.
 
For two years, Lincoln, AKA Binary, has had an online friendship with a woman he knows only as Mercury. I loved how each chapter began with one of their online exchanges, illustrating how they understand each other. They "meet" every night at 9 pm. Then, one night, Mercury is gone - no goodbye, no explanation. Lincoln's confusion and dismay are evident as he worries that she has ghosted him.
 
Mercury, AKA Morgan, is a librarian with an eidetic memory. She never forgets anything she has seen, heard, or read. She, too, has had her social challenges and is more comfortable behind a screen than dealing with people. She considers setting up an in-person meeting with Binary, but is kidnapped before she can follow through.
 
The suspense of this book drew me in from the start. I could feel Morgan's terror from the moment she awoke and learned what her captor's demands were. Her desperate attempt to contact Binary left her with the faintest stirring hope of rescue. I loved seeing how Lincoln transformed from the behind-the-scenes geek to the tactical operator with the training he's never had to call on before. The intensity of the rescue scene nearly broke my heart when Lincoln found Morgan. The tension continued as Lincoln and Morgan worked to uncover the motive for her kidnapping, with a final confrontation that blew me away.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Lincoln and Morgan develop. They already know each other well through two years of daily online conversations. They understand each other's challenges and have built an enduring trust. Their first in-person meeting, when Lincoln rescues her, was awkward, sweet, and incredibly emotional. Lincoln was so worried about her and so cautious in caring for her, afraid of doing something wrong. When he's with Morgan, he feels that he can be himself without worrying about censoring himself. For Morgan, Lincoln is the only man she trusts. Neither expected the chemistry that drew them even closer. I loved how they were perfect for each other.
 
I loved the involvement of the other residents of Oak Creek. Their support was immediate and unquestioning when Lincoln needed them, and not just for the rescue. It was terrific to see how they accepted Morgan as she was because she was important to Lincoln. The scenes at the Eagles Nest were great, and I especially enjoyed the epilogue. 

 

Big Sky Safe House - Juno Rushdan (HI #2328 - Dec 2025)

Series: Ironside Protection Service (Book 2)
 
Can he stop the killer who has found her again?
 
The only woman to escape the notorious Yuletide slayer, Nora Santana wants to stop running and put down roots in this tight-knit Montana town. But a chilling holiday message from her Secret Santa tells Nora her carefully constructed cover has been blown. Out of options, she must rely on Ironside Protection investigator Bo Lennox to keep her alive. With the fatalities rising, Bo and Nora confront their taboo attraction as they unearth long-buried secrets…and a killer who's closer than they could ever imagine…
 
This book started with a bang and kept the tension going from start to finish. Nora has been running and hiding from the Yuletide Killer for years, after escaping the man who killed her three friends when they were teenagers. She has kept a low profile and changed her name, but he always finds her. She thought she was finally safe in the small town of Bitterroot Falls, Montana, until a mass shooting gained national attention (Big Sky Slayer). A terrifying message from the killer tempts her to run again. But she's tired of looking over her shoulder and decides to stay and fight.
 
Nora goes to Ironside Protection Service for help. Investigator Bo Lennox helped her after the shooting and is the only man she knows who makes her feel safe. Bo is initially reluctant because he is attracted to Nora and feels that it would be a distraction. But Nora insists, and Bo's boss agrees that Bo is the best option.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. From the killer's reappearance to the final confrontation, I was hooked on finding out who the killer was. I could feel Nora's fear as he went after her friends, and Bo's frustration as they tried to figure out his identity. I loved Nora's determination to do whatever it took to stop the killer, but I wanted to shake her when her fear for Bo and the others led her to make a stupid decision. The final confrontation and revelation was a twist I didn't see coming, yet it disturbingly made sense.
 
I enjoyed the development of Bo and Nora's relationship. The mutual attraction is undeniable, though both try to keep it professional. I loved how Bo cares for Nora, taking care of her after near misses with the killer. I liked seeing them connect over painful pasts and how sharing their pain leads them toward a future together. Though they declared their feelings for each other quickly, I liked seeing that they took time to get to know each other. I look forward to seeing them in later books and tracking the progress of their relationship.

 

Enchanted by the Lyon - Sherry Ewing (Dragonblade - Oct 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 93)
 
She's fallen in love and wants marriage, something he's unwilling to give.
 
Lucius Ford, Earl of Blackthorn is content in his bachelor lifestyle, though the only lady to catch his attention this Season is looking for marriage. This lady of the Wicked Widow's Club intrigues him.
 
Mrs. Cassandra Vaughn was widowed at a young age. After years of hardship, she seeks more than a superficial relationship. But the man who has enchanted her only wants her in his bed.
 
Who will change whose mind is still in question when Lucius loses a bet at the Lyon's Den. To pay his debt, he must right a wrong done to none other than Cassandra Vaughn. Amidst societal expectations and personal histories, their lives entangle, challenging their beliefs about love and relationships.
 
When past enemies endanger her life, Lucius will risk everything to protect her.
 
After engaging Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon's assistance in helping her find husbands for her friends in the Widow's Club, Cassandra is ready to look toward her own future. Her eye is on the man who has held her attention for months - Lucius Ford, Earl of Blackthorn.
 
Lucius has no intention of falling into the "parson's mousetrap". He's quite content with his string of mistresses and will settle down when he's good and ready. He's aware of Bessie's reputation for tricky matchmaking and successfully avoided her traps - until the night someone drugs his drink. Now Lucius is caught in Bessie's web.
 
The progress of Cassandra and Lucius's relationship was interesting. Lucius knows Cassandra through his friends' wives, who are also members of Cassandra's Widow's Club. He is intrigued and attracted to Cassandra and offers to make her his newest mistress. I loved seeing her reject his proposition in no uncertain terms. He thinks to avoid her until Mrs. Dove-Lyon assigns him to look into the suspicious deaths of Cassandra's husband and parents. This left her at the mercy of her brother-in-law, who threw her out on the street with almost nothing.
 
I enjoyed learning about Cassandra's past and how she survived. That survival left her with a tarnished reputation, but with well-tended financial independence. What she wants now is a husband and children she can love. She believes that Lucius is that person, despite her friends' skepticism. As they spend time together looking into her past, I enjoyed their flirty banter. Cassandra has no problem calling him out when he crosses a line, and Lucius soon realizes that he has true feelings for her.
 
Matters become complicated when parts of Cassandra's past put her and Lucius in danger. Lucius's protectiveness shows a different side of him, one that Cassandra had never seen before. The final confrontation was intense, with a satisfactory resolution. I loved the ending and seeing both find their way to a happy future together. 

 
 

Autumn Nights, Holiday Lights - Elle Douglas (HSE #3113 - Oct 2025)

Series: Sugar Maple Farms (Book 2)
 
The snow may be fake, but could the romance be real?
 
Christmas in August? Sunset County is decked out for the holidays -- fake snow and all! Maya Monroe can't believe her novel is being turned into a Christmas movie. Except the "acclaimed" director, Will Hastings, is Maya's ex. The man who broke her heart via text, and clearly knows nothing about romance, is directing her dream project.
 
Will never imagined he'd be filming a Christmas romance -- especially one based on his ex's book. But Will's determined to complete the job, even though Maya keeps interfering with his creative choices -- and his heart. In this staged winter wonderland, their feelings are stealing the show. Can Will and Maya heal their past for a second chance to be the lead couple in their real-life romance?
 
This was a good second-chance romance. The main characters, Will and Maya, were high school sweethearts. Then Will left to follow his dreams of making movies, breaking up with Maya via text, and breaking her heart.
 
Since then, Maya has become an accomplished baker, owning her bakery, Flour Child, and making whimsical cakes for the local party planner. She is also a successful romance author, whose latest book is about to become a movie. She's very excited until she learns that Will is the chosen director.
 
The last thing Will wants to do is direct a cheesy rom-com, especially one based on his ex-girlfriend's book. But it puts him in town long enough to deal with his ailing father, with whom he has a tense relationship. He knows he will run into Maya sooner or later, but isn't prepared for the surge of feelings when he does.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of Will and Maya's relationship. Things are awkward at the beginning, as Maya remembers the pain of their parting and Will grapples with the guilt over how he handled it back then. Knowing his opinion of romance movies, Maya isn't sure she trusts him to do her book justice. There are a few clashes over creative differences, where Maya appears to enjoy getting under his skin. But Will also includes her in much of the behind-the-scenes activity, and I liked seeing him begin to see things from her perspective.
 
The sparks between them continue to grow as they get closer. Maya hopes for more, but Will has a couple of reversions back to jerk that sow seeds of doubt. A filming crisis adds complications and stress. I loved the twist at the end that brought them back together and solved their filming issue. The epilogue was terrific, including a sweet scene with Maya's pup, Bruce.
 
There were a couple of secondary stories going on that added depth to the story. One was Maya's effort to help a friend by hiring her troubled teenage son, Lucas, to work in the bakery. There was a risk that things could go sideways, but Maya found a way to reach him. I loved watching Lucas change.
 
We also saw more of Will's relationship with his father. Their troubles stretched back to when Will was a teen and Gene's disapproval of Will's dreams. He's not happy about Will's plans to move him to an assisted living facility and makes his displeasure known. Maya's presence eases the tension somewhat, but the strain remains. There were glimmers of hope during the epilogue, so I want to believe it gets better. 

The Duke's Cavalier - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Jan 2026)

Series: Duke's Guard (Book 15)
 
Flaherty stops to help fix a broken carriage wheel…
 
And he ends up staring down the muzzle of a blunderbuss! When Flaherty moves toward the coachman, the younger man steps backward, trips, and the gun goes off! He dives to the side, but catches some scattershot. He hauls the coachman to his feet, shakes him, and his hat falls off. A cascade of angel-blonde hair slips free, tangling around Flaherty's wrist. The nick to Flaherty's pride is equal to the wound in his side—he's been bested by a woman!
 
Phillipa Stanhope would do anything to protect her widowed friend and newborn son…
 
Her friend has received a heinous threat from her brother-in-law—he intends take her babe the moment it's born! Though the risk of traveling right after giving birth is great to her friend and her infant son—they have no choice.
 
Flaherty hears the thin wail of an infant and notices the fragile-looking woman holding a bundle to her chest. He takes charge and escorts the trio to Summerfield Chase for their safety. After Flaherty's temper cools down, and he hears the whole story, he has a change of heart and offers marriage to protect Pippa.
 
Pippa cannot leave her friend unprotected, and she bargains with Flaherty. If he agrees to let Millie and her babe live with them, she'll accept his proposal. An attempted kidnapping leaves Pippa injured and the both of them realizing the true depth of their feelings for one another.
 
Three of Pippa's older brothers arrive with a surprise that changes everything! On the heels of their arrival, a band of brigands arrives as a distraction, while Millie's brother-in-law lures Pippa outside and abducts her.
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to get past The Duke's Cavalier before he will let harm come to those he has sworn to protect with his strength, his honor, and his heart.
 
Another fantastic entry in the Duke's Guard series. The action starts immediately, as Flaherty comes across a broken-down coach. The jumpy coachman, when confronted by a large man dressed all in black, trips and accidentally shoots him. Flaherty's pride takes a serious hit when he discovers he's been felled by a woman.
 
Pippa is determined to protect her best friend, Millie, and Millie's newborn son. Millie's brother-in-law plans to take the child and claim it as his own. Though wary of the stranger, Pippa agrees to accept his protection as he takes them to Summerfield Chase.
 
As always, those in need are welcomed and cared for. I enjoyed seeing Pippa and Millie settle in at Summerfield and get to know the wives and Lady Phoebe. Pippa is always on guard, expecting trouble from Millie's brother-in-law. We get the occasional glimpse into the villain's mind, showing that he has not given up his plans. The tension builds as attempts escalate, with one rescue coming from an unexpected source, and the final confrontation a heart-stopping face-off.
 
I enjoyed the development of Flaherty and Pippa's relationship. The sparks were there from the beginning, though it took a little while for Flaherty to overcome the hit to his pride. Once he did, it didn't take long for him to realize the depth of his feelings for her. When the men of the Duke's Guard fall, they fall hard, and he was no exception. Pippa fell just as hard for Flaherty, but was concerned about continuing Millie's protection. I loved their honest conversation about dreams and expectations, and seeing how Flaherty showed her his love and understanding.
 
There is more going on than just avoiding the dastardly brother-in-law. Pippa and Millie's fathers look for information about Millie's husband's death. They also hear rumors about the women and involve Pippa's three brothers. I laughed out loud at their arrival at Summerfield Chase, the exchange of opinions between the brothers and the Guards, and watching them all get skillfully handled by the women. There is a surprising twist to their arrival that changed some of the dynamics. The later arrival of the two fathers brought some humorous moments as Flaherty faced his father-in-law for the first time. The book ended with a look into Flaherty and Pippa's future family. 

Colorado K-9 Rescue - Kathleen Donnelly (HI #2344 - Oct 2025)

Series: Colorado K-9 (Book 1)
 
A kidnapper's twisted game is on.
And a trusty K-9 won't let him succeed.
 
Years after being abducted, Mckenna Parker's worst nightmare has come true -- her kidnapper is out on parole. And he's after her again. Now an FBI victim specialist, she and her crisis canine, Mocha, have been assigned to a case with FBI agent Evan Knox. Together they must find two local girls who disappeared. As passionate as Mckenna is about helping others, Evan is ambitious about his career. Both have sworn off love. But when Mckenna vanishes into the mountain wilderness, it's Evan -- with Mocha's amazing help -- who braves danger at all costs.
 
Good book that drew me in quickly and kept me hooked to the end. It opens with Mckenna finding out that the man convicted of kidnapping her when she was 18 is about to be released on parole. She still has nightmares about his deadly game of "catch and release". She channeled her experience as a victim into a career as an FBI victim specialist, along with her crisis canine, a black lab named Mocha. When two local girls disappear, she and Mocha join FBI agent Evan on the case.
 
Evan is new to this office. His previous assignment didn't end well, and rumors have followed him to his new position. Even though he did nothing wrong, he wants to redeem his reputation and earn a promotion. This case may be just what he needs. He's not thrilled about working with Mckenna, as he doesn't see the need for a victim specialist. I loved watching her prove him wrong.
 
The suspense of the story is intense. From finding the two girls, one of whom did not survive, to the final confrontation, the investigation kept me glued to the pages. The details of the recent kidnapping are eerily similar to those of Mckenna's kidnapping. The twists and turns kept me guessing to the end. The conclusion was a nail-biter.
 
The development of Evan and Mckenna's relationship was as fast-paced as the mystery, going from standoffish to "I love you" in just a few days. Each had preconceived ideas of the other that were proved wrong pretty quickly. I especially enjoyed watching Mckenna get to say "I told you so" several times. Trust seemed to be an issue for both of them. Evan frequently kept information from  Mckenna, leaving her in the dark about important developments. Mckenna also kept things from Evan, including a massively stupid decision that nearly ended badly for her. I was happy to see that their communication skills improved by the end.
 
I loved the dog, Mocha. I've had labs, so the combination of sensitivity and goofiness was no surprise. I loved how easy it was for Lily to open up when she had Mocha to comfort her.

 

Tracing Her Stolen Identity - Katie Mettner (HI #2318 - Oct 2025)

Series: Secure Watch (Book 2)
 
Hunting the enemy who erased her identity plunges them into a fight for their lives
 
Skylar Sullivan no longer exists. The obliteration of her identity is only the first step in a diabolical plan to frame the artist for crimes she couldn't have physically committed from her wheelchair. Turning to the one person she can trust brings back memories of a night fourteen years ago when Sky lost the boy she loved. Reece Palmer failed Sky once. When he vows to protect her with his life in a way he couldn't in the past, the cybersecurity expert must take down a mortal threat before a cold-blooded avenger makes Sky disappear forever.
 
Excellent suspense combined with a terrific second-chance romance. Skylar is an artist and a paraplegic due to a cheerleading accident in her senior year of high school.
 
Skylar arrived home after time away to discover that her home had been broken into and trashed, her identity stolen and erased, and that she had been accused of vandalizing multiple art galleries. After being threatened not to involve the police, Skylar calls the one person she can trust.
 
Reece hasn't had contact with Skylar in fourteen years - ever since she pushed him away after the accident. He still feels guilty about the accident and vows to protect her and find the person responsible.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. Skylar's fear and confusion over why this was happening were realistic. I loved following Reece and his team's efforts to uncover the truth. The escalating attacks, from digital to physical, kept the intensity high. At the same time, the twists involving the discovery of the perpetrator kept everyone guessing until the end. I had my suspicions early on, but some events made me question my conclusions. The ending was a twisted nail-biter.
 
I loved the development of Reece and Skylar's relationship. They were best friends since childhood, becoming something more as they got older. She pushed him away after her injury "for his own good". She didn't want to tie him down with her problems. Determined to stay alone, she doesn't let anyone get close. However, Reece is the first one who comes to mind when trouble happens. His feelings for her have never gone away, and it is soon evident that Skylar's haven't either. But Skylar has serious insecurities about her looks and her needs, and continues to keep him at a distance. For Reece, Skylar's injuries are simply part of who she is. I loved his matter-of-fact care for her and how he handled her insecurities. The ending was sweet and romantic.
 
One of my favorite things about this author is her inclusion of people with disabilities. I like the realism of the challenges while not making a huge deal out of them. Physical limitations do not rule out the possibility of love and romance. 

 

Resisting the Forbidden Widow - Maggie Weston (HH #1882 - Oct 2025)

Series: Widows of West End (Book 3)
 
He has a list of eligible brides
But his assistant isn't on it…
 
After losing her husband so young, Mary vowed to never love again. Her new position as Cameron Sykes's assistant is the perfect guarantee of independence. Until Cameron tasks her with helping him find a titled wife!
 
As they try to find his perfect bride, it's only Mary that Cameron can imagine at the altar…and in the marriage bed! Yet she can't give him the Society approval that his hardworking parents desperately craved. But can he resist the all-consuming lust that's threatening to derail his plans?
 
This was an enjoyable Victorian workplace romance. The story opens with a prologue where we see Mary applying for a position as Cameron's assistant. He resists the idea of hiring an attractive young woman as his assistant, realizing that she could be a distraction. I loved watching her stand up to his prejudice and convince him to give her a three-month trial period, and stating her requirements for when (not if!) he hires her permanently.
 

"Because the one thing I enjoy more than honest work is proving somebody wrong. And now you've made it a question of my pride, Mr. Sykes. All that remains is to prove myself invaluable to Sykes Trading."

 

"Why do you make that sound like a threat?"

 

Feeling calm for the first time in months, Mary lifted her eyes bravely back to Cameron Sykes's. "It's not a threat, Mr. Sykes." She smiled softly when his grin broke free. "It's a promise."

 
Two years later, Mary has lived up to her promises. Sykes Trading is doing better than ever, and Mary has her finger on the pulse of the entire business. She earned Cameron's respect and admiration. I loved their banter, the way they pushed each other's buttons, and the underlying sparks that neither wanted to admit.
 
I enjoyed the development of Mary and Cameron's relationship. After two years working together, they know and understand each other very well. Both have emotional baggage that affects their outlook on life. The death of Mary's husband threw her into a deep depression that only staying busy keeps at bay. She has sworn never to marry again, refusing to risk that depth of feeling ever again. Cameron is a self-made man, enormously wealthy and good-looking, but considered a "climber." He fell in love with a titled woman who rejected him because of his lack of pedigree, leaving him determined to prove her wrong.
 
Cameron and Mary's work relationship becomes complicated when two things happen. First, he asks her to help him find a titled wife. His motivation is simple - he's ready to marry, and he wants to show up the woman who rejected him. This bothers Mary, but she refuses to accept why it does so. The second complication comes when an encounter with one of Cameron's business associates ends with her badly injured. Cameron's panic, anger, and fear are telling, but he hasn't yet reached the point of acknowledging why.
 
I liked how Cameron's caretaking of Mary opened his eyes to his feelings for her. His diminishing interest in his bride-finding ball was in direct contrast to his growing realization of what he feels for Mary. I laughed out loud at how he tried to fool his friends into believing his interest was only professional. The extra time spent with her also helped him understand the depth of her grief over her husband's death and her fear of loving again. I liked how Mary understood Cameron's motivation for his actions. She understood how the other woman's rejection affected him and how it revealed his hidden insecurities.
 
Thanks to their intensifying attraction, Mary and Cameron must face their growing feelings for each other. Cameron finally knows his heart, but he also understands Mary's fears. I loved his patience and willingness to wait until she was ready. The ending was perfect for these two, and the epilogue was a good wrap-up to the series. 

 

Cooper - Josie Jade (Calamitte Jane Pub - Jan 2026)

Series: Warrior Security (Book 3)

 
Six weeks undercover. One wrong woman. Zero room for error.
 
Ryan "Coop" Cooper has spent weeks infiltrating a deadly militia running weapons through Montana's backcountry. He's one meeting away from bringing them down when Mia Thornton—the woman from his past—walks straight into his operation.
 
Now he has two choices: watch her die or claim her as his.
 
To keep her alive, Coop must convince a compound full of killers that she belongs to him. Every rough touch, every possessive threat is meant to sell the lie. But when the militia leader sets his sights on Mia, and members start questioning Coop's loyalty, their dangerous charade becomes a deadly game of survival.
 
Mia never thought she'd need saving by Ryan Cooper. Now she's trapped in his violent world, unsure if he's protecting her or if he's become the monster he's pretending to be. Every bruising kiss, every possessive touch feels too real.
 
With enemies tightening the noose, Coop must risk his mission, his career, and his life…for the only woman he's ever loved.
 
Some mistakes you can't outrun. Some loves are worth dying for.
 
I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, but it didn't take long for this book to put an end to that. This is a gripping suspense story with the bonus of a second chance at love.
 
After leaving the Marines, Coop went to work for Warrior Security and is working undercover to bring down a weapons trafficking ring. Six weeks into the mission, and it is coming down to the wire. The last thing he expects is to run into an old girlfriend while scoping out a drop zone with three of the traffickers. His shock and fear for her life are immediate and intense, leaving him no choice but to claim her as his to save her life.
 
It's been six years since Coop walked out on her with no explanation. Between heartbreak and a traumatic accident, Mia struggled to rebuild her life. Shocked to see him again, she barely recognizes the cold and violent man in front of her.
 
The suspense of this story was intense and kept me hooked. From watching Coop face down those who would take her from him to watching him walk the fine line between good and evil, the tension remained high from start to finish. The trafficker underlings are nasty enough, but the leader is a whole other level of evil. I was on the edge of my seat as Coop and Mia played their parts. Mia truly impressed me with her resilience and strength in everything she went through. The "hunt" kept me glued to the pages, wondering if Mia would make it. Just when I thought they were in the clear, an unexpected twist put them both back in the bullseye. The final confrontation was an impressive demonstration of determination and faith.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Cooper and Mia. They had been happy together until Cooper's final deployment. Haunted by the events and losses, Cooper believed he was too broken for her and walked away. Now they must trust each other if they are going to survive. I could feel Cooper's anguish at the things he had to do to keep their cover. Mia must overcome her wariness of him and trust him to keep her safe. I liked seeing them talk about their pasts, the regrets, and work their way back to each other.
 
The supporting cast was great. The bad guys deserved everything they got and more. Of the good guys, my favorite was Travis. I'm intrigued by whatever in his past made him who he is now, and I'm excited to know that his story is up next. I love his tech-guru status and his unexpected care of Mia. I loved the "family dinner" at Resting Warrior Ranch and catching up with previous couples. I also laughed out loud at the antics of Al Pacacino, the llama.