Once a Champion - Jeannie Watt (HS #1857 - June 2013)

Series: Montana Way (Book 1)

It starts with the horse...

Liv Bailey never forgot her high school crush. Champion roper Matt Montoya always did have that irresistible daredevil swagger. But Liv isn't Matt's shy tutor anymore. She's a grown woman and a physiotherapist with a painful past. Matt isn't the only tough one now, and when their tempers clash over a horse they both claim ownership of, sparks fly in more ways than one.

Liv's willing to let Matt bring some passion into her life, but when he opens his heart to her, she's scared of being hurt again. Liv knows there's more there than just desire-if she can only trust the cowboy who loves her. 

Good book.  I liked both Matt and Liv though both had their moments of frustrating me. I did enjoy their sparring. Liv had come back to Dillon after breaking things off with her fiance.  She realized that she had become someone she didn't like by not standing up for her wishes against giving in to his.  When it came down to buying a horse she wanted she put her foot down and realized that she had to get out.  She moved back home and started her life over.  When Matt showed up trying to track down his horse, she gave him a cold shoulder.  She was still angry over what she perceived as his treatment of her in high school, plus she was certain that he had been the one who had abused the horse she had now.  But there was still something about him that drew her and she was determined to fight it.  As she gets to know him again the sparks between them only get stronger.  She knows that she's falling for him, but she is terrified of losing herself again.  I thought it was very interesting the way that she went so far in the other direction from being submissive to being too independent and inflexible.  She got really frustrated with her father and his attitude but couldn't see that she had become just like him.  She also had been unhappy with the way her ex tried to tell her what to do with her life, but then turned around and tried to tell Matt that what he was doing was wrong.  It was almost too late when she realized what she had been doing and that she needed to find a middle ground and let go of the past.

I liked Matt a lot.  Though he had been a pretty typical teenager, not thinking about anything other than his own needs and wants, he's done some growing up since then. I liked the way that he steps up to look after his cousin's son Craig while she is away and how well he deals with the boy. I loved seeing the two of them become friends and how Craig went from something of a geeky loner to one who got involved with what Matt was doing. However he is still pretty blind when it comes to his career as a roper.  He has had a bad knee injury and all the doctors are telling him that he cannot go back to roping or he risks permanent injury.  He refuses to accept it and is continuing with his plans for a comeback, including doing some things that are questionable medically.  He is also looking for the horse that disappeared while it had been left with his ex-wife and is stunned to find out that Liv has it - and believes that he had abused it.  He is attracted to the grown up Liv and wants to get closer to her.  He doesn't understand why she keeps pushing him away.  I liked his determination to win Liv over.  He does a lot of giving in to her in order to do it, until he finally has enough.  I loved seeing the way it was Craig who ended up helping Matt and Liv get together.  

Colton by Blood - Melissa Cutler (HRS #1764 - Aug 2013)

Series: Coltons of Wyoming (Book 2)

An unsolved murder haunts those who live and work at Dead River Ranch. When called to care for the ailing Colton patriarch, Dr. Levi Colton must face the father who never claimed him. He's not looking for distraction, but he finds it in Kate McCord, the irresistible pastry chef. Beneath her sweet smile are scars from her own tragedy -- and a determination for justice.

As a wildfire forces them together with an unknown killer, Levi and Kate must confront an attraction that flares hotter than flames. They edge closer to the truth, discovering that the secret that links their pasts could lead them straight into the killer's trap.

Very good book, second in the series.  Levi was asked by his half-sisters to come to the ranch and try to get their father to accept medical treatment.  He is reluctant because Jethro never claimed him as his son and is still resentful about it.  He is immediately attracted to Kate who is the pastry chef for the ranch.  Kate is glad to be employed at the ranch because she has a lot of debt to repay.  Many of the people she works with/for are pretty obnoxious.  Kate is drawn to try to find out who killed the woman in the first book because Faye had been like a mother to her.  Kate is also attracted to Levi but doesn't want to risk her job.  As the days go on the attraction gets stronger but Kate is also in danger.

I really liked both Kate and Levi.  Both are good people who have had bad things happen to them, but both are survivors.  Kate was married and pregnant when they were involved in a car accident that killed her husband and unborn baby.  She also lost her business leaving her with a lot of debt.  She has closed herself off from involvement with anyone else, feeling that she can't handle the pain of another loss.  One of her closest relationships on the ranch was to Faye and now she feels compelled to try to discover who the killer is.  Levi's appearance on the ranch makes Kate feel things she swore she would never feel again.  It doesn't take long for her to decide to go ahead and give in to the desire but to keep her emotions locked up.  I really enjoyed the way that Levi ended up knocking down her walls.  He had a true appreciation for the job she does, especially since he has a major sweet tooth.  I loved Kate's compassion for other people.  She enjoys creating desserts for Jethro even though he's a grouch because she feels sorry for him.  Her depth of understanding for Levi as he deals with his father, the memories of being back in his hometown, and also memories of his mother are another demonstration of her growing love for Levi.  Even discovering the connection between the two of them isn't enough to keep her down for long.

Levi is a great hero.  He is kind and compassionate which shows in his work as a doctor.  But he is also strong and sexy.  He wants nothing to do with the father who has denied him all these years, but he can't say no to his half sisters when they ask for his help.  He arrives at the ranch and meets Kate right away.  His attraction to her is immediate, but he also realizes that there is more to it than just desire.  He also takes on his father right away and doesn't back down from Jethro's contrariness.  I really loved the way that Levi is constantly in Jethro's face about the way he treats other people.  Levi's compassion is also obvious in the way that despite Jethro's attitude Levi still wants to do his best for Jethro's health.  I also loved his protectiveness toward Kate.  Besides standing up for her against Jethro, he is also worried about her involvement in trying to find Faye's killer, especially after Kate is attacked.  Add in the wildfire that is threatening the ranch and Levi realizes that he wants Kate in his life forever.  

The mystery is proceeding, not too fast since it has to last through six books.  There is another murder, Kate is threatened and attacked, and the mystery of the kidnapped Colton baby is ongoing.

Mistress to the Marquis - Margaret McPhee (HH #1146 - July 2013)

Series: Gentlemen of Disrepute (Book 5)

She may grace his bed, but she will never wear his ring

They whisper her name in the ballroom's shadows -- the marquis's mistress! It will take all of Alice Sweetly's renowned acting skills to play this part: smile until it no longer hurts, until they believe your lie, until you believe. Pretend he means nothing.

If the Marquis of Razeby thinks he can let his mistress go easily, he is so very wrong. Each night she appears before a rapturous Covent Garden audience, taunting him with her beauty. But Razeby must marry, and while Alice could grace his bed she can never grace his arm.

This is a different kind of story.  Alice is an Irish girl who has made it big on the stage.  Currently she is Razeby's mistress also.  They are dealing very well together and Alice sees it continuing for quite awhile. Suddenly Razeby breaks off their arrangement stating a need to marry.  Alice is devastated but doesn't let on.

I liked Alice.  She knew what she was signing up for when she became Razeby's mistress.  She has come to care for him and feels that she knows him pretty well.  She can tell that something has been bothering him and finally asks.  When he tells her that he must marry and therefore won't be seeing her any longer she is devastated but doesn't let it show.  She has a great deal of pride and puts a brave face on it.  The biggest issue is that they can't really avoid seeing each other so she constantly has to look like she doesn't care.  She also admits to herself that she doesn't mind showing him what he's missing since she can see that he isn't happy.  When they do meet it is obvious that there is still something there.  At one point Razeby offers her everything she could want, but as she feels it's at too high a cost to him she drives him away.  It takes a major change in attitudes for them both to make this turn out well for both of them.

I liked Razeby also.  He was a typical bachelor of the time and having a mistress was not unusual.  He was different in the way that it was obvious that he cared for Alice.  He knew that he would be required to marry and have an heir and that his own personal deadline was fast approaching.  Unlike many others he refused to keep a mistress while married and regretfully ended things with Alice.  He did not handle it as well as he could have, as he had put it off for as long as he could.  His reminder to her that it was a business arrangement was his way of rationalizing things to himself, trying to convince himself that there were no emotions involved.  I loved seeing him make the rounds of the Marriage Mart, trying to convince himself to pick one of the girls, but not being able to pick one.  He had a terrible time keeping Alice out of his mind.  It wasn't until their final confrontation that he just picked one and set a date.  His unhappiness was obvious and it took a frank discussion with one of his friends for him to see what had to be done.

I especially liked the storyline.  The mistress relationship in most novels is usually a negative one, but this one showed that sometimes there is real caring.  I also enjoyed the realistic portrayal of what that life was like and how they were treated.  I loved the ending and thoroughly enjoyed the ballroom scene that delivered Alice to Razeby.

Seeing is Believing - Erin McCarthy (Berkley - Mar 2013)

Series: Ohio's Most Haunted Town (Book 6)

Cuttersville, Ohio is full of ghosts, and they all want Piper Tucker’s help.
One guy in town just wants Piper.

Ever since Piper Tucker was young she wanted to be like everyone else, but her uncanny ability to see ghosts always put her on the other side of normal. And the apparitions are showing up now more than ever, desperately seeking help. But what can she possibly do for them? They’ve already been dead for years. Besides, she has a personal concern of her own right now. A real flesh and blood concern -- named Brady.

He’s Piper’s childhood crush, and no sooner is he back in town than sparks start giving off heat. For Brady, it’s hard not to notice the sexy young woman Piper’s become, or forget the special gift she had as a girl. And right now it could come in handy, because a long-forgotten murder has been keeping a restless spirit from finding peace. All Piper and Brady have to do is solve the crime to put the specter to rest. But the passion brewing between them is just as restless, and could prove twice as dangerous.

Good book.  Piper has seen ghosts ever since she was young.  She doesn't tell people about it because she doesn't want that kind of attention.  She just wants to be normal. While babysitting for a cousin her childhood crush appears to come to there.  He has lost his job and is feeling pretty low.  He remembers Piper as a child but the grown up Piper knocks his socks off.  Even though he doesn't plan to stay in town for long he'd really like to get to know her much better.

I liked Piper.  Her ability to see ghosts really freaks her out.  She's gotten used to it but she doesn't like it.  Brady's appearance in town brings back all her old memories of him.  He was nice to her as a kid and didn't make fun of her abilities.  She had quite a crush on him and now that crush has turned into an intense attraction.  Because of the way her stepfather abused her when she was little Piper has trouble believing anyone would really want her but she begins to believe Brady when he does.  I loved the way she took matters into her own hands at the beginning and got the ball rolling.  I liked the way that she believed in Brady and that he can recover from his job loss.  She spent a lot of time worrying about what other people thought but thanks to Brady started to think more about herself and what she wants.  I liked the way that Piper decided that she had to get her own life together before she could be part of Brady's.  I also enjoyed the mystery of why the ghost Rachel is suddenly appearing more often and looking angry.  Piper and Brady worked well together as they investigated.

Brady was pretty cool.  At the beginning he was kind of selfish being most interested in getting Piper into bed and not worrying too much about feelings.  It didn't take long before she had gotten under his skin and he was thinking about more than that.  I loved watching him look out for Piper when she was dealing with the ghosts.  He also understood her self  worth issues and was always treating her as a normal woman even when coping with the ghosts.  He had a bit of growing up to do yet, but with his growing love for Piper he started to take responsibility for his own happiness.  He also has to deal with everyone in town telling him that he's not good enough for Piper.  I liked the way that he stuck with her through all of that and cared enough to give her space when she asked for it.  I really liked the ending and how Brady helped her with the solution for Rachel.

For Love and Honor - Cathy Maxwell, Lynne Hinton, Candis Terry (Avon Impulse - June 2012)

Series: Sweet Texas (Book .5)

In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell's The Bookish Miss Nelson, it's the duty of daring Army Captain William Duroy to escort Miss Pippa Nelson through enemy territory, bringing her safely home to England. But can he resist falling in love?

Good story.  William and his men are in trouble for fighting so as punishment they are assigned to escort Pippa to Lisbon so she can be returned to England.  He is not happy since it's possible he will miss the coming battle.  Pippa is not happy since she doesn't want to go to England, being very happy following her father around.  William isn't used to someone arguing with him and finds himself quite intrigued by Pippa.  When she sneaks off to return he follows her.  They work well together in the face of danger and discover and unexpected attraction.  I loved the ending and how well things worked out for them. 

In Lynne Hinton's Letters From Pie Town, a New Mexico town couldn't be prouder of its very own Raymond Twinhorse, injured while fighting in Afghanistan. So Trina Lockhart gathers letters from Raymond's friends and family, hoping their wishes will help to heal the man she loves—and bring him back home.

This was my least favorite of the three stories.  Raymond has been injured and is in the hospital in Germany.  Trina has rallied the town to send him cards and letters of encouragement.  That's all this story is -  a few letters.  There is nothing from Raymond's point of view or what is actually going on with him.  I didn't connect with anyone here.

In Candis Terry's Home Sweet Home, Lt. Aiden Marshall returns to Sweet, Texas, after facing the devastation of war. With the help of the entire town—and a tail-wagging companion—the woman he's always loved makes her hero's homecoming all the more sweet.

This was my favorite.  Aiden has come home to Sweet.  He lost his two best friends in the fighting and is dealing with terrible survivor's guilt.  He had also made friends with a dog over there and was devastated to have to leave him behind, adding to his guilty feelings.  He still loves Paige but feels that he is a bad bet and doesn't deserve to be happy.  Paige is finally able to get him to talk about his experiences and lets him know that she is not going to give up on him.  She knows just how to help him and with the town's cooperation is able to give him a soul healing surprise.

Stroke of Midnight - Olivia Drake (St Martins - June 2013)

Series: Cinderella Sisterhood (Book 2)

The infamous Laura Falkner has returned to Regency London society in disguise. Determined to clear her father’s name, she becomes a companion to elderly Lady Josephine -- only to learn the woman’s nephew is none other than Alexander Ross, the devilish Earl of Copley, the man Laura once loved with all her heart. The same man who’d accused her father of theft and forced them to flee England.

Alex has never forgotten Laura -- or forgiven himself for letting her go. Today, Laura is as lovely -- and stubborn -- as ever, and her attempts at crime-solving are putting her in danger. The only way Alex can keep her safe is to marry her. But how can this notorious rake convince Laura that his heart is true…before the clock strikes twelve?

Pretty good book.  Laura has returned to England to find that her father has been murdered, still without clearing his name.  She decides that it is up to her now, though she isn't quite sure how she'll go about it.  She manages to find a job as a companion to an old lady, only to discover that she's the aunt of the man Laura had loved, but holds responsible for her father's troubles.  She doesn't trust his offer to help her but feels like she has no choice.

I liked Alex.  He had made mistakes in the past and was keeping secrets, but his feelings for Laura were real.  He had started courting Laura all those years ago as a way to keep an eye on her father.  His godmother suspected him of stealing her jewels.  It didn't take long for Alex to really start to care for Laura.  When he found the stolen earrings he felt compelled to attempt to apprehend her father.  Laura attacked him and she and her father fled.  Now he has found her acting as his aunt's companion and planning to solve the mystery herself.  He is certain that he was right, but tells Laura that he will help her as a way to protect her from any more scandal.  I liked his intent to protect her and he certainly hadn't stopped caring for her.  He didn't want to admit it was love.  I liked seeing him marry her since it was obvious he cared, but he was still keeping secrets from her.  I didn't like the way that he wasn't really open to the idea that he could have been wrong until it was almost too late.  

I liked Laura's unshakeable belief in her father's innocence.  She had been very much in love with Alex all those years ago and was devastated by his actions.  When she returned to London she was determined to avoid him.  Her anger with him was still very strong.  When she discovered that she was working for his aunt she was sure she would be arrested herself.  When Alex offered to help her she wasn't all that sure she should trust him but she felt she didn't really have a choice.  She still sensed that he was only humoring her and was planning to continue her investigation anyway.  She was certain she knew who was behind it and was sure she could find the proof.  The more time she spent with Alex the more she realized she still loved him, even though he gave no indication that he loved her back.  When Alex's secrets came out she was devastated all over again.  I thought she was awfully gullible at the end when she ended up in the hands of the real thief.  She was very lucky that Alex was smarter than she was.

Intimate Seduction - Brenda Jackson (HKR #145 - July 2009)

Series: Steele Family (Book 8)

When a man finds a beautiful woman asleep in his bed...

...he has only one choice. To seduce her with a night of lovemaking she'll never forget. Trouble is, Donovan Steele's sultry new housekeeper is just as determined not to become the legendary playboy's latest conquest.

Trading the Ivy League for down South, Natalie Ford is helping out with her ailing aunt's housecleaning service. But she finds that this powerful, potent man of Steele ignites a different kind of chemistry--one that defies every law of attraction the science professor ever learned.

Natalie knows she has to come clean to Donovan about who she really is...especially when he starts believing she's out to sabotage his family business. Will she lose her chance to love the real man behind the seductive legend?

Pretty good book.  Natalie is in Charlotte to help out her aunt who broke her ankle.  Fortunately it is summer break so she can take the time away from her job as a chemistry professor.  When she meets Donovan the attraction between them is immediate and explosive.  She doesn't intend to become another notch in his bedpost, and he won't give up until she gives in.

I liked Natalie.  She is a brilliant woman who has earned the respect of her peers.  She takes a break for the summer to help out her aunt.  When she meets Donovan she lets him think that she's just a house cleaner.  She had a problem in the past with a man who was so intimidated by her intelligence that he could only cope by putting her down.  He did a real number on her self confidence, especially when it came to intimacy.  At first she had no intention of giving in to Donovan's seduction attempts, but then decided to take advantage of their attraction for her own pleasure.  I loved seeing the way that her confidence grew.  I also enjoyed seeing her do things that brought her out of her academic shell.  While I understood her need to keep her profession quiet, she waited a little too long to tell Donovan.  Fortunately it all worked out for her.

Donovan was quite the footloose bachelor.  He worked hard but he liked to play even harder.  When he met Natalie he felt an strength of attraction he had never felt before.  He was determined to have her, and when he did it was like nothing else before.  I loved the way that he couldn't get her off his mind, even getting distracted at work.  He also took her to family gatherings, something he'd never done before.  He made a real idiot out of himself when he found her notebook and I loved watching him have to grovel.