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. 

The Husband's Secret - Debra Webb (HI #2362 - June 2026)

Series: Colby Agency: Next Generation (Book 5)
 
Her ex's mysterious death
…is now theirs to solve.
 
When Brenda Devers sees her estranged -- and recently deceased -- husband, Scott, at the airport, she reels in shock. She'd buried him three weeks ago -- hadn't she? Only now his business troubles have thrust Brenda and her young daughter into sudden do-or-die jeopardy. Luckily the single mom's new neighbor, Ben Clark, is smart, attractive and seemingly trustworthy when police and the FBI are not. A top Colby private investigator, Ben's been hired to protect Brenda. But as he helps her uncover the truth about Scott, the danger factor amps up -- and her worst nightmare might be coming true.
 
Fast-paced suspense with a little romance that kept me hooked from the start. Brenda is a mystery author and mother whose cheating estranged husband died in an explosion three weeks earlier. Imagine her shock when she spots him at LAX on her way home from a business meeting. By the time she gets home, she has nearly convinced herself that she was imagining things. Then the police arrive with the news that Scott was under investigation, and they suspect she knows something.
 
Already freaked out by the possible Scott sighting and learning of his illicit business dealings, things go from bad to worse when someone breaks into her home during the night. The cryptic message "Where is it?" is painted on her garage door. Enter Ben Clark, her new neighbor, a steady shoulder for her to lean on. Ben is kind, smart, and knows the right questions to ask. When Brenda begins to question his convenient presence, he confesses that he and his employer, Colby Agency, were hired by Scott to keep her and her daughter safe.
 
As Brenda and Ben dig into Scott's past and his secrets, the danger intensifies. Break-ins, explosions, and a frightening number of dead bodies keep them on their toes. Every secret revealed opens the door to more questions, and the authorities are of very little help. Every time I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, another twist threw me off. The final confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was over, with a resolution that made sense when all was revealed.
 
I enjoyed watching Ben and Brenda's relationship develop. I liked Ben's sensitivity and patience as Brenda processed everything that happened. He doesn't push or take over and ensures that Brenda's concerns are addressed. It's clear from the start that he is attracted to her, but is determined to keep things professional. At the same time, his steadiness and understanding show Brenda what has been missing in her life. I liked how they acknowledged their growing connection at the end and their desire to see where it goes without any grand insta-love declarations. 

Reclaiming His Viking Queen - Lucy Morris (HH #1898 - Jan 2026)

He will have his queen…
For better or worse!
 
Viking Agnar has had many names: Usurper. Warlord. Wolf Slayer. Still, there's one role he's hell-bent on claiming -- Skadi Friggsdottir's husband! Rejected by Skadi years ago, he'll be denied no longer. Storming her hall is easy. Taming his warrior queen will be much harder…
 
Young Skadi chose survival by marrying another over honoring her promise to Agnar. Now, believing Agnar has killed her husband, she'll surrender her hand but never submit! Yet behind Agnar's fury lies a man deeply wronged…one she can't help but want. Is her enemy husband her doom, or her greatest desire?
 
Good enemies-to-lovers/age gap story. When she was fifteen, Princess Skadi's father betrothed her to Agnar, a five-year-old boy, half-brother to a Viking king. When she was twenty-one, her father died. To protect her kingdom, Skadi broke her betrothal to Agnar and married a grown man. Twenty years later, her husband is killed in a raid, leaving her and her ten-year-old daughter, Astra, vulnerable. Agnar never gave up his claim to Skadi and her kingdom. Now a full-grown and feared warrior, he is determined to claim both.
 
This was an action-packed and emotional story. It opens shortly after Skadi's husband's death, as she prepares to defend her castle. Her efforts are no match for Agnar's determination, and she quickly finds herself at his mercy. To protect her daughter and her people, she agrees to marry him, though trusting him is another matter entirely. Agnar is a smart man who knows that earning Skadi's trust and cooperation is essential to his plan. I loved his respect for her abilities as queen, and how that respect melded with his desire to do the right thing for her people. Some clashes occur when their opinions about "allies" conflict. When Skadi's daughter disappears, they must work together to save her and end the threat to their kingdom. The final confrontation was intense and exciting, keeping me glued to the pages.
 
I enjoyed the development of Skadi and Agnar's relationship. Sparks of attraction flew between them from the start, but Skadi hesitated to believe them. Her first marriage left her wary of trusting those feelings. Agnar's feelings are mixed. He still resents that she reneged on their betrothal, though he reluctantly acknowledges her reasons. He doesn't deny his desire for her. And the more time he spends with her, the more he respects her. I liked his patience as he waited for her to return his feelings. It takes some time for her to let go of her fears, but when she does, the future looks bright. I liked the epilogue and seeing their success and happiness.

I also appreciated the realistic look at life and politics of the time period - the conflicts between petty kings, the betrayals, and what it took to keep what was yours.

Operation Rescue - Justine Davis (HRS #2352 - Dec 2025)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 18)
 
A hero gets a second chance…
thanks to his furry partner.
 
When their fourteen-year-old son runs away, Blaine Everett agrees to help his ex-wife, Erin, search for the troubled teen, who they fear may be in danger. It's been two years since the couple divorced, so working together will challenge their resolve -- and their hearts -- to stay strong. Blaine, a brave former Marine pilot, comes with the Foxworth Foundation and its amazingly versatile canine Cutter -- tracker, undercover agent, attack dog, therapist and, most surprising, matchmaker. Searching for Ethan, Blaine and Erin not only uncover the real reason they split -- they realize that their mutual attraction never died.
 
I'm always excited when a new Cutter book comes out, and this one was no exception. In this book, Foxworth comes to help two estranged parents find their runaway son. Blaine is a Marine helicopter pilot who was badly injured in Afghanistan. His wife, Erin, cared for him throughout his recovery, but then asked for a divorce. Their son didn't take it well and ran away from his home with Erin. Erin reluctantly called Blaine for help.
 
Blaine called Rafe. The two men have a history together, and I loved learning more about Rafe's past. I loved how Rafe dropped everything to help, and how his friends at Foxworth were ready to back him up. Naturally, Rafe took Cutter along. I always smile when I see how people react to Cutter.
 
The search for Ethan kept me hooked, as Erin, Blaine, and Rafe worked together to find him. I could feel their worry over the possibility of gang involvement. I understood Erin's frustration with the police's perceived lack of interest and her initial wariness of Rafe. The tension ramped up as they searched, bringing in familiar faces from previous Cutter books. The conclusion of the search was a Cutter nail-biter, perfectly timed and executed.
 
I enjoyed the reconciliation between Blaine and Erin. The sparks are still there, as are the feelings. Though I wanted to shake Erin at times, I understood what made her run from Blaine in the first place. Blaine's arrival forced her to face the past and her reaction. Blaine also looked at his past and the future he wanted. I especially enjoyed how Rafe's changes influenced Blaine's decision-making. Forced together to find Ethan, the proximity contributed to the realization that they still belong together. A nice twist at the end helps make the decision easier.
 
It's always fun to see Cutter in action, whether it's soothing anxiety, stating his opinions on his people's actions, or working his matchmaking magic. Those who start skeptical are believers by the end. 

The Dating Game - Mona Shroff (HSE #3125 - Jan 2026)

Series: Once Upon a Wedding (Book 7)
 
A fake romance will solve all their problems
…And stir up a bunch of new ones!
 
Veterinary student Saira Rawal definitely believes in love. It's just…not for her. Not when getting through her days without panic attacks is struggle enough. But at least she has Tyler Hart -- her brother's best friend, who has always been her safe space. He even takes her in when she and her disaster of a therapy puppy need somewhere to stay! So when she can return the favor, helping him save face with his brother by pretending they're together, she steps right up. With a pretend relationship, it's not like there's any chance of someone really getting hurt…right?
 
A good story about a brother's best friend falling for the off-limits little sister. Saira is a veterinary student currently under a lot of stress, juggling her upcoming graduation, the vet board exam, and a part-time job at a vet clinic. Her panic attacks have gone from occasional to frequent, which she treats by getting a "therapy" puppy. Unfortunately, her apartment doesn't allow pets, and when her landlord finds out, she is immediately evicted. Not wanting to be a third wheel in her newly married brother's house, she shows up at Tyler's apartment.
 
Tyler is Aneel's best friend and has always been part of Saira's life. She goes to him when she's in trouble or needs help. Tyler is a lawyer who mostly works from home. He has a twin brother, Colton. When their parents divorced, Colton went with their dad while Tyler stayed with their mom. His relationship with Colton is strained as he frequently feels looked down on.
 
The story opens as Saira's landlord confronts her about the puppy. She knows she can count on Tyler to take her in, so she lets herself into his apartment after texting him. Tyler, who hadn't seen her text, is not happy when he and his date find her there, bringing an abrupt end to his evening plans. I was with Tyler in his reaction. I felt that Saira takes advantage of Tyler, assuming he'll always be there for her. He gives in, as usual, so she is there when Colton shows up.
 
Things get complicated when Colton introduces his fiancée, who happens to be Tyler's ex-girlfriend. Saira, who is as protective of Tyler as he is of her, announces that she and Tyler are also engaged to keep things level. But faking an engagement opens up a bunch of new issues. Once the families find out they are "engaged," it's like a runaway train. Tyler and Colton's mom wants to throw a huge party. Saira's brother is furious - one, that he didn't know about it, and two, he thinks they aren't right for each other because of Tyler's reputation.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Saira and Tyler's relationship. Saira has no idea that Tyler has been in love with her for years. He hides it well, not wanting to risk their friendship, but it becomes extremely difficult when they live together. I loved how he stands up to her brother about Aneel's overprotectiveness. His care and understanding during her panic attacks warmed my heart, as did his care for her "beast" puppy. Saira is much slower to realize her feelings for him. Surprised when she starts noticing him as a man, not just her friend, she's not quite sure how to deal with it. I enjoyed watching the changes in her as she accepted them and then shared them. But it isn't until after she handles several personal issues that she can trust herself with those feelings. I liked the ending and seeing how things turned out.
 
There are deeper issues and family drama that add further depth to the story. Saira and Aneel face the prospect of reuniting with their previously absent father. Revealed secrets create tension and questions that take time to resolve. Tyler and Colton's relationship undergoes big changes as they communicate honestly for the first time in years. I liked seeing their bond restored. The biggest issue was Saira's panic attacks. I liked the sensitivity and understanding that the author displayed in their portrayal. The puppy's antics were a sweet counterpoint to some of the harder scenes. 

 
 

Protective Assignment - Janie Crouch (HI #2310 - Sept 2025)

Series: Warrior Peak Sanctuary (Book 1)
 
He's not the man he used to be
He's the man she needs now
 
Cade Thatcher is on his way to a mountain retreat when he picks up a hitchhiker. Skittish and withdrawn, River Robertson is obviously running from something. Cade is supposed to be rehabilitating from injuries he endured in Afghanistan, not taking on new duties. But he feels responsible for River, and his instinct to protect her overrides his fears about what he can do with his shattered body. When the cult leader obsessed with River tracks her down, Cade will push himself to the limits to keep her safe.
 
Great start to the new series, which centers on a rehab facility in North Carolina. Cade is former military, recovering from injuries he received in Afghanistan. His brother, Carter, works at Warrior Peak and invited Cade to continue his recovery there. He isn't sure what the future holds for him, and this will give him a chance to explore his options. On an isolated road, he encounters a young woman hitchhiking. With an intensifying storm, he picks her up and takes her with him to Warrior Peak.
 
River is on the run, staying as far from people as possible. She is about at the end of her rope when she accepts Cade's offer of a ride. Wary of the welcoming people at Warrior Peak, she hesitates to stay.
 
I liked how the people at Warrior Peak welcomed River. They realize that something is going on, but are willing to wait for her to open up. I loved Cade's protectiveness and his efforts to make her feel safe. I liked watching River come out of her shell as her sense of safety increased, allowing her to form friendships with Hannah and the others. I enjoyed watching Cade and River grow closer, wary of trusting their feelings, but unable to deny them. I liked seeing them look at the future possibilities together.
 
The suspense was good. We learn early on that River escaped from a Florida cult leader who was determined to make her his wife. Keeping to herself is the only way she sees to avoid discovery. We see her hope that she has finally succeeded, only to discover that the cult has expanded its operations while the leader continues to hunt for her. The suspense intensified when local law enforcement identified the new criminal activity. I was glued to the pages when River was abducted. Cade's worry and desperation to find her leapt off the page. The nail-biter final confrontation had a twist I didn't expect but loved. 

Travis - Josie Jade (Calamitte Jane Pub - Apr 2026)

Series: Warrior Security (Book 4)
 
Travis Hale has four computer monitors, a caffeine addiction, and zero interest in human interaction.
 
He hasn't left his compound in two years. Whatever the CIA did to him—or made him do—sent him underground, literally, into a Montana bunker disguised as a ranch house where the surveillance system is military-grade and the man who once ran field ops now doesn't leave his own driveway.
 
Or so everybody thinks.
 
He's vital to Warrior Security operations from within his fortified walls. He'd die for them and knows the feeling is mutual. But even his brothers-in-arms don't know the truth...
 
When predators slip into the shadows, Travis follows.
 
He fights the battles that never make it to daylight. The system has rules. He doesn't. And no one ever traces anything back to him.
 
It costs him more than anyone knows. So be it.
 
But when a ghost from his past shows up on his doorstep—soft where he's sharp, open where he's guarded—Travis will learn that even men who choose the dark can still step into the light.
 
Fantastic book. Travis fascinated me from his first appearance in the books, and I looked forward to learning more about him. His backstory is heartbreaking. Formerly a CIA agent, he had a romantic relationship with his partner, Naomi. When she died during an operation, he left the agency. The grief and guilt develop into agoraphobia and cause him to lock himself away in his specially built home. He works with Warrior Security when they need his specialized help. Even then, he keeps a certain distance from them. None of them know about Travis's lone missions to protect innocents.
 
Sera is a contract analyst for the FBI, a job she took after her sister's death to find a way to take down those responsible for her death. She is a mathematical genius who can spot patterns that no one else notices. When she assembles information on the child traffickers, her boss at the FBI blows her off and tells her to stick to her assignments. Frustrated, Sera decides to take her data to the one person who might be able to help - her sister's former boyfriend, Travis.
 
I loved how Sera breached Travis's security. His reaction to finding her in his pool was terrific and quite a wake-up call. I liked how he listened to her story, but was frustrated at his initial reaction. Fortunately, his conscience got the better of him, and he was able to redeem himself spectacularly. It also made Sera a guest in his home and a partner in their joint mission to stop the trafficker. I loved their teamwork. Travis said it best: "Sera's mind didn't just fill gaps in my analysis. It worked the way mine did, from a different angle. The two perspectives together produced something neither of us could build alone." I also enjoyed watching Sera become a part of his life, though he fought it all the way. There were deeply emotional exchanges as each opened up about their pasts and the effects on who they are now. There were also some lighthearted moments (frequently involving kittens). The question becomes whether they can let go of their fears enough to build a life together. I loved the ending - it was so perfectly Travis.
 
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. Travis's lone excursions, carried out despite the physical effects on him, showed the depths of his commitment to his mission. Sera's determination to do her part to bring down the person responsible for her sister's death led her to take risks that could turn deadly. When they teamed up, the intensity increased, as the bad guys' frustration with the interference reached explosive levels. I cheered when Travis finally confessed to his Warrior Security brothers and asked for their help. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that could have gone wrong in so many ways, and nearly did. I loved the part of the epilogue that got Travis out of hot water - you have to love small towns and how they look out for their own.
 
I loved the involvement of the rest of the men of Warrior Security. It's always great to catch up with the characters from previous books. I love how they are included as logical, vital parts of the plot, not just thrown in willy-nilly. I laughed out loud when Lark showed up with the three kittens, and Travis tried to get out of taking them. But my favorite secondary "character" was Maude, the AI companion that runs Travis's house and his life. I loved her snark, her habit of understatement, and how she looks after Travis. His threats to donate her to various kitchen appliances were hilarious. 

Lyon in Disguise - Reginia Jeffers (Dragonblade - Dec 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 101)
 
A handsome rake meets his match in a red-headed enchantress who is his enemy!
 
They may be on different sides of the law, but Lord Navan Beaufort is not going to permit that to stop him from protecting Miss Audrey Moreau. Navan has never thought truly to love anyone, but when he laid eyes on the red-headed beauty, his world shifted. Unfortunately, the lady appears to prefer Lord Alexander Dutton to him, though Navan has rarely had the opportunity to speak to her privately. That is, until he saves her from a fire one miraculous night. From there forward, she is his hope. His future.
 
Miss Audrey Moreau depends exclusively on her Uncle Jacobi for a home and protection. The man rescued her from a bayman's plantation in the West Indies when she was five; yet, she well knows the "Marquis of Honfleur's" schemes. She thought once Jacobi was caught, all would be well, but even from his jail, the man means to rain down harm upon her.
 
Can two lost souls find happiness together, when everyone in whom they had previously placed their trust have left them alone in the world?
 
This is the third book in a miniseries set in the larger Lyon's Den world, with the events of the books overlapping and told from differing viewpoints. There is one mystery running throughout the series, with an additional mystery that concludes in each book. The overarching mystery begins in the first book with the shooting of Lord Duncan and the efforts of his six adopted sons to discover who and why. It may or may not have something to do with an investigation into the flood of counterfeit notes happening in London. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is only peripherally involved, as the shooting happened at the Lyon's Den, where Lord Duncan enlisted her help in the investigation.
 
The investigation has focused on a man claiming to be a French marquis, his daughter, and his niece. As a result, Lord Duncan and his sons have set up a constant surveillance of the Frenchman's residence. One of the watchers, Lord Navan Beaufort, finds himself drawn to the niece, Audrey. He met her once before beginning the surveillance and hasn't been able to forget her. As he witnesses more of her uncle's treatment of her, his protective instincts awaken. I enjoyed watching their clandestine friendship develop. Audrey is both naïve and worldly, as her tragic past reveals, yet despite everything, she still wants to believe in people's goodness. Navan, on the other hand, is rather cynical and has the reputation of a rake. The focus on the Marquis reveals his involvement in the counterfeiting scheme. The subsequent investigation becomes dangerous before it is resolved, and several incidents kept me glued to the pages until it was resolved.
 
After the danger passes, Navan learns the truth about Audrey's past. I laughed out loud at the scene between Navan and his "brother" Alex. The strain doesn't stop Navan from pursuing Audrey and gaining her hand. But Navan still has things to learn about relationships, and manages to put his foot in it when he takes his new wife to his lands in Ireland. His behavior exacerbates Audrey's fears of abandonment, and it takes desperate action by her to open his eyes to the truth. Matters become complicated by the ongoing danger posed by the counterfeiting scheme and a shocking confrontation and revelation. There is another hint in the mystery of who shot Duncan that leads into the next book in the series.
 
Overall, I enjoyed this book. However, there was far more overlap than I expected. There were times when I felt I was reading a regurgitation of the previous book instead of something new.

 

Hot Nights with the Paramedic - Carol Marinelli (HMED #1509 - Jan 2026)

The hottest mistake of her life?

 
Obstetrician Monica Hamilton loves her job, yet with every tiny baby she delivers, she longs for her own even more. When she's poised to explore single motherhood, it's terrible timing to notice sexy Argentinean paramedic Luke Arias. All he can promise is no strings and scorching hot nights. He's already had to bring up his orphaned siblings -- children are 100 percent off his agenda. Usually cautious Monica is powerless to resist Luke's charisma…but will their temporary fling break her heart or unlock everything she's ever wanted?
 
Good story. Monica is an OB doctor, and Luke is a paramedic. They met when Luke brought a pregnant accident victim to Monica's hospital. The connection between them happened quickly, though neither wanted to admit it. After several professional encounters, they decided to spend time together "just for fun." It doesn't take long for their attraction to become something more, but there are obstacles. Monica yearns for a child of her own, while Luke is equally adamant that he doesn't want children.
 
Both are dealing with some heavy emotional baggage. Monica's best friend, Jess, has been in a coma for three years and is approaching her final days. Her grief for her friend becomes complicated by the actions of Jess's husband. Luke raised his twin siblings after their parents died when the twins were twelve, and isn't interested in going there again.
 
I enjoyed the development of Monica and Luke's relationship. I especially liked Luke's sensitivity and care for Monica as she navigated Jess's passing and its aftermath. Luke's relationships with his siblings were great, especially with his brother Daniel. His happiness over Daniel's fatherhood was evident, and I enjoyed the babysitting scenes. But eventually, the differences in Luke's and Monica's dreams for the future put a strain on their blossoming relationship. It takes some time and external encouragement for them to break free of their fears.
 
The epilogue was good, and I laughed at the surprise they had waiting for them.

Cold Hearted Lyon - Tabetha Waite (Dragonblade - Dec 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 100)
 
Love doesn't mean anything when no one wants it—until they realize they do.
 
Lady Catherine Cecil wants to strike out at her parents for an arranged marriage, but her target turns to the lady responsible for her recent union instead: Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the proprietress of the Lyon's Den. When she contrives an opportunity to tarnish the Black Widow's reputation for matchmaking, Lady Catherine is set on the course.
 
But that is before she meets her intended bridegroom.
 
Baron Benjamin Fontaine is a man Lady Catherine does not trust, nor does she consider him a friend, but a foe. However, when she learns that he also wishes to settle a debt with the Black Widow, she decides it's time for the villains to work together. Already expecting a child Lady Catherine conceived with a former lover, the couple conspires to tackle one of London's most notorious ladies.
 
Together, they have found a common ground, but who will be crowned victorious at the end of the day? Will Mrs. Dove-Lyon's reputation be in tatters at long last? Or will love intercede and prove that it will not be denied, after all?
 
Mrs. Dove-Lyon strikes again, pairing two unlikely people in a match that seems destined to fail but results in a deep love. Catherine's parents are high-ranking nobles with low morals and no interest in their daughter. Believing that what is good for them also applies to her, Catherine embarks on an affair with one of the stable hands and winds up pregnant. Intent on preserving the family name, her parents enlist the Black Widow to find Catherine a husband immediately.
 
Benjamin is the son of a lecher and was on that road himself when tragedy struck. He lost his mother, wife, and unborn son in rapid succession. Haunted by the loss and the poor choices he made, he spent his time drinking and gambling. When Mrs. Dove-Lyon offers him a way out, he reluctantly accepts it.
 
Married the next day, Catherine and Benjamin find common ground in their desire to get back at Mrs. Dove-Lyon. As they settle into married life, they discover that they actually like each other. I enjoyed seeing Benjamin encourage Catherine to make his estate her own and support her as she did so. Meanwhile, Catherine helps him overcome his guilt and set out on the road to making amends. Neither expected the depth of attraction that grew between them, nor the love each was reluctant to admit. I liked seeing them finally show enough trust to share the truth.
 
I smiled when Benjamin hired a detective to investigate Mrs. Dove-Lyon's matches to prove that she was a fraud. The result was no surprise to the reader, though it was something of a shock to him and Catherine. The epilogue was good. 

The Wild Card - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Dec 2025)

When Lady Luck deals her a roadside diner in small-town Texas, a professional poker player discovers home may be the best win of all.
 
Professional poker player Carla Wilson's luck runs dry in Tucson, leaving her with nothing but an SUV running on fumes and a deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in small-town Texas. Her plan to sell the café and move on seems simple enough—until she meets the motherly cook who rules the kitchen with an iron skillet and the sunny waitress who treats her like a sister.
 
Then there's Jackson Armstrong. The ex-military heir of a wealthy oil family has green eyes that make Carla forget her cards and a smile that suggests he's playing for keeps. With a pair of matchmaking senior citizens and the café's morning regulars cheering from the sidelines, Carla's wandering soul begins to feel at home.
 
Now she's discovering everything she never knew she needed—true friendship, a place to belong, and a love worth going all in for. Maybe Lady Luck knew exactly what she was doing from the start.
 
Fun book. Carla is a professional woman gambler. After her mom's death when she was eight, Carla traveled the country with her gambler father. By fourteen, she was playing in games herself, and on her own by the time she was sixteen. As the story opens, Carla has lost everything except her SUV, some change, and the deed to a diner in a small Texas town. She plans to sell the diner for what she can get and use the proceeds to continue her chosen profession. The last thing she expects is an instant connection with Rosie the cook and Scarlett, the waitress, and a feeling of belonging she's never had before.
 
I enjoyed seeing Carla settle into life as a diner owner. As a gambler, she developed excellent instincts about people, and I loved watching her interactions with Rosie and Scarlett. The closer she grows to them, the less appealing her former life becomes. The growing trust among them leads to sharing their stories and realizing what they have in common. It isn't all rainbows and unicorn farts, to quote Carla, as there are occasional stresses and dustups, but the undercurrent of support is always there.
 
Jackson was a complication that took Carla by surprise. Handsome, wealthy, and former military, Jackson is in the area for a long-term drilling job. He's immediately taken with Carla. Carla has never had a relationship longer than forty-eight hours, so Jackson's attentions are a whole new experience for her. He has the patience to hang in there while Carla gets used to the idea. There are a few minor road bumps when Carla's independence clashes with Jackson's wishes, but both have the maturity to talk it out. There's a great scene where Carla meets Jackson's parents that initially rouses her fears, but she comes back from it stronger.
 
I liked the underlying themes of women helping each other through situations such as gambling and abuse, grief and loss, and believing in oneself. The romance was good, but the heart of the story lay in the multi-generational friendship among the women characters. The epilogue was a lovely wrap-up to the story.