The Lyon Who Desired Me - Tracy Sumner (Dragonblade - Nov 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 98)
 
One kiss, one scandal, one dangerously convenient marriage.
 
Lady Louisa Radcliffe has a talent for blowing things up—gardens, greenhouses, and her reputation. When the duke's brilliant, reckless daughter demands a match, she doesn't ask for a titled suitor. She asks for Dominic Beckett.
 
Dom is no safe bet. With ruin in his past and restraint in his present, the last thing he wants is temptation like Louisa. But when one incendiary kiss sparks scandal, he has no choice but to wed her.
 
Marriage was supposed to be practical. Instead, it's the most dangerous gamble of all: falling in love.
 
Louisa has a large dowry and is the daughter of a duke. You'd think that would make her irresistible to the men of Society. However, she has an unusual hobby: she loves experimenting with explosives. Her tendency to blow things up dampens her appeal. She doesn't care what Society thinks of her; she's happy as she is - until her father decides it is time for her to marry. For six months, she has been working with Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a match, but the choices are dismal. As the book opens, she informs the matchmaker that she wants Dominic Beckett added to the list. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is horrified. Dominic's reputation as a gambler and a rake makes him unsuitable, but Louisa insists.  She met him when she was a child, and he was kind to her.
 
Dominic is the second son of a viscount. He has dyslexia, which made him a failure in his father's eyes. While words on a page are a mystery, Dominic's ability with numbers lured him into gambling. Unfortunately for him and his family's estate, he was not good at it and left them with enormous debt. He reformed and now tries to live on the straight and narrow, using his ability with numbers in business to make amends. He is quiet and self-effacing, not the scoundrel that Society thinks he is. He has no interest in marriage, but when his matchmaker aunt insists, he agrees to meet Louisa.
 
I loved the two of them together. The sparks fly between them from the start, and when a kiss gets out of control, their marriage is a foregone conclusion.  Dominic likes Louisa just as she is. He supports her scientific activities. He won my heart with his search for the perfect home for them. I loved that he trusted her with his reading difficulty. She repaid that trust in a wonderful scene involving the marriage contracts. In addition to the chemistry that burns between them, their growing respect for each other quickly grows into love, even if neither is ready to admit it.
 
Everything for their future looks promising until one of Louisa's experiments goes wrong. Dominic's fear for her leads to some ill-considered words and an extreme reaction from her. It takes a few days of missing each other to realize how much they mean to each other. I loved Dominic's big moment at the end as he found the right way to apologize. I'd love to see them as secondary characters in a later book so I can see how their lives progress. 

To Uncage a Lyon - Abigail Bridges (Dragonblade - Nov 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 97)
 
Is love possible when nothing goes according to plan?
 
Although they do not know each other, Lord Timothy Rydell and Lady Elspeth Westridge have something in common: they are happy with the plans for their lives. Timothy is having a grand time exploring the Americas and working with his cousin in business. Elspeth has settled into her life on the shelf, with her Royal Society lectures and her botanical experiments. Neither is interested in marriage or children.
 
Abruptly, both their lives are thrown into disarray. Elspeth's father, frustrated with his daughter's choices, arranges for her to marry a man more than twice her age, leaving her no other option. Timothy, summoned home by his mother for the king's coronation, faces a season of marriage-minded mamas enthralled by his new wealth. In desperation, both turn to Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon for help, hoping that the Black Widow of Whitehall can solve their dilemmas—only to discover that she has selected Timothy as one of Elspeth's marriage prospects.
 
Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranges three contests for the contenders—Elspeth agrees to marry the winner. But as the games get underway, Elspeth realizes that her heart is opening to the young explorer, and she begins to pray he will win.
 
Unbeknownst to Elspeth and Timothy, however, another party is manipulating events behind the scenes. And this game has been afoot for an exceptionally long time.
 
I loved the opening chapter/prologue to this book. It shows Elspeth as a child, upset and furious over the death of her hero and the man she wanted to marry. It didn't matter that James Cook (yes, THAT Captain Cook) would be way older and was already married. He was her ideal - an explorer. She states her intention to be an explorer herself, and never marry unless she can find the ideal man.
 
Years later, Elspeth is following her dream, vicariously. She attends travel lectures, studies travelogues, and pursues her interests, doing everything possible to avoid marriage. Her father finally puts his foot down and tells her she will marry the man he has chosen. Viscount Godwin is three times her age and has been married multiple times. Horrified, furious, and desperate, at the recommendation of her best friend, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help.
 
Lord Timothy Rydell is the youngest of eleven siblings. At the age of twenty, he accompanied a cousin to America, where he learned the ins and outs of several businesses and became very successful. Six years later, summoned home by his mother to attend the king's coronation, he discovers that she intends to find him a wife among the year's debutantes. On the advice of one of his brothers, he goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for assistance.
 
Mrs. Dove-Lyon selects Timothy as one of Elspeth's suitors, surprising them both. Elspeth and Timothy met briefly six years earlier, when Elspeth went to see her best friend, Ella, and her husband off to America. Timothy is Gordon's cousin. It is an introduction that sticks with both of them. They meet again at the Lyon's Den, as Elspeth "interviews" the contenders for her hand. The top two contenders then compete in Mrs. Dove-Lyon's unique competitions to win her hand. I enjoyed the intensity of the contests and the twists that occurred.
 
The scene in Mrs. Dove-Lyon's office after the contest is fantastic. I laughed out loud at Elspeth's revelations and Timothy's surprise. The icing on the cake was the twist engineered by an outsider.
 
I loved the ending and the way Timothy understands his new wife. The rooftop scene was amazing and shows great promise for their future. I'd love to see them make an appearance in a later book.

We Can Again - Lenna Phoenix (Calamitte Jane - Mar 2026)

Series: Silent Journey (Book 3)
 
When a mysterious "astronaut" walks into her favorite bar, art teacher Maya Gershawn does what she does best: creates a perfect one-night fantasy where her lupus doesn't exist.
 
But when Zachary shows up as her new classroom partner—sharing her cramped trailer and watching her every move—Maya's carefully hidden world threatens to shatter.
 
Between her principal's war on her curriculum, her mother's mortifying public crusade about Maya's illness, and Zachary's dangerously addictive presence, Maya's control is slipping. The ferret she rescued during a hurricane might be the only thing keeping her sane.
 
Zachary Becker abandoned Silicon Valley for a teaching dream, but he wasn't prepared for Maya—brilliant, stubborn, and determined to handle everything alone even as her body betrays her. When her secret explodes across social media and lands her in the hospital, Zachary must convince her that love doesn't mean losing herself.
 
A swoony romance about finding someone who sees all of you—even the parts you've been hiding—and loves you not despite them, but because of them.
 
Terrific book. I loved the realistic look at life with a disability. Maya is an elementary school art teacher who also has lupus. Only a few of her closest friends know about her disease; she hides it from the rest of the world. As the book opens, she notices a guy who walks into the bar where she had a drink with a friend. They meet and connect, with Maya calling herself a "world traveler" and Zachary, in the same spirit, claiming to be an "astronaut." No harm, since neither expected to see each other again.
 
Fate has other plans. First, in a hilarious ferret-induced encounter, Maya discovers that Zachary just rented the apartment across the hall from her. Then, barely recovered from that shock, Zachary shows up as the new science teacher. Not only that, but because of hurricane damage to the school, she and Zachary must share a trailer classroom.
 
I enjoyed following the development of Zachary and Maya's relationship. The connection/attraction was there from the moment they met. But Maya is wary after her previous relationship crashed because of her illness, and she's hesitant to risk her heart again. Zachary is a brand-new teacher, having left his high-tech job to pursue a new dream. He's nervous, insecure about his decision, and a little intimidated by Maya's intensity in the classroom. After a slightly rough start, they form a terrific partnership in the classroom, which soon extends to their off-duty hours.
 
Things are not all sunshine and unicorns. The new principal seems to have it out for Maya. He doesn't like her varied curriculum and insists she make changes to her lessons. Someone is leaving her mean notes. Even her mom is pestering her about multiple subjects, not the least of which is something that would expose Maya's disease to the public. All the pressure brings on a flare-up of her lupus, forcing her to confess to Zachary.
 
Zachary won my heart with his reaction. He is kind, gentle, and ready to support her however she needs. His actions are exactly what she needs, carried out without complaint, even as he worries they aren't enough. There is a fantastic scene with his best friend, Tim, who talks him off the ledge. I loved the effect it had on Zachary, and what he did afterward. I loved the changes Zachary's care made in Maya and the difference it made in her life, especially with her mom. The ending was terrific, and the epilogue was a nice touch.
 
I enjoyed the scenes with Maya's friends, the Chronic Pain Crafters. I look forward to reading their books.

As a person with a hidden illness myself, I love books with realistic portrayals. 

 
 
 

The Maid of Sherwood Forest - Sian Ann Bessey (Shadow Mountain - Nov 2025)

Series: McQuivey's Costume Shop (Book 2)
 
Mariah thought Robin Hood was just a legend -- until time pulled her into his world and the outlaw stole her heart.
 
Nothing about Mariah Clinton's passion for archery or her work as a sous-chef in contemporary London prepares her for the moment she's pulled into another time -- and another life. One minute, she's stepping into McQuivey's Costume Shop to rent a medieval gown. The next, she's standing in a castle kitchen in twelfth-century Nottingham -- with no idea how she got there or how to return to modern time. Forced to pose as a kitchen servant, she must draw on ingenuity and courage to survive in a world in which she shouldn't exist. But when her skill with a bow draws the attention of outlaws in Sherwood Forest, she's swept into a conflict that is more dangerous -- and more thrilling -- than she could ever have imagined.
 
Robin Hood has spent years outwitting the Sheriff, protecting the innocent, and keeping his men one step ahead of Prince John's reach. But when he crosses paths with a mysterious archer who shoots like no woman he's ever met, he knows she's hiding something. Her words, her ways, even the fire in her eyes -- none of it belongs in his time. Yet the more she stands at his side, the harder it becomes to imagine Sherwood Forest without her.
 
Mariah is torn between a past she understands in modern-day London and an uncertain future with an outlaw who has stolen her heart. But as the Sheriff's grip tightens and betrayal looms, one truth becomes clear -- some choices are impossible to undo, and love, once found, is not so easily left behind.
 
This book combined two of my favorite things: time-travel romance and Robin Hood. I've been a Robin Hood fan since I was a kid, and read everything I could find on the subject. The author does a terrific job of following the legend while adding her own voice to the story. There are even a couple of nods to the Hollywood versions, one of which made me laugh out loud.
 
Mariah is a modern woman working as a sous-chef in London. In her spare time, she indulges her passion for archery and occasionally participates in medieval reenactments. As the story opens, she heads for a local costume shop to rent a gown for her latest gig. But when she steps out of the changing room, she finds herself in the twelfth-century kitchen of Nottingham Castle. Her shock and confusion are understandable, and she realizes she must think fast to survive in this world until she can find her way back. The first few days are rough, but with the help of a new friend, Ellen, she begins to settle into her new role. Life becomes more interesting when she inserts herself into a "deal" between a butcher and the Sheriff of Nottingham, completely unaware that the butcher is actually Robin Hood in disguise.
 
I loved the author's rendition of Robin Hood. He isn't perfect. He is impulsive, stubborn, and a bit overconfident. But the heart of the man is still the Robin Hood we all know and love. He is honest, protective of the poor, and fiercely loyal to his king and his men. I loved his first meeting with Mariah and the impression she made on him. He was clearly smitten from the start.
 
I loved seeing the story of Robin Hood through Mariah's eyes. From her shock in discovering that Robin Hood is real, to the archery tournament, the rescue, and joining the outlaws in Sherwood Forest, Mariah is all-in to life in the greenwood. The slow development of their relationship comes as they spend time together in conversation and archery practice. Her acceptance by the Merry Men comes easily when she assists in their rescue of Robin, and then uses her cooking skills to improve their lives. There are multiple scenes with various members of the group that are among my favorite parts. But when Robin makes a boneheaded comment, it strains their interactions. It takes an incredulous Little John to point out the error of his ways and set Robin on the right path.
 
I loved the action in the book. It was true to the stories I am familiar with, while adding some details that deepened the realism. It was great fun to see Robin continue to foil the Sheriff. I loved having Mariah as an outstanding archer. It put her on an equal standing with Robin and showcased her strength and independence. Their competitions made me laugh, especially when Robin's men got involved. The ending was intense, and the resolution could have gone very badly if not for one of Robin's good deeds. The final scene had an unexpected twist that wrapped up the story perfectly. 

Duty Unleashed - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - Mar 2026)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 4)
 
Seven years.
 
That's how long Jolly has been Ben Garrison's partner. His constant. The only relationship the Citadel Solutions K9 handler has ever trusted completely.
 
But Jolly's slowing down. Retirement is coming. And Ben has no idea who he is without the dog at his side.
 
He didn't plan on a little boy whispering through the fence. Or the boy's mother, whose warm, chaotic home feels like everything Ben never knew he wanted.
 
Kayla sees past his silence. Her son trusts his dog. And Ben starts finding reasons to stay.
 
But his investigation into police corruption has made dangerous enemies. They've noticed the woman he can't stop watching.
 
The man who's only ever loved a dog is about to learn what it means to fight for a family.
 
Both of them are.
 
Terrific book. It is a little different from the previous books in the series, as the suspense is not as intense throughout the book. It is more of a rollercoaster, with periods of waiting, watching, and investigating, followed by moments of nail-biting action. There is also a sweet romance between two people who weren't looking for it, and between a boy and a dog who need each other.
 
Kayla and her six-year-old son, William, moved to Summit Falls after leaving a toxic relationship. Kayla is trying to get back to the person she used to be before her ex did a number on her self-confidence. William is quiet and withdrawn from the ex's verbal abuse.
 
Ben, his K-9 partner, Jolly, and Ben's Citadel partner, Donovan, have come to Summit Falls ostensibly to help the local police department set up a K-9 program. Their undercover objective is to identify what appears to be corruption in the department - someone is leaking information to drug traffickers. Ben rented the house next door to Kayla because of its fenced yard for Jolly.
 
Ben and Jolly have been together for seven years, and Ben realizes that Jolly is rapidly approaching retirement age. He becomes concerned when he notices Jolly behaving oddly. Kayla also notices odd behavior in William, namely, his parking himself next to the fence between her house and Ben's. I laughed out loud when she realized that William had made friends with Jolly and they were playing games together. She's nervous about telling Ben what's happening, but her words lift a huge weight off his mind. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between boy and dog.
 
It is also the beginning of an unexpected relationship between Ben and Kayla. I loved watching them explore their feelings. Ben's longest-ever relationship is with Jolly, and it takes him a little while to recognize what is happening. Kayla is wary because of how her last relationship ended. However, both are honest, caring, and mature. Neither pushes the other past their comfort zone, which makes it easier to be open when they are ready to talk. Kayla falls even harder for Ben when she sees how he treats William. The mud scene was especially moving. I adored how Ben stepped up to help out the school and gave William a chance to shine.
 
The suspense of Ben and Donovan's undercover mission was excellent. You could feel their frustration when raids failed, and their investigations turned up nothing. The training scenes were great and gave extra insight into the various members of the police force. Several turns in the investigation throw suspicion on different people. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist blew everything apart and put Kayla in danger. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation, wondering how they would get out of it. I loved how it went down.
 
I loved the epilogue and seeing the changes in everyone's lives. I loved Kayla's comment about Ben, who "cooked dinner in my kitchen most nights with the intensity of a man who'd discovered a new mission, methodical, precise, slightly overambitious." William and Jolly together warmed my heart. And Ben's special moment was so him that I couldn't help but grin. 

Second Chance Under the Mistletoe – Kandy Shepherd (HR #4973 – Nov 2025)

Series: Family Reunion in London (Book 1)
 
'TIS THE SEASON -- TO REKINDLE?
 
Natalie is having a nightmare Christmas. Her daughter, Clem, has invited her dad over from Australia -- and Natalie hasn't seen her ex, tycoon Jon, for twenty-two years! They agree for the sake of their daughter to pretend to be the perfect family, but Natalie soon discovers the spark between them never died! After two decades of hurt, can she risk her heart for a second chance -- or is this festive fling just for the holidays?
 
Good holiday-centered second-chance romance. Natalie's perfect Christmas with her pregnant daughter, Clem, has been turned upside down. Clem has recently reconnected with her father and invited him to join them from Australia for Christmas. She hasn't seen him in more than twenty years, since their bitter divorce.
 
Natalie and Jon met when she was eighteen, and he was nineteen, and their love was instant and intense. When Natalie became pregnant, both sets of parents pushed them to marry, even while claiming they were too young. Parental interference, especially from Natalie's mother, sent Jon running to Australia to earn the money to get them out from under her thumb. But leaving Natalie opened the door to lies and misunderstandings that drove them further apart, ultimately leading to their divorce. Natalie married a man her parents approved of, while Jon also moved on to a short-lived marriage.
 
With both Natalie and Jon wanting to support their daughter's wishes, they agree to meet beforehand to reduce the awkwardness of their forced reunion. Neither expected the resurgence of their former attraction, nor the rekindling of the feelings they once shared. I enjoyed seeing them face the past and realize what really happened. Spending time together among London's holiday festivities allowed them to get to know each other as mature adults and explore those growing feelings. But what happens when Christmas is over, and Jon goes back to his life in Australia?
 
A crisis with Clem creates complications and some soul-searching by both Jon and Natalie. I liked their communication and determination to find a way to make their lives work together. I enjoyed the scenes with Clem, especially when she teased them. I'm intrigued by the relationship between Clem and Leo and will add their book to my TBR. 

 

Big Sky Showdown - Juno Rushdan (HI #2338 - Feb 2026)

Series: Ironside Protection Services (Book 3)
 
Can he break a deadly standoff and save her from a mysterious stalker?
 
After a violent assault by a shadowy stalker, Kimi Wheeler is forced to turn to Takoda Yazzie -- the man she secretly loves. Haunted by his past, the Ironside Protection Services investigator has vowed to stay far away from his best friend's sister. But when a disappearance close to home tracks deeper danger to Kimi's door, Takoda's only mission is to keep Kimi from vanishing next. Ignoring their intense desire will take everything they have…even as Takoda and Kimi race toward a terrifying face-off with a killer.
 
Excellent suspense combined with a little sister/brother's best friend romance. Kimi is a former rodeo rider who left the circuit to become a nurse after her brother died in the war. The story opens as she walks home from the grocery store, feeling like she's being watched - again. Then she is attacked by someone trying to take her purse. Without any proof of her stalker, Kimi bites the bullet and asks Jacy's best friend, Takoda, from Ironside Protection Services, for help. Takoda promised Jacy he would watch over Kimi after his friend's death on their deployment. He blames himself for Jacy's death and will do anything to keep his promise.
 
This book kept me hooked from start to finish, thanks to the intense action and suspense and the developing relationship between Takoda and Kimi. He and Kimi have an uncomfortable history. Shortly after Jacy's death, their mutual grief, combined with a little too much alcohol, led to an explosive kiss. Takoda pulled away from her, avoiding contact whenever possible. Years earlier, Jacy had told him Kimi was off-limits, and Takoda tried to keep that promise despite his attraction to her. Meanwhile, Kimi has been secretly in love with him for a long time, and his distance hurts. Thrown together while they investigate, the attraction becomes harder to resist. I enjoyed seeing Kimi break through Takoda's walls and loved his confession at the end.
 
The suspense was fantastic. Starting with the puzzle of who is following Kimi and why, to the attacks, and then her father going missing, the twists and turns kept me guessing right to the end. The growing intensity as they closed in on the truth kept me glued to the pages, leading to a nail-biter of a final confrontation. The surprise revelation at the end was not what I expected, but I loved it. 

The Cowboy's Convenient Wife - Carol Arens (HH #1887 - Nov 2025)

A cowboy in London
…and a deal at the altar?
 
When his English business partner dies, Montana rancher Boone Rawlins becomes guardian of the man's little girl, and heir to their family property in London. So when a storm destroys the ranch, they cross the Atlantic to start a new life!
 
Penniless Lady Ambrin is stunned when a real-life cowboy arrives on her doorstep. But she quickly comes to her senses when she discovers her dear brother has left Boone her house -- and that he wants to sell it to fund a new farm! Ambrin's determined to keep her home and her precious niece. Will a convenient marriage be the solution…or a whole new predicament?
 
This was a lovely blend of the author's Western romances and her more recent Regency/Victorian books. Boone is a rough-and-ready rancher who partnered with an Englishman on a Montana ranch. When that partner passed away, Boone became the guardian of the man's orphaned little girl, Marigold, and inherited the man's London home. When a blizzard destroys the ranch, Boone and Marigold head to England to start fresh. The last thing Boone expected was to find the house occupied by his partner's sister - a woman he didn't know existed!
 
Ambrin ran the household while her brother, Grant, went off on his American adventure. He was only supposed to be gone for two years, and it has now been five, and the money he left for her is stretched thin. Her only option is to marry a wealthy man. That becomes critical when Boone arrives and informs her of his ownership.
 
I ached for both Boone and Ambrin. Both feel betrayed by Grant's secrecy. Ambrin is about to lose the only home she has ever known and has nowhere to go. Boone can't sell the house out from under her, but needs the money to fund his new farm. I liked Boone's protectiveness. He's a good man at heart and wants to ensure Ambrin's safety and happiness. I enjoyed his efforts to help her find a husband.
 
I had a little harder time liking Ambrin. She's so stubborn about the house, refusing to recognize Boone's rights and trying to force him to keep it. I did like her immediate connection with Marigold and her determination to raise her. When Boone proposes they marry, she fights the idea as long as she can.
 
I enjoyed watching Boone and Ambrin's relationship develop. Their initial anger at the circumstances slowly gives way to acceptance. Sparks flare between them, leading Boone to consider marriage to Ambrin as a viable option. Convincing her isn't easy, as she stubbornly resists the path her heart wants to go. I liked their move to the farm and watching them grow closer. Just as it seems things will work out, a twist awakens Boone's guilty feelings and leads to a painful decision driven by his growing love for Ambrin. Her eye-opening self-realization comes almost too late, but culminates in a fantastic reconciliation scene.
 
Home and family were underlying themes in this book. Boone was looking for a new place to make a home and family with young Marigold. He yearned for the same happiness he'd had back in Montana. Ambrin also wanted a home, a family, and a man she could love.

 

A Secret Between Friends - Christine Rimmer (HSE #3155 - Apr 2026)

Series: Bravo Family Ties: Next Generation (Book 7)
 
Their love was put to the test. And it's positive!
 
Riley Thompson was happy being Josh Bravo's secret lover. But now she's pregnant! And that's how Josh's ex pressured him into marriage. Plus, after tragically losing the love of her life, Riley isn't looking for love or wedding bells. Still, she'll happily co-parent with her best friend. Now all she has to do is find a way to tell him.
 
The best thing that came out of Josh Bravo's marriage is his son -- and his divorce. Riley has been there as a listener and a lover. But when she reveals they're expecting, Josh bristles. It's not the baby that rattles him -- it's the realization he has feelings for his best friend. Now all he has to do is find a way to tell her.
 
Terrific friends-to-lovers story. Josh and Riley are best friends and have been since second grade. Their five-year-old sons are inseparable. Neither expected a casual kiss to explode into an attraction neither could resist. So, they became secret lovers - friends-with-benefits - for as long as it feels right. Neither is interested in marriage. Josh's ex is still trying to get him back, and he's not interested. Riley lost her husband shortly after their son was born and has no desire to risk her heart again. Both are happy with what they have.
 
Then Riley discovers she's pregnant. First, she must tell him. She's worried about his reaction. Then she needs to fend off all the well-meaning advice telling her that they should get married. The news surprises Josh, but not nearly as much as the realization that he's thrilled with the idea. As the idea of fatherhood settles in, Josh also realizes that his feelings for Riley are more than just friendship.
 
I loved watching the changes in Josh and Riley's relationship. Josh is so sweet in the way he watches out for Riley. The scenes after her fall were awesome. He hopes that with patience and understanding, he can overcome Riley's fears. I ached for his pain and frustration as she resisted his efforts. Riley frequently frustrated me. She suspects she's falling in love with him, but is in deep denial. She's afraid that if she admits it, she will open herself up to another devastating loss, so she pushes him away. I loved the ending and seeing Riley overcome her fears.
 
I loved the two little boys, Shane and Dillon. They were adorable, but also realistic, with the occasional disagreement and five-year-old challenges. Seeing other Bravo family members is always a pleasure. I thought Josh's ex-wife, Lenore, would be a problem, but she surprised me. 

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

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

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

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