The Black Sheep's Secret Child - Cat Schield (HD #2474 - Oct 2016)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 74)
           Las Vegas Nights: Club T's (Book 1)

A second chance with her son's secret father!

Widow Savannah Caldwell faces the challenge of her life: begging Trent Caldwell -- her former fling and late husband's brother -- to save the family's ailing music business. That she's still attracted to Trent makes things hard; that Trent is her son's secret father makes things impossible!

Trent is fiercely proud of making his own fortune, despite his controlling father. And he's always believed his brother got the girl who should have been Trent's. Now he'll have the family business, and his brother's widow in the bargain. But will their romantic reunion be waylaid by Savannah's shocking baby secret?

Good reunion/secret baby story. Savannah had spent her teen years as the niece of the Caldwell's housekeeper. She knew Trent and his brother Rafe pretty well and was good friends with their sister Melody, but had always had a crush on Trent. When she grew up she went off to New York and became a model, then an actress. At that point, Trent saw her as a woman and they began a fling. But he wouldn't give her the family and children she wanted, so she broke things off with him. Rafe offered her the life she wanted, and even though she didn't love him, she listened to him. A quick weekend fling with Trent showed her there was no hope, so she said yes to Rafe, not knowing she was pregnant with Trent's baby. By the time she did, it was too late. Since he'd made his disinterest in family clear, and Rafe wanted the baby, she kept quiet.

Now Rafe has died and left his shares of the family music business to Dylan.The business is in trouble and her father-in-law is creating more problems. Savannah comes to Las Vegas to ask Trent's help to save the business. 

Trent grew up as the second son, unappreciated by his controlling father. He reacted by being the rebel, always in trouble. Not allowed to be part of the family business, Trent went out and built his own. He thought of Savannah as his until she went and married his brother. But he never forgot her, and it was a bit satisfying to him to have her asking for his help now.

Neither expected the attraction to be as intense now as it was then. From the beginning they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Trent was still resistant to the idea of helping, but he couldn't quite leave Savannah to deal on her own. I liked the protectiveness that had him returning to LA with her, putting him on the spot to help her when her father-in-law tried to use baby Dylan as leverage to get what he wanted. Trent scoops them up and takes them both back to his home in Las Vegas to protect them, while he and Savannah decide what to do about the business.

The rekindling of their relationship got its start in a purely physical form. Savannah knows that Trent's attitude toward marriage and family hasn't changed, and that she's bound to get hurt, but she can't quite stop hoping. She also knows that she should tell him the truth about Dylan, but she's afraid of what his reaction would be. Trent's attitude toward marriage and family is because of what he witnessed and experienced with his own, and he has no desire to experience it himself. He was pretty adamant, and I loved seeing the effect Dylan had on his attitude about kids. I loved how they took to each other right away, and seeing Trent cuddle with and read to Dylan softened my heart and Savannah's toward him. 

There was a bit of a mystery going on with the business, a question of why it was doing so poorly. I loved the scene in the office, as Savannah and Trent confront Siggy and the manager to get access to the financial files. I loved the brief appearance of Logan from At Odds with the Heiress, as Trent gets assistance from him in solving the mystery. I also liked how Savannah has built up some backbone over the last few years and uses it when Siggy pulls a dirty trick on her. 

That threat, however, motivates Savannah to finally come clean with Trent, creating another set of problems. Trent, of course, is stunned and furious, and must now deal with a new reality. I loved the eye opening conversation he had with his mother, and the difference it made to his outlook. Savannah realizes that she had made some bad decisions, but her reasons are understandable. As much as she still loves Trent, she isn't going to settle for less. I really enjoyed the ending, with Trent's big moment, including the surprise about the business.

There was also a bit included about Trent's sister Melody and her boyfriend Kyle, who is also one of Trent's partners in the club. There are some problems in their relationship that I suspect are going to be the subject of the next book. I liked what I've seen of both Melody and Kyle, so it will be interesting to see what happens there.

The Boss's Baby Arrangement - Catherine Mann (HD #2468 - Sept 2016)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 73)
           Lourdes Brothers of Key Largo (Book 1)

Widower Xander Lourdes will do anything for his toddler daughter. But in a high-profile custody battle, his millions only go so far. What he really needs is a wife, in name only. And he has just the woman in mind…if only he weren't so drawn to the beautiful redhead!

Zoologist Maureen Burke is still reeling from a painful past, but her boss's proposal comes just as her work visa is expiring. If they're not careful, the heat between her and Xander may destroy the no-strings situation they're both counting on…

Good story of a marriage of convenience and how it becomes the real thing. Xander is a widower with a toddler daughter whom he adores. He has done everything possible to spend as much time with little Rose as he can, and has a wonderful nanny for when he can't. When his in-laws start making noises about being the better choice to raise Rose he knows he has to do something. Though he still loves his late wife, getting married again will improve his chances of keeping his daughter.

Maureen is a zoologist who works at the animal refuge with Xander's brother Easton. She has been there for three years and loves her work. Unfortunately, her work visa is about to expire and she hasn't been able to get it extended. She doesn't want to go back to Ireland and the painful memories she left behind.

A dance during a fundraiser for the refuge brought a buried attraction to the surface. Maureen had always been aware of it, but Xander's grief kept her from doing anything about it. With her looming departure, she thought about making some sort of advance to him. That thought is interrupted when his daughter is taken ill and he leaves the dance floor. The next day he is subtly threatened with a custody battle by his in-laws. Aware of Maureen's issue with her work visa, and suddenly unhappy with the idea of her leaving, Xander proposes a marriage of convenience to solve both their problems.

I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. It started out as a simple matter of expedience, with the added complication of an intense attraction between them. That attraction initially fills Xander with a great deal of guilt, as he feels disloyal to his late wife. At the same time, Maureen feels guilty because of the deception. As they spend time together, planning the wedding and pretending that theirs is a love match, their feelings slowly begin to change. First comes giving in to the attraction. Xander and Maureen handle it in different ways. Xander gets a bit freaked out by the intensity of the experience, something that is different than what he felt for his wife, which adds to his guilt. Maureen is also surprised by the feelings stirred by Xander, but hers is because her ex-husband had been just the opposite. Xander's obvious pleasure with her was a new experience, and started to open her heart up to him. Second was their interactions with Xander's daughter Rose. Maureen was incredibly moved by Xander's obvious love for her, and his willingness to do whatever necessary for her happiness. Xander was amazed at how quickly Maureen and Rose connected, as shown by the meal they shared with his in-laws. As the wedding got closer, I loved seeing everything that Xander did to try to make it special for Maureen, especially as he learned more about her previous marriage. 

By the time the wedding came, both Xander and Maureen had realized that they had fallen in love, but neither had the courage to say anything to the other. Maureen believed that Xander was still in love with Terri and would never be able to give his heart to someone else. Xander simply believed that Maureen wasn't interested in being married again, though he was determined to convince her to give their marriage a chance. The unexpected arrival of Maureen's ex brings back painful memories for her. I loved seeing Maureen blast him, and the protective instincts that have Xander giving her his support while wishing for a chance to take just one swing at him. Unfortunately, it still leaves some issues to deal with. I loved seeing Xander's brother straighten him out. It was even sweeter to see Xander show some vulnerability and Maureen realize that he's just as scared as she is. I loved the ending and seeing how they are able to move forward together.

I really liked Xander's brother and can't wait to read his story.

One Heir ... or Two? - Yvonne Lindsay (HD #2480 - Nov 2016)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 75)

Kayla Porter vowed to be a surrogate for her deceased sister's embryos. She's already given birth to her niece Sienna. But a clinic crisis means she's running out of time to fulfill her promise. She needs Donovan Murphy's help—if they can work around the explosive chemistry that's reignited between them!

The tech tycoon agreed to be a sperm donor, not a father. But that changes when he meets his baby daughter Sienna. He will claim his little girl…and her passionate, headstrong mother!

Very good book with a somewhat unusual storyline. Van, Kayla and her sister grew up together. Van and her sister were best friends, while Kayla was a tagalong. Years later, Kayla's sister is diagnosed with cancer and asks Van to be sperm donor for her so she can have children after her treatment. But she died, leaving the eggs to Kayla, who swore she would have the babies her sister couldn't. Five years later she's already given birth to one, but there are two left. The clinic is about to close down and destroy unused embryos. Kayla isn't financially ready for another baby, but she has no choice. So she goes to Van to ask for his help.

Van is surprised to see Kayla and stunned to discover that he's a father. He'd agreed to be donor, never expecting the embryos to be used. He's not happy to discover that he's a father, and flatly refuses to help Kayla with the others. In fact, he's determined to stop her from using them at all. By the time he gets all the paperwork in order, it's too late - Kayla is pregnant again.

I really liked Kayla. She's been a bit of a dreamer, footloose and commitment free. But once she decided to have her sister's baby, she changed her entire life. I loved hearing everything she did, both before and after Sienna was born. She also has a big heart, helping people who need a second chance. Unfortunately, her most recent helpee ended up helping herself to Kayla's savings and disappearing, which forced Kayla into asking for Van's help. When he refuses she's determined to push on anyway.

Van was a bit harder for me to like, at least at the beginning. When he first appears, he's contemplating his upcoming marriage proposal. It's obvious it's more of a business merger, with no thought of love. When Kayla came to him, he was furious about the existence of the baby and pretty darn nasty to Kayla. When he went to her a few days later, he was horrified to see that they'd been the victims of an attack, and that Kayla was extremely ill. His protective instincts come out and he insists on Kayla and Sienna moving in with him. He becomes a bit of a contradiction at this point, protective and kind, but also frequently cold and aloof.

I liked seeing the relationship develop. There is an attraction between them that can't be denied. They gave into it once, after her sister's funeral, with Van disappearing without a word the next day. Now they fight its effects every day. Kayla is there under protest, only because she is so sick and needs the help. Her pride and independence have her protesting just about everything Van does. He tends to roll right over her when he decides something needs to be done, which really ticks her off. However, he is also getting closer to little Sienna. I loved seeing him slip into the daddy role, even though he is sure that he isn't fit for the job. Kayla began to fall more deeply for him, as she saw the man he could be emerge from the shell created by his past. But Van still has those fears and continues to push her away, or withdraw as far as he can. But when his former fiancee gets involved, Van has to face those fears or lose Kayla, Sienna and the new baby, and any chance of happiness. I loved his big moment at the end, seeing him admit his fears to Kayla. I also liked that it wasn't a sunshine and rainbows ending, but an admission that it would take effort to ensure their happiness.

*copy received in exchange for honest review

Twins for the Texan - Charlene Sands (HD #2443 - May 2016)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 69)

After Wyatt Brandt rescues Brooke McKay en route to a Texas wedding, they spend one hot night together before going their separate ways. Now Brooke's back with news she isn't sure the wealthy rancher is ready to hear -- especially when she discovers he's already a father…of twins!

Being a single dad is a full-time job Wyatt can't do alone. He doesn't expect the ideal nanny to be the beauty who briefly shared his bed. But he accepts her help gladly -- not knowing her little secret will change his family forever…

Good book. On the way to a wedding, Brooke gets lost and runs out of gas. Fortunately she is rescued by Wyatt, who is on the way to the same wedding. Brooke, sister of movie star Dylan McKay (One Secret Night, One Secret Baby) is tired of being used by people who want to get close to her brother, so she doesn't tell Wyatt her real name. Instead, she enjoys an evening with a man who has no ulterior motives.

Wyatt lost his wife a few months earlier and has been mired in grief ever since. The only thing keeping him going is his twin children. His best friend encouraged him to go to the wedding and make a start at beginning to live again. Rescuing Brooke, who has no idea of what he's going through, gives him a welcome respite from his grief. 

Brooke and Wyatt connect almost as soon as they meet. There is definitely chemistry between them and as the evening goes on the heat continues to build. When the wedding is over, it flares into a desire that neither can resist. But in the morning, Wyatt is gone, and Brooke feels used again. Six weeks later she discovers she's pregnant and knows she has to tell him.

I liked Brooke a lot. She is fun, great with kids, and an all around nice person. She hasn't had good luck with men, which has left her wary. I liked the fact that she wasn't going to keep the news to herself, but she is understandably nervous about telling him, especially when she finds out he already has two kids. When she gets trapped on his ranch because of the weather, I really liked the way that she jumped in to help Wyatt with the twins.

I also liked Wyatt. He is hurting, but being around his kids makes it a little better. I loved seeing how much he loved them. They have become everything to him and he doesn't see that changing at any time in the future. I liked the way that he owned up to his mistake in leaving the way he did the morning after the wedding.

I really enjoyed seeing the development of their relationship. Brooke had come to tell him about the baby, but chickened out when he was talking about his two being enough for him. Trapped together on the ranch and working together to take care of the twins, the attraction between them is still there and just as strong, but both try to resist it. Brooke knows there's no future in it and doesn't want to get her heart broken again. When Wyatt gets into a bind and needs a nanny for the kids, Brooke offers to fill in until he can find one for real. But all that togetherness has her falling hard for him. Wyatt isn't sure what he's feeling for Brooke, but it has him really confused. When her nanny time is up she leaves, still unable to tell him her secret. Meanwhile, Wyatt finally starts to realize the truth of his own feelings, but isn't sure if it's too late for him. I loved his big moment at the end, especially the "help" he had.

I also liked seeing Dylan and Emma again. Their love is still going strong, of course. I loved seeing their support of Brooke. Dylan's overprotectiveness still tends to irritate her, but Emma does a good job of keeping him under control. I liked his conversation with Wyatt at the end.

His Baby Agenda - Katherine Garbera (HD #2438 - Apr 2016)

Series: Sons of Privilege (Book 4)
           Billionaires and Babies (Book 68)

A nanny. A single father. A love stronger than revenge?

Ten years ago, someone framed him for murder. Kingsley Buchanan lost everything, including Gabriella de la Cruz. Now the billionaire is back to settle old scores. But he must protect his child. Kingsley needs Gabi -- as a nanny for his son.

But Gabi is no longer a naive girl. She's a businesswoman with needs of her own. The only thing that hasn't changed: her hunger for Kingsley. But Gabi won't risk her heart on a man she can't trust -- unless she can convince him that love is more powerful than revenge…

Good second chance story with an underlying mystery. Ten years earlier, Gabi and King had been college sweethearts when he and his friend Hunter were accused of murder. In order to protect her, King said hurtful things, driving her away. Now King and Hunter are back in California, determined to find out the truth and take their revenge. King hopes that Gabi might remember something from that night, and hires her as nanny to his son to get her into his home.

Gabi has never forgotten her feelings for King, though she has tried to move on. She is nervous about having him back in her life, afraid of getting her heart broken again. But resisting King now is just as hard as it was before, and now there is the added appeal of his adorable son, Conner.

I liked King. At the beginning he comes across as a bit arrogant and way too focused on his revenge, but it quickly becomes obvious that there is a lot more to him. First, he is completely devoted to his son. Though he is haunted by what happened to him, his biggest motivation for clearing his name is so that Conner doesn't suffer because of it. Second, he feels guilty about the way he treated Gabi, even though he had done it to protect her. Part of the reason for getting her to live in is so that he can try to make amends.

I liked Gabi, too, though there were times when she frustrated me. Though devastated by her treatment by King, she had attempted to move on with her life. I liked her independence and the confidence she had built up in the years since she had last seen him. I really enjoyed the way that she stood up to him when he barged into her office. And though she tried to insist on keeping things professional, it didn't take long for her to realize that the attraction was too strong.

I really enjoyed seeing Gabi and King get to know each other as the adults they are now. The chemistry between them is still strong, but there is more than that. I liked that Gabi is still convinced of his innocence, and that she wants to help him with the investigation. King is appreciative, but he still wants to protect her from the consequences of being involved. She worries about his fixation on revenge and that it could have worse consequences that just letting it go. She got a better understanding of his motivations when she experienced some of the backlash of being involved with him, but she still wants him to give up on the idea of revenge, even if he discovers who the real culprit is. I hurt for them both as that need for revenge pushed them apart. The ending was sweet and romantic as King and his son join forces to show Gabi that love is stronger.

Conner is adorable and shown pretty realistically. He isn't perfect, and has age appropriate reactions and meltdowns. He is also the motivating factor for King's attempts to clear his name. I liked the way that it is through their relationships with him, that the softer sides of both King and Hunter are shown. I also liked what I saw of Hunter. He has quite a reputation with the ladies, but I get the feeling it is a front to hide his real emotions.

The mystery is an interesting one, with a theme taken right out of current headlines. With ten years behind them, both King and Hunter are now mature enough to pursue the truth. Though some new information is discovered it isn't enough and we are left waiting for Hunter's story to get answers.

His Forever Family - Sarah M. Anderson (HD #2425 - Feb 2016)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 66)

Found: one baby…and the boss's future bride?

Tiny and helpless -- the abandoned newborn that venture capitalist Marcus Warren finds during a morning run takes him by surprise. So does the sudden longing for his capable assistant, Liberty Reese, who reveals her tender side with the baby.

But Liberty must resist her gorgeous boss's advances. Her secrets could destroy his trust, her career and the chance to care for the foster child they are both coming to love. Even so, she can't deny the heat between them -- or the fear that her past will end their chance to create a forever family.

Good book, something of a Cinderella story. Liberty has been Marcus's admin assistant for three years, even going so far as to run with him in the mornings. On this morning they discover an abandoned baby while on their run. Marcus is amazed by the different side of Liberty that he sees, and it awakens unexpected feelings in him. 

I mostly liked Marcus. He came from money, but branched out on his own and made his own fortune. He has tried to distance himself from his parents, who are self-absorbed and concerned only with appearances. His father is also known for having affairs with his secretaries, which is the main reason that Marcus has suppressed his attraction to Liberty. I loved the way that fulfilling Liberty's wishes about the baby becomes so important to him.

I also mostly liked Liberty. She has worked hard to make a good life for herself, She grew up as the daughter of an African-American drug addict and hooker who ended up going to jail. Liberty then went from foster home to foster home. she thinks her father was white because she passes for white. She keeps her background very private, and has never told Marcus anything about it.

Their mutual interest in the baby brings them together as they hadn't been before. I loved seeing Marcus fall so hard for Liberty. She falls for him too, but is insistent that she "isn't good for him". There is a fair amount of conflict because of what she sees as the vast gulf between them. Marcus doesn't care about it, he's secure in his world and doesn't really care what anyone else says about him. It's interesting to see him admit that he really has no idea how the other half lives, but it shouldn't matter to the two of them.

Running through the story is a wedding that Marcus is supposed to attend. It is that of his ex-fiancee and his mother is insisting that he go and take a date, because it makes him look bad if he doesn't. He really doesn't want to go, and certainly not take any of the "suitable" women she suggests. I loved how Liberty tries to make him see that he doesn't have to cave in to her pressure. Instead he takes Liberty as his date because she's the one he wants to be with. There are rather nasty confrontations with the ex and his mother, but Marcus finally sees Liberty's point and grows a backbone when it comes to his mother. However, there are consequences that come out the next day, during a meeting that Marcus and Liberty attend. Marcus doesn't react well and Liberty gets all her fears confirmed.

In her last words to Marcus, in a note, she told him "If there's one thing life has taught me, it's that you have to save yourself. No one else is going to do it for you." That is an eye opener and game changer for him, and I loved the effect it had on him. It was great to see him fight for Liberty and I loved his big moment at the end. I also loved the appearance of Trish Longmire from The Nanny Plan, and the part she had in Liberty's own epiphany. The ending was really sweet and made me like Marcus even more.

The CEO's Unexpected Child - Andrea Laurence (HD #2431 - Mar 2016)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 67)

CLAIMING HIS CHILD…AT ANY COST

A shocking fertility clinic mix-up has resulted in Luca Moretti fathering a child with a woman he's never met. There's no way the CEO will walk away from his baby girl. But he has thirty days to convince her distractingly beautiful mother to do exactly what he wants.

Widow Claire Douglas is still reeling from the loss of her husband when she discovers a stranger has fathered her child. And the rich bachelor will stop at nothing to gain joint custody. How can she possibly fight a man with such money and power…and a charm she can't resist?

Very good and very emotional book. Claire became a widow when her husband was killed in a car accident, accompanied by his mistress. Then she gets word that through a mix-up at the fertility clinic her daughter's father is actually another man, one who wants shared custody of little Eva. Luca had given up any hope of ever being a father after a devastating illness when he was a teen. When he discovers that he has a daughter thanks to the clinic mix-up there's no way he can walk away. But what are his chances of convincing her mother without a long and painful custody battle?

I must admit that my first impression of Luca was of a cold man who is only interested in getting his way. His threats against Claire really had me wanting her to fight back. But that quickly faded when his thoughts and feelings were described and I could see how much having a child would mean to him. I liked seeing the solution that he came up with, of the three of them spending a month together, getting to know each other. It also said a lot about Claire that she could see the benefit and was able to agree. I also liked the way that she had the graciousness to invite him to meet Eva before they left on their trip.

This is where Luca really began to shine. I loved the way that he was immediately enchanted by Eva and the effect that she had on him. Claire also began to realize that there was more to him than the ruthless businessman she first thought him to be. Something neither of them expected was the flare of attraction between them, something both were uncomfortable with. Luca had been burned by another woman and has serious trust issues when it comes to them. He had also determined long ago that a family was something he would never have. Claire no longer trusts her judgment when it comes to men, thanks to her husband's lies and infidelity. She isn't about to risk her heart again.

I loved their time at Martha's Vineyard. Claire quickly came to see that Luca would be a wonderful father to Eva. Luca also discovered that Claire was not as unreasonable as she had seemed before. I loved seeing them get to know each other and how easily they worked together as a family. I loved Luca's protectiveness toward Claire when he found out about her husband's treatment of her. She had never experienced that kind of caring and it only added to her growing feelings for him. Luca was also beginning to care for Claire, but tried to suppress those feelings. He was, however, willing to use her feelings to convince her that being married was the best option for them. He was also determined to keep the truth of his illness from her, as he felt it made him less of a man. It was interesting to see that Claire could tell that he was holding back on something important and that she was determined to get the truth from him before moving further with a relationship.

I loved seeing them grow even closer by the end of the trip. Luca was still guarding his feelings and I was sure that something was going to happen to crack the wall around his heart. And when it did, he made the world's biggest idiot of himself. I ached for Claire but loved the way that she stood up for herself. It was wonderful to see her call Luca out on his cowardice and stand strong. It was very satisfying to see him have to admit that she was right and do something about it. I loved his big moment at the end, and the twist that Claire added to it. 

I loved Luca's family and the obvious love and support they had for each other. I could also understand why he had kept Eva a secret from them for so long, as they were certainly overwhelming as a group. It was sweet to see the way that they all embraced Claire right away. I also loved seeing Gavin from His Lover's Little Secret. He got quite a laugh out of Luca's reaction to Claire and I'm sure he could see where it was heading. I also liked his support of Luca at the end, and how he backed up Claire's challenge. His comments after Luca got the results of his test were pretty funny.

Twin Heirs to His Throne - Olivia Gates (HD #2419 - Jan 2016)

Series: Billionaires and Babies (Book 65)

Is the prince back for his twin babies…but not the love he left behind? 

After a passionate affair, Prince Leonid Voronov of Zorya disappears, leaving Kassandra Stavros with beautiful twin girls and a broken heart. Now Leonid is back, determined to be a father…and a king. But is claiming his children only a ploy for the throne? And why is he keeping Kassandra at arm's length when his smoldering gaze still ignites her unstoppable passion?

Kassandra remains Leonid's only desire…and weakness. But he can't let her near, or she'd discover his painful secret. He fears the truth would destroy them both.

Intensely emotional second chance love story. Two years earlier Kassandra and Leonid had been involved in a secret, passionate affair. She had just discovered she was pregnant when he was involved in a horrific traffic accident. When she was finally allowed to see him, he broke off their affair, saying some really cruel and heartless things to her. Devastated, she fled, hoping he'd come after her, but eventually moving on with her life. Then Leonid shows up at her home, informing her he'd come for his daughters. He is determined to be part of their lives and refuses to listen when Kassandra tries to send him away.

Kassandra's emotions are all over the place when she sees him again. First, she is angry that he thinks he can do so after the things he said and ignoring them for two years. Second, she is afraid that he is going to try to take them away from her. Last, she can't believe that she is still attracted to him after all he said and did. I loved her strength and that she had no intention of just caving in to his demands. I loved the support she got from her friends and their husbands. When she calms down and allows him to see the girls, she is moved by his obvious love for them. She sees hints of the man she had fallen in love with, but is hesitant to trust him with their hearts and lives.

Leonid appears back in Kassandra's life after disappearing for two years. Part of his reappearance is that he is in line to become the king of Zorya and he wants his daughters to be part of that new life. Though he appears distant and cold to Kassandra herself, he is actually trying to keep a tight rein on his emotions around her. He wants her just as much as he ever did, but believes that he has ruined any chance of her forgiving him. There is also something else that is keeping him from pursuing her.

I loved seeing the two of them come back together. Overall, it doesn't take all that long for Kassandra to realize that she had never stopped loving Leonid. She is confused by the mixed signals she gets from him, as he nearly blackmails her into coming to Zorya with him, but also tries to make the move as painless as possible for her. He obviously respects what she has become and the way she cares for the girls. She also sees that the heat that was between them is still there, but that something is holding him back. A quick giving in to the passion between them results in Kassandra hoping for an improved relationship between them, but Leonid pulling back even further. I loved seeing that Kassandra was much stronger willed than she had been two years earlier and confronted him about his attitude. Her persistence pays off and he finally opens up with the truth.

I ached for Leonid after hearing his story. I had been at least partially right in my suspicions about his reasons for breaking up with her. He had loved her and sent her away because he didn't want to tie her down to him as he was. He never stopped loving her and kept watch over them though he stayed away. He still doesn't believe that she could care for him as he is now. His confession showed a vulnerable side of him that hadn't been seen before. I had high hopes for them after this, as their love for each other was confessed and embraced.

But both of them still have their doubts, and Kassandra learns something that makes her wonder about his motives all over again. Her actions then play into his insecurities, causing an unexpected reaction. The final confronting of fears and expectations broke down all their barriers and they were finally able to accept the truth of their feelings. It was intensely emotional, but also ended on a lighter note thanks to the actions of family and friends.