This is book #2.7, in The Collective Season Two series.  This novel can be read as a standalone.  For more information about the series, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading these in order.

 

Carson moved to San Francisco to take a position that furthered his career as a doctor.  The love of his life decided to make the move with him there.  Only they never see each other anymore.  

 

Quinn is not sure he wants to stay in his current job.  He moved here with Carson to be with the man who he loved beyond all else.  Their careers are so demanding, that it seems they have no time together lately.

 

While this series has its own thread weaving through all the books, this one turns up the heat and keeps it blasting.  This author is an automatic buy for me and this story does not disappoint.  Thrilling, and full of suspense, this is a story that will leave you breathless and wanting more.  I give this a 3/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

This book is #3, in the Bad Boys Gone Good series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  To fully understand the series without spoilers, please read this great series in order.

 

Kellan was forced out of his own life, due to his brother's crimes.  Now he has to create a new one.  He also has to avoid the woman who helped him start over.

 

Delaney's attraction to Kellan was instant.  The feeling is also mutual.  Her career is over if she gives in to it.  The heart wants what the heart wants.  Hopefully they can find middle ground before this causes them to combust.

 

This book got so hot so fast!  The characters right from the start had fueled the spark that just kept igniting.  The lure of the forbidden is always harder to ignore.  I give this story a 3/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

 

 

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review by its publishers and Edelweiss.

This is part of a series, but each book can be read as a stand alone.

 

I really liked this western historical romance. I'm a sucker for a sheriff with a heart of gold and a gruff exterior and James is that to a tee but for good reason as described in the prologue. Katie is running her restaurant/boarding house/saloon and has conflicting feelings for the good sheriff. The angst was light but the chemistry was strong. I want to read more from this series.

The Marshal's Mission - Anna Zogg 4 stars

Whelp, since the Harlequin Love Inspired Historical line is on the chopping block, I have been trying to read as many of them as I can. I love the cover for The Marshal’s Mission, so this was bumped up on the TBR pile. I love the time period and the Western setting, so it was no brainer that I would read this.

Lenora is a widow, trying to raise her young son, Toby, and work her ranch. Her late husband was a gambler, a cheat, and an outlaw. She found him one night, dying of gun shot wounds, a bag of stolen money in his hands. After burying the money, and her late husband, Lenora is determined to do what’s best for Toby and herself.


Lenora’s neighbor Jeb was her husband’s friend, as well as the leader of the outlaw gang. He wants the money that Lenora has hidden, and he’ll do anything to get it. He’s convinced that Lenora, despite her claims of ignorance, knows exactly where it is. He bullies Lenora, causing mishaps at her ranch, and Lenora is terrified of him. I would have been, too. She’s out in there in the middle of nowhere with only a dog and her 10 year old boy to help protect the land and the family. That would have been terrifying.

US Marshal Jesse Cole is searching for the missing money, too. Two men were murdered during the bank robbery in Cheyenne, and he’s determined to bring the outlaws to justice. When he stumbles upon Lenora’s ranch, he isn’t made welcome. Not until Jeb shows up to intimidate Lenora, and make her feel helpless. With a lame mare, Cole is suddenly welcome to stay as long as he likes.

Keeping his identity as a lawman secret, Cole is slowly caught up in the life of Lenora and Toby. That is what I liked best about this story. It has a slice of life feeling, as the three of them go about their business on the ranch. Cooking, tending to the animals, mending fences. The chores never seem to end, but by working together, Cole and Lenora start to find comfort in a common goal. When a scary episode with Jeb leaves Lenora injured and terrified, she offers him a marriage of convenience. She’ll give him half of the ranch to raise his horses, if he’ll help her with the cattle. And keep her safe from Jeb.

Both Lenora and Cole are keeping big secrets from each other, and I started to worry that they would not be able to overcome this emotional obstacle. Lenora knows about the robbery, and even though she had no part in it, she still feels guilty. Since the nearest town is run by Jeb and his father, it’s not like there’s anyone she can tell her secrets to. She doesn’t quite trust Cole enough to confide about the money to him, and she’s afraid he’ll leave if he discovers that her late husband was a criminal. Cole feels guilty for keeping his identity a secret, and he’s afraid of Lenora’s reaction once she finds out that he was on her husband’s trail.

The writing is engaging, and the protagonists are likable. Jeb is villain you love to hate, and his comeuppance is long over due. The final resolution is satisfying, and the HEA believable.