Falling for the Rabbi - Jennifer Wilck (HSE #3133 - Mar 2026)

Series: Matchmaker, Matchmaker (Book 1)
 
Can opposites attract when tradition stands in the way?
 
Josh Axelrod is incensed! His matchmaker date brought along her annoying best friend -- Emma something-or-other. The same Emma who's ruining the house filled with the young rabbi's childhood memories and turning it into a bookstore. Sure, she captures his attention but -- no. Just no. Emma is too impulsive. Too out there. And he's a Rabbi, for God's sake! Except now, it seems impossible to avoid her. And with every encounter, "no" feels more like "yes." Perhaps the unwitting Josh and Emma were always the match meant to be…
 
Good small-town, enemies-to-lovers story. Emma is a young woman who dreams of owning a bookstore. After years of saving, that dream is about to come true. She purchased a Victorian home just off Main Street and plans to turn the first floor into a bookstore and live on the second floor. The owner is a feisty older woman who wants to move into a senior living complex where many of her friends already live. The only fly in the ointment is Muriel's grandson, Josh.
 
Josh doesn't like change. He grew up in that house after his parents died and Muriel took over raising him. Though he is now a rabbi in Manhattan, he hates the idea of his grandmother not being in her home, despite her desire to be with her friends. His hostile attitude at the closing irritated me, and I liked how his grandmother called him on it after it was over. Being the terrific grandmother she is, she used his remorse to get him to accept a matchmaker's help finding a date.
 
In an ironic twist of fate, the matchmaker sets Josh up with Emma's best friend, Samantha. Emma and a male friend insert themselves into Josh and Samantha's first date, creating a very awkward situation. Though Josh tries to focus on Samantha, his attention keeps drifting to Emma. Meanwhile, Emma makes no secret of her opinion of Josh.
 
But it is a small town, and with Emma buying his grandmother's house, they run into each other often. It doesn't take long for them to realize that beneath the antagonism is a growing attraction. I liked seeing them get to know each other. Emma helps Josh understand that his grandmother moving on to the next stage of her life isn't the end of the world. I loved how Josh gave Emma the emotional support she doesn't get from anyone else and desperately needs. While Josh quickly understands how his feelings for Emma have grown, her experiences left her wary of believing his feelings are real. It takes time apart and some straight advice for them to get past their insecurities and find their way back to each other.
 
I enjoyed seeing Emma's determination to make her dream come true. It isn't easy, and a renovation disaster creates even more stress. At the same time, Josh is at a crossroads in his personal and professional lives and has some hard decisions to make.
 
Secondary characters play an important role in the story. The best of them was Josh's grandmother, Muriel. She is feisty, loving, and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind. Her close relationship with Josh is undeniable. I laughed at so many of her antics. On the other hand, Emma's parents and best friend were awful. Emma's parents constantly compare her to her sister and are entirely unsupportive of her bookstore plans. Though they somewhat redeemed themselves in the end, I'm not sure if it will last. Samantha was just plain awful. She is self-centered, has zero empathy for anyone else, and constantly brings up things from the past that shouldn't matter anymore. I could tell from their first date that she and Josh weren't at all suited for each other. She desperately needs an attitude adjustment, and I hope she gets it. 

 

The Maverick's Homecoming - Christine Rimmer (Harlequin - Aug 2026)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Hidden Gems Ranch (Book 1)
 
A second chance for the hometown hero?
 
After a career-ending injury, former pro athlete Finn Monahan is back home in Tenacity, Montana. The town's onetime golden boy has been drafted to revive the high school's struggling football team this fall season—putting him in the zone of his first love, school nurse Kenzie Osborne. Finn quickly hears through the grapevine that Kenzie is newly divorced… Could this be their opportunity for a second chance?
 
But Kenzie is not only adjusting to being newly single—she discovered just after her divorce that she's pregnant! Kenzie is determined to prioritize her soon-to-be-born baby, not romance, and certainly not with the too-handsome Finn Monahan. Only their feelings for each other aren't so easily sidelined…
 
Terrific small-town/second chance romance. Finn and Kenzie were high school sweethearts who went their separate ways after a heartbreaking loss. Their separation was helped along by Finn's father's dislike of Kenzie and his plans for Finn's future. Finn went on to play college and professional football while Kenzie became a nurse.
 
Fifteen years later, both have returned to their hometown of Tenacity. A torn ACL ended Finn's football career and moved him to a new career in real estate. He's settled in Tenacity, doing well in his real estate business, and is recruited to coach his high school's football team. Kenzie married and lived in Denver until divorcing her cheating husband. She returned to Tenacity and became the school nurse and the football team's medic by default.
 
They meet before school starts. Finn is still drawn to Kenzie and interested in pursuing a new relationship. But Kenzie built walls around her heart after being burned first by Finn and later by her ex. She makes it clear she will never marry again. This vow is reinforced when she discovers she is pregnant and refuses to risk her baby's security. However, friendship is safe enough, and she and Finn begin spending a lot of time together.
 
I loved their time together. Finn loves Kenzie and knows he wants her in his life. He also knows that she isn't ready to hear it. I love how well they understand each other. Kenzie understands the effect Finn's father has on him and excels at counteracting the self-doubt those confrontations cause. At the same time, Finn understands Kenzie's fears and wariness and wants to give her the time she needs. It doesn't take long for the friendship to move to friends with benefits, and it's easy to see how right they are together. Kenzie's fears keep her from admitting her feelings, even to herself. It takes an intervention from her friends to break her free and open her eyes and heart. Finn also gets some advice from an unexpected source.
 
My favorite secondary characters are Kenzie's new kittens, Tom and Ed. I loved how and why Kenzie got them, and how they gave Finn another reason to spend time with her. Their antics were adorable.

 
 

Lark's Song - Josie Jade (Calamitte Jane Pub - July 2026)

Series: Warrior Security (Book 5)
 
Lark Monroe runs Pawsitive Connections with a smile that doesn't always reach her eyes, an alpaca named Al Pacacino who thinks he's royalty, and a talent for recognizing broken people.
 
Because she's one of them.
 
She's built a sanctuary in Pawsitive. Forty acres of second chances for animals nobody else wanted and humans who've forgotten how to trust. It's easier to fix other people's problems. Safer.
 
Her own? Those stay buried.
 
But the past she left behind isn't staying there. And the man she hired to fix her fences sees straight through every wall she's spent five years building.
 
Turns out, teaching others to heal is a lot easier than letting someone do the same for her. And she's running out of time to learn...
 
Terrific conclusion to the Warrior Security series. Lark has been a recurring secondary character in the Warrior Security and Resting Warrior Ranch series. She intrigued me, as I suspected she had hidden depths, and I was excited to finally read her story.
 
Lark owns and runs Pawsitive Connection, a ranch for all types of rescued animals. She trains them as therapy animals and service animals. She is independent, caring, and empathetic, seeing people's needs and doing what she can to help. She came to Garnet Bend after leaving an abusive husband and parents who took his side. She's under a lot of stress because she is behind on her mortgage payments, and the grants she depends on have been denied. She needs a handyman/ranch hand, but can't afford to pay much more than room and board.
 
Logan is former military, has PTSD, carries guilty feelings over the death of his best friend Reid, and was hired by Warrior Security as one of their operatives. But on his first mission with them, he had an episode that could have endangered the rest of the team. Unable to trust himself, he left Warrior Security with no plan on what to do next. He has excellent communication skills and is strong, caring, and protective.
 
Logan stops for coffee on his way out of town and encounters Lark putting up a help-wanted poster. Logan is immediately drawn to her, while Lark realizes that Logan is exactly what she needs. With a little effort, Lark talks Logan into taking the job. The work is exactly what Logan needs - it keeps his hands and mind busy, and any PTSD episodes won't put anyone in danger.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Their teamwork develops first, followed by friendship. Each has a way of spotting the other's pain or problems and coming up with solutions. I loved how Lark paired Logan and Tova, the dog. Logan learns of Lark's financial issues and helps her find ways to overcome them. Their friendship and teamwork develop into something deeper. I loved seeing Logan chip away at the walls Lark built around herself, and how Lark learned it was safe to lean on Logan.
 
But there is trouble brewing at Pawsitive Connections. Logan stumbles on signs that drug traffickers are using a remote part of the ranch to hide and move their drugs. With the assistance of his former colleagues at Warrior Security and the men of Resting Warrior Ranch, Logan vows to make Pawsitive Connections safe for Lark. The way they did it kept me glued to the pages as they dealt with the threat.
 
That's not the only danger Lark faces. She is close to losing the ranch, thanks to lost grants and an early calling of her second mortgage. She's puzzled about why grants that were shoe-ins before are suddenly being denied. Then her past comes calling, and she has more to fear than just losing her ranch. These scenes had my heart in my throat as both Lark and her animals were in deadly danger. The resolution was terrific, and I loved Tova's part in it.
 
I loved the appearances made by characters from previous books, both from Warrior Security and Resting Warrior Ranch. Their love and respect for Lark are evident in the surprise they had for her at the end. The arrival of Isaac and Fallon from Code Name: Leo was a surprise, but it made perfect sense once I found out why.
 
I can't talk about Lark and Pawsitive Connections without talking about the animals. From Al Pacacino, the spitting alpaca (love the name), to Clarence, the foul-mouthed parrot, each one had a distinctive personality and purpose. 

The Lyon's Nemesis - Belle Ami (Dragonblade - Jan 2026)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 104)
 
He must save his earldom—or risk losing everything in a high-stakes game.
 
Short-tempered and teetering on the edge of ruin, Lexington Capel, the Earl of Essex, must marry—not for love, but for a dowry. His only hope lies with London's infamous matchmaker, and gambling-den doyenne, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon. But on his journey to engage her services, Lex is waylaid by the notorious highwaywoman known as the Lace Bandit—a masked beauty whose daring and defiance he cannot forget.
 
She harbors a secret that, if revealed, could lead her to the gallows.
 
Lady Edwina Sinclair, last surviving heir to her family's baronetcy, leads a double life as a modern-day Robin Hood. When she robs the wrong man—a dangerously intriguing earl—her carefully spun world begins to unravel. Forced to London by her formidable grandmother to make a respectable match, Winnie must keep her identity hidden from both the ton and the ever-watchful Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
 
In a city of glittering salons and whispered scandal, fate draws two adversaries into a perilous dance. Reputation, revenge, and forbidden desire collide in The Lyon's Nemesis—where even the most cunning hearts may be undone by love.
 
Fun story. Lex Capel, Earl of Essex, inherited a nearly bankrupt earldom. He needs to marry a wealthy woman quickly if he wants to save his lands and his people. His best option is to engage the assistance of Mrs. Dove-Lyon. However, on his trip to London, he encounters the notorious Lace Bandit, a female robber who relieves him of the small amount of money he has. Though furious at the robbery, a brief meeting of their eyes leaves him intrigued.
 
Lady Edwina is the lone heir to her family's baronetcy after the rest of her family died. Her grandmother is her guardian. Edwina will inherit a large fortune when she marries or reaches her majority. Her grandmother drags her to London and hires Mrs. Dove-Lyon to help find Edwina a husband. But Edwina has a secret that could get her hanged if revealed. She is the Lace Bandit, who robs from the rich and uses the ill-gotten gains to improve the lives of the poor.
 
When they cross paths at the Lyon's Den, Lex is immediately taken with Edwina. He doesn't recognize her as the Lace Bandit, though she recognizes him as her latest victim. Lex is confused as to why he feels strongly about two women. Though Mrs. Dove-Lyon initially doesn't see them as a good match, there is no denying their connection. I enjoyed their banter and seeing them get to know each other. But as her feelings for Lex grow, Edwina worries about what would happen if he learned her secret.
 
There are some interesting twists in this story, between secrets kept, misplaced pride, and a scorned suitor, ending with a confrontation that could end with Edwina in custody. The confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was glued to the pages until it was resolved. The ending was sweet and emotional, with an epilogue that neatly wrapped up the story. 

The Duke's Meddlesome Matchmaker - Emily E.K. Murdoch (HH #1901 - Feb 2026)

Series: The Unconventional Oliver Sisters (Book 1)
 
All's fair in love…
And matchmaking!
 
Proposal planner Aphrodite "Ditty" Oliver believes romance should be planned and executed to perfection. That's what keeps her in business. In attempting another successful engagement, she instantly comes to blows with her client's brother, dashing duke Henry Paisley! Henry believes meddling in matters of the heart is counter to a true connection. While Ditty has learned that true love only exists in fairy tales, she'll show him that it must be engineered in real life!
 
Entertaining book. Aphrodite "Ditty" Oliver is a proposal planner in London. She believes that love can be orchestrated if properly planned. But her reputation takes a hit when one of the proposals goes wrong, and she decides to take a job out of town while things cool off. That job is in a small town, where she is to help a young lawyer find a way to propose to his lady. When she arrives in town, her client's brother picks her up, and they immediately come to verbal blows.
 
Henry Paisley, a doctor and newly named Duke of Glanyrafon, believes that matters of the heart don't need outside help. He makes his opinion known to Ditty, who is determined to prove him wrong.
 
I enjoyed seeing Ditty make her plans, and could feel her frustration when her client wasn't always cooperative. She also has a fair amount of time when she isn't occupied with her planning, and finds herself drawn into village life. Her organizational abilities find an outlet in helping various townspeople improve their lives or businesses.
 
At the same time, Henry struggles with maintaining his medical practice while dealing with a nearly bankrupt dukedom. Henry is a man with a big heart, but lousy organizational skills. He turned the ducal mansion into a senior living home for the local elderly population who can no longer live on their own, but paying the bills remains a problem.
 
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Ditty and Henry. Their debates over their differing views were amusing, and their developing friendship was easy to believe. Both have some baggage that impacts their willingness to risk their hearts, but eventually their hearts win out. I liked seeing Ditty take Henry's disorganization in hand, with an interesting twist that affected the dukedom's financial future. I liked seeing them finally trust their hearts and find their way together, thanks to some interfering elderly ladies. The ending was great, and I loved the epilogue. 

 

Crime Scene K-9 - Julie Miller (HI #2303 - Aug 2025)

Series: Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book 5)
 
His faithful K-9 companion
reunited him with his fate.
 
Master Sergeant Levi Callahan thought Zoe Stockman was the perfect lover…until she ghosted him. Figuring the only reliable companion was his loyal K-9 partner, Sky, Levi tried to forget Zoe, even after his medical discharge brought him back home. Yet home was now a place from which Zoe had practically disappeared, cutting all contact with everyone, not just him. Levi knew he would find answers only after he and Sky tracked Zoe down. The Marine just hadn't imagined the terror Zoe had endured while he was away, or the surprise she'd been attempting to keep safe.
 
Good blend of romance and suspense. Marine and K-9 handler Levi met Zoe while home on leave. They hit it off right away and spent as much time together as they could. When he returned to the Middle East for the rest of his deployment, they promised to keep in touch. And for a while, they did. But then Zoe stopped responding to his emails and changed her phone number,  ghosting him with no explanation. At first, he was hurt, then he got angry. To complicate matters, he was injured, and during his time in the hospital, he had little to do but stew over her abandonment. With the end of his deployment, Levi also retired. He and his K-9, Sky, moved back home as Levi pondered what came next. Try as he might, Levi could not forget Zoe. It didn't take him long to discover that she had cut off contact with almost everyone.
 
Zoe withdrew from almost everything outside of her job with the crime scene unit. Someone is stalking her, threatening to harm anyone she cares about. The only way she can see to keep Levi safe is to stay completely away from him. Her fear for herself, for Levi, and for the secret she's keeping leaps off the page.
 
Levi and Zoe's reunion is not easy. Levi's anger takes center stage until he learns the truth. His protective instincts kick in, and he's determined to find and stop the stalker. He also needs to find a way to let go of the anger, now that he knows why she ghosted him. It takes a little while to rebuild the trust between them, but a happy future for them looks promising, as long as they survive that long.
 
The suspense of the story was very good and kept me guessing until the end. The similarities to a serial killer in a previous book added extra tension to the search, especially since that killer is in jail. The tension continued to increase with every threat, with the final confrontation keeping me glued to the pages until it was over. The occasional glimpse of the action from the killer's point of view added another layer of tension to the story.
 
I loved the partnership between Levi and his K-9, Sky. I liked how Sky took to Zoe and clearly made her one of his people. The only thing that frustrated me was that Levi missed Sky's pretty clear reaction to the person who turned out to be the killer. It was the second time he'd blown off a warning - I hope he learned his lesson. 

A Secret to Shock to Shock the Earl - Laura Martin (HH #1905 - Mar 2026)

Long-lost love…
Newfound heir!
 
Richard, the Earl of Farnleigh, believed he had lost his sweetheart, Hetty, forever. Amid the carnage of the Peninsular War, she was torn from his arms, thought dead. But now she's back on his doorstep -- with their two-year-old child!
 
Thinking Richard had abandoned her, pregnant Hetty became trapped in a joyless marriage to a cruel man. Now a widow, she's finally free -- but alone, vulnerable and penniless. Richard is her only hope for refuge. They're bound by their son, and an undeniable connection, but when they both bear the scars of the past, is a rekindled romance more than she can promise?
 
Good story about two survivors of the Peninsular War. Hetty is an Englishwoman, married to a soldier. Six months earlier, her husband disappeared in battle and is presumed dead. Left with no way to return to England, she has been serving as a nurse for one of the doctors in a small town in Portugal to earn enough money to go home. As the story opens, she has been tasked with triaging the wounded - deciding whose wounds can wait, who needs to be seen quickly, and who is beyond saving. She comes across a colonel with a leg wound that will almost certainly result in amputation. His determination to avoid that fate impresses her.
 
Richard is the fourth son of an earl and has made a career of his time in the Army. As the story opens, he has achieved the rank of colonel. He is also among the wounded of the latest battle, suffering from a sword slash to his leg. Though in great pain, he refuses laudanum, determined to remain in control and prevent amputation. He senses a sympathetic soul in the nurse.
 
The book's prologue shows the growing friendship between Richard and Hetty as she supervises his recovery. I liked how they shared their pasts. Over the weeks of his recovery, Richard realizes he loves her. As the fourth son of an earl, marriage to her is easily possible. A kiss cements their attraction. The next thing we see is Richard waiting for Hetty to get off work so he can propose to her. Word comes that the village is under attack, and Richard races off to lead his men.
 
It is then three years later. Hetty and her two-and-a-half-year-old son travel to Northumberland and Richard's family. The past three years have been miserable. Her husband wasn't dead, but deserted, and returned to claim her. Abusive, especially after he found her pregnant with Richard's child, he made her life with him difficult. When he died, she was once again alone with no resources. She planned to ask Richard's brother for help, despite believing that Richard had abandoned her in Portugal.
 
Imagine both their shock when Hetty arrived to discover that Richard is now the earl. Richard thought she was dead, and her appearance on his doorstep sent shockwaves through him, matched only by his shock at the little boy with her. He immediately accepts that the child is his and takes both into his home. His joy in little Noah's presence made me smile. There are some sweet scenes with them together. But there is no immediate joyful reunion between Hetty and Richard. She feels bitterness and resentment over what she saw as his abandonment. Richard doesn't understand why she never tried to contact him. There is no "Thank God, you're alive. Let's get married as we planned." Instead, a cautious partnership develops.
 
Hetty has no intention of marrying again. Still traumatized by her marriage, allowing another man that close isn't an option. With Richard now being an earl, her insecurities also make it impossible for her to see marriage as a possibility. Richard, having already lost so many people, can't picture himself risking his heart again. However, as the story progresses and they work together on his project, each finds themselves healing, accepting that their past experiences changed them, and opening themselves up to the possibility of a future together.
 
The epilogue was a good wrap-up for the story and showed how Richard and Hetty's life together had progressed. 

Witness Protector - Jude Bayton (HRS #2362 - Feb 2026)

She's seen too much.
And a chance reunion is her only hope for survival.
 
Witness to a murder. No passport to go home. Mia Jones never expected to run into Jack Brannon in the middle of nowhere. Their affair years ago left her heartbroken, but now Jack is her only hope. The Law Enforcement Park Ranger thinks his eyes are playing tricks on him when he spots Mia at a local diner. He's even more surprised when he learns she's in hiding -- and why. Determined to keep her safe and bring a killer to justice, Jack takes the woman he never forgot on a road trip in search of answers…and the ultimate retribution.
 
Terrific second-chance romance mixed with intense suspense. Ten years earlier, Mia and Jack met while he was on vacation in England. A month-long relationship ended when Jack returned to the States and his plan to become a National Parks Ranger, while Mia's life was in England. Neither tried to contact the other, but neither ever forgot the other.
 
Fast forward to the present. Jack just reported for duty at the Buffalo River park in Arkansas, and stopped to eat at the local diner. He's shocked to see the waitress who looks almost exactly like his old girlfriend, Emilia, except for her hair color and American accent. She denies the connection, but Jack can't get her off his mind.
 
Several months earlier, reeling from her parents' deaths, Emilia decided to visit the US. On a cruise, she made a friend who introduced her to Carlos. He was rich, charming, and a respected Miami doctor. But there was something dark hidden under that charming façade, and when she witnessed her friend's murder, Mia knew she had to run for her life. She's broke, terrified, and hiding out as a waitress in a tiny town. When two men show up clearly looking for her, her only hope is to confess it all to Jack.
 
The story's suspense was fast-paced and intense. Jack and Mia barely stay a step ahead of the bad guys who want her dead. There were a few brief moments when they could take a breath, but they never lasted long, and trouble roared back into their lives. FBI agents, judges, and fellow law enforcement officers do their best, but the twists and turns of the case leave Jack and Mia wondering who they can trust. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, including an unexpected twist.
 
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of Jack and Mia's relationship. Both are a little bitter about how it ended, but once they get past that hurdle, they begin to get to know each other again. The biggest problem is an event from Jack's past that left him carrying a boatload of guilt, keeping him from believing he deserves a happy future. Meanwhile, Mia hesitates to trust her heart to Jack again, after having it broken before. When the trouble is resolved, both Jack and Mia need to take a good look at themselves and what they want. Can they let go of the past and embrace a future together? 

Marked as a Lyon's Marchioness - Wendy LaCapra (Dragonblade - Jan 2026)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 103)
 
She sought marriage.
He sought pleasure.
Love had other plans.
 
When scandal threatens to force her sister into a disastrous marriage, Miss Eliza Wainwright makes a desperate, daring nighttime visit to the Black Widow, owner of London's most notorious gaming hall. All Eliza needs is a respectable husband to restore her family's standing—instead, she finds herself drawn to the arrogant yet enigmatic Marquess of Redver, who comes to know her only as The Blackbird.
 
Redver's carefully crafted façade hides explosive family secrets. But during a masked encounter with The Blackbird, he discovers not only pleasure and passion, but unexpected solace. When she refuses to see him again, him being of the same ilk that ruined her sister, his walls begin to crumble.
 
As hidden truths emerge and disguises fall away, will Redver and Eliza be destroyed? Or can Redver convince his perfect match he is worthy of her heart?
 
Eliza and her twin sister, Cassandra, are caught up in a scandal through no fault of their own. Desperate to save her sister from disaster, Eliza sneaks off to the Lyon's Den to beg for help from Mrs. Dove-Lyon. All she needs is a respectable husband to restore the family to Society's good graces. Through a case of mistaken identity, she encounters the Marquess of Redver, who stirs up unexpected feelings.
 
Redver comes across as the typical nobleman - arrogant, self-controlled, interested only in his own pleasure. But behind his carefully crafted façade is a man with secrets and emotional trauma that still haunts him. The only thing that gives him relief is his anonymous encounters with a woman at the Lyon's Den.
 
The initial encounter between Eliza and Redver leaves Eliza disturbed and intrigued. She recognizes him immediately as the best friend of the man who caused the scandal involving her sister, and tars him with the same brush. At the same time, the effect he has on her leads her to make an astonishing proposal. I liked how Eliza took control and had some rather pointed observations about Redver's attitudes. However, she did not anticipate her reaction to the things he did. Both left the encounter changed and unable to forget each other.
 
Redver can't get "Blackbird" and her effect on him out of his mind. He wants to see her again. In the meantime, he accompanies his friend Harbury, who must make amends for his actions. Redver is inexplicably drawn to Cassandra's sister, Eliza, unaware that she is his "Blackbird". I enjoyed watching them spend time together and seeing Eliza get to know the man beneath the rakish façade. At the same time, Redver takes Blackbird's criticisms to heart and begins to change his ways.
 
Redver and Eliza both have painful family histories that make them reluctant to trust love. I enjoyed seeing them build a friendship first as they got to know each other. There are some interesting complications involving the respectable man that Eliza and Mrs. Dove-Lyon selected to court Eliza, with a twist at the end I didn't see coming. Eliza worried about what would happen if Redver discovered her identity. Redver realized his feelings for Eliza, but worried that he wasn't worthy of her. The revelation scene was intense and moving.
 
Family dynamics on both sides were interesting. I liked the relationships among the five sisters. Eliza is protective of them all and wants what is best for them. She is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for them. I would love to see a story for Cassandra and Harbury. I'd also love to see stories for the three younger sisters as they grow up - I loved their embrace of the "Willful Wainrights" name. Redver's family history is quite complicated. I loved his relationship and protectiveness toward his young sister, Emily. She was sweet, and I liked her quick friendship with Eliza's sisters. The twist at the end was a surprise, but I liked how it turned out. 

A Killer's Target - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #1264 - Aug 2026)

Series: Amish Country Danger (Book 2)
 
Taking refuge in Amish country
may be her only chance to survive…
 
After nearly being kidnapped at a crime scene, forensic photographer Leila Britton discovers that the serial killer who murdered her twin sister has resurfaced—with Leila as his next intended victim. With her life and her daughter's future at stake, Leila must place her trust in Lieutenant Brett Talbot to protect them. But danger follows them relentlessly, forcing them to seek refuge deep in Amish country. However, safety is fleeting, and the killer seems to know every step she takes. Can Leila and Brett unmask the killer before he fulfills his ultimate goal—and Leila runs out of places to hide?
 
Terrific story with an intensity that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Leila is a forensic photographer. She loved photography as a teen, and when her twin died at the hands of a serial killer, she turned that passion into a career. As the story opens, Leila is called to document the crime scene. She's terrified when she realizes that this murder has the same characteristics as her sister's, a feeling reinforced when she is attacked at the scene.
 
Brett chose a life of service after surviving a traumatic childhood. He's devoted his life to protecting those who need it, while remaining emotionally distant. But there is something about Leila that gets past his walls.
 
I enjoyed seeing Brett and Leila's relationship develop. Leila learns that it is okay to lean on Brett's strength and still maintain her independence. Brett realizes that real love does exist, despite what he experienced as a child. I loved watching them together. Brett's protectiveness toward Leila and her daughter, Evie, was sweet, and I loved how Evie took to him right away. I liked how Brett gave Leila the space she needed at the end to process everything she'd been through. The birthday party scene at the end was adorable.
 
The action and suspense of the story were intense from the get-go. We know that Leila is the target right from the beginning. It seems that no matter what they do, the killer keeps finding them. Car chases, fires, and additional murders keep the intensity high as Brett and Leila try to identify the killer. A twist at the end blew a hole in my theory of who it was, with a final confrontation that had me glued to the pages until it was over. 

To Love a Lyon - Matilda Madison (Dragonblade - Feb 2026)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 106)
 
Love is always a gamble.
 
Louisa Babcock is determined to return a cursed brooch that has plagued her family for two generations. Having lost both her parents, she and her sister Kitty reside with their impoverished, albeit titled Uncle Malcom in London. Without any prospects, Louisa believes that once the brooch is returned, she and her sister will be free to live their lives in peace.
 
And the Widow of Whitehall, touched by the young woman's honesty, knows just how to repay her.
 
Lieutenant Rhys Carlyle must marry. Having returned to England as a hero from the Napoleonic wars, Rhys is set to be honored with the Order of Bath. It's rumored that the queen herself hopes to see the lieutenant married quickly, to inspire the prince regent to find his royal bride. Thus, Rhys has come to the Lyon's Den seeking to discuss what he wants in a spouse, but things quickly get out of hand.
 
When the former soldier wins a game of chance, he's rewarded with the beautiful, impoverished Louisa as a wife. Now, faced with a wayward sister, a crumbling estate, and a deceitful peer, can Louisa and Rhys learn to trust one another enough to find their happily ever after?
 
Short and sweet story. Louisa believes an inherited brooch is cursed and wants to return it to its rightful owner, Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Only then will she and her sister have the lives they want. The last thing she expected was for Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a husband.
 
Rhys Carlyle, a distant relation of Mrs. Dove-Lyon, goes to her for help. Hailed as a returning hero from the war, Rhys is expected to marry quickly, but he has challenges. The estate he bought with his award money is in poor shape, and he is almost completely deaf due to a war injury. Mrs Dove-Lyon inveigles him into a game of chance, and the prize is Louisa.
 
I liked Rhys and Louisa. Louisa is somewhat naïve and lacks self-confidence, but she is kind and practical. She adapts quickly to Rhys's handicap and doesn't look down on him because of it. Rhys is less interested in the social whirl than in making his new home a success and providing for those around him. I enjoyed seeing how they worked together.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. They start as friends and partners in bringing his new home back to life. I loved Rhys's confidence in her ability to do what was needed, and how that confidence helped Louisa grow into the position. Rhys was also very attracted to Louisa and was very patient while waiting for her to feel the same. Louisa took a while to understand the feelings that Rhys aroused, but once she did, she was all in.
 
There was a bit of excitement near the end when Louisa's sister showed up with the man she was eloping with. Rhys and Louisa were quite suspicious of the man's motives. I enjoyed their teamwork as they put their suspicions to the test. I wasn't surprised by the outcome. 

The Duke's Blade - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - May 2026)

Series: The Duke's Guard (Book 16)
 
Fenton Flaherty meets his destiny in the Mermaid's Glass tavern…
 
He has no intention of marrying until sees the raven-haired, curvaceous, blue-eyed beauty serving ale in the tavern. He pours on the legendary Flaherty charm. She ignores him, smiling at one of the wreckers. Stunned by the snub, and her preference for a man known to kill to claim a floundering ship's cargo, he speaks without thinking, inadvertently impugning her honor.
 
Smuggler's daughter Eileen Doonan doesn't know how to react to Flaherty's charm…
 
Eileen's apple shape once made her a target, until she developed generous curves. The night an auburn-haired, blue-eyed giant strides into the tavern where she works changes everything. She doesn't know how to respond to his flirtation, and ignores him to smile at one of the patrons. Unfortunately, he is a wrecker, someone she normally avoids. When gossip and innuendo ensues, she blames Flaherty.
 
On the beach during a thunderstorm, while aiding her father, she glances up to see a man running for his life and watches him jump off the cliffs into the sea. When he surfaces and smashes face-first into the rocks, she dives into the storm-tossed waves to rescue him.
 
Between the rumors, and his worry that someone will see her on the beach with her clothing plastered to her body, her father insists Flaherty marry her to save her reputation. At first she refuses, until Flaherty apologizes with a kiss that burns hotter than their passionate dislike for one another. A kiss that changes everything!
 
But a sharpshooter lies in wait for him, and news of Flaherty's disappearance changes to the news that he has been shot and feared dead!
 
Will it take the death of the man who, when made aware of his grievous error, offers the protection of his name, his strength, his honor, and his heart before she realizes that Flaherty was the only man who truly valued her for what is inside of her, and not just her curves?
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to get past The Duke's Blade before he will let harm come to those he has sworn to protect with his strength, his heart, and his honor.
 
Terrific finale to the Duke's Guard series. Fenton Flaherty is the last of the Duke's Guard to be unmarried. He intends to stay single until he meets the feisty Eileen serving ale in her father's tavern. Eileen doesn't know what to do when he deploys his famous Irish charm, and turns away from him. Unused to being ignored, Fenton's pride causes him to say things that inadvertently tarnish her reputation. That doesn't stop her from rescuing him when he dives into the ocean to escape an attacker.
 
The rescue raises a whole host of problems. Not only is Fenton responsible for the unsavory rumors about Eileen, but now he has seen her with her clothing plastered to her body. Her father insists that the only thing to do is for Fenton and Eileen to marry. Independent Eileen resists the idea until a scorching kiss convinces her. But Fate throws a few roadblocks in the way before either is ready to admit their feelings.
 
Fenton and O'Malley are charged with ending the smuggling and wrecker activity on the Duke's property. The attacks on Fenton are intended to halt their investigation. The suspense is intense, with plenty of twists to keep me hooked - faked death, deals with smugglers, kidnapping, and lots of action to keep me turning the pages. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Fenton and O'Malley raced to rescue Eileen.
 
I love the closeness of the brothers and cousins as they work together and support each other. I laughed out loud when Fenton's brothers showed up and gave him a hard time when he couldn't respond. I adored the way the wives quickly made Eileen part of their group. It's always fun to see these feisty and independent women go up against their husbands. One of my favorite parts was the epilogues, which showed their lives later. I found it hilarious that so many of the Duke's Guard end up as fathers to daughters, and this one was no exception. I'd love to see a next-generation series that follows these men as they deal with their daughters' love lives. 

 

Deadly Security Breach - Katie Mettner (HI #2335 - Jan 2026)

Series: Secure Watch (Book 3)
 
A deadly global threat
Locks two women in a race against time
 
When Iris Knowles is recruited to restore a hacked computer system, she's afraid the traumatic brain injury that compromised her vision will keep her from completing the job she was trained to do. But the cybersecurity expert's first sight of scientist Rebecca Roth instantly quells her fears, and sparks fly between the two of them. Iris and Bec both share a similar feeling of not belonging anywhere, and must now work together on a life-and-death mission. Can the two women help each other overcome their fears and stop a deadly virus from destroying humankind?
 
Good book that kept me hooked from start to finish. The theme of a virus in the wrong hands is all too believable these days, which adds to the intensity. The premise is that someone has acquired samples of a deadly virus and hacked the lab's computer, destroying what progress there was in creating a vaccine for it. The lab contacts Secure Watch to arrange for someone to restore the computer.
 
That person is Iris. She is one of several neurodivergent operatives with Secure Watch. A traumatic brain injury when she was a child left her with vision problems, a tendency for panic attacks, and a belief that she's broken. She feels safe and confident within the walls of Secure Watch, and very nervous when in the outside world. Working and staying at the lab has her on edge.
 
Scientist Rebecca Roth was close to a breakthrough on the vaccine. She knows exactly how deadly the virus is. Raised Amish, she left the community to pursue her love of science and acceptance of her sexuality. She devotes herself to her work.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. The book was a race against time for Bec and Iris to rebuild the vaccine while other Watch members work to find the missing virus before it can be sold. The suspense kept me glued to the pages as I anxiously followed their progress and setbacks. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a twist that surprised me,
 
I enjoyed the development of Bec and Iris's relationship. This was a case of love at first sight, but they never allowed their feelings to take priority over their mission. Bec's empathy with Iris enabled her to provide the support and care she needed to build self-confidence outside her profession. I loved how Iris felt she could be completely herself around Bec without worrying about doing or saying the wrong thing. There were some rough moments at the end as they wondered how to make a life together while continuing their work. I liked the way it turned out.

 

The Lyon Won't Lose - Dayna Quince (Dragonblade - Dec 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 102)
 
A masked heiress. A desperate guardian. One game to win it all.
 
Tristan Chase is a man with everything to lose. Working for the mysterious Widow of Whitehall, Tristan must navigate the treacherous world of the Lyon’s Den to pay off his late brother’s debt, reclaim his family home, and reunite with his younger siblings. But when Tristan discovers that Miss Smith, the gentle nurse he’s fallen for is an heiress in hiding, he knows he can never have her.
 
Miss Felicity Brandon is desperate to escape a dangerous past. Under the protection of the Widow of Whitehall, Felicity must choose a suitor to marry, but secretly she wants only Tristan Chase, the one man she can’t keep. Identity hidden behind a gold mask, she mingles with the Den’s players, with Tristan as her reluctant bodyguard. But close proximity and their irresistible attraction draw Tristan and Felicity together in a game of passion they both know will end in heartbreak.
 
When Felicity’s former fiancé and her father arrive, the stakes become deadly. Felicity’s past threatens to destroy their fragile trust, and Tristan’s jealousy risks everything he’s fought for. Tristan must risk it all—his heart, his future, and his pride—in a high-stakes game for Felicity’s hand.
 
Will love triumph over fear and scandal? Or will the Lyon’s Den claim another heart? 

This is the story of one of Mrs. Dove-Lyon's "wolves", aka her enforcers and spies, and a young woman who came to her for protection. As one of the Black Widow's men, Tristan intrigued me whenever he appeared. I wondered what brought him into her circle. At last, we learn that Tristan's late brother lost the family estate gambling at the Lyon's Den, and Tristan made a bargain to earn it back. It looks like it will be a long process, especially since Tristan refuses to gamble for it.

Felicity is a vicar's daughter from a small village. The man her father picked for her to marry assaulted her, blamed her for it, and her father still insists she marry him. Rather than submit, Felicity flees to London, where she throws herself on Mrs. Dove-Lyon's mercy. The widow promises to protect her and help find her an acceptable husband. In the previous book by this author, To Steal a Lyon's Heart, Felicity served as a nurse to an injured nobleman, but a match between them didn't happen. Mrs. Dove-Lyon's current plan is to put Felicity out in Society. 

Tristan served as Felicity's bodyguard while she was nursing, to protect her reputation. They first became friends, but their feelings grew stronger as they got to know each other. Felicity felt safe with him, and she brought out his protective nature. I liked how Tristan's support helped Felicity gain confidence in herself. Matters become complicated when Felicity's fiancé and father track her down and try to force her to marry. Tristan and Felicity fell hard for each other, but Tristan believes she is far above him. I liked seeing how Mrs. Dove-Lyon motivated him to go after what he wanted.

Colton in the Wild - Justine Davis (HRS #2335 - Aug 2025)

Series: Coltons of Alaska (Book 1)
 
He kept his distance…
Until fate threw them together
 
Seaplane pilot Hetty Amos has no patience for wilderness guide Spence Colton's flirtatious way with clients. But being isolated with him in the Alaskan outback gives her a glimpse of the real man beneath the glib persona. When bullets fly over their campsite, Hetty and Spence gain a new sense of how much they need each other to survive -- as well as a new sense of trust. Then Hetty's discovery of a woman's body half-buried in snow makes them partners in a revelation that could endanger both their lives…
 
Good book with just the right blend of romance and suspense. Spence and Hetty have been dancing around each other for a long time. Hetty is a seaplane pilot for Rough Terrain Adventures in Alaska. She loves her job and is very good at it. Spence is a popular guide with the family business, especially the ladies. Hetty frequently rolls her eyes at the attention the handsome and flirtatious Spence attracts.
 
The book opens with Hetty and Spence flying to one of the fishing camps. They were supposed to have a pair of honeymooners as passengers, but they canceled. So Hetty and Spence took the opportunity to take the supplies needed to stock the camp for the season. I could feel the tension/attraction between them as they tried to keep things normal. We also get a look at their history to better understand how they feel. Neither expected the mechanical issue that complicated their landing. It was a nail-biter, and I loved Spence's obvious respect for Hetty's skill and abilities. That was just the beginning. Shots fired at them, the plane's radio vandalized, and the discovery of a woman's body turned a routine restock into a fight for their lives. The tension remained high as the investigation into what happened continued. The final confrontation, when it came, had me glued to the pages until it was over.
 
I liked the development of their relationship. The sparks of attraction are there from the start, but each tries to resist. Spence believes that Hetty doesn't like him. Hetty doesn't think he'd be interested in her anyway. They keep their interactions professional, but the tension remains. Dependent on each other in the woods, some of their walls began to crumble as they opened up to each other. I loved Spence's protectiveness and attentiveness to everything that made Hetty who she was. At the same time, Hetty sees past the carefree, flirtatious façade Spence shows everyone else to the caring, intelligent man he is. It takes them a little while to get past their insecurities to believe that they can be loved as they are.
 
I enjoyed meeting other members of the Colton family and look forward to reading their stories. There is also a hanging mystery of an unidentified body that may run through the series. 

 

Peak Suspicion - Cindi Myers (HI #2325 - Dec 2025)

Series: Eagle Mountain: Unsolved Mysteries (Book 3)
 
When harassment turns to attempted murder…they must reveal their secrets
 
The anonymous note is so disturbing that Mira Veronica accidentally totals her car in Eagle Mountain's wilderness. First to respond is search and rescue volunteer Carter Ames, an unabashed flirt and nonstop charmer. But when Mira is forced to deal with a past she thought she'd left behind, Carter becomes her strongest supporter. He's attracted to the pretty teacher and determined to earn her trust. Before long, they're sharing a deeper connection and long-held secrets -- secrets that a mysterious stranger is determined to reveal. But underestimating Carter is a mistake, because he has no intention of letting anything come between them. Not even a killer…
 
Good blend of suspense and romance. Mira came to Eagle Mountain for a fresh start after a devastating revelation about her fiancé. She teaches Spanish at local schools and to local law enforcement, first responders, and others. She's settling in well until she receives a threatening note referencing something from her past. She's so shaken by the note that she crashes her car on a mountain road.
 
Carter is a guide with his family's wilderness business and a member of Eagle Mountain's SAR. He also has the reputation of a charming flirt. He's quite taken by Mira when he meets her, but when he's the first on the scene of her accident and learns of her fears, his serious side comes to the surface.
 
The suspense of the story was very good. The first puzzle is who is sending the nosy, naggy, somewhat threatening letters to various townspeople? Is it someone with too much time on their hands, or someone with a darker agenda? The scarier mystery is the disappearance of an eleven-year-old boy, an event that eerily resembles the one that brought Mira to Eagle Mountain. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me hooked, with a nail-biter of a conclusion. Several viable suspects kept me guessing. The twist took me by surprise as I did not expect the motive.
 
I enjoyed Mira and Carter's developing relationship. Mira's wariness about getting involved with Carter was understandable. Trusting her own judgment when it came to men wasn't easy. Fortunately, Carter had the patience and understanding to be open with her. Meanwhile, there was more to Carter than the charming flirt that most people saw. Several terrific scenes show his ability to connect with people who are scared or hurting. He doesn't see himself as anything special, but Mira sees it quickly. I loved seeing how they support each other. I loved the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in later books. 

 

Code Name Leo - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - May 2026)

Series: Zodiac Tactical (Book 7)
 
Isaac Baxter is one of Zodiac Tactical's secret weapons: an operative who looks like a movie star but fights like a SEAL. Charming when it suits him. Lethal when it doesn't.
 
Black-tie security for wealthy clients isn't exactly thrilling. Spotting a pickpocket and cornering her on the dance floor changes that.
 
Especially when she steals his watch right off his wrist.
 
Fallon Hemingway isn't just a thief, but she's happy to let a handsome security agent think she is.
 
She targets the untouchable. She finds wealthy predators who destroy lives and never face consequences. She hits them silently, at the most personal level, taking what they find most valuable.
 
She becomes the consequence.
 
Fallon should stay far away from the man whose job description puts him on the wrong side of everything she does. Isaac should walk away from the woman who keeps disappearing on him.
 
Neither of them can stop.
 
But when her targets put a price on her head, the man she keeps running from might be the only one who can save her.
 
Fantastic book! Isaac (Code Name: Leo) works for Zodiac Tactical's Protection Division. Much of what he does involves hanging around high society events. Having grown up among the wealthy and well-connected, he blends in well with the crowds he protects. As the story opens, he watches for thieves and other troublemakers. He encounters Fallon, a young woman being hit on by a man who won't take no for an answer. His intervention is smooth, believable, and somewhat appreciated. Isaac and Fallon share three dances before he has to bail and get back to work. The connection between them is instant, but by the time he's done, she's gone. He can't forget her.
 
They see each other again at another event where both are working. Interrupted by a fire alarm and sprinklers, Isaac's offer to let her shower and warm up at his hotel turns into an unforgettable night. He still can't forget her, and he wasn't completely surprised to run into her at a third event months later. However, this time, he was shocked to see her lift an item from an attendee. He's stunned to realize he's attracted to a thief. I loved the reaction, the confrontation, and the surprise she had from him. There are several more encounters, each revealing more than the last, each drawing me more deeply into the story. But the one that got Isaac and me was the one where she called on her body to do impossible things.
 
We learn early on that Fallon is a Robin Hood of sorts. She seeks retribution against those who use their power for selfish reasons, leaving ordinary people holding the bag. Her reasons are excellent, even if her execution is less than ethical. I loved the way she leaves a signature of sorts, though that comes back to bite her. The tension goes through the roof when Isaac and Fallon end up at the same events, and she faces life-threatening danger. A narrow escape, and then a nick-of-time rescue, changes everything.
 
I loved the development of Isaac and Fallon's relationship. The connection is there from the start. Both try to bury or fight it, but neither can forget or let go. I loved the text conversations, seeing them get to know each other while still keeping secrets. It's a slow process, but I could see the trust building. I laughed out loud when the light went on, and Isaac figured out Fallon's truth; his amazement and respect were undeniable. I loved the changes in Fallon and Isaac as she healed and their connection deepened. There are sweet scenes between them throughout, along with an undeniable attraction.
 
But matters become complicated when they discover there is a hit out not just on Fallon but also on her computer-whiz friend and partner, Cassandra. It takes everything they can muster to discover the who, the why, and the how, and to find a way to protect them. The intensity kept me glued to the pages, unable to stop until I reached the end—the twists and turns and familiar faces that join the fight made for a nail-biter of an ending.
 
There is a little bit of foreshadowing into the next book, Code Name: Scorpio, which is the story of Ryder and Cassandra.                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
 

Legacy of Redemption - Kenna Scott (HRS #2358 - Jan 2026)

Series: Fairfield First Responders (Book 2)
 
She's used to fighting alone.
But now she needs him to survive.
 
Former socialite Sylvia Harrington can't wait to flee her hometown of Fairfield -- forever. But when her felon father's cartel sets out to dismantle her life bit by bit, her only hope is to fight back. Who knew that battle would lead her straight to firefighter Ryan Pierce? After Sylvia brutally shattered his heart long ago, wrong-side-of-the-tracks Ryan never forgave her -- but he never forgot her, either. Rekindling their feelings is more than Ryan ever imagined -- and so is walking straight into the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy…
 
Good book full of action and emotion. Sylvia, who was rescued in the first book (Legacy of Secrets), wants nothing more than to leave her hometown and its memories behind. Unknowingly caught up in her late father's cartel shenanigans, the former socialite now finds herself the focus of their attention. Desperate for help, she turns to Ryan, her brother's best friend and the man whose heart she broke years earlier.
 
Ryan worked hard to avoid Sylvia after her return to Fairfield. Though he hasn't forgiven her for the cruel way she broke up with him, turning his back on her when she is in danger isn't an option. His head says stay away, his heart says protect her.
 
I enjoyed the rekindling of Ryan and Sylvia's relationship. He is understandably wary, but can't deny the feelings that he buried deep. Sylvia feels so much guilt over her past actions that it is hard to believe that a future is possible. It takes time and honest discussion about the past to start rebuilding trust between them. These exchanges are emotional and go a long way toward bringing them back together, but there are still obstacles to overcome. I liked the changes in Sylvia and how she took charge of her future. Ryan's support was exactly what she needed to do so. Ryan also had decisions to make that required some reworking of his habits. I liked the way it turned out for both.
 
The suspense was good and kept the story moving. From being followed to threats about something they want, Sylvia's father's former associates won't leave her alone. As the threats intensify, Ryan's protectiveness won't be denied. Just when I thought Sylvia was safe, something happened to put her right back in danger. Is this the cartel again, or does it have something to do with Jonas, a missing teenager? There is also a hanging thread dealing with suspicious fires that have injured several firefighters.
 
I enjoyed the interactions among the firefighters and look forward to reading more of their stories.