Week ending November 11, 2016 Cullen, Sharon. Campbell’s Redemption. Loveswept: Random. (Highland Pride, Bk. 3). Nov. 2016. 267p. ebk. ISBN 9781101964903. $4.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE Set in the mid-1700s, Cullen’s third title in the “Highland Pride” series features Cait Campbell, a young widow and healer for the Campbell clan. She lives on the edge of Campbell and Sutherland land and hides fugitive Scots from the British. Iain Campbell is the clan leader, and her dead husband had been his right-hand man. Cait is still mourning his loss and blames Iain. As Iain had an English mother and was educated in England, he is suspect by the other locals. The dispute between the Scots and the British adds suspense, and the growing relationship between Cait and Iain adds the romance. Verdict Cullen’s (Sutherland’s Secret) latest is a spicy romance between two strong and willful characters, with a smidgen of suspense; a great read.—Susan Hayes, Chattahoochee Valley Libs., Columbus, GA deWolfe, Adrienne. Dance to the Devil’s Tune. ePublishing Works! (Lady Law & the Gunslinger, Bk. 2). Nov. 2016. 372p. ebk. ISBN 9781614179924. $6.25. HISTORICAL ROMANCE Cass and Sadie are back (after Devil in Texas) and falling in and out of love while they struggle to protect each other from a malicious jewel thief. This time they’re off to Denver to gather information from gold heiresses and the hangers-on they attract. After all, the Maestro is a devious devil leaving all sorts of strange behaviors in his wake. Our protagonists have to keep their wits about them as they struggle to keep their covers intact (and their clothes on)! Told with deWolfe’s signature humor and extensive worldbuilding, this is a delightful second entry in the series. Verdict Although the sheer number of well-developed characters gets a bit confusing, the central story is a page-turner.—Emily Thompson, Univ. of Tennessee at Chattanooga Grey, Amelia. Mistletoe, Mischief, and the Marquis. Swerve: St. Martin’s. (Heirs’ Club of Scoundrels, Bk. 3.5). Nov. 2016. 95p. ebk. ISBN 9781250141170. $1.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE Seth Wythebury, the Marquis of Wythebury, is a serious, book-minded taskmaster who feels the charge of his young orphaned nephews keenly and strictly regulates their time with studies. While visiting the Duke of Hurst for Christmas, Seth encounters plucky Lillian Prim, the younger sister of his host’s wife. Lillian believes Seth’s rigorous demands are too much for the boys and tries to convince Seth they need less study and more play, especially outside. Seth is afraid the boys will catch a fever from the cold and die like both their parents did. When a hard-won outing to the stables with the boys ends badly, Lillian realizes she loves Seth but could never marry such a demanding and unforgiving man. Seth will have to get creative quickly to win Lillian back during his short Christmas stay. Verdict Grey (Wedding Night with the Earl) focuses on opposites attracting with the mischievous heroine and her staid counterpart. Unfortunately, Seth’s overbearing nature wins out, resulting in a less-than-convincing hero and happily ever after. “Heirs’ Club” fans may enjoy reading this fun but predictable romance; for others, this is one to skip.—Eve Stano, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, IL Rider, Sara. Keeping Score. Pocket Star. (Perfect Play, Bk. 2). Nov. 2016. 368p. ebk. ISBN 9781501132810. $5.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE Professional soccer player Jaime Chen is accustomed to beating the odds. She won Olympic medals in track and field (despite her short stature) and is now fighting to ensure that her soccer team, the Seattle Falcons, makes it to the playoffs. The only problem is her body isn’t cooperating—and neither is team physiotherapist Alex Martinez. Alex suspects the continuing issues with Jaime’s swollen ankle go beyond a sprain, and he’s determined to keep her healthy, even if he loses his job over it. To guarantee that Jaime follows his protocol, Alex sticks to her like glue. As the two battle, animosity turns to attraction, and now they’re fighting their feelings for each other as well. Verdict This sports romance has a realism that is very appealing. Neither Jaime nor Alex is a superstar with legions of fans; instead, both are striving to do their (sometimes thankless) jobs well, which makes them very relatable. Where author Rider (For the Win) stumbles a bit is in her reliance on big misunderstandings to drive the plot. Still, fans of sports romance will find a lot to like here.—Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI