Why do I do this? I buy books I’m sure I will like, and then I let them sit on the TBR for months (or more). Such was the fate of HelenKay Dimon’s Holding Out for a Hero. Wendy’s review made me think I should pick it up.

Deana Armstrong needs a hero—not for herself, but for the nephew all her money and time can’t seem to get out of jail. Unfortunately, the best hero in all the Hawaiian Islands is set on turning in his badge and getting his excellent butt into another line of work. If that wasn’t enough, Josh Windsor also has a big-time grudge against Deana herself. But if there’s anything being rich, smart, and stubborn has taught Deana, it’s never to settle for second best . . .

Josh has had it with saving people. He’s had it with getting hauled into court. And boy, has he ever had it with Deana. Or well, he hasn’t  had it. Yet. But the more she pops up sounding infuriating and looking good enough to eat, the more her hot bod and her cold case wriggle into his mind. And there’s only so much even a hero can resist . . .

Hmm, where to start? I could start with the cover, which is amazing. LOVE it. And I’m happy to stay the story inside is just as incredible. I tend to read romances for heroes, and Josh definitely doesn’t let me down. He’s both honorable and hot—what’s not to like? And Deana is a fully developed character in her own right.

Holding Out for a Hero is a fine example of Dimon’s trademark witty dialogue and sizzling romance, but it has a few other strong elements I want to mention.

First of all, I’ve read a handful of romances where the hero is hired to prove the innocence of a family member. In every one I can remember, the character’s innocence is clear.

In this book, though, Dimon does something I found fascinating: offers doubt. Maybe Deana’s nephew is innocent. Maybe he’s not. And this ambiguity adds a gripping element to the story. I could feel the part of my brain that enjoys true crime kicking in to try and put together the pieces. I can’t tell you how much I loved the combination of this mystery and the romance.

Another thing I enjoyed: the friendship between Josh and Kane. It felt genuine, like I was really seeing two male friends interact. Not the oddly feminine talk I sometimes see in books between guys.

In short, I loved this book: 4.5 out of 5. And I’ve got some catching up to do—I’ve got a few books and novellas in Dimon’s booklist I haven’t read. I won’t wait so long next time.

Since I’ve been reading historical romances lately, I decided to catch up a bit with Lisa Kleypas. In the past few months, I’ve read It Happened One Autumn, Mine until Midnight, Seduce Me at Sunrise, Tempt Me at Twilight, and A Wallflower Christmas. Below are ratings and quick thoughts about each one.

It Happened One Autumn: I absolutely loved Kleypas’s depiction of Marcus, who is completely infatuated with Lillian and is at the same time baffled by that infatuation. Their chemistry is hot, hot, hot. 4.5 out of 5.

Mine until Midnight: I’ve had this ARC for a while—I believe I got it in San Francisco—and I’m just now reading it. It’s a fantastic read, with a hero who understands how much Amelia needs to have someone to lean on every now and then. I loved the scene where that is clear (I won’t say more to avoid giving spoilers). 4.5 out of 5.

Seduce Me at Sunrise: My least favorite of the books I read in this marathon, but still a nice installment. I find myself rereading bits of this, but they aren’t the romance. Instead, they are specific scenes between Cam and Kev. If you’ve read the book, you know which ones I mean. The connection between these characters is exceptionally well done. 4 out of 5.

Tempt Me at Twilight: My favorite of the Hathaway series so far. When Harry interfered in Poppy’s romance, I initially wondered if this would be a bit too much like Prince of Dreams, but the story plays out differently. And it fantastic to see Harry working to win her back. I actually listened to this one on audio, which was different. I often listen to audiobooks but not generally as a first read. 5 out of 5.

A Wallflower Christmas: A very nice revisit of the Wallflowers with a heartwarming romance in the bargain. 4.5 out of 5.

I still need to read Scandal in Spring (I don’t have that one), and then I’ll be caught up.

I never thought I would say this, but I am officially overloaded on paranormals. Two years ago, even one year ago, I couldn’t get enough of them. But now? I’m just not that interested.

A few authors are exempt from this. For instance, don’t even try to interrupt me when Jim Butcher’s Changes comes out. But aside from the authors I’m already following, I can’t muster the desire to read a paranormal. Which is a bit sad, because I have lots of paranormals TBR.

So instead, I’ve been reading historicals. Lots and lots of historicals. In fact, I could use some historical recommendations, so feel free to make a suggestion or two.