A Gentle Rain by Deborah Smith

A Connecticut heiress.
A Florida cowboy.
His heart. Her secret.
And the very special family
she has come home to find.


When this book was recommended to me by both Linda and Jennifer, I was like, "It's first person." I rarely do first person. But the raves kept coming so I said, "What the hell. Why not?" and got the book from my library. Boy, oh boy, am I glad I did!

A Gentle Rain isn't your normal book. You won't find Navy SEALs, serial killers, or drug dealers. You won't find wannabe gangsta vampires (stab me in the eye with a flaming hot poker!). You won't find billionaires whose secretaries are secretly having their babies. You won't even find hot, steamy sex. No, with A Gentle Rain you find so much more. Between the covers of this book you will find emotion, acceptance, and forgiveness. You will find uneducated and "simple" human beings who are so much more than they look to be. You will find a woman searching for her "identity" and finding exactly what she needed.

Deborah Smith's A Gentle Rain will teach you "a lesson in humility" (that's a quote from Jennifer B). It's an amazing story that touched my heart from the get go. On page 5, I fell in love with Ben. Here's the reason why.

I walked toward the second door. "Don't you go in there, boy," the nurse called. "You don't want to see that poor little ugly baby."

"He's my brother, lady, and you shut the hell up."

I'd never spoken to a woman like that before. I'd been raised right. But I'd never been the big brother of a feeble-hearted idiot before, either. Shame and pride fought it out inside me. I started defending my baby bubba from the first, even when I wished he'd never been born. I went into his room.

He was wrapped in tight sheets inside a small metal crib with a see-through dome. An oxygen tank fed air into it, hissing like a snake. I clutched the crib's side, swallowed my bile, and slowly, squinting in fear, peered down at him. He looked back, or tried to, as best as any baby can focus.

His head was too big, and his face was flat. His eyes slanted like the eyes of a Chinese boy I'd seen at a rodeo in Tallahassee. He was scrawny. His skin had a weird blue tint.

But he wasn't ugly. He had mine and Pa's black Seminole hair. He had Ma's cute, brunette-white-girl nose. He had my serious look on his face. And he smiled. He smiled at me.

I put my forehead against the clear dome that separated him from me, and I cried. It was the first and last time I'd let him see me shed tears over him. That's when I realized it: He's a Cracker horse. I have to see him as special, and that means worth saving.

Pa came in eventually, looked the baby over without a word, then finally spread one big, callused hand on the crib's dome. He put the other hand on my shoulder. I felt a tremor in it. "What d'ya think, Ben?"

"He's a Cracker," I whispered hoarsely. "If we don't give him a chance to prove hisself, who's gonna?"

Pa squeezed my shoulder. "Then we're agreed. Your Mama'll be proud of you. Proud of us both. She loves him."

"Then so do we, " I said.

Ben was nine years old at the time and he was amazing. He's this young and this accepting. This young and could see his brother for something more than the "retard" the doctors and nurses were calling him. And he loved and accepted him just as he was. Imagine, nine years old and capable of this, imagine how much more amazing he is as an adult. While Ben is uneducated, he's extremely intelligent. The beginning of the book had me teetering on the edge of reading on and putting it aside, I couldn't decide. But it was Ben and his compassion and Kara and her plight that had me continuing on.

Read the book. You won't be sorry.

A Gentle Rain by Deborah Smith

Linda asked me to comment on this book, but I could not limit my reaction to just a few words…

Title: A Gentle Rain
Author: Deborah Smith

Type: Per the spine label, Romance.

Copyright: 2007

Why: If memory serves, there was blogger buzz one or two years back for Smith’s The Crossroads Café. I added it to my TBR list, made a mental note of the author and ultimately picked up another of her titles first. That book was Sweet Hush and, looking back over the blog, it looks like I never got around to reviewing it. A shame, since it was a fab read. As was The Crossroads Café (reviewed by Linda).

A Gentle Rain is Smith’s 2007 release. It went on my list prior to its release date, but I’ve just now gotten to it. In the future, I’ll try to remember the punch Smith packs and pick up her new releases sooner. Like the day of.

Comments: In a review awhile back, I mentioned being unable to remember anything else about a book but its characters. Voice, pace, plot—all were so entwined with characterization that I couldn’t separate any one thing out. Same here. A Gentle Rain was simply time spent in the company of extraordinary characters.

Written in first person, narrated alternately by Karen and Ben, this book put me ‘there’, in the scene, with seamless ease. Through that narration, Smith slows reader heartbeat, soothes and cajoles us into the gentle, simple life found at Thocco Ranch. Masterfully, we are immersed in not only the story’s details, but also its sensations. And despite the weighty issues—social and emotional—and the Florida heat, the sensation is not an oppressive one. There is a simplicity both lived and acknowledged in this story. We experience it firsthand in the patient love Ben and Karen show Thocco’s mentally handicapped ranch hands. And again and again in the actions and words of those ranch hands, related to the reader through Smith’s affected narrators. It’s magic—that weave of spirit, condition, and manner that carries the reader along through the story. You feel it, experience it—rather than watch.

Smith’s voice and her first person narratives give us very rich characters in Karen and Ben. Humor and quirks abound. These two will give you a bellyache for the laughs. They also serve as wonderful examples of the power of personality. It shines in both, pulling us deep, well beyond appearance and even motivation. Both are a joy to know, flaws and all.

The ranch hands? Real, just very, very real. Like Karen and Ben, you’ll find yourself cheering for them, while all along it is they who are building up your own character. These folks, and the crazy ass horse they adopt, carry the story with a power that matches that of Karen and Ben. Within them all, there is humor and loss, balanced beautifully against a penchant for simply living and a reminder to appreciate all of it. Just as Linda said, it is meant to be savored. I lost count of the number of times I paused to reflect on the profound or ride the endorphin wave after each belly laugh.

Fabulous read.

Thin Ice by Liana Laverentz

This is a contemporary romance about a doctor and a hockey player.  Liana contacted me via the Lori Foster Weekend group and asked me to review it.  I've never been asked personally by an author to do this and I felt hesitant but finally agreed.  Boy am I glad.  

This is one of the most powerful and heartwarming books I've read, ever.  Both Eric and Emily had serious emotional hang-ups which directly impacted on the other's weaknesses.  There were moments when my heart was pumping furiously because the drama of the scene was so well written I really felt what the characters were feeling.  There were also some moments that made me laugh out loud they were so amusingly spot on.  I suspect Liana is a hockey fan and if she's not, she knows someone really well who is.  She captured some scenes during a couple of hockey games so well that I could see it happening.

I hesitate giving a recap of the story because it's important to discover the layers of Eric and Emily as they reveal them to each other. This is about a developing relationship.  There were many times when either Eric or Emily would choose not to discuss the situation with the other and make a decision that wasn't really in their best interest.  Just as I would be ready to throw the book against the wall and scream "NO", the reason given for the decision made so much sense I would just sigh and go with it.  Plus Eric and Emily are beautifully drawn, three-dimensional characters about whom I came to care a great deal.  

This is a story about the impact of abuse - physical, mental and emotional.  But it is also a signal lesson on the importance of communication.  Every time there's a misunderstanding it's because they kept secrets and didn't talk with one another.  I know this is a standard in romance, but for some reason it felt like a major influence in Thin Ice.  

Well, I'm off to buy her other book, Jake's Return.  Liana Laverentz has a new fan girl.  Oh, and Thin Ice was 2008 Eppie winner for Best Contemporary Romance.

Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh

In the first three books of this series, teachers from Miss Martin's School for Girls find true love.  In each book we see Miss Claudia Martin as "the older woman" who is their dear friend and supporter.  She encourages them in finding their paths to happiness.  We catch glimpses of her conflict with the aristocracy and we suspect that the anonymous benefactor of the school might be her greatest nemesis.

In Simply Perfect,  Miss Martin finally gets her HEA! Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough, shows up unexpectedly at the school to escort Miss Martin and two of her students to London. Before they leave he asks for a tour of the school and charms everyone. In an amusing refrain after he visits each room, Miss Martin thinks to herself that everyone was "gazing worshipfully at him" and you can tell she's not happy about it.   What she doesn't know is that he has an illigitimate daughter who is blind and he is thinking of her welfare when he talks with Miss Martin about education.

A year or so ago I read Simply Love (second in this series) and was delighted with the unusual characters. At times it was confusing because people were mentioned who obviously had backstories of which I was totally ignorant.  When I read that Simply Perfect had come out, I knew I needed to read the other books in the series before I attempted it. So this week I read Simply Unforgettable, Simply Magic and Simply Perfect. Whew! Balogh marathon!

I'm glad I read these books before Simply Perfect because everyone shows up in this story, including all the aristocracy from previous books which I haven't read. Amazingly, their characters came through quite clearly and this almost felt like Ms. Balogh was finished with these people and their world. Except Lizzie, Joseph's daughter, is so lovingly depicted I wonder if we'll get her story next.

Although Ms. Balogh's voice is consistent, I was impressed with how different she made her H/h in each story.  Each was clearly drawn, especially the men.  I'd recommend every one of these books.  Although Simply Love can be read before Simply Unforgettable they should both be read before Simply Magic.  And since Perfect is probably the culmination of the series,  the others should be read first.  Not that this should be considered a hardship. LOL

I LOVED THESE BOOKS.

A Gentle Rain by Deborah Smith

Deb Smith has written another winner about the South, this time it’s about Florida Crackers. Although there is a romantic aspect to this story it really is about a group of misfits on a ranch in Florida.

Ben Thocco is part Seminole and owns a cattle ranch in Florida. His little brother, Joey, has Down’s Syndrome and is dying from a heart problem but Ben has taken care of him from the moment Joey was born. All of Ben’s ranch hands are mentally challenged in some way or another, but he’s managed to find jobs for them that suit their talents.

Kara Whittenbrook was adopted by a couple of rich environmentalists who raised her in Brazil. When they died she learned she wasn’t their natural daughter and set out to find her birth parents. She finds them at the Thocco Ranch.

The story is narrated by both Ben and Kara. Sometimes it goes for pages from one point of view and at other times there’s a quick transition. Only occasionally did I get confused as to who was telling the story.

The book’s title comes from Ben’s description to Kara of how his ranch-hands see him. “Look how they put up with me. I ain’t the fastest hoss in the race, or the most lovable, but they find excuses to like me anyhow. That’s what really makes ‘em special. Most people look at a leaky soul and see nothing but trickles of good intentions fallin’ on bone-dry earth. But these folks? They see a gentle rain.”

I found myself wanting to savor this book in a way I rarely do. The descriptions of the land, the people, the animals were so lovingly drawn, I wanted to take my time. Normally I tend to skip the descriptions and just hit the highlights skimming the paragraphs, but not with A Gentle Rain. And I enjoyed the slang, uneducated language of Ben contrasted with the overeducated, Yale graduate, Northern heiress phrasing of Kara’s.

I hope Jennifer will add her comments when she finishes reading it.

Little reviews

In lieu of full-blown reviews, here are some thoughts on the non-Highlander books I’ve read since January.

Claiming The Courtesan by Anna Campbell
Blogger buzz and controversy led me to this title. Long after the group discussion, I have to agree with most, the rape put me ill at ease and despite the emotional depth of both hero and heroine, this violence and its aftermath permeated the rest of the story. It was a well-told story, emotionally complex and challenging. But the darkness never truly lifted. And I’m not suggesting that it should have. It was a powerful story as written and any argument about genre classification or HEA authenticity wouldn’t convince me to forego this one. Didn’t obviously. Not a Wow read for me, but an affecting one nonetheless.

Scent Of Darkness and Touch Of Darkness by Christina Dodd
I mention these titles because I wanted to comment on world building. Jane at DA brought it up yesterday, and it called to mind this series. Jane asked if we were getting pickier when it comes to the level of world building in paranormals and fantasy. I’d say yes, given the overwhelming number of titles to choose from and the benchmarks set by the likes of Liu and Singh. Take these Dodd titles for example. I liked them, but would simply call them ‘ok’. Nothing that stands out, but in essence, they are well written, with three-dimensional characters occupying interesting worlds and forms. All the right elements, but no grab. Could hinge on the complexity of the world. Singh’s Psy-Changeling world has much, much more in play than Dodd’s tale of cursed shape-shifter siblings. It may also hinge on the degree of HEA impossibility, for lack of a better phrase. Both Singh and Liu (for example’s sake) give us circumstances bound to prevent a coupling. And not just external circumstances, but mechanisms and experiences internal to each character that render their HEA harder won. In Dodd’s world, an interesting one like I said, the obstacles still lack punch. They are old-fashioned even—can a human love another who takes animal form? If yes, can they overcome said animal’s curse? Seems to me we need more now, like we’ve already—as readers—discovered that yes, we can love a hero that shifts. So, for Dodd’s titles, they were decent reads. But I’m not sure I’ll keep going when I have so many others in the stack.

Cutting Loose by Tara Janzen
I loved this one. Flat out loved it. I will always, always go back to Janzen for more. Had I the gumption back when I finished it, I could have gushed up a full-length review. Looking back on it in my book log however, all I can say is that I loved every single minute of it. Can’t single any one thing or character out. All good. Looking at her website today, I see mention of Loose and Easy, and Loose Change. No word on when, but I’ll be ready and waiting.

And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke
Blogger buzz led me to this title as well. But honestly, sitting here recapping my reads, I couldn’t remember a thing said about it and I couldn’t recall a single detail about the book. After looking it up online, I remember the story. But that’s it. Don’t recall my immediate reaction or feeling, or anything in particular about Guhrke’s telling. Looks like she has more titles than I expected. Maybe I thought her a new author based on the buzz. No telling. Given that I read a lot less now, I’m not inclined to search out any more of her titles. Again, too many others to choose from right now.

Tempted by Megan Hart
This is another book worthy of a full-length, thoughtful review. I was simply never able to find the words. Loved it, as I have Hart’s previous titles. Was moved, touched by the struggle Anne found in loving more than one. Powerful stuff. And really, I can’t share my thoughts on any of it in just a short space. Maybe I’ll get to the whole review after a reread.

The Mad, Bad Duke by Jennifer Ashley
I loved, loved, loved the Captain Lacey mysteries Jennifer Ashley penned under the name of Ashley Gardner. This was my first romance by her and she did not disappoint. Surprised me though. I was unaware that The Mad, Bad Duke was a paranormal. Not a secret I’m sure, just something I failed to notice when selecting the book. I picked it for no other reason than the fact that she wrote it. So, paranormal elements aside, Ashley’s voice captivated; different than the Lacey series as those were written in first person, but equally good—tight, clean prose. That was what I was looking for—the writing style and skill I found in those first books. The paranormal elements—shape-shifting, spells, etc.—were interesting, particularly in a historical setting, and the romance was both moving and spicy. I’d easily recommend Ashley’s books to those who like paranormals. I also plan to go back and pick the book I believe comes before this one, before moving on to her Highlander titles.

Strangers In Death by J.D. Robb

Like coming home. Always.

Dear Santa by Karen Templeton

I loved this book, although I'm not a big fan of category because I prefer a longer story. Somehow though, Ms. Templeton has managed to give depth to her characters in only 236 pages.

His daughter's birth made him a father.
Becoming a daddy would take a bit longer.…

Connecticut mogul Grant Braeburn never thought he was father material, even though his nearly four-year-old daughter should have convinced him otherwise. But then his ex-wife's death made him Haley's permanent parent. Her only parent. He needed help, in a hurry.

It came in the form of Mia Vaccaro, the lively, lovely party planner who had been his ex-wife's best friend. Mia was the only one who could touch Haley's broken heart. And, Grant was becoming increasingly aware, his as well.…

I can't remember laughing through a book as often as I did while reading Dear Santa. What's remarkable about this is, it isn't a comedy. Both Grant and Mia are dealing with tough issues. He was raised to suppress all emotions so when he's faced with helping his three year old daughter deal with the death of her mother, he's clueless. Mia's former fiance left her 6 weeks before their wedding with no explanations. Luckily, Mia comes from a large, loving family and she's able to help Grant with his daughter, Haley. I'd love to quote a passage that would illustrate the humor but I'm not sure it works without the build-up and knowing the characters. Ms. Templeton delivers humor like a talented comic, her timing, word choice and delivery are perfect. It always seemed to catch me by surprise and I would burst out laughing before I could stop it.

I'm hoping this unique turn of phrase which makes me laugh is Templeton's voice and will be present in all her books. This is the first in a series she's doing called Guys and Daughters. The next two books deal with Mia's brothers.

I'd give this a grade of A.

Craving Contemporaries!

Huge cravings for contemporaries... HUGE! These are all recent reads and I enjoyed each and every one of them--two rereads, three new reads.

This is a fabulous book and I love, love, love Harley. With a name as macho as that, how could you not? This one has Barber in it as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.

Sometimes Fate delivers a left hook.

After Fate deals Supreme Battle Challenge (SBC) fighter Harley Handleman a sucker punch, his uncle secretly hires a pretty lifecoach to get Harley back in the ring of life. Anastasia Kelley has actually known Harley for years, but never as well as she's going to now. Hot for his fighter's form, she has trouble keeping it professional, especially since Harley doesn't know she was hired. And when Anastasia turns the tables on him, it's as if he's been hit below the belt. But that's also where is uncontrollable lust for her burns.

Loved this book--and I lately I normally don't like Blaze books! Ms. O'Reilly has a great voice and weaves a great story. I'm already looking forward to the next two books in the series!

As a student and part-time bartender in Manhattan, Tessa Hart has found that a succession of roomies and cramped apartments are necessary evils in her life. Until she's out on the street and Gabe O'Sullivan, her mentor, boss and certified babe-magnet, steps in.

Any other woman would die to share his apartment—not to mention his bed—but Tessa's determined that they should stay just friends. The fiercely independent mixologist has to prove to their skeptical coworkers at Prime—the O'Sullivans' hot Manhattan bar—that the arrangement is strictly hands-off! But Tessa has trouble adhering to her own "no touching" rule when the actual sharing of close quarters day and night leaves her shaken and stirred….




Another good book by Ms. O'Reilly. Not as good as the one above, but good enough that I'm going to be searching out her stuff methinks.

When Amanda Sedgewick runs out of nice ways to say "no way" to dating Dr. Avery Barrington, she dumps her defensive posturing and goes on the offensive. she signs up Joe, Avery's young hung of a brother, for a faux fling.

Truth be told, Amanda's always had the hots for the laid-back, rough-around-the-edges, drop-dead-gorgeous Joe. But how to turn a fantasy into a reality? As a successful attorney, Amanda spends her days being convincing in the courtroom; how she wants to spend her nights being convincing in the bedroom--with Joe. He wants to play it careful--no pressure, no risk--until the sexual sparks soon cost them everything!




This is a reread, but I love this book. One of Lori Foster's best.

Grace Jenkins has had little experience with men—feeling too awkward and insecure to free the passionate woman inside her. But that hasn't stopped her from dreaming about Noah Harper. Gorgeous, strong and darkly sexy, his rough edge beneath the polish promises no mercy in the bedroom. When Grace learns Noah's engagement has ended in scandal, she shyly offers him her support and her friendship. But Noah's looking for something extra...

Noah wants Grace—badly. He wants to possess those curves that go on forever, to savor her sweet innocence, to take her to the limits of white-hot desire...again and again. What he doesn't want is anything more complicated than that, and he knows Grace is a woman who deserves better. Grace, however, knows exactly what she wants—the kind of ecstasy only Noah can give her. Brazenly, she accepts, and Noah promises to make all her secret fantasies come true...

Another awesome reread.

In the wonderfully erotic bestseller, Too Much Temptation, readers fell in love with two brothers -- dark, sexy Noah, and his roguish, younger brother, Ben -- as Noah followed his heart's desire. Now, acclaimed author Lori Foster returns to their world, this time exploring the sensual longings, secret wounds, andhidden needs of irresistible Ben Badwin, a man for whom there is never too much of a good thing...

He Wanted Her Completely

A confirmed bachelor, Ben Badwin has had his share of women, and he likes them as sexy, wild, and uninhibited as his desires. Nothing at all like the brash, dirt-covered, wholesomely cute woman who just strutted into his diner for a cold drink. But something about Sierra Murphy's independent attitude makes Ben fantasies run wild. He'd love nothing more than to dazzle her with his prized sensual skills...to make her want him as badly as he suddenly wants her...

Sierra has her own plans -- and they don't include getting involved with a notorious Romeo. Fiercely independent, with her own landscaping business to run, she makes it perfectly clear that she doesn't need a man to help her, not even one as sinfully tempting as Ben. But the more Sierra keeps her distance, the more Ben wants her. And the more Ben wants her, the harder it is for Sierra to steer clear of his teasing touches and enticing eyes. To get him into her bed -- and out of her system -- Sierra makes him a proposition: she'll sleep with him, but for one night only. Now, it's up to Ben to turn one night of pure ecstasy into a lifetime of passion...

Recent Reads

Here are a few recent reads... and really good ones too! Woot!

Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall
You can buy it here.

For powerful emotion and unforgettable romance Sharon Sala can't be beat. This beautifully repackaged classic is sure to delight her long-time fans and attract new ones!

Jackson Rule had spent nearly half his life behind bars for murder. Now he was starting over--or trying to. Once he laid hungry eyes on his new employer, though, his resolve to lead a simple solitary life deserted him, replaced by yearnings for fierce, forbidden passion.

Preacher's daughter Rebecca Hill was raised to give folks the benefit of the doubt--though maybe this time she'd taken charity a bit too far. True Jackson Rule had paid his debt to society, and was a hard, honest worker. What threatened to undo her was the sheer burning desire she felt in his presence, and the sinking feeling that her heart would be his captive forever.

This was a recommendation I saw on The Bradford Bunch by Ann Aguirre and holy smokes is this book GREAT! I love Jackson. He's so deep, tortured, and angsty... but he doesn't do anything by halves... no siree. Jackson does everything full-out and with everything he has... including love. Oh, he's oh so very dreamy. :o)

The Sheik and the Pregnant Bride by Susan Mallery
Silhouette Special Edition
March 2008

Maggie Collins had come to the exotic kingdom of El Deharia to restore Prince Qadir's antique car…not to get married. The no-frills mechanic had been burned by love before, and marriage—even to a seductive sheik—didn't top her agenda. But then Qadir made her an offer she should have refused.

It was meant to be a temporary engagement…until Maggie discovered she was pregnant. Now Qadir was honor-bound to give Maggie and her child the protection of his name. He never expected her to sweep him off his feet.

Would there be a royal wedding after all?

Dude, make fun all you want, but this book rocked. Sheiks baby! Lots of humor, wit, and awesome characterization. Woot! While her last two books (including one sheik book) were mediocre at best this one was fabulous! Ms. Mallery is back!

What Mattered Most by Linda Winfree
Available in Ebook here.
Available in print here.

A man in the worst place he can be—between two women—and forced to choose which one lives or dies.

Houston homicide detective, John O’Reilly, is torn between two women. One is the woman he’s loved without hope for years. The other carries his unborn child. Now, a man bent on revenge wants O’Reilly to choose, and any choice he makes could cost him everything.

Gutsy sheriff’s deputy, Lanie Falconetti, is determined not to repeat her mother’s mistakes in love. Her no-strings attached affair with John O’Reilly leads to an unexpected, but joyfully welcomed pregnancy. However, the shadow from John’s past threatens not only her chance at happiness, but her life and that of her unborn baby as well.

I read this on a recommendation from Lori and boy, oh boy am I glad I did. This book was awesome! A little suspense, a lot of relationship with tons of emotion, great characterization by an author who has immense talent is the prize you get when you read What Mattered Most.

Drive By Highlander Review

I say drive-by because I won’t go into depth on any one of these titles or series. The review bug has fled again and I’m not keeping pace with my reads. I can however, muster up an overview of these Highlander stories. And yup, with the exception of one, these are the same Highlanders Anne devoured awhile back. I’m her paperback swap buddy.

The Highlander’s Stolen Bride by Melanie George

Blurb: Lady Rosalyn Carmichael is on the run from her evil stepbrother, who will do anything to gain her inheritance. When Derek Hardwicke rescues her from an attempted kidnapping in London, she gratefully accepts the protection of his remote Scottish castle. And though Derek's devilishly handsome looks inspire scandalous fantasies, a secret from her past means those fantasies must forever remain dreams....

A Highland laird, Derek intends to marry his childhood friend Megan MacPherson, since only a Scottish wife will satisfy his clan. But beautiful Rosalyn awakens feelings he never dreamed he'd have. And while he has promised to keep her safe, the attraction between them burns too hot to deny. Now, with danger inching ever closer, he must choose between his allegiance to his clan and a passion like he's never known....

I saw this title bandied about two years ago, bought it and buried it under my TBR stack. Having read it now, I think it was the blurb/premise and the fact that it was a new release that put it top-of-mind. I’m guessing there was little blogger buzz about it. The writing felt amateur, the story predictable and the characters shallow. I’m pretty sure I finished it though, probably with a lot of skimming—I can’t really remember, it’s been over a month. Irony is that when I called up this blurb for purposes of this review, damned if the story didn’t sound good to me all over again. George simply failed to execute.

To Scotland With Love by Karen Hawkins (2nd in MacLean brothers series)

Blurb: When Lord Gregor MacLean learns his childhood friend, Venetia Oglivie, has been abducted by a fortune hunter, he rides off to Scotland in hot -- and very annoyed -- pursuit. Venetia's soft heart has gotten her in major trouble this time: if he doesn't rescue her swiftly, the scandal will ostracize the provocative wench!

The only sensible member of her family, Venetia is sure she can fix any problem, even this one. So when an irate Gregor catches up with her, arrogantly expecting a hero's welcome, the sparks between them begin to fly. Then an unexpected snowstorm traps them at an inn, and Gregor discovers his feelings for the lovely Venetia are far warmer than he realized -- fiery enough to burn down the inn! Now if he can only convince Venetia that his motive for marriage isn't duty...but desire.

This title was in the lovely box Anne sent. This was lighter fare than I generally prefer. It was well written, but Hawkins’ attempts at hilarity fell flat for me. Venetia’s meddling was genuinely naïve (as was her departure from London with a complete dunce) and it undermined any attempt Hawkins made to make her worthy (read ‘smart enough’) of the somewhat more mature Gregor. I liked the premise as well as the barely-there paranormal element, but the characters grated on my nerves. If you like light-hearted, you might enjoy this one—finding more in the players’ antics than I did.

The MacLeods of Skye trilogy: Highlander Untamed, Highlander Unmasked, Highlander Unchained by Monica McCarty

From McCarty’s release announcements:

Highlander Untamed is the story of Rory MacLeod, a fierce Highland chief who vows revenge on the hated MacDonald clan for the great wrong they’ve done his sister. When duty demands that Rory handfast with Isabel Macdonald, he has no intention of keeping his bride—but treachery is afoot and unexpected passion is in the air.

Highlander Unmasked is the story of Alex MacLeod, a battle-hardened outlaw fighting against injustice and the demons of the past. But his mission is put in jeopardy when he crosses paths with Meg Mackinnon, a determined woman intent on uncovering his secrets.

Highlander Unchained is the story of Flora MacLeod, Rory and Alex’s half-sister, a headstrong heiress who vows to be a prize for no man. But she doesn’t count on Lachlan MacLean, the rugged Highland chief who kidnaps her intent on winning her heart.

This trilogy was also in the lovely box Anne sent. It had exactly what I like in Scottish historical romance: Giant Highlander heroes determined to let no harm come to their women, no more brogue than the occasional “Aye” or “Lass”, and heroines with enough steel in their spines to withstand harsh Highland life. Yes, Garwood is my benchmark. Unfortunately, this set of stories also included way, way too much narrative—redundant narrative at that. Both hero and heroine, in all three stories, spend entirely too much time lamenting the fact that their love is forbidden. I grew tired of it and began skimming as many pages as I actually read. Without the unnecessary narrative, each would have been a tight, well-constructed story with sufficient characterization. Admittedly, I liked enough of the good stuff to read all three from McCarty. I may also read McCarty’s next Highlander trilogy, the Clan Campbell, when it releases in 2009.

MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy: If You Dare, If You Desire, If You Deceive by Kresley Cole

From Cole’s website:

Three Scottish brothers, cursed to walk with death, become what they were fated to be: dark warriors—a spy, a mercenary, and an assassin—without homes, families, or futures. Inhabiting a shadow realm on the periphery of society, these men are damned by their fates, their actions and, in some cases, by the very people they protect. They are fiercely possessive and will do whatever it takes to defend what’s theirs.

Another trilogy in the lovely box Anne sent. This set had my faved giant Highlanders matched with spitfire heroines. However, these heroes hurt their heroines (emotionally) nearly as much as they protected them and their brogue was thick enough to slow me down through some passages. I loved every one.

Cole’s characterization was fabulous. I was immediately drawn in and remained riveted to every word. Each of Cole’s heroes required a bit of redemption and they came by it through equal parts solemnity and humor. Great, great stories. Tightly written and character-driven. Loved them and now look forward to the Cole book I originally had on my TBR list—A Hunger Like No Other.

The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne

Title: The Spymaster’s Lady
Author: Joanna Bourne

Type: Historical Romance
Series: Hard to tell. Looks like another connected book follows--My Lord and Spymaster, due out July, 2008.

Why: Blogger buzz. And I’ve never been more grateful for it.

Blurb: She's never met a man she couldn't deceive...

She's braved battlefields. She's stolen dispatches from under the noses of heads of state. She's played the worldly courtesan, the naive virgin, the refined Bristh lady, even a Gypsy boy. But Annique Villiers, the elusive spy known as the Fox Cub, has finnaly met the one man she can't outwit.

British spymaster Robert Grey must enter France and bring back the brilliant, beautiful--and dangerous--Fox Cub. His duty is to capture her and her secrets for England. When the two natural enemies are thrown into prison, they forge an uneasy alliance to break free. But their pact is temporary and betrayal seems inevitable. They flee, pursued every step of the way by ruthless authorities, caught in a net of screts and lies. As the fates of nations hang in the balance, Grey and Annique fight the passion that flares between them--forbidden, impossible, and completely irresistible...

Comments: Flawless and Fucking fabulous.

Bourne’s characterization defies description or review. She gives us one of the most powerful heroines I’ve ever read and a hero who wears both his flaws and perfections with absolute confidence. I was utterly enthralled within just the first few pages.

It was bittersweet, that moment of realization. You know, the one that comes with the relief of finding characters you care about instantly, the joy of landing a fabulous book that promises, no guarantees, escape. Almost always followed by that impending sense of sadness, disappointment that it will end after the last page. Sigh.

In Annique, Bourne creates a heroine that is almost mythically cunning and capable. She is as strong as steel and as fragile as blown glass—mentally, emotionally and physically. This impression forms quickly, within minutes really, and the reader is instantly connected. We know Annique and, of course, we want a true hero for her. From there, Bourne gives us more depth, more insight—through seemingly impossible twists and surprises. This is a heroine that stuns readers and hero alike, from beginning to end. You literally cannot take your eyes off her.

Bourne endows her with a practicality that is as heart-wrenching as it is hilarious—creating that fine, fine edge between resignation and the driest of wit. You really never know if she—or any of the other characters for that matter—is going to accept or change the fate of the next moment. It is in her—and their—makeup as much as it is in the spy training and experience. Annique is clever beyond words—we see it in the way her mind reasons. We also see it in her snappy, gut responses that require no thought. And her actions? She sets about them with such resoluteness, that we can’t question, can’t accuse. We can only hold our breath, at once confident in her ability and yet scared to fucking death for her.

Robert Grey is Bourne’s enigmatic, two-sided (both alpha and beta) hero, an English spymaster. The alpha is there from the start, and despite all of the times Annique bests him, the reader never doubts his ultimate power over her. The beta in him is the man in love, deftly revealed beneath layers and layers of motivation and cause, on a long walk to London. This man’s intentions—conveyed in thoughts as startlingly blunt as his spoken words—raised goosebumps. He commands, he seduces—reader and and heroine alike.

Bourne gives her spymaster the task of peeling away Annique’s many layers. Not a new premise, but never have I seen it done like this—with equal parts poignancy and ruthlessness. And with a forthrightness we come to recognize in Grey, a man so without hesitation that he appears to do everything suddenly. Where Annique mesmerizes readers, Grey is a constant threat to their equilibrium. Even when he acts as expected, he does so without warning.

His and Annique’s first coupling is one example. Oh, man.

In more testament to Bourne’s power of characterization, there is a cast of supporting characters that easily draw the reader’s eye—all skillfully presented as players in the spy game. Even the villain occupies a place on this field, giving him more power, credibility even, than what is typical. And Grey’s team—Adrian and Doyle—engage readers as adeptly as Grey does. I was half in love with both of them before I hit the 50-page mark. I mean, within a very short space, Doyle begins a spoken thought with “God’s little parakeets.” Half in love.

I’ve gone on about Bourne’s characterization. Really, it all boils down to that. When I tried to find the words to describe her voice, I realized that I couldn’t recall Bourne’s voice. Only Annique’s, and Grey’s, and the others to lessening extents. I could only hear the characters.

I also recalled that Annique’s voice epitomized being French—its cadence, her natural arrogance. This is critical to the book’s outcome, the secrets and burdens revealed on the way, and very, very clever on Bourne’s part. She is a master at layering.

In fact, every time I tried to separate out one thing or another that I liked about the story, I found that I couldn’t tug just one piece out—woven tightly this story is. So tightly you can’t break it down. Fucking. Fabulous.

Many thanks to Ms. Bourne.

And a note to her publisher/marketers: The book's cover is not worthy. The blurb is not only ineffective, it over-simplifies to the point of lying. Time to step up.

Grimspace By Ann Aguirre

Publisher: Ace
(February 26, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0441015999
ISBN-13: 978-0441015993

BLURB:

By all accounts, Sirantha Jax should have burned out years ago…

As the carrier of a rare gene, Jax has the ability to jump ships through grimspace—a talent which cuts into her life expectancy, but makes her a highly prized navigator for the Corp. But then the ship she’s navigating crash-lands, and she’s accused of killing everyone on board. It’s hard for Jax to defend herself: she has no memory of the crash.

Now imprisoned and the subject of a ruthless interrogation, Jax is on the verge of madness. Then a mysterious man breaks into her cell, offering her freedom—for a price. March needs Jax to help his small band of rogue fighters break the Corp monopoly on interstellar travel—and establish a new breed of jumper.

Jax is only good at one thing—grimspace—and it will eventually kill her. So she may as well have some fun in the meantime…

THOUGHTS: I haven't read much Science Fiction up to this point, truthfully none, and Grimspace was the perfect place to start.

In Grimspace, Ann Aguirre takes the reader on an amazing journey to different worlds, different, I guess you'd call them races as they weren't all different species, and so many different "abilities" within those races. I absolutely LOVED it.

I enjoyed Sirantha very much. She's a kick-ass heroine who doesn't put up with anybody's crap. She faces things head-on, no wussy-girl here. I love her strength and her resolve.

Then there's March. Wowza. He's been through some bad stuff and done some really bad stuff in his life, but there's something about Sirantha that calls to him on a deeper level, something that allows her to touch him on a deeper level. He doesn't put up with her crap either, and I really like that about him. Who wants a hero who lets the heroine overpower him? So not my cuppa. He finds what he needs for the present and future with Jax and I love that. Absolutely love it. Together they are amazing.

I so totally love that Sirantha and March can communicate telepathically and in a way that no one else has ever been able to do with him. That is so awesome and very sexy. They can see deep inside one another and that is a level of intimacy I never even pondered. Again, unique.

Dina was a hoot... "You stupid bitch. I don't need you dying for me. I need you to stick around because... you're my best friend." Gotta love her.

I liked Vel very much too. I queried Ms. Aguirre and it turns out that, yes, Vel will be in the next book. Woot!

The world Ms. Aguirre has created is unique, very exciting and so different from anything I've ever read. She took me to a place I didn't know existed, a place that was unlike anything I could ever imagine. Amazing. Truly amazing.

OVERALL GRADE: A.

Grimspace comes out on February 26 and I highly recommend picking up this book and venturing on journey like no other.

Read an excerpt here.
Pre-order the book here, here, here, and here.

The next book in the series, Wanderlust, is scheduled to release in September 2008.

Blurb:

Sirantha Jax doesn’t take chances…she jumps at them…

Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. Jax has worked for the Farwan Corporation her entire career. But now the word’s out that the Corp deliberately crashed a passenger ship, and their stranglehold on intergalactic commerce has crumbled—which means that Jax is out of a job.

She’s also broke, due to being declared dead a little prematurely. So when the government asks her to head up a vital diplomatic mission, Jax takes it. Her mandate: journey to the planet Ithiss-Tor and convince them to join the Conglomerate.

But Jax’s payday is light years away. First, she’ll have to contend with Syndicate criminals, a stormy relationship with her pilot, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspace-weakened body. She’ll be lucky just to make it to Ithiss-Tor alive…

Read an excerpt here.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper

Title: 90 Minutes In Heaven
Author: Don Piper with Cecil Murphey

Type: Non-fiction
Copyright: 2004

Blurb:

As he is driving home from a minister's conference, Baptist minister Don Piper collides with a semi-truck that crosses into his lane. He is pronounced dead at the scene. For the next 90 minutes, Piper experiences heaven where he is greeted by those who had influenced him spiritually. He hears beautiful music and feels true peace. Back on earth, a passing minister who had also been at the conference is led to pray for Don even though he knows the man is dead. Piper miraculously comes back to life and the bliss of heaven is replaced by a long and painful recovery. For years Piper kept his heavenly experience to himself. Finally, however, friends and family convinced him to share his remarkable story.

Why: My husband mentioned hearing about this book while listening to Shawn Hannity’s radio program. I immediately picked it up from my local library—in a valiant effort to get him reading, instead of trying to engage me in television when I’M trying to read. When he started reading passages aloud—again, disturbing MY reading—I promised him I would read it when he finished. As long as he stopped reading it aloud to me. So I kept my promise and read the book.

Comments: The author, and subject, of the book is a Baptist preacher. He is in fact injured in an accident just after leaving a Baptist church conference. Raised Baptist, and the granddaughter of a Baptist preacher, every word in this book spoke to a part of me long buried. I’ve been a Christian lost for a very long time now. And despite the difficult times these past two years, I’d yet to successfully reach out, or reach deep, for that faith I knew as a young person. This book changed that.

The premise for the book—Don Piper’s visit to heaven while he lay dead—is addressed in just a few pages. The remainder of the book details Piper’s recovery—it is not a full recovery—and the pain and depression he suffered throughout. That was the first twist. Those 90 minutes in heaven, that experience, was deeply personal for him. So personal that he did not share it with anyone, not even his wife, for nearly two years. It did not transform him into a man driven to the top of the nearest mountain to shout the news. Instead, it tormented him through excruciating pain and uncharacteristic depression. At times, many times in fact, he did not want to live. He wanted to go back, to die again and be called home. Seemingly contrary desires for a man with a wife and children. Reasons to live. Hard-to-reconcile thoughts for a man who chose to live his life in the service of his Lord. Not to question.

Watching a good Christian struggle under the weight of his burdens was enlightening for me. Enlightening because I either expected him to be spared the mental agony via some afterglow of his after-death experience or to suffer so much that he questioned his faith, and a God who would let this happen to him. He was not spared that agony, nor did he question his faith or his trust in God. Ever. What he did do was suffer, lash out and withdraw. When he did resume forward motion in his life, it was without fanfare or noticeable motivation. He was alive, so he had to live. Period. That was the second twist.

Ultimately, this book is more about the recovery and rehabilitation process that follows physical trauma than it is about faith. As such, I’d strongly, strongly recommend it to anyone in that fight for survival. Written from Piper’s POV, the reader learns firsthand—experiences even—the same sense of isolation and weight of depression that Piper endured. His telling is eye-opening and disturbing.

His faith in God underlies his story. It has to because it defines who he is. But for someone looking for a turning point, a moment of revelation, there were none that stood out. Piper’s description of his trip to heaven is certainly awe-inspiring, and comforting to believers—an affirmation. And the power of prayer demonstrated throughout the story was absolutely spine tingling. There were also verses of scripture in several places. Combined, it all served to establish Piper as a man of God. But just a man nonetheless.

Nearly two years after his accident, he shared his story of heaven with one friend. From there, he came to the decision to share that and the more mechanical aspects of his recovery with others. It did not feel like a momentous decision. More like a small step forward, into a future Piper was still ambivalent about. In one very revealing moment, Piper shares how he felt after sharing his story of heaven with an auditorium of college students. At the conclusion of his story, What A Friend We Have In Jesus began playing over the sound system. The song played a pivotal role in his experience and he was a bit taken aback that they played it. It was still difficult for him to hear it. That moment revealed Piper’s tentativeness, that hesitancy that permeates the entire book. The final twist for me.

Piper’s lack of enthusiasm made it all feel very non-descript, almost uneventful. And when he leaves off, he does so in the same manner. Continuing this work purposefully, but without an awe-inspiring drive or goal. In short, Piper is just an ordinary man. Barely walking upright in an earthly life he built. Wife, three children, family, church congregation, friends. Responsibilities, relationships. His life. BUT, all the while, we get the sense he is waiting. Waiting to go home again. It is both joyous and terribly sad.

So what called to me? Can’t put my finger on it. Something in here somewhere penetrated a wall in me and, within days I found a local church that felt like home on the first visit (we visited a few). A few weeks later, I need that weekly visit like I need air. It’s a step.

All Through The Night by Suzanne Brockmann

Title: All Through The Night
Author: Suzanne Brockmann

Type: Romantic Suspense
Series: Yes, Troubleshooters Book #12

Copyright: 2007

Why: It’s Brockmann.

But a funny little piece of history here…As recently as 3 years ago, my reading selections were limited to what my local, very rural, library had on its shelves. Out of recognizable names, I reluctantly picked up Nora’s “other” books—those science fiction looking ones penned under the name of J.D. Robb. Lost my mind over them of course. When I finished catching up, I ventured online to learn more about this series. And THIS was when I discovered the then-small community of romance bloggers. It was like Christmas. My first blogger rec? Brockmann’s Gone Too Far, Sam and Alyssa’s story.

Didn’t lose my mind over it. Flashbacks, multiple story arcs, POVs from an exceptionally large cast of characters--folks who clearly knew each other but to whom I’d not been properly introduced. I was lost. But the cadence of Brockmann’s voice and the military/agency backdrop kept me in the story and I finished relatively satisfied. If not a bit suspect of the fangirl accolades I’d found online.

Looking back, I know that the raves I found in that little circle were warranted. After making my way through her Troubleshooter and Tall, Dark and Dangerous titles, I can tell you that Brockmann is an auto-read for me. I know her casts. And love them. And seeing them gather for Jules nuptials? Well, it was perfect. Just perfect.

Comments: This was my first read of 2008 (bit behind on reviews, ahem). I absolutely loved every single thing about it (with one teensy exception).

What awed me: The love, the heart-stopping emotion that Jules and Robin share. It is palpable. When Jules walks into a room, lays eyes on Robin and just stops—stunned by how much he loves him, I feel it too. Maybe it is because this romance has been so long in the making. Or maybe it is because we know Jules so, so well now. He is a character we love enough to celebrate (confetti celebrate) his own HEA. Maybe it is simply Brockmann’s unique and compelling voice, tugging us particularly deep for this love. Whatever it is, I was impacted virtually every moment these two looked at each other or reached for each other. Powerful stuff.

There is also Brockmann’s trademark wit—the dry humor of her more mature characters and the adolescent humor of nearly all of her men. A well-placed smartass can get a laugh out of me no matter my state of mind. Just met one at a New Year’s Eve party this year and can almost feel the effects of those full-on belly laughs just thinking about Brockmann’s own smart alecs.

That teensy exception: Cosmos. Not enough of him. Of all the Brockmann heroes, Cosmos did it for me in a way no other could. Here, with the in-law connection, I would have liked more of him, more than the cursory snapshots of him, the wife and cheerio-eating toddler. We get him in a bit of action, but even that felt like snapshots. Didn’t detract at all from the story, don’t get me wrong. Just a personal preference—a longing for a character I sometimes need to remind myself is NOT real. Sigh.

Listening to others: I worried at the mention of a mission that puts Jules in danger before he can marry Robin. Thought it would be too much, a tangent instead of a deftly woven thread. Stupid me. Brockmann balanced all of that beautifully. Just a perfect, perfect telling.

Because I haven’t looked before now: Hmmm. Only word her website offers on the next one…Into The Fire, next in the Troubleshooters series, due out Summer, 2008.

Riding Wild by Jaci Burton

Title: Riding Wild.
Author: Jaci Burton.

Publisher: Berkley Heat.
Series: Yes, Wild Riders.

Why: I entered an ARC contest on Jaci's blog and won.

Blurb: He's a Harley-riding ex-thief working undercover for the government. She's a gun-toting ex-socialite hired to protect a valuable museum exhibit. But in her attempt to stop a heist, she never anticipated having her breath and her heart stolen...

Mac Canfield was the last man Lily West expected to see again, never mind aim her gun at. But here he was, the bad boy who'd broken her heart years ago-still a thief, this time high-jacking a priceless artifact--and it was all she could do to push aside the memories of how it felt to have his perfectly chiseled body next to hers.

Mac was no less shocked to see the beautiful girl-next-door all grown up, threatening to shoot him on the spot. Little did she know she was blowing his cover-and now he had to figure out how to get her out of harm's way without succumbing to his crazy desire to take her on a hot trip down memory lane.

Unfortunately, Lily has no intention of going anywhere with Mac. Which means he has to resort to kidnapping. Unless, of course, she agrees to let him take her for the kind of ride destined to drive them both unbelievably wild...

Thoughts/Comments: As a fan of Jaci's books, especially her erotic romance, I was thrilled when I found out I won an ARC of Riding Wild because the storyline really intrigued me. Harley riding studs who work for a secret government agency... sweet, no?

I did think so, at first. But as I read farther into the story, I changed my mind. I was reading along feeling a bit disjointed from the story from the get go, feeling as if the plot were a cliche. Let me explain. Lily is an ex-cop turned PI, Mac is a Harley-riding undercover operative working for the government, and they had a "thing" 10 years ago.

The story starts with Lily working, testing security for a museum. She's standing outside surveilling the museum when she hears a motorcycle. Flashback to a fantasy of her and Mac that is WAY hot. She comes back to reality and steps back into her job, and watches as someone pulls up on a motorcycle, picks the lock of the museum door, and comes back out carrying and artifact. She confronts him and it turns out to be Mac. Both are surprised, she assumes he's still the thief he used to be, only having stepped it up to a much higher level. He assures her it's not what it seems, she doesn't believe him, then they start getting shot at. He kidnaps her and now she's got reason to believe not only is he a thief, but also a supplier for terrorists-- which, of course, is false.

So, she's kidnapped, by Mac, yet she's hot for him, in spite that and her assumptions. She says he doesn't trust her, he says she doesn't trust him-- and for the most part I think it's true on both sides. Then they have wild monkey sex--lots and lots of it. Lily drugs Mac, tries to run away, he catches her on his motorcycle in spite of being drugged and drives her back...drugged. Hmm. They get back to the monkey sex the following morning--still in the same place they were, not knowing a darn thing about one another, and yet not using a condom except for the first time.

The whole condom thing is a hot button for me, but what made me close the book and put it down was when Lily and Mac go visit her snobby father and, even though he is a jerk, she tells him that she and Mac are "going to bed so we can fuck". That was the show-stopper for me, the spot where I stopped reading.

So, while the sex is scorching, steamy, and will have you wriggling in your seat, the story just didn't work for me. Will I read the next one? You betcha.

Upcoming: Next in the series is Riding Temptation which comes out in October 2008.

The Last Twilight by Marjorie M. Liu

Title: The Last Twilight
Author: Marjorie M. Liu

Publisher: Dorchester
Type: Paranormal Romance
Series: Yes, Dirk and Steele

Why: Liu is an auto-buy for me—although in this case, I read the ARC.

Comments: A few Liu reviews back, I likened Red Heart Of Jade to a tangle of painful knots and complained of weariness after running for my life, afraid and in the dark, no wiser than the primary characters. Well, I get it now. With any Liu title, it’s all about trust. Trust that comes both from experience and the proverbial leap of faith.

Liu’s prose is unmatched. No other can elicit the same breath-hitching, heart-aching, weighted-limb sensation that she does, through words and imagery as dense and laden as the African jungle she transports us to in her latest installment of the Dirk and Steele series.

Like Red Heart of Jade, I suffered doubt early on in The Last Twilight—thinking I had missed something somewhere back at the story’s beginning. However, I was so overcome by the pain and unease permeating every scene that I could do no more than just feel, page after page. I experienced this book, carried along on Liu’s words, pulled under, until I just let go. A much more enjoyable read because I stopped searching for that jumping on point, stopped wondering if I had missed a critical piece of information. Instead, I simply let go and trusted Liu to deliver me safely unto the magical and fated HEA.

It is a requirement Liu places on Rikki and Amiri in The Last Twilight as well. Their trust in one another is earned throughout their experience on the run, right up until that moment it becomes necessary to leap the last bit of distance. It is such a poignant moment, trembling with fear and honesty rarely found in mortals. It almost sounds silly or amateur to say that Liu is skilled at characterization. She redefined characterization, putting us in the hearts of men and women—whatever their form—consumed by powerful emotion, gripped in terror and most often, reduced entirely to survival mode. My own ability to withstand the sensory overload is as questionable as that of the characters. We really do not know where Liu will take them, what they will endure and who or what will be left to go on. Trust. You have to have it.

And oh is it worth it. You might be wrung out by the end, but there will always be that blanket of peace at the book’s close. As well as the promise of more of the unknown.

What’s Next: I’ve missed two anthologies from Liu—Holidays Are Hell and My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon. I’ll catch up on those two before her next release, The Iron Hunt, book one in her new Hunter Kiss series and another new anthology—paranormal erotica—titled Minotaur In Stone.

Beautiful Girl by Shiloh Walker

The Blurb: Sometimes getting to heaven requires a trip through hell.

Twelve years ago, it looked like Del Prescott had it all. The wealthy family, the car, the looks and charm, and the perfect boyfriend. Then, mysteriously, she disappeared to “study abroad.” Now she’s back, and it’s not merely to attend a high school reunion. She’s here to face her demons—and Blake, the man she has never stopped loving.

Blake Mitchell is a changed man, thanks to surviving twelve long years of difficulties that began after Del dropped out of his life. Now she’s back, and she’s nothing like the polished, stylish world traveler he imagined she’d be. There’s a darkness about her, and a grim expression in her eyes that says she’s prepared for fight or flight.

Blake’s concern for her breaks down the walls Del has built around her heart and she finally begins to heal from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her own family. But the betrayal goes deeper than either of them ever imagined—and it’s about to come back to haunt them.

Read An Excerpt.

Buy It Here.

As you know, I don't do summaries because generally when I do or when I read reviews of the same nature, I find too much of the plot is given away. And besides, Shiloh did a fabulous job with the blurb. It is a perfect summary of the book.

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. In my opinion, this is one of the best books Ms. Walker has ever written... ranking right up there with Her Best Friend's Lover and His Christmas Cara which are my two favorite Shiloh Walker books evah.

Del is a strong heroine who has overcome so much and is still working her way back to normality. She comes home, though she doesn't want to, but after running into her cousin Vance, he passes her address on to Del's best friend from high school, Manda, who basically forces her back to Prescott, Tennessee. So, Del decides to face the past, deal with it once and for all, and hopefully move past it. She just didn't count on it being able to, after 12 years, bring her to her knees.

After 12 years away, Blake still pines for Del, not really knowing the depth of that emotion until he sees her. But the Del he once knew is no more. This is a harder Del, a cautious Del, and the fear he sees in her eyes makes him want to pound something or someone into the ground. Oh how I love him. He is a sigh-worthy hero, one that touched me and had me falling in love with him from the first moment of introduction. By no means has his life been easy since Del has been gone. Oh, no. He's had his own issues to deal with, but now, she's back, and he wants her to stay... with him. He makes no qualms about his feelings for her, no excuses. He's a man who admits to his feelings and doesn't pussy-foot around, hemming and hawing, and that to me makes him a unique hero as of late. When he finds out what happened in Del's past, he really wants to kick someone's ass, and who could blame him? But instead of doing that, he's there for Del, supporting her, helping her work through her issues, and giving her the one thing she needs: Love.

Beautiful Girl is Shiloh Walker at her best. The characters in the story come alive from the first page, and the emotions... This book is packed with emotional intensity that is so vivid, so real you can't help but want to protect Del and hug her, and fall in love with the amazing man that is Blake. God, what Del has had to deal with. The intensity of it broke my heart. I'm not ashamed to tell you I cried for her and with her. I also, like Blake, wanted to beat the hell out of someone, and also hug her and protect her from the horror that has haunted her since she was 16. I felt Del's pain, her fear, her torment. I felt Blake's anger, rage, and love.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for more than a superficial read, for someone who is looking for a story with substance, grit, and emotion. I recommend Beautiful Girl anyone and everyone. This story IS. THAT. GOOD. So good, in fact, that I must site a few examples (I asked permission first), just a few sentences or paragraphs that will give you a taste of how beautifully written this story really is.

Blake seeing Del for the first time.

She looked like she was dressed to fight, Blake realized. Well, maybe not fight. She didn’t look like she was out cruising for trouble, but she sure as hell looked ready to deal with it if it happened her way. This dark haired woman carried herself with a tense, wary grace, ready to defend herself or take off running. Like she’d had to do both in the past, and she was prepared to do either or both again.

The bell over the door chimed and Vance held the door open. The woman stepped through and Blake almost turned away. That wasn’t Deedee. But then her eyes met his and his heart stopped.

Oh, shit.

Those pretty, misty green eyes were unmistakable. He had dreamed about those eyes more times than he cared to remember. But her gaze wasn’t so soft now—hell, with the exception of the breasts straining under the thin cotton of her shirt, nothing about her looked soft.

She wasn’t just dressed to fight. She was prepared to fight.

And then...

She glanced at Blake. Sadness filled her. He was watching her with that same, intent stare she remembered from high school. Like she was the only person in the room. And it still had the weird affect of making her heart dance in her chest. If she wasn’t so screwed up inside… She cut off the what if thoughts before they could fully form.

What ifs were fairy tales and Del was damaged goods. She wasn’t so messed up that she couldn’t realize it was the victim inside her talking. She did all the things she knew she was supposed to. She had a small, select group of friends she could talk to and there was even a support group she hit when things got too rough. The other stuff, she dealt with, attending her meetings faithfully and she was determined she wouldn’t ever slide down the dark road she’d walked for so long.

But she was also realistic enough to know that getting past all her issues was still a long, long time coming. And it may never come.

And one last one... here's what I mean about Blake and his emotion.

She reared back with her head and caught him in the nose. Pain flared hot and bright but he didn’t let go.

He almost did, when she started to cry. Rage burned inside him, a slow fuse at first, but with every soft, muffled sob, it grew hotter and brighter until it felt like a supernova had settled inside his gut. He wanted to tear something apart with his hands. No. Someone. But he couldn’t do that until he knew who it was he had to kill.

Can't you just feel it? The intensity? God, I love it.

The only thing I would liked to have seen was for Del, just once, to have had the chance to belt Louisa Prescott Sanders. God, just once to give that amoral witch a good fist in her face would have had me clapping aloud.

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