en-US Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:15:20 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review7527474417 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:15:20 -0700 /review/show/7527474417 Susan gave 4 stars to The Summer That Shaped Us (Hobby Island #1) by Lori Wilde
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, ebook, first-reads-review-copies, romance
The premise of this book was interesting. It is a private island, a place for crafters of all kinds to get together, share their projects, and learn from each other. It is peaceful and beautiful, with people who look out for each other. The owner, Eloisa, has a knack for helping struggling people. She invites a few special people to an all-expenses paid vacation on the island each year.

Jeanie is a quilter who received one of those invitations, which includes her daughter Luna and granddaughter Artemis. The entire family has had a rough time lately. Luna's husband was murdered, and she discovered that he had lost everything gambling. She and Artie had to move in with Jeanie. Artie is struggling with grief over her father's death. Meanwhile, Jeanie fell victim to a scam artist and is on the brink of losing her home.

I enjoyed watching the changes the three women experienced. Artie is almost sixteen and none too thrilled to be there. There is no internet, and cell phone service is practically non-existent. She's quite the brat at the beginning of the book, but meeting a new friend opens her eyes to a life outside a screen. There is some typical teenage eye-rolling and snark, but Artie is, at heart, a good kid. I loved seeing her and the other girl, Orion, get to know each other. Their collaboration on an art project for the contest was intriguing.

Jeanie is a people pleaser. Her backstory was heartbreaking, between her unstable childhood and her alcoholic husband. She and Luna have a strained relationship, but they need each other. She must win the craft contest's grand prize to save her home. I loved her confidence in her quilting skills and ached for her lack of belief in her design skills for a contest-worthy quilt.

Luna has difficulty trusting people.. Her difficult childhood, combined with her husband's betrayal, makes allowing anyone to get close a challenge. She is overprotective toward Artie, which strains their relationship. Luna also looks sideways at how easily Jeanie makes friends with total strangers. She is wary of the exuberant residents of Hobby Island, wondering what darkness lies beneath the smiles. The last person Luna expects to encounter on Hobby Island is her high school boyfriend, Paul.

I liked Paul. A single dad, he moved to Hobby Island to be near his Aunt Eloisa and have her help raising his daughter, Orion. He's in charge of the landscaping, the golf carts (no cars), and security. His past with Luna is an integral part of the book as they reconnect and deal with that past. Paul is a great guy, a terrific dad, and has an excellent outlook on life.

I enjoyed the story's progression as the island works its magic on Jeanie, Luna, and Artie. I especially liked seeing Jeanie and Luna work together to design the quilt Jeanie will make for the contest. Their time together brings them closer than they've been in years but also stirs up some unwelcome memories.

I enjoyed watching Paul and Luna reconnect. It doesn't take long to resurrect their feelings from the past, but Luna is wary of believing a future is possible for them. I loved Paul's patience with her fears and his steady encouragement to let go of them.

The story's intensity built as the competition's time grew closer. A crisis with Artie resurrected Luna's fears, causing her to push Paul away. I liked the advice Luna got that helped her move past the obstacles that were holding her back. Twists and turns add intrigue to the contest with a surprise conclusion. I loved the epilogue.

The island itself was one of my favorite characters. The little village of craft shops has something for everyone and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages creativity. The descriptions of the flowers were so vivid I could practically smell them, and the scene with the butterflies was fantastic. Wicked Martha, the left sock-stealing tortoise, was a surprise. I also enjoyed the quirky residents, such as the knitting-while-riding-a-unicycle Eloisa and "Auntie" Dot. I'm looking forward to another visit to Hobby Island. ]]> Review7519115906 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:59:28 -0700 /review/show/7519115906 Susan gave 4 stars to The Heiress's Daughter (The Brides of Bellaire Gardens #3) by Anne Gracie
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, ebook, historical-romance, romance
Good book. Clarissa and her illegitimate half-sister, Izzy, came to London to find husbands. Izzy's story was the previous book in the series, The Rake's Daughter, which gave the girls' background. This one has enough information to provide a good picture of their backstory to read it as a standalone. Izzy and her husband, Leo, also Clarissa's guardian, are off on their honeymoon, leaving Clarissa to navigate the Season without Izzy's support. Clarissa is shy but sweet and not beautiful, which doesn't bode well for a successful husband hunt. Unfortunately, she is also an heiress, which makes her a target for fortune hunters. Clarissa wants what most people want - love and happiness. She also has two requirements - no fortune hunters or rakes, and there must be love. Her father was both, and she wanted nothing to do with a man like him.

Lord Randall, Race, is her guardian's best friend. Leo asked Race to take Clarissa riding occasionally because her chaperone doesn't ride. Race is happy to do so and looks forward to spending time with her. He fell hard for her when she stood up for Izzy in front of Society without caring about her reputation. But he has the reputation of being a rake so she wants nothing to do with him, even though he stirs her senses like no one else ever has. Unfortunately, Clarissa's self-esteem is so low that she can't believe a man known for being with beautiful women is genuinely interested in her.

I ached for Race. He has it bad for Clarissa and nothing he does will convince her that he wants her for herself, as she is. He gets tongue-tied when trying to tell her of his feelings, and she consistently misunderstands what he tries to say to her. Another man is paying attention to her, and Race is determined to win her. I loved how Race came to her rescue when the other man turned out to be the worst kind of cad. I loved that scene so much.

I was very frustrated by Clarissa and her refusal to see past Race's reputation to the man he is. I understood her attitude toward rakes, but he proved himself in so many ways. I loved that she finally dared to share her concerns with him and, by doing so, got everything she could hope for. I loved Race's promise to be open and honest in his answers and how she finally believed in him. The ending was terrific; I can't wait to see them in future books.

In an interesting twist, Clarissa made an unexpected discovery when she went to an orphanage to hire a new lady's maid. She found a young girl, about fifteen years old, who looks like her sister Izzy. Clarissa is sure that she has found another sister. Zoe is wary and reluctant to trust that it is true. I enjoyed watching Clarissa try to convince Zoe that she belongs in the family. I understood Zoe's wariness. I liked the compromise they settled on in the end. I look forward to reading Zoe's story next. ]]> Review7513870547 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:54:07 -0700 /review/show/7513870547 Susan gave 4 stars to Pretending to Love a Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World (Kindle Edition) by Dayna Quince
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, ebook, first-reads-review-copies, historical-romance, romance
Good brother's best friend/best friend's sister story. Amelia and Graham are very different people. He is stoic and controlled and gives off grumpy vibes. Amelia is impulsive and always optimistic. Amelia lives with her twin brother, Sam, the Earl of Alston, and has no plans to marry. Matters become very complicated when Sam sustains a life-threatening injury. To protect her brother and herself, she must keep his injuries secret. Her only help is Graham, whom she has never gotten along with.

Amelia has no idea that Graham has been in love with her for years. As her brother's best friend, Graham believes she is off-limits to him and uses his standoffish attitude to keep her at a distance. However, they put their differences aside to work together to care for Sam. It doesn't take long for Amelia to realize she may have misjudged Graham's attitude toward her.

Trouble arises when Amelia's aunt and cousin become suspicious about Sam's lack of public appearances. The cousin is Sam's heir and is eager to step into Sam's shoes. He and his mother scheme to force Amelia to marry him, putting her inheritance under their control. Amelia and Graham's only option seems to be a fake engagement to keep them at bay. As their engagement forces them into frequent public appearances, it becomes obvious that Graham's feelings for Amelia are much stronger than he wants to admit. Nor does Amelia wish to acknowledge her growing attraction and feelings for him.

Amelia seeks help from Mrs. Dove-Lyon in carrying out their plans, putting her in the widow's debt. The terms were quite interesting, and I suspect they will significantly impact the author's next book in the series. One of her people makes several appearances, providing assistance at a critical time. Mrs. Dove-Lyon also steps in when looming disaster makes it imperative that Amelia and Graham marry quickly.

The fast-paced conclusion, from the confrontation with the aunt and cousin to the medical crisis with Sam, broke down the walls that kept Amelia and Graham apart. I loved seeing them admit their feelings and work together to protect and help Sam. There are a couple of twists that bode well for future books. ]]> Review7496929343 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:20:52 -0700 /review/show/7496929343 Susan gave 5 stars to Montana Memory (Resting Warrior Ranch #10) by Josie Jade
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, ebook, first-reads-review-copies, romantic-suspense, romance
Terrific story that picks up where the previous book, Montana Heat, left off. Hunter and Jada played major roles in that story. Hunter is a cousin of Resting Warrior Ranch's Lucas. A former Special Forces soldier, Hunter has severe PTSD. He has been on the move for two years, trying to outrun the memories that haunt him. Lucas wants him to rest and heal at RWR, but he isn't ready. However, Hunter is there for him when Lucas needs help on an op.

This book opens at the end of that operation, where the men of RWR rescued Kenzie from a stalker. Hunter finds Jada badly beaten and being attacked. He knows who she is but can't leave her behind. On the other hand, Jada's memory is completely blank. She doesn't know who she is or why bad guys and police are looking for her. She desperately wants to know the truth, and Hunter is the only one she can trust to help her.

I ached for Jada. The more she learns about her past, the more horrified she is by her actions. Her guilty feelings increase when she meets the person who was the target of those unremembered actions. She wonders if it is possible to put the past behind her and build a new life as the person she wants to be.

I liked watching Jada and Hunter's relationship develop. The trauma of their pasts makes each reluctant to get close, afraid of more pain. Hunter is a tough nut to crack, convinced it is safer to remain alone. However, their experiences make it easier to see the other's pain, and by helping each other, they overcome their own.

The suspense kept me hooked from the first page to the last. The opening with Jada's blank memories, the search for information about her past, and whether those memories would ever return kept me turning the pages. The escalating attacks kept me on edge, and the final confrontation had a terrifying twist. The resolution was fantastic, and the epilogue was a terrific look at Hunter and Jada's progress in their relationship and healing.

I loved catching up with the RWR family. The deep ties between the men and women continue to expand and embrace others. There were a few rough moments because of Jada's earlier actions, but redemption and acceptance were never really in doubt. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. ]]> Review7494457677 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:14:43 -0700 /review/show/7494457677 Susan gave 4 stars to Let Me Be the One (Family Ties #1) by Lori Foster
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, ebook, first-reads-review-copies, romance
Good slow-burn, small-town romance. Callie grew up in Hoker, the small town's "princess" daughter of the town's wealthiest family. She wasn't snobby or mean, just a bit unconscious of the people outside her circle. Callie left for college and didn't return until she inherited her uncle's farm. By then, she was looking for a new start. Her business had failed, and she discovered her fiancé cheated on her. She hopes to reinvigorate her video blog with luck and hard work and get new followers. The only hitch in her plan is that she knows nothing about farming!

Tanner grew up in Hoker and never left. He works the tree farm next to Callie's property and remembers her as the out-of-reach girl he crushed on in high school. The last thing he expected was to find her wandering through the woods between their properties.

I enjoyed watching Callie and Tanner's relationship develop. I laughed at their first encounter as she and her cousin Glory got lost in the woods and ended up on Tanner's property. He isn't happy about the trespassers and purposely attempts to scare them away using his chainsaw. I loved seeing Callie stand up to him and refuse to be intimidated. Tanner isn't happy to learn about Callie's plans for her farm, as he had his own plans for the property. He starts out believing, or hoping, that she will get bored with the work needed and give up. But the longer she stays, the more he admires her determination and resilience.

I loved Callie's determination. She refuses to give up even though she is in way over her head. She knows nothing about farming or taking care of the animals. She's scared of the chickens and the other wildlife. Callie is independent and wants to stand on her own two feet, but eventually realizes that accepting help doesn't mean she's weak.

The more time Callie and Tanner spend together, the closer they grow. Callie is in no rush for another relationship, but she can't deny the feelings that Tanner stirs in her. Tanner spends a lot of time fighting and denying his feelings. Past trauma makes him reluctant to trust or risk his heart, but Callie finds her way past his walls. One of my favorite things about Tanner is how he sees and understands her. There is a terrific scene where her ex-fiancé shows up, trying to win her back. She confronts him with all the ways he failed her, while in the background, Tanner comes out with all the correct answers. He also turns protective when Callie's parents and ex begin to pressure her, and odd things happen around her house. The ending was intense, as Callie's problems with her ex came to a head in an unexpected confrontation. I loved the twists and surprises that came out of it.

The secondary characters were terrific. Callie's cousin, Glory, is also her best friend and supporter. She seems a little flighty but finds her place by the end of the book. I'd love to see her, and Tanner's brother Kam get together. Kam is Tanner's brother-of-the-heart. Their love and support of each other are important to the story. Their teasing is fun to watch as they like giving each other a hard time, but don't try to mess with either of them. Addie is the older woman who raised Tanner and Kam. Her care, compassion, and practicality gave them the needed love and stability. I loved how she took to Callie and Glory, including them in her circle of love. She was also a big influence on Callie as she learned her way around her new life. Dirk and Lang were Callie's neighbors on the other side of her house. Their reputations are sketchy, but they turn out okay in the end. Liam and Nell are two teenagers who Tanner mentors. Their love and respect for him are apparent, and I loved how important they became to Callie. ]]> Review7482367962 Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:51:07 -0700 /review/show/7482367962 Susan gave 4 stars to His Small-Town Catch: Small-Town Reunion Romance (Hearts on Main Street, 2) by Kaylie Newell
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, ebook, category-romance, first-reads-review-copies, romance
Good second chance romance. Beau is a professional fisherman who returned to Christmas Bay and his cousins Poppy and Cora after his grandfather's death. His will requires them to work together in his antique shop for a year before they can sell it. The timing was good for Beau, who was recovering from a shoulder injury. The last thing he expected was to run into his ex-fiancée, the girl he broke up with, to follow his dream.

Summer returned to Christmas Bay to escape a difficult situation with a coworker and pursue her dream of furniture restoration. She stops in the antique store to talk about selling her furniture through them. Surprised to see Beau, she knows working with him is risky for her heart, but she does it anyway.

I enjoyed the rekindling of Beau and Summer's relationship. Their attraction is as strong as before, but both are reluctant to open their hearts again. Beau's past makes him wary of commitment, and Summer doesn't want to go through the heartbreak she experienced the first time. But as they spend time together, the old feelings grow stronger, and each begins to think, "What if?"

Beau's protectiveness kicks in when Summer's coworker finds her and threatens her peace of mind. I liked how he and his cousins stepped up to help her. But when Beau's feelings conflict with his career plans, he panics and pulls away before realizing what he is giving up. Now he must convince Summer that she can trust him not to walk away from her again. The ending was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue was a terrific wrap-up for the book. I look forward to Cora's story.

I had two favorite secondary characters - Tank, the goat, and Beau's niece, Mary. Tank is Summer's pet and is sort of an emotional support animal. There are some great scenes, from Tank's lighthearted antics to an emotionally charged health crisis. Mary is a preteen whirlwind of emotion and unfiltered opinions. I laughed out loud at some of her conversations with Beau and her unsolicited advice. I'd love to see a story about her when she grows up. ]]> Comment289401474 Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:21:31 -0700 /topic/show/23046494-ireland-tour Susan made a comment in the The Lost Challenges group:

DONE!!

Ireland Tour
March 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025


Do one task for each place.

12/12

TASKS

1. Dublin
There’s a good chance you’ll start your Irish adventure in Dublin, home to Dublin Castle, Trinity College Dublin, the National Museum of Ireland, and the Guinness Storehouse. It’s a walkable city, so you’ll be able to explore most of it in just a day or two. For an extra dose of history and a drink, of course, make your way to The Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin.
☘️ Read a book set at a college or where a character goes for a walk or where the author's initials can be found in DUBLIN.
The Duke’s Lance - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Mar 2025) (walk) - Mar 17

2. Galway
The bohemian atmosphere and lively arts scene are two reasons you’ll want to visit the harbor city during your journey. Unlike Dublin, where you may feel the need to see as much as possible, Galway is a bit more low-key. Travelers can stroll through cobblestone streets, savor traditional music in local pubs, and experience the enchanting landscapes of Connemara that surround this charismatic city.
☘️ Read a book set in a coastal town or tagged as music or where the first letter of each title word can be found in GALWAY. ( Two word minimum).
Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neil (HMED #1199 - Sept 2021) (coastal town) - Mar 5

3. Kinsale / Old Head of Kinsale
In Kinsale, there are beautiful views of the harbor. If it’s a nice day, stretch your legs along the 3.7-mile Scilly Walk before heading to Bulman Bar & Restaurant for dinner. The Old Head of Kinsale has a “world-class golf course on many golfer's lists. It’s only about a 20-minute drive from the town, but it stands alone as its own destination.
☘️ Read a book where a character plays golf or a book which is number 20 in a series or where a character goes out for dinner.
Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (HI #2272 - Mar 2025) (dinner) - Mar 1

4. Cliffs of Moher
Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs offer panoramic views that are both exhilarating and serene. Plus the surrounding landscape is equally impressive, with unique and precious wildlife and natural flora and fauna.
☘️ Read a book with cliffs or mountains on the cover or where a character is described as serene or calm or where the author's initials can be found in MOHER.
Wyoming Double Jeopardy - Juno Rushdan (HI #2280 - Apr 2025) (mountains) - Mar 24

5. Iveragh Peninsula
The Iveragh Peninsula is a stunning stretch of heritage in southwestern Ireland that offers a picturesque escape into nature’s awaiting embrace. Many travelers choose to explore the area via the Ring of Kerry, the scenic drive that encircles the peninsula. The route’s popularity stems from the fact that the 111-mile journey is accented by incredible landscapes, small villages, and top-tier views of the Atlantic Ocean
☘️ Read a book where a character gets a ring or where a book is set in a small village or where the author's initials can be found in IVERAGH.
An American Doctor in Ireland - Karin Baine (HMED #1378 - Mar 2024) (ring) - Mar 13

6. Killarney
If you decide to complete the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, you’ll come across Killarney. Take the time to explore the town and it’s very walkable. Nearby Killarney National Park should not be overlooked. Within the park, you'll find the three famous Killarney lakes, which provide breathtaking views as they sit beside the mountain range, and Torc Waterfall, one of the most spectacular in Ireland and best viewed after heavy rain.
☘️ Read a book where a character looks at a waterfall or where a character explores a town or where the authors initials can be found in KILLARNEY.
His Small-Town Catch - Kaylie Newell (HSE #3088 - Apr 2025) - Apr 12

7. Dingle Peninsula
You’ll find the Dingle Peninsula slightly northwest of Killarney. Its rugged coastline and charming villages create the ultimate Irish experience. Explore the Slea Head Drive for jaw-dropping vistas, and encounter ancient archaeological sites.
☘️ Read a book where a character takes part in an archaeological dig or were a character takes a drive or where the first letter of each title word can be found in DINGLE PENINSULA. (Three word minimum).
How to Court a Rake - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1849 - Apr 2025) (drive) - Mar 23

8. Aran Islands
Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer make up the Aran Islands, a place known for its ruins and sacred sites. The islands unfold a tale of timeless elegance against the backdrop of the Atlantic's gentle embrace. If you’re already in Galway, you can take the seasonal ferry directly from the city to the islands.
☘️ Read a book set on an island or where a character takes a ferry or where the first letter of the location can be found in ARAN.
Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels - Jennifer Wilck (HSE #3068 - Nov 2024) (New Jersey) - Mar 7

9. Doolin
If your trip was inspired by the desire to hear Irish music, look no further than Doolin, a coastal village known as the “traditional music capital of Ireland.�� Take a seat at Gus O'Connor's Pub or McDermott's Pub and enjoy hours of lively tunes, pint in hand. Doolin is also called the “gateway to the Aran Islands,�� as the rocky isles are just offshore.
☘️ Read a book where a character listens to music or set at a pub or with a character called Gus.
Taming a Heartbreaker - Brenda Jackson (HSE #3047 - June 2024) (music) - Mar 21

10. Adare
Located southwest of Limerick, Adare was founded in the 13th century, and since then, it's become known as one of the most beautiful villages in the country. It’s a destination that captivates visitors with its “timeless charm, picture-perfect thatched cottages, historic architecture, and lush green landscapes.
☘️ Read a book that is 13th in a series or with a cottage or house on the cover or tagged Historical or history.
The Loyalty of a Lyon - Linda Rae Sande (Dragonblade - Mar 2025) (historical) - Mar 13

11. Limerick
Vibrant weekend markets with pop-up restaurants and sidewalk musicians performing in front of colorful murals are all part of the Limerick experience. Aside from being well-known for a 13th century castle, King John’s Castle, along the River Shannon, the city is also home to one of the country’s top hotels: Adare Manor. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth a visit to experience their afternoon tea in The Gallery room.
☘️ Read a book where a character drinks tea or a character named Shannon or John or where the author's initials can be found in LIMERICK.
Bodyguard Rancher - Kacy Cross (HRS #2308 - Jan 2025) (initials) - Mar 10

12. Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest of Ireland’s six national parks. Hikers and walkers have their choice of paths in this stunning region and movie buffs will want to make their way to Sally Gap, a recognizable setting from the 2007 film "P.S. I Love You."
☘️Read a book where a character says I love you or that is sixth in a series or published in 2007.
Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #3038 - Mar 2024) (I love you) - Mar 3


]]> Review7468525027 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:43:27 -0700 /review/show/7468525027 Susan gave 5 stars to Renegade Reunion (Wyoming Warriors, 1) by Addison Fox
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, first-reads-review-copies, ebook, category-romance, romantic-suspense, romance
Terrific start to the new series, with great action, suspense, and an emotional second chance at love. Trace was a CIA operative until he became disillusioned with the trustworthiness of his employer. He bought a ranch in Wyoming and, along with his brother, Garner, a former SEAL, and their friend, Jake, a former Vegas cop, trains horses. They also occasionally took on activities that utilized their skills. Trace specializes in finding missing persons. The last person he expected to show up was his former partner and the woman he can't forget.

Nicola is desperate to find a missing asset. Olivia is a teenage girl with mad computer skills and a connection to an investigation Nicola is part of. Olivia disappeared, and Nicola, unlike in the past, doesn't know who she can trust. Trust was never an issue with Trace, so she tracks him down to get help.

I knew this would be a terrific book when Trace and Nicola's reunion started with her holding a gun on him. As details of their past emerged, I could see the conflict that complicated their relationship. Nicola is a by-the-book agent who believes their agency has the world's best interests at heart. Trace had no problem thinking outside the box regarding the rules. He also had/has a cynical view of his coworkers' trustworthiness. The end of their affair coincided with Trace's departure and harsh words exchanged.

Each believes that they have moved on. However, seeing each other stirs up old feelings, even though they try to resist. Working together to find Olivia allows them to face their past and acknowledge mistakes. Their feelings continue to grow, but what happens once they find Olivia? I loved the full-circle ending.

The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Nicola's worry about Olivia sent her to Trace for help. The intensity ramps up when they become the target of attacks. As Trace and Nicola dive deeper into Olivia's disappearance, the question becomes, are these attacks related to her disappearance, or are they personal? And if they are personal, who is the target - Trace or Nicola? I loved how they made Olvia's rescue their top priority, even as the truth of what they are up against becomes clear. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a twist I didn't expect. I loved how it turned out. ]]> Comment289193062 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:01:44 -0700 /topic/show/23045564-march-2025-word-search-the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz Susan made a comment in the The Lost Challenges group:

DONE - all but one :-)

March 2025 Word Search: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz


This book - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is where you can find all of the words.

Choose your level:
One: 10-20 words
Two: 21-40 words
Three: 41-50 words

Books used:
1. Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (HI #2272 - Mar 2025) - Mar 1


2. Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #3038 - Mar 2024) - Mar 3


3. Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neil (HMED #1199 - Sept 2021) - Mar 5


4. Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels - Jennifer Wilck (HSE #3068 - Nov 2024) - Mar 7


5. Bodyguard Rancher - Kacy Cross (HRS #2308 - Jan 2025) - Mar 10


6. An American Doctor in Ireland - Karin Baine (HMED #1378 - Mar 2024) - Mar 13



49/50

List:
1. axe - Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels - Jennifer Wilck (pg 101)
2. balloon - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 137)
3. basket - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 166)
4. beard - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1887)
5. bell - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1893)
6. birds - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 67)
7. brains - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1120)
8. bread - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1166)
9. brick - Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neill (pg 32)
10. bucket - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 83)
11. carpet - Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels - Jennifer Wilck (pg 120)
12. city - Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neill (pg 22)
13. collection - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 635)
14. courage - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 38)
15. dog - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 255)
16. eggs - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 358)
17. enemy - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1427)
18. escape - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 639)
19. fence - Bodyguard Rancher - Kacy Cross (pg 11)
20. forehead - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 731)
21. forest - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 487)
22. forty - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 178)
23. fruit - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 61)
24. gate - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1789)
25. girl - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 95)
26. heart - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 59)
27. home - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 110)
28. joke - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1952)
29. key - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 618)
30. kiss - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 1022)
31. lady - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 132)
32. life - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 73)
33. power - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 334)
34. raft -
35. ribbon - Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neill (pg 73)
36. scarlet - An American Doctor in Ireland - Karin Baine (pg 67)
37. sleep - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 342)
38. soldier - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 343)
39. struggle - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 673)
40. surprised - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 749)
41. swiftly - Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neill (pg 71)
42. tree - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 645)
43. truck - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 81)
44. unhappy - Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels - Jennifer Wilck (pg 122)
45. voice - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 65)
46. water - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 160)
47. well - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 56)
48. wish - Cold Case Murder Mystery - Nicole Helm (loc 138)
49. witch - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 143)
50. yellow - Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (pg 120)

. ]]> Review7460593225 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:25:02 -0700 /review/show/7460593225 Susan gave 5 stars to The Warrior's Bride Alliance (Mass Market Paperback) by Denise Lynn
bookshelves: 2025-books-read, category-romance, ebook, historical-romance, romance
Terrific enemies to lovers story. Gillian needs a husband, fast, to save herself and her people. After her older, cruel husband died, her cousin schemes to take Rockskill for his own. The property has been in her family for a long time, passed down from mother to daughter. Cousin Albert plans to marry her to one of his horrible friends and take over the property. Only someone strong and wealthy enough to stand up to Albert can help her, so she takes matters into her own hands.

Rory of Roul is the youngest of the Roul brothers and one of King David's wolves. He has been charged with capturing Rockskill and ending the shenanigans going on there. The last thing he expected was to wake up in a dungeon, chained to the wall, after being drugged and captured by a woman. Capping the indignity, Gillian then blackmails him into marrying her by threatening the lives of his men. But is he really so unwilling? Marrying Gillian gets him into Rockskill without a battle, making it easier to fulfill his mission. But Rory has his own conditions: the marriage will be in name only and annulled once his mission ends and Gillian is safe.

I loved watching Rory and Gillian's relationship develop. The first obstacle to overcome is their mutual distrust. Gillian's past has shown her that men are not to be trusted. Her protectiveness toward her people causes her to keep certain information from Rory. He senses that she is keeping secrets and wonders how deeply she's involved in the activities he's there to stop. The intense attraction between them complicates their plans. As they spend time together, Rory and Gillian's attraction grows into something deeper. Their banter and arguments were fun to witness, and the push and pull between them as they tested boundaries kept me turning the pages. But when they work together, the results are terrific. I loved the changes in Gillian, as Rory's presence and protectiveness gave her confidence in her abilities. The confrontations with those who want Rockskill for their own purposes were intense and kept me glued to the pages until resolved.

But Rory's past haunts him, convinced that his actions made the future he dreams of impossible. I ached for Rory; his pain and guilt leap off the page. Much of his pain is wrapped up in his relationship with his three brothers. Regardless of his fears for the future, he knows they will have his back in supporting Gillian. Their appearance near the end of the book is an emotional revelation of the depth of love and support these brothers share. I laughed out loud at his oldest brother's way of getting Rory's attention and cheered when he finally broke through the walls Rory erected.

I loved the ending and seeing Rory finally let go of the past. Their reunion was emotional and sweet but also showed the changes they experienced. I liked seeing more of Rory's brothers. I hope Edan gets his story soon. ]]>