Her Texas Ranger Hero - Rebecca Winters (HWR #1611 - Sept 2016)

Series: Lone Star Lawmen (Book 4)

TEXAN WITH A CAUSE

Teaming up with a civilian to bring down a trafficking ring isn't Luckey Davis's usual style. But after Allyson Duncan decodes a cryptic message that gives him his first lead, Luckey realizes Ally is indispensable to his case. The Lone Star lawman also realizes he's in danger of falling for the beautiful professor.

Ally can't believe a legendary Texas Ranger needs her expertise. And as her own feelings for Luckey deepen, is she ready to commit to an uncertain and perilous future? Or has this deep-in-the-heart-of-Texas woman found her safe harbor with the honorable man she dreams of calling her own?

Really good book. Luckey has been given a case of possible human trafficking, involving young oriental women, to investigate. One of the clues is some writing that appears to be Chinese, but no one can translate it. He heads off to the university to get help from one of their professors.

Ally grew up as the daughter of a diplomat who spent many years in China, She is fluent in several of the dialects and the perfect person to help Luckey. She also has a personal interest, as the cousin of one of her best friends may have become a victim of those traffickers.

I loved the first meeting between Luckey and Ally. She was on her way out of her office and ran right into him. I loved her reaction. Ally has always been fascinated by Texas Rangers, and to run into one that was also so good looking turned her to jelly. Luckey was pretty bowled over himself. Since his divorce eight years earlier his heart had been pretty well locked up, but Ally bashed right through those walls. He was just as fascinated with her. It was fun to see him trying to figure out a way to see her again, with or without the case for a reason. As the days went by, they found any reason they could to spend time together. I loved seeing how easily Ally fit in with his Ranger friends, and the teasing he got from them about falling for her. I also loved the dinner that Luckey had with Ally and her parents. There was a lot of mutual respect and it was obvious that her parents liked him. I also loved the story her dad told about her fascination with the Rangers since she was little. The relationship was moving along quite fast, but there were some bumps along the way. Luckey is a bit wary because his ex-wife couldn't handle his work as a Ranger, but he couldn't give it up. Ally was doing fine with it until another Ranger was killed, then she started to wonder if she could deal with the danger and uncertainty. Then when Ally was caught in some danger, Luckey freaked out also. I ached for them both as they worked their way through this issue, and they wondered if a future was possible for them. I really loved the ending as Ally made her case, and the joy it brought to Luckey. The scene in the hospital was sweet, and I loved their arrival at Luckey's home. 

The mystery of the trafficking was really good too. I liked how Luckey and his brother had talked about what was happening even before Luckey ended up with the case. Then, as Ally was helping Luckey, she realized that there may also be a connection with her Chinese friend. It was really interesting to read about the various Chinese dialects, the "woman's writing", and some of the customs. I loved how Ally and Luckey worked together, and the involvement of her parents also. It was fascinating to see how the various pieces fit together. The final confrontation was definitely intense, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would turn out. I loved seeing it all come together.

Fugitive Fiancee - Kristin Gabriel (HQN - June 2004)

Series: Maitland Maternity Clinic (Book 2)

BRIDE-TO-BE... OR NOT TO BE?

MIMI CASVILLE is through with men. After a close call with matrimony, Mimi's not looking for a new romance. So how does a woman running from one man find herself living with another? When she wanders into Garrett Lord's barn, all she's looking for is a place to hide. She never dreams she'll find so much more than that in his arms....

GARRETT LORD is through with women. As one of the last bachelors in town, he's getting sick of having lovesick females throwing themselves at him ... until he's tempted to take a roll in the hay with gorgeous Mimi. She's sweet, she's sexy ... and she's hiding something! Still, she's just the type of woman Garrett wants for a wife. Only, Mimi's first groom isn't ready to let her go....

Good book. Mimi is all set to get married when she overhears her fiance and her father talking about the money he is getting for marrying Mimi and getting her pregnant. Furious and hurt, she flees the wedding, hopping in her car and driving until she runs out of gas. On foot, she ends up hiding in Garret's barn, while she tries to figure out what to do next. She has no money, no car, nothing except the wedding gown she is wearing.

Garrett dashes into his barn to hide from one of the females determined to marry him. He's not expecting to find another one, already in a wedding gown, lying in wait. It takes some fast talking on Mimi's part to convince him she isn't interested in him. He gives her shelter for the night, planning to take her back to the city the next day. 

I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. Garrett wants to send Mimi on her way as soon as possible. She's stirring unwelcome feelings in him, as well as unwelcome memories. Garrett and his three siblings were abandoned by their mother when he was a little more than two and his siblings were infants. Then his fiancee left him standing at the altar. Having been abandoned by two women, Garrett has no desire to get involved with another. Mimi just wants a chance to figure out what to do, without the pressure her father and Paul will put on her. She wants to stay on Garrett's ranch. When she discovers that he advertised for a temporary ranch hand, she offers to fill the position herself. Garrett refuses, wanting her far away from him.

I loved the way that Mimi made a bargain with him, that if she could fill the position for three days, he'd let her stay the month. Garrett is determined to show her that she can't do it, and she is equally determined that she will. I loved seeing her step up to every challenge he laid down, achieving an excellent amount of respect from Garrett. All that time together has the attraction building and burning stronger. Garrett is fighting his feelings, but losing fast as Mimi makes a place for herself in his home and his heart.

Both of them still have obstacles to a happy ending. Garrett, thanks to his past, hates dishonesty with a passion. He is also obsessed with finding his birth mother, and finding out why she abandoned them. Mimi understands his need to know about his past, and puts her abilities as a researcher to work. I loved seeing what she does to find some of the information he's looking for. Mimi has a couple secrets of her own. First, she didn't tell him her real name, wanting to be accepted for who she really is, rather than her name and money. Second, she has an event in her past that, combined with Garrett's issues, is likely to drive him right away from her. 

What Mimi doesn't know is that Paul is determined to get her (and her money) back in his clutches. He has a PI looking for her and any information he can dig up about her. When he finds the leverage that he needs, he takes steps to ensure her cooperation. Mimi's fear has her fulfilling Garrett's worst nightmare, and it looks like history will repeat itself. But a pep talk from one of his sisters has Garrett taking an unexpected action. I loved his big moment and seeing him come through for Mimi. He also gave her the courage to confront her father, which resulted in a very satisfying outcome.

The bonus to the story was the epilogue. There was a fun scene at the wedding, which would have been enough in itself. Even better was the surprise twist that occurred at the reception, bringing the book to a sweet and emotional conclusion.

The Inheritance - Marie Ferrarella (SSE #1701 - Aug 2001)

Series: Maitland Maternity Clinic (Book 17)

Independent rancher Rafe Maitland had never met his wealthy relatives -- and planned to keep it that way. But when matriarch Megan Maitland's lovely personal assistant arrived on his doorstep, determined to ensure his presence at the family reunion, Rafe showed he could be as demanding and crafty as any other Maitland. Because the price for his company was a marriage of convenience -- and all to keep custody of the little girl he'd inherited....

Oldie but goodie. Megan Maitland is determined to bring her family members together for a family reunion - including the estranged ones. She has sent her personal assistant to convince one of those members to participate.

Rafe has never met any of his relatives, and if they're anything like his father, he has no interest in doing so. His life is busy enough without adding unwanted relatives. He's the foreman of a busy ranch, and has recently become the guardian of a baby girl. He's determined to do right by his best friends' daughter, but the mother's aunt and uncle are trying to take her away. I really loved how he has bonded with little Bethany.

Rafe has no interest in hearing what Greer has to say, but she refuses to leave without being heard. He's a bit intrigued by her determination, but has no intention of giving in. Until she offers to do whatever he needs to make it happen. He comes up with an idea that could help him, but also might run her off for good. So he makes the bargain that he will go if she will pretend to be his fiancee until the custody hearing is over. He's stunned when she agrees, but he's a man of his word and he'll follow through on his promise.

I really enjoyed the relationship that grew between Rafe and Greer. They are two very different people. Rafe is self-reliant, a bit of a loner, and cynical about wealthy people. His father was a gambler flitted in and out of Rafe's life. His mother was a Vegas show girl with issues of her own. She wasn't the best mother, but she had her moments. When Greer arrives with her invitation, Rafe is sure that Megan has some kind of agenda, and doesn't believe Greer's glowing description of her boss. Rafe isn't particularly nice to Greer, trying to run her off. But he starts to admire her determination. He also discovers an unexpected attraction to her. Greer grew up in foster homes, always hoping to find a family of her own. She is impressed by the close relationships of the Maitlands, and by the adversity some have had to overcome to get there. She can't allow Rafe to throw away his chance to be part of it, so she accepts his "proposal".

In having to pretend to be engaged, Rafe and Greer are forced into togetherness. As Rafe and Bethany arrive in Austin for their introduction into the family, Greer is there to help ease the way. I liked seeing Rafe's view of Greer change the more he got to know her, and start thinking about making their arrangement permanent. Greer dreams of the same thing, but has such a poor opinion of her own appeal that she doesn't believe it could ever happen. Her love for Rafe and Bethany really shines during the custody hearing, and I loved her passionate response to the judge's questions. Later, a makeover shows her what everyone else (especially Rafe) can already see. I loved Rafe's big moment, as he tries to express his feelings to her. His vulnerability is sweet and romantic. Greer's fears create a bit of a bump in the proceeding, and I loved seeing Rafe overcome them.

As this is part of a continuity, there are a couple of unresolved storylines. A man from Megan's past has reappeared and wants back into her life. I suspect there is more to his arrival than just a desire to make amends. There is also someone who is vandalizing the new construction at the clinic. We see who, but as yet have no indication as to why. I will eventually track down and read the other books in the series to get the whole story.

Fortune's Prince Charming - Nancy Robards Thompson (HSE #2473 - May 2016)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Children (Book 5)

CINDERELLA 2.0

Zoe Robinson had never known true love -- until Joaquin Mendoza rode into Austin and stole her innocent heart. The new guy at work is brilliant and aloof, but Zoe's nursing a secret of her own: her dad might be connected to the famed Fortune clan! But the determined beauty has never backed down from a challenge -- not when it comes to her family, and not when it comes to love.

Joaquin believes he's all wrong for the wealthiest gal in Texas -- he's got one too many family issues keeping him from surrendering his heart to lovely, innocent Zoe. Until shocking allegations surface about her family drama and Joaquin realizes that he might be the ideal match for his Texas princess after all!

Good book. Zoe and Joaquin first met at the wedding of their siblings, Rachel and Matteo (Mendoza's Secret Fortune). Zoe was interested in Joaquin then, but she didn't get to spend much time with him. A few months later, Joaquin got a temporary job with the Robinsons' software company, working on a special project. Zoe tries to get his attention, but Joaquin isn't biting.

Joaquin is keeping his attention on his job. He's recently been burned by getting involved with his boss's daughter and has no intention of going down that road again. He's also got some family problems that have him questioning who he is. 

I liked both Zoe and Joaquin. Zoe may be the boss's daughter, but she works hard at her job and doesn't try to use her relationship for her own gain. She is also a firm believer in love and fairy tales. She really wants a chance to get to know Joaquin. Zoe is also the youngest of the Robinson siblings and the one who is closest to their father. She is angry with those of her family who are pursuing their belief that their father is Jerome Fortune. She believes him when he says he isn't and wants them to stop tearing their family apart. Joaquin is a nice guy who is being eaten up by his doubts about his paternity. He doesn't want to cause his father distress, but he really feels that he needs to know the truth. He's interested in Zoe, but feels he's too old for her, plus there's the whole work thing.

I liked the development of their relationship. Joaquin tried really hard keep Zoe at a distance. It was fun to see her determination to get to know him. The company teambuilding day at Cowboy Country was really fun to see. I loved the way that Zoe quickly figured out that the woman from HR was rigging the team choices to keep Joaquin for herself and Zoe's clever way of foiling her. It came back to bite her when Zoe was left stranded, but Joaquin came to her rescue. That was the true beginning of their relationship as they got a chance to get to know each other away from work. I loved seeing how much they had in common. Though Joaquin doesn't think of himself as a romantic guy, I really enjoyed seeing the sweet way he treated her. When the attraction started to burn really hot, there was an interesting twist and I loved how he dealt with it. I liked how quickly they connected and built up to feeling able to talk about anything. 

When Zoe discovers something disturbing about her father, she confides in Joaquin, needing to be able to vent to someone. She's stunned by his reaction to the news. She can't believe the way that he seems to be judging her decisions on what she wants to do. When Joaquin confesses his own family dilemma, she understands a bit better about why, but is still hurt. She has advice of her own for him before she leaves, worried that this problem spells the end of their relationship. I liked seeing Joaquin think about what she said once he calms down, and then take action on it. I loved hard look at what he wants and how he realized that Zoe was it. His big moment at the end was great and super romantic. 

I loved the relationship that Joaquin has with his dad. They are really close, which is why Joaquin's questions are so hard on him. He doesn't want to cause his father pain. I loved the revelations and how they all worked out.

The questions on the Robinson side continue to cause stress within the family. Zoe is completely on her father's side, until she makes a discovery that has her questioning everything she believed. Her confrontation with her father reveals some things that leave her reeling. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

Fortune's Special Delivery - Michelle Major (HSE #2467 - Apr 2016)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Children (Book 4)

CONGRATULATIONS, IT'S A BOY!

Everyone knows Charles Fortune Chesterfield. The flirty son of Sir Simon and Lady Josephine Fortune Chesterfield is famous for his wit, his charm…and his libido. He's left a trail of lovely ladies in his wake, but Alice Meyers stood out from the rest. The beautiful blonde Texan was shy, sweet and a virgin. Now, apparently, she is a mother. And guess who's a dad?

When Charles announces he is extending his stay in Austin to get to know his son, Flynn, better, Alice doesn't know whether to be happy or terrified. Will she once again fall prey to "the royal treatment"? Or could she and Flynn actually find a home in the handsome Brit's heart?

Very good book. I've been waiting for Charles's story and it did not disappoint. Charles is the charmer of the family, known for his flirty ways and ability to have a good time. He is the current face of British Tourism, nicknamed "Bonnie Lord Charles". He is in the US visiting family when he receives a phone call from Alice, a young woman he had met the year before. He is stunned to discover that he is a father.

Alice is an intelligent, but quiet and somewhat shy woman. When she met Charles at a tourism conference the year before, she couldn't believe that he wanted to spend time with her. The connection they felt spilled over into a night together, one that produced her son Flynn. Alice wasn't sure Charles would be interested in knowing that he has a child, but knew she had to tell him. 

I really liked both Alice and Charles. Alice is a woman that everyone underestimates, even her family and friends. I loved the way that she took control of her life when she got pregnant, developing an independence and confidence she didn't know she had. She's a wonderful mother, putting her son first in everything she does. What I loved about Charles was that he was a normal guy under that facade that he shows the world. He has some real self-confidence issues, feeling that what he does has no real worth. He sees the way he has charmed his way through life and feels that he has no real substance, and longs to be someone that his father would have been proud of.

From the moment they met again, the sparks between them are obvious. It's funny to see Alice experience (but deny) what she calls "the Charles Effect" as her attraction to him continues to grow. Seeing the way he steps up to be a real dad to Flynn just makes her fall harder for him. I loved seeing him with Flynn. There are some really sweet scenes of the two of them together. Charles is just as drawn to her, even though she's nothing like the women he usually dates. When he is with her, he feels like a different man, one who wants to be better than he has been in the past.

I loved watching their relationship develop. Though it's Charles getting to know his son that is supposedly the reason they spend time together, there is just as much time spent getting to know each other. It was great to see how Charles tried so hard to be the man he thought he should be. He really wanted Alice to be part of his life too, but couldn't see how she'd be interested in someone like him. At the same time, Alice was beginning to see the real man and wanting to be with him, but didn't think he'd want her. Even giving in to the heat between them didn't give either one the self-confidence that it could be permanent.

In the end, I really enjoyed seeing Charles and his siblings as he tried to explain his relationship with Alice to them. They could all see the truth that he was still blind to. When their relationship was exposed to the paparazzi things got a little rough. I loved Charles's big moment at the end, especially with his siblings as witnesses. It was sweet to see his vulnerability and how he pushed past his fears. 

Fortune's Secret Husband - Karen Rose Smith (HSE #2462 - Mar 2016)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Children (Book 3)

GUESS WHAT…WE'RE (STILL) MARRIED!

She was only seventeen when Chase Parker swept Lady Lucie Fortune Chesterfield off her royal feet. His oil magnate father cut their love affair short and forced them to annul their union…or so he thought. Ten years later, the wealthy Texas rancher uncovers a secret -- he's still wed to the one woman he's never been able to forget!

Lucie was always "the quiet one." While her mom and sister have been tailed mercilessly by the tabloids, she's maintained a low profile and a gracious image. No one has ever uncovered her deep, dark secret -- an impulsive teenage marriage. When Chase tracks her down, she still finds him hard to resist. And as they prepare to untie the wedding knot, Lucie wonders: What if their biggest mistake was saying goodbye?

Good second chance story. Lucie and Chase hadn't seen each other in ten years, ever since their impulsive and short-lived marriage. Pressure from Chase's father forced them to annul their marriage, but they never really forgot each other. Ten years later, Chase discovers that the annulment never went through, so he and Lucie are still married. 

Lucie is in Austin, working with the Fortune Foundation, when Chase shows up to break the news. For the past ten years she has worked hard to stay out of the limelight, preserving her image as the quiet one in the family. The last thing she wants is for this news to come out and start a firestorm of scandal for the family. 

Getting together to talk about fixing the problem brings another issue to the surface. Neither Chase or Lucie has forgotten the way they felt, and those feelings are still there. But their lives have moved in opposite directions, so what chance do they have to make it work now?

I really enjoyed seeing the development of this relationship. At first, both are determined that the annulment go through as quickly as possible. But having seen each other again, they suddenly find themselves taking any chance they have to spend time together. I was a bit bothered by Lucie's obsessive fear of being seen together, but it was fun to see some of the lengths she went to in order to hide who she was. I liked Chase's protectiveness, as he went along with whatever she felt she had to do, just so long as he could be with her. As they got to know each other again, their hearts grew closer, but their heads could only see what was keeping them apart. 

There were several really terrific scenes that showed how right they were together. I loved seeing them work together at the church youth program, trying to pretend they didn't know each other, but constantly aware of where the other was. My favorite was when Lucie was babysitting her niece and Chase came over to be with her. I loved seeing him with the baby and how both of them felt like a family.

I liked the way that both Chase and Lucie came to see that neither had truly been ready for marriage all those years ago. Since that time, both have grown and matured into people who want to make the world a better place. The question becomes one of can they find a way to bring their worlds together. I loved the ending and how Lucie takes charge of her past and her future. Chase's big moment was sweet and romantic and I loved the timing.

There were a couple of mentions of the series theme dealing with the question of whether Gerald Robinson is actually a Fortune who walked away from his family and heritage. I'm looking forward to finding out more about it.

Deceptions - Cynthia Eden (HI #1630 - Apr 2016)

Series: Battling McGuire Boys (Book 5)

People called Elizabeth Snow wild, and once she was. Now she's the straitlaced librarian with no interest in the wildest, sexiest McGuire…until she needs him to protect her from a murderous stalker. But former Delta Force Mac does more than protect -- he quickly unleashes her untamed side again, taking their attraction to the furthest edge of desire!

Secrets from their pasts threaten Elizabeth and Mac -- as much as"The Fixer," who seems to know their every move as they hunt this monstrous killer. Can they trust each other enough to go forward? Or will a shocking truth prove fatal?

This was a very exciting book, right from the opening pages. Elizabeth is the new librarian in town, and as she is locking up one night, she hears someone calling her name. This person makes threats against her, and she is only saved by the arrival of Mac. Mac has arrived just as the library is closing, supposedly to return an overdue book. What he's really doing is wangling some time with the woman he has a crush on, but who refuses to go out with him. He immediately steps in to protect her, not just then but also later that night when she runs toward even more danger.

I really liked Elizabeth. As a teenager she had been known as a wild child. But she had fallen in love with a boy and they were starting a new life when he was brutally murdered. After that, she took charge of her life, determined to make a better one. To that end, she has done her best to keep that life calm and controlled. Now that past has come back to haunt her. While she appreciates Mac's help, she doesn't want him to get hurt fighting her battles. 

I loved Mac. He is former Special Forces and is haunted by things in his own past, not just from his military service, but also from the murders of his parents. McGuire Security is his and his brothers' way of turning their pasts into something good. Mac is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep Elizabeth safe.

There was a connection between Mac and Elizabeth from the beginning, though she tried very hard to deny it. She was afraid that she would lose her new self-control if she let any of the passion that she felt reach the surface. Once she realizes that Mac will not walk away while she's in danger, she agrees to his protection and they begin the process of trying to find out why it is happening. As they worked together, I loved seeing how easily they understood each other's fears, and the support they provided. It was really fun to see the reactions most of his brothers had to the effect she had on him. The scene with Davis and Brodie was pretty funny. I loved the way that Mac realized his feelings first and that he had no trouble admitting them, at least to himself, and that he wasn't going to give up on trying to convince Elizabeth to take a chance. I also loved seeing the changes that Elizabeth went through, as she accepted that her past didn't have to define her present and future. She could be wild or straight-laced depending on her feelings at the time. Mac's big moment at the end was really sweet and romantic.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. The bad guy, "The Fixer", just wouldn't give up. Every time they thought they were safe, there he was again. Even when they had him in their hands, there was something creepily smug about him. I really didn't like that DA and his attitude, especially when Mac and Elizabeth tried to explain just how evil the guy was. Then came the information that the killer was just a hired gun, leaving them with the necessity of finding out who had hired him. I loved the outstanding detective work they did that brought them to that point. There was a very interesting twist to the end, that wasn't a total surprise. It certainly made for a very intense confrontation before it was all over.

There was also a very intriguing lead in to the final book in the series, dealing with Sullivan McGuire. He is the one who seems to be the most cynical and hardened of them all, and we got the briefest glimpse of what may have caused it. He also receives some information that may lead to solving the mystery of their parents' murder, a theme that has run through the entire series. I can't wait to see how his story goes!

Fortune's Perfect Valentine - Stella Bagwell (HSE #2455 - Feb 2016)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Children (Book 2)

BE MY (OFFICE) VALENTINE

Wes Robinson may be part of the lost Fortune family, but he's more concerned with the fortunes of Robinson Tech. On Valentine's Day, his company will be rolling out a new computer app that will -- allegedly -- fix users up with their ideal mate. Wes has nothing against amour; he just has no faith in the perfect, lasting kind. He'll take a passionate fling any day.

Tell that to Vivian Blair, however. Wes's longtime employee with the earnest heart has complete faith that her app will work. So when she and Wes are challenged to use My Perfect Match themselves, it's game on. What follows is a series of dating debacles -- and Viv's horrifying suspicion that her Mr. Right might be her curmudgeonly boss in the cubicle next door…

Fun book about two people with opposite views of love. Wes is one of the owners of Robinson Tech and in charge of the division that develops computer and phone applications. One of his employees, Vivian, has written one that she claims will help people find their Perfect Match. He's skeptical, but it will make money for the company so he'll promote it. A less than pleasant interview with a TV talk show host has Wes claiming that he'll use the app himself to show his faith in it. As the developer, Vivian feels that she must do the same.

Their pre-launch discussion shows that they have vastly different ideas of what makes the perfect match. Wes has grown up with parents who seem to barely tolerate each other, much less love each other. They may have done so at one time, but it's obvious that it didn't last. Wes has no intention of ever marrying, he'd much rather enjoy a passionate fling, then move on when the fire dies. On the other hand, Vivian saw the passion that her parents had for each other, but that was all they had. They had nothing in common otherwise, which led to her father moving on and her mother raising her kids alone. She is convinced that the secret to a long lasting relationship is compatibility first. Vivian is bugged by his cynicism and Wes thinks that she is delusional.

Though they've worked together for six years, this is the first time that Wes has had much discussion with Viv. Though he doesn't agree with her viewpoint, he finds himself having way too much fun winding her up. He had never noticed that much passion in her before, and he is intrigued by her. Having to work together on the launch gives him the chance to find out more.

I loved seeing the dates that they ended up with through the app. Viv's dates were definitely compatible in interests, but there was no fire with any of them. She's a little dismayed by her lack of progress, but refuses to give up too soon. Wes's dates are the beautiful types of women he's always gone for, but he's finding that they aren't holding his interest the way they used to. When Wes needs a date for his brother's wedding, he asks Viv to go as a favor, as taking a casual date to a wedding is never a good idea. He gets quite a shock when he sees her out of her office attire, and the attraction that he had started to feel intensifies. Viv is feeling it too, and she's not too happy about it. Wes isn't the type to want forever and she wants to find someone who does.

The development of their relationship was interesting. The attraction was there and they eventually quit fighting it though neither believes that there is a future for them. Wes still doesn't believe that love lasts, even though his mind keeps picturing Viv in his life. Viv is certain that the differences between them are too great to make a match possible. Thanks to the media attention from their challenge to use the app, any time they spend together has to be kept secret. Wes finds himself more and more invested in what he sees building between them and begins to realize that he may have been wrong about love, but can't figure out how to tell her. Meanwhile, Viv discovers that she wants more than Wes seems to be willing to give, and tries to pull away to protect her heart.

I loved the ending and seeing Wes try to make things right with Viv. He was kind of cute in his awkward way of trying to tell her how he felt. Viv was a little bit oblivious because she was so sure that he was out of her league. Seeing them finally admit their love was very satisfying.

Also running through the book is the continuing question of whether the Robinsons are really part of the Fortune family. So far, Ben and Rachel are the only ones truly interested in pursuing the answers. The rest of the family doesn't want the drama, and their father isn't talking. A little more information comes to light which I expect will be addressed in the next book.

The Texas Ranger's Nanny - Rebecca Winters (HAR #1578 - Jan 2016)

Series: Lone Star Lawmen (Book 2)

SON OF TEXAS

Vic Malone took a solemn oath when he joined the Texas Rangers, and devastating loss only hardened the widower's resolve to do good in the world. When his only son is kidnapped, he finds invaluable help in Claire Ames, who is just as committed to bringing home the boy they both love.

Sweet young Jeremy wasn't the only male Claire would miss when the chemistry grad left her nanny job to start a career in Houston. But all that matters now is helping Vic find his son. When they do, will she be able to leave, proud of her part in his rescue? Or will her Lone Star lawman realize what she's known all along -- that they share something too wonderful to lose?

Good book. Claire has been Jeremy's nanny for nine months and adores the little boy. She is devastated when he is kidnapped and is determined to help Vic however she can in finding the boy and bringing him home. Jeremy is Vic's whole life. He had lost his wife and parents a few years earlier during a tornado, and Jeremy is all he has left. Failure is not an option, even when he is taken off the case because he is too close to it.

The kidnapping and search scenes are very intense. I could feel Vic and Claire's fear as they worried about what was happening to Jeremy. I was surprised that Vic had been allowed to question the suspect at all because of his personal connection to the case. That he lost his cool and got put on leave was not unexpected. Neither was his plan to continue investigating on his own. I loved the way that Claire insisted on helping and how her scientific way of looking at things came up with different ideas on how to approach the search. Their success was very satisfying.

The kidnapping was only the catalyst for the relationship between them to come to the surface. This was a classic case of the principals having feelings for each other but not doing anything about it because of their professional relationship. Claire had fallen for little Jeremy almost immediately, and it didn't take much longer for her to fall for Vic. She admires his devotion to his duty, but also his obvious love for his son. However, she keeps her feelings to herself since she has had no indication from Vic that he sees her as anything other than his son's nanny. Vic has been attracted to Claire from the beginning, but doesn't want to do anything that would make her quit so he doesn't do anything about them. Working together to find Jeremy only intensifies the feelings that they have.

Claire is still determined to leave when her time is up because being near those she loves without being loved in return is too hard. Even when Vic asks her to stay longer, she believes it is only for Jeremy's sake. I loved her conversation with her mother, even though she refused to believe her mother's assertion that Vic cares just as much for her. 

Vic had it a little tougher. He realizes his feelings for Claire, but there is so much else going on that they kind of get lost. He knows he doesn't want her to leave, and comes up with several ideas to keep her there, but none involved telling her how he feels. I really enjoyed his talks with the therapist his boss ordered him to see. It forced Vic to face the truth of everything that was going on. 

I loved seeing how both of them wanted to do the right things for Jeremy. He was a great kid and I thought that he came through the kidnapping really well. It was the upheaval of Claire leaving that caused the most trouble. It was really sweet to see how it was Jeremy that got them to admit their feelings. There was one more part to the kidnapping that had to be dealt with and that was exciting. The final chapter was a really sweet wrap up.

Fortune's Secret Heir - Allison Leigh (HSE #2449 - Jan 2016)

Series: Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Children (Book 1)

A Change In Fortune

Cool, confident and in control: that's Ben Robinson, the billionaire COO of Robinson Tech. With his imposing height and sharp blue eyes, he can convince anyone to do anything, but suddenly he feels like a fraud. The handsome Texan has just discovered his entire life has been a lie.

With the news that his father might actually be a long-lost -- and very prodigal -- Fortune, Ben trains his laser focus on determining the truth. He persuades sweet, earnest Ella Thomas to help him in his research; no one would ever suspect the part-time college student of subterfuge. Ella is sensitive and highly intuitive…in other words, Ben's total opposite. And as she digs for his Fortune roots, she may also uncover the billionaire's long-shuttered heart…

Great beginning to this year's Fortunes series. In the third book of the previous series Mendoza's Secret Fortune, it was revealed that there may be more Fortunes out there, with more information revealed in the epilogue of Fortune's June Bride. Now the Robinson siblings are dealing with the fact that their father has lied to them their whole lives, and that he is a Fortune. This hits Ben really hard, especially when he discovers that his father has also had multiple affairs and that there may be more siblings out there.

The book begins with Ben confronting the matriarch of the Fortune family with what he knows in the middle of a big party. Though he isn't looking for any part of the Fortune wealth, he does want their acknowledgment. While at the party, Ben meets Ella, with whom he has an instant connection. He hires her to do the research to help him find the truth of the connection and also to help him track down any siblings that he might have.

Ella works various temp jobs to earn the money she needs to complete her accounting degree. She lives at home with her mother and her sixteen year old brother, who has cerebral palsy. She is attracted to Ben from the moment she meets him, but doesn't see any future in it.

Ben is definitely obsessed with his mission, but also finds himself increasingly drawn to Ella. Though he could have taken the final steps in two of the searches by himself, instead he wants Ella with him. He had suffered a devastating blow a few months earlier, but spending time with her has lessened the pain. Their trip to Boston was great. Ben is focused on finding out if their quarry is one of his unknown siblings, but also discovers that Ella is starting to be more than just a research assistant. It was really sweet to see him get into showing her around Boston. He also found himself feeling very possessive of her when another man appeared to be flirting with her. He made a bit of an idiot out of himself, but it was pretty amusing. Ben also makes the effort to get to know her family. I loved her stunned surprise when he showed up at her brother's chess match, and how wonderful he was with her brother.

Ella has also realized that she is in danger of falling for Ben and is sure to get her heart broken. Even though he keeps telling her that he is not a nice person, and that he is selfish to the extreme, she doesn't see him that way. She sees the way that he worries about other people, how he wants to make sure any unknown siblings are okay, and how he looks after her in London, and knows that there is really a good and caring man under the gruff exterior. Giving in to the attraction between them is something she can't resist. But things come crashing down when she overhears him saying something that makes her believe that he doesn't care.

Ben has to face his fears from the past before he can let himself believe that he could have a future with Ella by his side. He fears that he has ruined everything when she stops coming to work. I loved his big moment at the end, as he exposes his vulnerabilities to her and speaks from his heart. It is all very intense and romantic, though there is a bit of comic relief provided by her brother. 

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Finding out more about why their father walked away from his heritage should be very interesting. I'm also looking forward to seeing what progress is made in the search for more siblings.