Lone Rider – B.J. Daniels

Lone Rider

B.J. Daniels

Harlequin HQN, Jul 28 2015, $7.99

ISBN: 9780373788415

In Big Timber, Montana, worried Emily Calder tells her brother Jace that her boss at the Sarah Hamilton Foundation Bo Hamilton failed to return from a night of camping.  Emily says depressed Bo arranged for auditors to look into embezzlement of foundation funds.  They were to interview her; but she failed to make the meeting.

Jace prefers to stay far away from the woman who rejected his proposal, but fears something happened to Bo.  Though in the minority, he strongly believes she did not take the money nor would deliberately miss the appointment with the auditors especially since she found the discrepancies.  In the nearby mountains, fearful Jace learns why Bo missed her session with the auditors she contacted.

The second Montana Hamiltons romantic suspense (see Wild Horses) is an exciting rustic thriller.  The lead couple and the villain make for an interesting potentially deadly triangle in which the life-threatening danger rightfully supersedes the romance.  Although there are too many subplots started for future entries (in fairness there are six Hamilton siblings and their mom back from the grave after a two plus decade vanishing needing a scorecard), Lone Rider is a wonderful second chance, if they survive, contemporary.

Harriet Klausner

Lady Be Good – Meredith Duran

Lady Be Good

Meredith Duran

Pocket Books, Jul 28 2015, $7.99

ISBN: 9781476741376

In London, Viscount Kit Stratton worries about the lunatic threatening his loved ones.  This military hero believes Catherine Everleigh, co-owner with her brother Peter of Eveleigh’s Auction House, can lure the maniac into the open so that Kit can end the danger to his family.

When Kit catches Everleigh Girl hostess Lilah Marshall stealing letters from her employer, he seizes an opportunity to catch the homicidal enemy.  Kit blackmails Lilah into helping him with his crusade.  Thus Lilah, who left her crime family kin behind four years ago, travels with her boss to Kit’s estate.  However, neither Kit nor Lilah expected to fall in love, which makes her the prime target of a psychopath.

The latest Rules for the Reckless Victorian (see Fool Me Twice, That Scandalous Summer and E-novella Your Wicked Heart) is a thrilling romantic suspense filled with tension and a vibrant resilient lead couple.  The entertaining relationship hooks the audience as on the surface Lilah is from Venus and Kit from Mars, but readers know before the protagonists how much they actually have in common.  The merciless predator brings out the good and fear in the targeted prey as fans of historical novels anticipate High Noon in 1886 England.

Harriet Klausner

Sex, Lies and Designer Shoes – Kimberly Van Meter

Sex, Lies and Designer Shoes

Kimberly Van Meter

Harlequin Blaze, Jul 21 2015, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373798612

Billionaire Enzo Abelli begs personal protection specialist Rian Dalton to keep his twenty-something daughter safe from those threatening to harm her if he fails to acquiesce to their demands.  Rian says no as he insists protecting CoCo is impossible since she prefers the paparazzi Los Angeles night life.  Abelli insists on the best for his beloved wild child.  Reluctantly Rian accepts Abelli as a client.

CoCo loathes having a bodyguard; especially a disrespectful hunk.  Conversely, making the best of a situation she hates CoCo flirts outrageously with antagonistic Rian.  Though he keeps reminding himself to stay professional, Rian cannot resist her lure.  They share an incredible evening that astonishes both of them.  When the threat becomes real as a killer tries to assassinate CoCo, Rian takes it personally and risks his life to protect the spoiled heiress he loves.

The second Dalton personal protection romance (see The Hottest Ticket In Town for Rian’s brother Kane’s drama) is a heated enemy combatants’ contemporary.  The lead couple’s early, endless bickering exasperates the audience; but once the viable third party “matchmaking” menace arrives, the storyline turns into a delightful tale.

Harriet Klausner

A Cowboy Returns – Kelli Ireland

A Cowboy Returns

Kelli Ireland

Harlequin Blaze, Jul 21 2015, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373798629

Failing to attend his father’s funeral, at the request of his brother Tyson claiming issues in settling the estate, Austin lawyer Eli Covington returns to Tucumcari, New Mexico for the first time in almost a decade and a half.  The tiny plane, cattle on the dirt runway, and poor cell service reminds him he does not belong on a ranch because in his mind beef is something you eat not raise a herd.

Making matters worse is the first person he sees is bitter (at him) veterinarian Reagan Armstrong, the woman he left behind when he became “Esquire”.  Though they are unable to resist a passionate kiss, she reminds him his younger siblings Cade and Tyson need him; besides which to his chagrin her name is Dr. Reagan Matthews.  When he runs into Cade, he finds his middle brother even angrier than Reagan, demonstrating his ire with a fist.  Though he wants to leave immediately, Eli tries to do the right thing; but fumbles his return engagement with Reagan, his brothers and the neighbors.

The first Covington brother Wild Western Heat is an engaging second and third chance at love starring a fish out of water (mindful of Andrew Bird’s WWI song “How ya gonna keep ’em down on the farm after they’ve seen” Austin) and the vet who owns his heart.  Whereas the ranch romance and family drama entertain readers, the overused theme seems too predictable.

Harriet Klausner

Kansas City Secrets – Julie Miller

Kansas City Secrets

Julie Miller

Harlequin Intrigue, Jul 21 2015, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373698493

Six years ago someone murdered Richard Bratcher.  KCPD focused on the victim’s fiancée Rosemary March, who offered no alibi.  However, the police failed to prove she killed her abusive fiancé although their suspicion remains strong that she got away with murder, which turned her into a detested pariah.

Adding to Rosie’s consternation of being the evil outsider is her brother Stephen resides behind bars for murdering a reporter; which he claims to his sister he did to keep her safe.  Investigating the Bratcher homicide, KCPD Cold Case Squad Detective Max Krolikowski questions Rosie, but her previous experience with the cops make her uncooperative.  When someone sends Rosie threatening notes, she turns to hard boiled Max who wants to believe the woman who got under his skin is a victim not a killer.

The second Precinct: Cold Case (see Kansas City Cover-Up) is a thrilling romantic police procedural starring a tough gruff former Army sergeant and a woman who either got away with murder or is the fall-gal of a clever predator.  Although her turning to him seems unlikely, a great final twist climaxes a pleasing fast-paced storyline that focuses more on the case than the attraction.  Subgenre fans will appreciate this intrigue and also want to read Julie Miller’s The Precinct series (see Crossfire Christmas).

Harriet Klausner

The Cowboy’s Secret Baby – Karen Rose Smith

The Cowboy’s Secret Baby

Karen Rose Smith

Harlequin Special Edition, Jul 21 2015, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373659043

In Fawn Grove, California, Marissa Lopez stops at the physical therapy center to talk to her friend Sara Cramer (see Wanted: A Real Family) when she sees Ty Conroy.  To most people, Ty is a former bull-rider whose career ended with an injury; but to Marissa he is the father of her baby who is unaware he has a son.  Marissa bluntly asks him why he is at the center; he responds knee replacement.

At his family Cozy C Ranch, Jace’s Uncle Eli tells him Marissa is a single mom raising her fourteen month old baby.  Ty cringe when he realizes conception would be when they hooked up.  He visits Marissa who is wearing a T-shirt saying “Jordan’s Mommy”.  Stunned he asks why she failed to inform him; she responds rodeo cowboys cannot be fathers and besides like her dad would resent being forced to marry due to a pregnancy.  She further explains she and Jordan have made it due to the Mommy Club (see A Match Made By Baby).  Finally he insists, as Jordan’s father, spending time with his no longer secret son.  As Jordan’s parents work on the details, their attraction remains palatable.  Soon both conceal from the other they want to become a family of three and counting.

The third Mommy Club family drama displays Karen Rose Smith’s immense talent; as the author makes very fresh an overused technique due to a strong lead trio especially the mommy logic, his family particularly doubting Eli, and the club including stars of previous tales.  Character-driven, love turns The Cowboy’s Secret Baby into no secret anymore as Ty wants to shout to everyone that he is Jordan’s daddy.

Harriet Klausner

The Summer Of Good Intentions – Wendy Francis

The Summer Of Good Intentions

Wendy Francis

Simon & Schuster, Jul 7 2015, $15.00

ISBN: 9781451666427

Summer on Cape Cod has always been a great get together for the Herrington family.  However, this year is different as the patriarch Arthur and matriarch Gloria divorced after almost five decades of marriage.  Tensions are tropospheric even before the three sisters, accompanied by their husbands/significant other and children, and Arthur arrive at the family cottage.  At the last moment, Gloria announces she and her boyfriend will join the gathering.

The oldest offspring supermom Maggie struggles with accepting the end of her parent’s marriage and fears empty nest syndrome.  Maggie muses that she is not too old to raise a baby though she wonders how Mac would react.

Her younger twin Jess loves her job apparently much more than her husband Tim; as the unhappy couple only talks to each other when it involves their two kids.  She owes her spouse the truth, but cannot deal with how he will react.

The youngest Virgie the reporter looks forward to the vacation easing her dangerous levels of stress.  She found a man who treats her differently than the previous horde.  Her exhaustion lands her into the emergency room where the examination reveals a critical finding.

Since his mate left, Arthur feels lost.  He hopes his daughters and grandchildren will lift the fog that has his family fearing he suffers from senility.

Rotating perspective, The Summer Of Good Intentions is a well-written family drama starring a three-dimensional ensemble in which each Herrington faces major issues (though not developed equally).  Readers will like the cast who deal poorly with their personal tsuris; but the health crises that begin to reunite the extended family make the coming together a bit too easy on everyone.

Harriet Klausner

The Millionaire’s True Worth – Rebecca Winters

The Millionaire’s True Worth
Rebecca Winters
Harlequin Romance, Jul 1 2015, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373743452

Chloe begs her friend Raina to be her maid of honor at her Greek wedding, but the Maywood billionaire heiress declines because she fears the paparazzi will ruin her BFF’s special day; as she and her family are constant targets. Raina insists she will attend and even stay at Chloe’s home when the latter is on her honeymoon.

At the wedding, Raina and millionaire best man Akis Giannopoulos meet and are attracted to each other. He conceals his fortune from the Californian as he distrusts women who he believes covets his fortune. As they forge a relationship, Raina learns the truth about the man she loves before he confesses; she wonders what else the Greek who owns her heart hides from her. Still she is ready to forgive if he gives them a real chance to make it together.

Readers who ignore the Europe financial crisis will appreciate this entertaining contemporary in spite of stubborn Akis causing heartache for the protagonists. Rebecca Winters authors a wonderful twisting romance as love may not be enough for this affluent couple.

Harriet Klausner

A Rancher of Her Own – Barbara White Daille

A Rancher of Her Own
Barbara White Daille
Harlequin American, Jul 1 2015, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373755776

International photographer Jane Garland returns home to the family ranch in Cowboy Creek, New Mexico to attend a wedding (see The Cowboy’s Little Surprise). Having successfully brought together the bride and groom, Jane’s Grandpa Jed decides she is his next matchmaking project. Jed knows the odds are stacked against his going two for two especially when he selects his ranch manager single dad Pete Brannigan as Jane’s future husband.

Although attracted to Jane, Pete rejects his heart’s desire in order to protect his young children (Rachel and Eric) from being hurt by another career woman who he assumes behaves the same as their career before family mother. Bucking the seemingly minimal probability of success, Jed orchestrates the match between two obstinate people who ignore their love for one another as each accepts the children come before their respective desire.

The second Hitching Post Hotel contemporary is an enjoyable ranch romance starring leads who expect their shaky relationship to fail before it can truly begin; as love is not enough. Grandpa Jed and his young posse bring enchantment to the storyline; as he rejects the Pygmalion Effect proving he is more stubborn than the intended match.

Harriet Klausner

A Royal Amnesia Scandal – Jules Bennett

A Royal Amnesia Scandal

Jules Bennett

Harlequin Desire, Jul 1 2015, $5.25

ISBN: 97800373734016

As he counted down the days until he turned thirty-five, Ilha Beleza Prince Lucas Silva needed to marry to secure his place as heir to the throne.  He proposed to his girlfriend Alana who insisted she carried his baby.  However when he learned she lied, he ended their engagement and fled to a private island off the Portugal coast with only his personal assistant Kate Barton with him.

Although attracted to each other even before he dated the debutant who betrayed him, Luc adheres to the regal policy of hands off the staff; while Kate accepts the ethical tenet in spite of being in unrequited love with her employer.  When he suffers a head trauma that causes amnesia, Luc assumes Kate is his fiancée.  Instead of correcting the royal heir, Kate heeds the doctor’s admonition to pretend to be his future bride.  However, as Luc falls in love with Kate, she fears his reaction towards her and even her parents when his memories return.

Jules Bennett’s second royal romance (see What the Prince Wants) is an appealing contemporary starring a dedicated woman in love with her “never after” Prince Charming.  Although amnesia is used too frequently, readers will relish this pleasant tale.

Harriet Klausner