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.