Kansas City Cover-Up - Julie Miller (HI #1559 - Apr 2015)

Series: Precinct: Cold Case (Book 1)

Political intrigue, an undercover investigation and a very mutual attraction

As the Kansas City Police Department's archenemy, reporter Gabriel Knight never expected to need its help. But the sexy journalist suspects the death of a politician's aide will shed light on the long-unsolved murder of his fiancée. He demands to team up with tough, beautiful detective Olivia Watson. Sharing a mutual distrust -- and a disturbingly mutual attraction -- Gabe and Olivia discover that someone's working hard to keep old secrets buried and stop their investigation dead. But as they come closer to the truth they edge closer to each other. Until now, neither has had room in their lives -- or hearts -- for a relationship. Yet all that could change…if Gabe can prevent them from becoming tomorrow's headline.

Fantastic book. In previous books, Gabe has been the outspoken reporter who never has anything good to say about the KCPD. I've often wondered what his problem is with them, and in this book we finally get a chance to find out. Olivia and her partner from the Cold Case division have been called to the site of a murder. She isn't sure why, until she encounters Gabe, who insists that this case has a connection to the unsolved murder of his fiancée six years ago.

I loved the initial meeting between Olivia and Gabe. He has managed to get past the police line into the crime scene and Olivia is the one who confronts him. She escorts him out, but then goes after him again when she realizes that he sneaked back inside. I loved the way she cuffed him to get him out, making him realize that he wasn't going to get his way this time. He is determined to make her see his point about the connection between the two cases. The action started when Olivia discovered someone hiding and went after him, with Gabe hot on her heels. By the time it's over, the bad guy has gotten away, Gabe is hurt and Olivia feels compelled to be the one to get him to the hospital. Besides the initial animosity between them because of who they are, there is also a flare of unwelcome attraction between them.

Gabe has spent the last six years mourning his fiancée and feeling guilty about her death. He blames himself for not seeing the danger she was in until it was too late. He is also angry at KCPD for their lack of progress in finding her killer, and has taken out that anger by writing unflattering stories about them. He doesn't expect to be attracted to Olivia, as his feelings have been shut down since Dani's death. I loved seeing him get protective around her, even as he learns to respect her abilities. Her nickname for him was fun as they developed their working relationship and a tentative personal one. As they get closer to a resolution Gabe starts to let go of his grief and open himself up to a new love.

Olivia is relatively new to the Cold Case team. She transferred there after her personal and professional relationship with her previous partner ended badly. She has some issues with being able to trust men and her judgment about them because of it. She doesn't know who Gabe is when she first meets him, but she is very attracted to him. However, that doesn't stop her from confronting him and making him follow the rules. When she hears his story, she feels compassion for his loss, but she isn't going to let him bully her either. As they work together she is surprised to find that it is easy for her to trust him and the things she is starting to feel for him. I loved seeing her stand up to him when she needed to, but also understand why he acted as he did.

The suspense of the story was great. I was sucked in from the beginning and didn't put the book down until I finished it. I really liked the way that Olivia didn't hold Gabe's attitude against him when it came to reopening the case of his fiancée's murder. I loved seeing how the team worked through the investigation, following up on the various leads. The intensity builds as each lead that Gabe and Olivia follow puts them in more danger. The scene at the warehouse had me riveted as I wondered how they were going to get out of it. There was also the question of who was in the background, pulling the strings, and what his motivations were. While the murderer is caught, there are still unresolved questions about the people Dani was investigating.

One of the fun things in the book is the relationship Olivia has with her family. As the youngest and only girl in the family of KCPD members, she often finds herself on the receiving end of overprotective family members. But dealing with them has also given her the ability to deal with fellow cops and that carries over into her dealings with Gabe. With the adversarial relationship between Gabe and the KCPD, her family was pretty blunt in their feelings about them working together. However, it was nice to see that both sides could bend a little, as shown in the invitation Olvia's dad extends to Gabe at the end. Hopefully there will be stories for Olivia's brothers, as they seem to be prime targets for strong women of their own.

SWAT Secret Admirer - Elizabeth Heiter (HI #1560 - Apr 2015)

Series: Lawmen (Book 3)

A predator is no match for her protector…

It's been ten years since the attack that drove Maggie Delacorte to become an FBI SWAT agent. She's an elite fighter now -- and when the Fishhook Rapist sends her a letter saying he's coming back for her, she knows she has to find him first. Her teammate Grant Larkin is assigned to the case, and he's determined to protect Maggie, even if it damages the connection that's been growing between them. And even if her attacker has decided that the way to get to Maggie is by targeting the people she cares about. Her feelings for Grant could get him killed, but she needs him -- and his love -- to make it through the worst danger yet…

Terrific conclusion to the series. In the ten years since she was attacked Maggie has become an excellent FBI SWAT team member. She has never given up the hope of finding her attacker, who has struck again once a year ever since, always in a different city. For the last six months she's been receiving letters from him, saying that he's coming back for her. She is determined not to be a victim again. 

Grant has been one of Maggie's teammates for nine months. He had developed an excellent friendship and working relationship with her, but he was also hiding his attraction to her. He knows that nothing can happen as long as they're on the same team. He knows about the Fishhook Rapist and Maggie's connection to him, but it hasn't affected the way he feels about her. When the task force working on her case asks for his help because of his work on a similar case, he's glad to help. He's determined to find this guy and keep her safe.

I loved seeing Maggie and Grant together. She has felt the same attraction to Grant, but like him, can't act on it. When he's assigned to help with her case, they are drawn together even more. I loved the way that he gave in so quickly to sharing information with Maggie and her group, even though he had been specifically warned against it. Maggie is very intense and driven and willing to do anything to finally get this guy. Grant is also intense when it comes to his work, but much more easy going outside of it. I liked seeing the way they balance each other. Their attraction is getting stronger, but both do an admirable job of keeping it under control, as neither wants to wreck the other's career. I loved seeing the relationship develop as Maggie got to the point where she allowed herself to lean on Grant for support instead of feeling she had to keep it all to herself. I also loved how Grant was protective while still trusting that Maggie can take care of herself. 

I loved the suspense that had been building since the beginning of the series. In this one, it's finally time to face down the monster. I loved seeing how it was Maggie and Grant working together who were able to figure out who was behind the attacks. The tension really built as the date got closer and they tried to find him first. The way that the bad guy arranged the confrontation was pretty scary, but not a total surprise. I had a feeling she was going to be involved from the time she was mentioned. The confrontation itself was really intense and I wondered how it was going to be resolved. I liked the realism of what happened to Grant, scary as it was. I loved the epilogue and seeing how the case turned out as well as seeing the three couples together.

Rumor Has It - Jill Shalvis (Berkley - Nov 2013)

Series: Animal Magnetism (Book 4)

"He'll help unleash the new woman in her. . ."

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn't exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He's only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he's in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he'd expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she's always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she's desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate has always been his little sister's friend, but now he's finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting. . .

Very good book. I've been looking forward to this story since the scene in the previous book (Rescue My Heart) when Kate burst in on Holly while she was having a Skype conversation with her brother Griffin. The part where she's hiding because she stripped off her shirt before she knew he could see her was hysterical. It was obvious that she's had a thing for him for a long time, and it seems like he is looking too. 

At the start of this book, Griffin has come back to Sunshine for Holly's wedding. He hasn't told anyone that he's left the military with a medical discharge, thanks to a close encounter with an IED. His plan is to use the time to recover and think about what job offer he is going to take. He doesn't plan to stay in Sunshine for long, as his memories aren't the best. He had been a troublemaker of a teen, and constantly butted heads with his father. He couldn't wait to leave Sunshine back then, but now he'd like a chance to make peace with his past. The first person he sees is Kate, who he's suddenly seeing as more than his sister's best friend. He's attracted, even though she's nothing like the women he's usually interested in. Holly warns him to leave Kate alone, but Kate herself seems to have other ideas.

Kate has lived in Sunshine all her life. After her mother's death a few years earlier, Kate became the mother figure to her whole family, putting her own needs and dreams aside. Lately she's been feeling the loneliness and has tried multiple ways to find the relationship that's right for her. Griffin's arrival just makes the feelings worse. She's still got the crush on him she's had for years, but she knows nothing will come of it. Griffin won't be staying in Sunshine and she won't be leaving any time soon. But she does talk herself into trying to seduce him into giving her a little of the fun and adventure she craves. Of course, being Kate, it doesn't go as she plans. 

I loved the two of them together. Griffin is a bit on the lost side, under the tough soldier exterior that he shows to everyone. The effects of his injuries make him vulnerable, a feeling he absolutely hates. I loved seeing Kate take him in hand and give him the care he needs, even as he tries to fight it. He starts out intending to stay only long enough for the wedding, but something about Kate has him putting off his departure. He looks at her and sees how much she gives of herself to everyone else, without asking for anything for her. I really enjoyed seeing him make it his mission to help her. I loved the way he got involved with her little brother, and found himself doing things with her and for her that he never would have imagined. I loved the part where he went to her classroom for career day, and also the day he taught the kids how to be a team. As they grow closer, he starts to think that maybe staying in Sunshine wouldn't be such a bad thing, until a family secret comes out that makes him question everything about himself. Then he has to decide if he's going to run again or fight for what he wants. This part was so emotional, and I ached so much for Griffin and the pain he was going through. 

Kate was adorable. She's a nurturer to her family, worried about how they would manage if she weren't there. She's a fantastic science teacher, with students that adore her. She also has an incredible opportunity that she just has to reach out and grab, but her fears are holding her back. She's had this huge crush on Griffin for years, but every time she gets near him her nerves get the better of her. I loved how she spouts random science facts whenever she gets nervous, and how much Griffin likes it when she does. She wants Griffin however she can get him. She knows he's not planning to stay, but she'll take the fun she can. As she gets to spend more time with him, she has to admit to herself that she wants more from him than just the physical. I loved seeing the way she could tell when he was getting one of his headaches and how she took care of him. She was really good at making him do what she said at those times. The closer she gets to him and the more she cares, the more she worries about what's going to happen when he leaves. Just as things start to look like she may get everything she wants, his crisis looks like it's going to tear them apart after all. I liked seeing that she had an inner strength that she hadn't suspected and wasn't going to wallow in her misery. It made the ending that much better, as both of them overcame their obstacles to find their way back to each other.

As always, I loved the various family and friend relationships. I loved the friendship between Holly and Kate, even when it made Holly try to warn Kate and Griffin away from each other. She was also there for Kate when she was needed. I loved the friendship between Adam and Griffin. It was really shown in the scene with Adam and Kate talking after they'd put Griffin to bed during one of his headaches. Kate's family was really interesting, and though I wanted to shake them sometimes, especially her father, they were still a loving family. Her brother Tommy was a trip, both typical for his age and yet with a really unique personality. I loved the way he connected with Griffin and the effect Griffin had on him. Griffin's relationship with his father was one that had the most growing and changing to do. 

Once in a Lifetime - Jill Shalvis (Grand Central - Feb 2014)

Series: Lucky Harbor (Book 9)

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT

After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

Very good book. Ben is back in Lucky Harbor after years away, trying to outrun his grief. He had lost his wife and losing himself in work seemed the best way to go. When he runs into Aubrey he can't believe he's attracted to her. He remembers her from high school as the girl with the wild reputation. Aubrey is trying to live down that reputation. She's opening a bookstore that she'd like to have become a local gathering place. She's also trying to make amends to various people she feels she has wronged in the past.

I really liked Aubrey. First, I loved her plans for the bookstore. She loves books, but she also wants to use those books and her store to give a place for other people to connect with each other. She's also trying to repair her own reputation. While she was in high school she was rather wild and not a very nice person. Having recently stumbled into an AA meeting by accident, she is intrigued by the idea of making amends to people you have hurt in the past. She makes a list and begins going through it. 

Ben has been asked by a friend to help Aubrey with the renovations to her bookstore. As he spends time with her, he realizes that her reputation may have been somewhat exaggerated. He likes spending time with her, but when he stumbles on her list he wonders why he is on it. I loved watching him help her with her list and seeing him getting closer to her. The attraction is strong, but she is definitely not his type, being nothing like his late wife. Even various people around town tell him that she's not the woman for him. 

The romance that develops between them is pretty sweet. Aubrey knows she's falling for Ben, but the guilt of what she did to him tells her that there is no future for her with him. She knows she needs to tell him, especially once they start acting on their attraction, but she knows she'll lose him when she does. Being with Aubrey eases Ben's pain, but he's not ready to think of a relationship with anyone. I got a bit frustrated with Ben and the way he had put his wife and their marriage up on a pedestal, looking at it as the perfect life. It made it harder for him to move on with his life. I did like seeing the way that he got to know Aubrey and see that she wasn't as bad as people said. His resistance to his feelings made him a great target for his friends Jack and Luke to point out when he was being an idiot. Considering they had had their own moments of stupidity in their romances, I loved seeing them try to share their experiences.

I thought Aubrey had done a terrific job of getting her life back together. She had been involved in a scandal that wasn't her fault, but people are still down on her because of it. Her reputation in high school had come about because of the way she dealt with her family life. Her parents' divorce and splitting up of she and her sister had had a terrible effect on her. I thought she was pretty brave to be facing people she had hurt in the past, not knowing how they were going to react to her apologies. It was interesting to see some of those reactions. Her biggest fear was falling for Ben, knowing that he would probably not react well to what she had to tell him. I couldn't blame her for putting it off as long as she could. She also had another secret from her past that reared its ugly head, putting her new life at risk of failing before it even got started.

When the big reveal came, Aubrey's fears were realized. I felt so bad for her when Ben was so horrible. I wanted to shake him, or hit him with something, when he walked away from her. I liked seeing Lucille take him to task and point out some things he didn't know and that made a difference to what he thought he knew. His appearance at her grand opening and his "go big" moment was really sweet. Loved watching him grovel.

*copy received in exchange for honest review.

Rescue My Heart - Jill Shalvis (Berkley - Nov 2012)

Series: Animal Magnetism (Book 3)

She never wants a hero…

After a tragic stint in the National Guard, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past -- the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, Adam is the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks -- including opening their hearts one more time.

Fantastic book. Adam is back in Sunshine after some time in the National Guard. His job there was Search and Rescue and his last mission with them had not gone well. He's been back home for two years, fighting to get back to normal. He's better than he was, but still not where he wants to be. One night he gets a visit from Holly, the woman he'd left behind after high school. He's seen her a few times since he's been back home and it never goes well. Now she needs his help to find her father.

I loved both Adam and Holly. Adam was a screw-up as a teenager, constantly getting into trouble. The one good thing was his relationship with Holly. But when one of his antics caused the death of someone, it was suggested that he join the military and get his act together. Feeling that he's no good for her, Adam tells Holly that he's leaving and won't be back, and not to bother waiting for him. His time away gave him the discipline he needed, but he still feels that he's not good for her. Added to that is the PTSD he suffers from, after a rescue mission gone wrong where he lost half his team. He suffers from nightmares and flashbacks, but is able to use his skills to help with the region's S&R. He trains people and dogs, coordinates rescues, and is there when someone asks for help. He's surprised when Holly comes to him for help finding her father, considering their past. He doesn't want her coming along, but she refuses to be left behind.

Holly is back in Sunshine after years away. After Adam dumped her all those years ago, she went off to college and then married one of her college professors. It wasn't a good marriage, but Holly has her pride. She didn't want to admit her mistake to her father and brother, who had warned her against the man she married. She finally divorced the man, but hasn't told anyone at home. She has come back to Sunshine to help her father run his ranches. She sees Adam now and then, but is still angry with him over the way he dumped her. When her father goes missing and there's a storm on the way, she knows Adam is the only one she can trust to find him. 

From the moment Holly shows up at Adam's place, the sparks between them are intense. Holly knows that if she spends time with  him she risks falling for him all over again. She also knows that she can't just sit and wait while Adam goes out looking for her father. Adam doesn't want her with him. Since his return he prefers to work alone, and he's determined to keep it that way. Holly doesn't take no for an answer and I loved seeing how she made sure she got her way. Adam isn't happy, but he takes her along. Alone together, the attraction between them builds, but they are also forced to face their pasts. I loved seeing how Adam saw past Holly's tough exterior to the vulnerable woman beneath. He also found it harder to maintain the emotional distance with her that he manages with everyone else. I liked the battle of wills between them as they get to know each other again. The memories of who they used to be come up against who they are now after the changes caused by what life has thrown at them. The sparks flare into passion one night during the search and both have to face what it means to them.

Adam still tries to push Holly away. He considers himself still not good enough for her. With all his issues he isn't willing to get involved and risk breaking her heart again. This time, Holly isn't going to let him be the sacrifice. She knows what she wants and is going to go after it. It was a lot of fun to see Adam fighting his feelings and losing big time. Both of his brothers are there to support him through his PTSD, but they also have no problem telling him when he's being an idiot about Holly. There are some really fun conversations among the three of them as they try to make Adam see the truth. I also loved seeing Holly go all in once she realizes that she still loves Adam and isn't going to let him get away this time. I really liked the way that she tried to show him that he's not the same guy he had been all those years ago. She sees the good man that he is behind the walls that he's put up. But she also has to allow herself to trust him to be there for her. I loved seeing them both finally open up all the way and risk everything to get it all.

Reluctantly Royal - Nichole Chase (Avon - Sept 2014)

Series: Royal (Book 3)

Maxwell Jameson Trevor, prince of Lilaria, hates his royal role. Despising the limelight, he takes solace in his art studio and steers clear of any drama. But when one of the newly discovered royals passes away, Maxwell's brother Alex asks him to break the news to the old man's granddaughter. Though he hates to be the bearer of doom and gloom, he doesn't want the poor girl to find out from the tabloids. For Maxwell knows all too well how devastating that could be.

Coming from a broken home and modest background, newly ordained Lady Meredith Thysmer has seized her chance to make a better life for herself and her son. She's not afraid to use her best assets to get what she wants. But when the unpretentious yet devastatingly handsome Max delivers his news, her plans for the future come crashing to a halt. In the challenging days ahead, Max's compassion, humor, and steadfast loyalty to Meredith and her son win her over. She quickly finds herself doing something she swore would never happen again: falling in love. And yet Maxwell still refuses to completely drop his guard. Somehow Meredith's got to find a way to seduce this reluctant royal.

Very good final book in the series. While this is just as good as the previous two books, this one is not as humorous and has some darker undertones. Meredith has made a life for herself and her son in London after her grandfather was discovered to be one of the lost dukes of Lilaria. She has the chance to pursue her dreams of being an entertainer. She is close to her grandfather who was more of a father to her than her own, who is an alcoholic. She's at a rehearsal when she receives a visit from Prince Max, who has come to break the news of her grandfather's passing. 

Max is often called the "slacker prince" because of the way he avoids public appearances. He is an artist and one who prefers peace and quiet over the limelight. When his brother asks him to break the news to Meredith, he agrees because he doesn't want her to find out the news from a reporter. He knows how devastating that can be, as that's the way he found out about his father's death when he was a teenager. 

I liked both Max and Meredith. Meredith is used to doing things on her own and is very independent because of it. She appreciates Max's offers of help, but her past has shown her that it's better not to depend on anyone else. Her mother left shortly after she was born, her father is an alcoholic who kicked her out when she got pregnant, and her son's father deserted her as soon as he found out about the baby. She tries to keep Max at a distance, but he won't listen. As the days go on, she ends up being more grateful than she expected for his assistance as she has to plan the funeral, take care of her son and deal with her father. She also discovers a growing attraction to Max, something she never expected to feel again. I loved watching Meredith open herself up a little more each day, accepting Max's presence in her life. After doing so much by herself, Max's determination to be there for her, and the way he involves the rest of his family, shows her an entirely different family life. But as she grows closer to Max, she also sees that her plans for her life in the spotlight is exactly the opposite of the life he prefers to lead. Now that she's losing her heart, is there any way she can have both her dream and the man she loves?

Max was pretty sweet. He hates the limelight and doing anything where he's the center of attention. He can handle anything to do with his art, but royal duties are to be avoided whenever possible. He agrees to his brother's request that he tell Meredith about her grandfather, but doesn't expect to find himself wanting to do more for her. It was pretty funny to see him volunteering to do things that would never occurred to him with another person. The more time he spent with Meredith and her son, the more he wanted to help. I also liked the protectiveness he felt for her as he saw what she had to deal with in her father. There were a couple times when he behaved out of character just because he wanted to protect her. I also loved the way he connected with Meredith's son Marty. It was fun to see the two of them together, and how Max's caring for Marty brought him closer to Meredith. Max had never expected to fall for someone, and to have it be someone so different freaks him out a bit. I loved watching him overcome some of his own fears to help her.

I loved the importance of family in the story. Meredith is determined to give her son the best life she can, in spite of the handicaps she is dealing with. Her issues with her father are real, and the things that go on with him are painful for her. I loved Max's protectiveness and support as she does so. I also adored her son Marty. He was a cute kid, not too good or too bad, but pretty normal. He's young, but he also can be sensitive to his mother's feelings. Some of the best things in the book come from the interactions among Max's family. I loved watching them give him a bit of a hard time because of his involvement with Meredith, but they were there to help him when he needed it because "family comes first."

Recklessly Royal - Nichole Chase (Avon - Mar 2014)

Series: Royal (Book 2)

Catherine has spent her life being the perfect princess. She’s kept her hands clean, her head down, and most importantly -- men at arm’s length. After all, most men are after only one thing, and for Cathy there’s a lot more at stake than her bed; she has to worry about the fate of an entire nation. But at the rate she’s going, Cathy is afraid she’ll give the Virgin Queen a run for her money. She is tired of waiting for someone good enough to come along. She has a plan, and it all hinges on seducing the one man who seems utterly unimpressed by all things royal. The one man she is tempted by more than any other . . .

When David arrives at the royal wedding of his friend, the newly ordained Duchess Samantha Rousseau, he expects to feel uncomfortable and out of his element, but he isn't prepared to be targeted by Prince Alex’s gorgeous younger sister. With Cathy's giant blue eyes, killer figure, and sense of humor, it won’t take long before he gives in. But when he finds out just how innocent the crown princess really is, will he play the part of knight in shining armor or the dashing rogue?

This book was just as much fun as the first book in the series, Suddenly Royal. In this one, the new Princess Samantha has asked her friend David to come to Lilaria and run things at the Future Bird Trust while she's on her honeymoon. He remembers the trouble she had adjusting to being royalty, and expects to feel equally uncomfortable, but the birds won't care. He doesn't expect to be blindsided by the prince's sexy younger sister.

Cathy has spent the last couple years being extra careful about her reputation, ever since Alex had had an especially bad run in with the tabloids. The little experience she's had with men has shown her that they're after one thing - bragging rights. She figures that if she can find a man who doesn't care what she is, she might be able to find out what she's been missing. 

I loved Cathy and David's first meeting. He has arrived in country a day earlier than originally expected and arrives at the royal family's home just as the ladies of the wedding party are getting into their bachelorette party. They have brought in an instructor to teach them the basics of pole dancing, and as they have all had a bit to drink things are striking them as extra funny. Cathy has just started her attempt when David walks in, and bowled over by his good looks, mistakes him for a stripper. After some rather risque remarks, including trying to get him to take his clothes off, she finally realizes who he is. Alcohol and embarrassment make an interesting conclusion to the evening.

One thing that was evident was the attraction between Cathy and David. They have a moment together after the wedding that doesn't turn out quite the way that Cathy had hoped and she's pretty embarrassed about that too. But David is a really nice guy and is interested in Cathy, and takes a chance on getting to know her. Being an American, he has no clue what it's like to date a high profile woman like Cathy, but he wants to try. I loved the way that he told Cathy that he would deal with whatever the media threw at him for the chance to be with her. There are several times when it would have been very easy for him to give up on the relationship, but he didn't. He also finds himself fascinated by the two distinct personalities she has - Cathy the woman, and Catherine the princess, and is protective of them both. That really comes out when her longtime personal assistant ends up in the hospital and Cathy has to deal with a replacement who isn't quite what she ought to be. I really loved seeing him support Cathy at the end as she faces something of a personal crisis.

I loved Cathy. She's bright, she's honest, and she loves her family. She's taken on a lot of responsibility over the past couple years and has worked hard not to let her natural tendencies cause problems for the family. I loved her conversation with Samantha and Jess just before the party, and her antics during the party were hysterical. She admits to herself that she's really attracted to David and is quite willing to see where that attraction will take her. She's a bit bummed when he seems to back off, but then intrigued by his wish to get to know her better. She is worried about how he will handle the media attention that will come when they are seen together. When her assistant is taken ill, David's support gives her a place to go emotionally, where she can recharge for the next hurdle. I loved seeing their love develop as they got to know each other and she saw him deal with everything her life hit him with. Her dealings with her temporary assistant at the end really showed the effect that David's love and support have had on her.

The humor and fun in the story was terrific. The conversations between Cathy and David could be pretty funny, but there was sweetness and romance in them too. I also liked seeing the way the characters had to deal with each other's lifestyles. They had to learn to trust in each other. I also liked the epilogue, and seeing where Cathy and David are in their relationship. Catching up with Sam and Alex was great too.