Portia Hobbs has the internship of a lifetime—apprenticing as a swordmaker at a Scottish estate, under the tutelage of gruff yet sexy Tavish MacKenzie. While the attraction is instant, Portia has sworn off men as part of her quest to get her life together, making Tav off limits. Portia drags Tavish and the armory into the 21st century with her social media savvy, and Tavish helps Portia discover that she's not the hot mess she always thought she was. VERDICT Portia is a sharp, mature protagonist whose quest for self-improvement will resonate with readers (as will her issues with comparing herself to others)—and who can resist a cranky Scot? Cole's star continues to rise, and readers will be eager for more.

Tired of being the twin who doesn't have it together despite her intelligence and education, creative, computer-savvy Portia Hobbs gets serious, launches Project: New Portia, and accepts an apprenticeship with a swordsmith in Scotland, determined to prove her abilities to her family, her friends, and herself. But virile Tavish McKenzie, sword master in chief at the Bodotria Armory and her boss, is not at all the venerable craftsman she expects and macing him the first time she sees him in action doesn't get things off to a great start. Despite their initial wariness, neither can ignore the unwanted sexual tension that sizzles between them. As they work together, their friendship and mutual respect grow—and then Portia discovers something while researching the armory's history that could change Tav's life, as well as the town's, forever. VERDICT Multicultural characters, current social issues, a generous helping of Scottish weapons lore, a hero who learns to forgive the past, and a heroine who comes into her own make Cole's latest a lively, upbeat escapade rich with humor and heart. Thoroughly entertaining! Cole (A Princess in Theory) divides her time between the Caribbean and New York City.