I was expecting this book to be even more of an angst-fest than the last one - my favorite kind of read!
Forgiveness by Jean Brashear (HSR 1267)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/28/06
Grade: 3.5
The same story from Coming Home is told again, this time from the perspective of Victoria and Sandor. Victoria ran away after her brother’s death, determined to escape the pain and guilt. After living on the streets for six years, she returns home in desperation - and finds everything changed. But for her son’s sake, she’s determined to try again.
A lovely story of hope and healing, this might have been a better read as a stand-alone. Sometimes telling the same story from a different perspective is enlightening, but more often, it’s just repetitive. The love between Ria and Sandor isn’t given enough focus, since so much of the book is a repeat of the last one (in some cases, word for word the same). I wanted to learn something new, instead of just getting an expansion of the last book.
These two books were obviously written to go together, but I think the author should have thought through what it would be like to read them back-to-back. I wanted to know more about Victoria, and this wasn't enough.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Second Time's The Charm
I tried to read this book a few months ago, but got tripped up by all the characters (about ten of them are introduced in the first chapter). I'm glad I gave it a second chance.
Coming Home by Jean Brashear (HSR 1251)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/27/06
Grade: 4
When their 14 year old son was killed in a drunk driving accident - caused by their 18 year old daughter - Cleo and Malcolm’s long marriage fell apart. But now, six years later, Victoria is back, with a son of her own - and despite the pain, Cleo and Malcolm can’t help remembering the love and joy they once had.
This book was like being thrown into the middle of a soap opera. Once I’d figured out the characters, the story was heartfelt and compelling, if a bit overpopulated. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was wonderful. The secondary characters were well drawn as well, but the story could have used a bit more focus - the girlfriend’s pregancy seemed like one conflict too many, especially with so many other relationships to explore. But in the end, the strength of the characters carried it through.
Despite a few flaws, this is what HSR does best - angst and romance in a contemporary setting.
Coming Home by Jean Brashear (HSR 1251)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/27/06
Grade: 4
When their 14 year old son was killed in a drunk driving accident - caused by their 18 year old daughter - Cleo and Malcolm’s long marriage fell apart. But now, six years later, Victoria is back, with a son of her own - and despite the pain, Cleo and Malcolm can’t help remembering the love and joy they once had.
This book was like being thrown into the middle of a soap opera. Once I’d figured out the characters, the story was heartfelt and compelling, if a bit overpopulated. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was wonderful. The secondary characters were well drawn as well, but the story could have used a bit more focus - the girlfriend’s pregancy seemed like one conflict too many, especially with so many other relationships to explore. But in the end, the strength of the characters carried it through.
Despite a few flaws, this is what HSR does best - angst and romance in a contemporary setting.
Sometimes Simple Works
The title is awful - a good reason to be grateful for honest reviews, because I would never have picked this up if it hadn't been recommended.
Legally Tender by Michele Dunaway (HAR 1100)
(2006, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 4
After her marriage fails, Christine Jones moves to the small town of Morrisville with her young daughter, to accept a partnership at a local law firm. But she didn’t know her position was at the expense of favorite son (and hunk) Bruce Lancaster - who she now has to work with.
A simple story, but the likeable characters and easy writing style carry it though. The hero and heroine are smart, they don’t jump to conclusions but work through their problems - and they have definite chemistry together. The book does drag a bit at the end, when the author seems to run out of things for them to do (odd, since the lawsuit story is kind of dropped) but overall, a nice, enjoyable read.
Such a nice change after all the run-around-and-shoot books recently.
Legally Tender by Michele Dunaway (HAR 1100)
(2006, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 4
After her marriage fails, Christine Jones moves to the small town of Morrisville with her young daughter, to accept a partnership at a local law firm. But she didn’t know her position was at the expense of favorite son (and hunk) Bruce Lancaster - who she now has to work with.
A simple story, but the likeable characters and easy writing style carry it though. The hero and heroine are smart, they don’t jump to conclusions but work through their problems - and they have definite chemistry together. The book does drag a bit at the end, when the author seems to run out of things for them to do (odd, since the lawsuit story is kind of dropped) but overall, a nice, enjoyable read.
Such a nice change after all the run-around-and-shoot books recently.
It's Hard To Live Up To High Expectations
It must be hard to be an author who has written so many exceptional books - I probably hold someone like Justine Davis to a higher standard, since I can't help thinking of books like The Morning Side Of Dawn when I assess her books.
Second-Chance Hero by Justine Davis (SIM 1351)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 3
When a sabateur threatens an air strip in Belize, security expect John Draven is on the job - but he doesn’t expect to see Grace and her teenage daughter, the woman he saved from an earthquake months before, and who is still struggling from the after-effects. But despite his solitary life, he’s thought about her ever since.
As always, Justine Davis creates compelling, sympathetic characters. But the focus here is on the suspense, and every time I started to get interested in the development of the hero and heroine, the focus shifts to “who done it”, much to my frustration. I really liked the hero and was expecting more of an exploration of who he was, rather than who he could shoot. The denoument of the mystery is kind of interesting, but still, it took up too much of the book.
The next time I'm tempted to pick up a book that looks overly "suspense-y", I should think twice. Even if the author is someone I've liked before.
Second-Chance Hero by Justine Davis (SIM 1351)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 3
When a sabateur threatens an air strip in Belize, security expect John Draven is on the job - but he doesn’t expect to see Grace and her teenage daughter, the woman he saved from an earthquake months before, and who is still struggling from the after-effects. But despite his solitary life, he’s thought about her ever since.
As always, Justine Davis creates compelling, sympathetic characters. But the focus here is on the suspense, and every time I started to get interested in the development of the hero and heroine, the focus shifts to “who done it”, much to my frustration. I really liked the hero and was expecting more of an exploration of who he was, rather than who he could shoot. The denoument of the mystery is kind of interesting, but still, it took up too much of the book.
The next time I'm tempted to pick up a book that looks overly "suspense-y", I should think twice. Even if the author is someone I've liked before.
A Good Hero Is Hard To Find
I'm beginning to warm to Deborah Simmons - I avoided her for a long time because I'd heard she wrote "wacky comedies".
The Last Rogue by Deborah Simmons
(1998, Regency Historical) 5/25/06
Grade: 4
When Deverell, Viscount Raleigh, wakes up next to plain vicar’s daughter Jane, he has to marry her - to both their dismay. But even though Raleigh is a bit of a rogue and dandy, he’s determined to make the best of this marriage, even though Jane is a bit more skeptical. They head off for his new estate, Craven Hall - which may be haunted...
A nice combination of marriage-of-convenience and gothic, this book mostly succeeds on the shoulders of the ever-amused Raleigh, who is a wonderful hero. I also liked Jane, although she’s harder to warm up to. The gothic touches with the seemingly haunted house are fun, a bit of a throwback to the gothics I enjoyed years ago. The comedy here was less "wacky" than in the previous book, which I appreciated. But overall, it's the hero that really gives this book an edge over others with similar storylines.
I went to Amazon to find out the publication date of this book, and I was surprised by all the bad reviews - all centering on the heroine, who is raked over the coals for being "unlikeable". She takes a while to warm up to, but I can't help thinking about all those alpha jerk heroes who treat the heroines like dirt and who are easily forgiven - double standard, anyone?
The Last Rogue by Deborah Simmons
(1998, Regency Historical) 5/25/06
Grade: 4
When Deverell, Viscount Raleigh, wakes up next to plain vicar’s daughter Jane, he has to marry her - to both their dismay. But even though Raleigh is a bit of a rogue and dandy, he’s determined to make the best of this marriage, even though Jane is a bit more skeptical. They head off for his new estate, Craven Hall - which may be haunted...
A nice combination of marriage-of-convenience and gothic, this book mostly succeeds on the shoulders of the ever-amused Raleigh, who is a wonderful hero. I also liked Jane, although she’s harder to warm up to. The gothic touches with the seemingly haunted house are fun, a bit of a throwback to the gothics I enjoyed years ago. The comedy here was less "wacky" than in the previous book, which I appreciated. But overall, it's the hero that really gives this book an edge over others with similar storylines.
I went to Amazon to find out the publication date of this book, and I was surprised by all the bad reviews - all centering on the heroine, who is raked over the coals for being "unlikeable". She takes a while to warm up to, but I can't help thinking about all those alpha jerk heroes who treat the heroines like dirt and who are easily forgiven - double standard, anyone?
Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
I'm happy when I pick up an anthology and one story is good - so two out of three isn't a bad ratio.
Celebrates 25 Years: an anthology with stories by Tara Taylor Quinn, Margot Early and Janice McDonald
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3.5
I skimmed a few pages of the Tara Taylor Quinn story and decided it wasn't for me, so I skipped it. Margot Early: “Wade in the Water” 25 years after her brother drowned, Lily returns home to reconcile with her parents, and to see the boy who was with her that day - now a widower with a son. Janice McDonald: “A Visit From Eileen” Eileen returns to Ireland after 25 years, to a family that thinks she was a great success, and the boy she left behind, now a grandfather.
The Early story was well written and compelling, but much too rushed. She meets a man she hasn’t seem since she was 15, and within a couple of pages, she’s thinking marriage? If it had been spread out over a longer period of time, it would have been better. The McDonald story was also a little rushed, but nice. The characters were interesting, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was relaxed and comfortable, and the story was sweet and enjoyable. Nice to read about an older hero and heroine.
I've had mixed results with Margot Early - loved some of her early books (especially The Keeper) but didn't like her recent HSR at all. But I've never read Janice MacDonald before, and I'll have to look her up.
Celebrates 25 Years: an anthology with stories by Tara Taylor Quinn, Margot Early and Janice McDonald
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3.5
I skimmed a few pages of the Tara Taylor Quinn story and decided it wasn't for me, so I skipped it. Margot Early: “Wade in the Water” 25 years after her brother drowned, Lily returns home to reconcile with her parents, and to see the boy who was with her that day - now a widower with a son. Janice McDonald: “A Visit From Eileen” Eileen returns to Ireland after 25 years, to a family that thinks she was a great success, and the boy she left behind, now a grandfather.
The Early story was well written and compelling, but much too rushed. She meets a man she hasn’t seem since she was 15, and within a couple of pages, she’s thinking marriage? If it had been spread out over a longer period of time, it would have been better. The McDonald story was also a little rushed, but nice. The characters were interesting, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was relaxed and comfortable, and the story was sweet and enjoyable. Nice to read about an older hero and heroine.
I've had mixed results with Margot Early - loved some of her early books (especially The Keeper) but didn't like her recent HSR at all. But I've never read Janice MacDonald before, and I'll have to look her up.
What's More Interesting, a Vampire or a Who-Done-It?
I was intrigued to see a series book that featured a vampire - I like vampire stories, but I don't particularly like the "wacky vampire" books that are so popular now, or the "alpha jerk lifemate" stories in the Feehan mode. But I'm always eager to try a more traditional kind of vampire hero
Embracing Darkness by Margaret Carter
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3
When Linnet goes looking for the woman who caused her niece’s murder, she finds something unexpected - a vampire. He’s looking for the same woman, who killed his brother. Although Linnet is rather shocked to discover that her niece was dating a vampire, she finds Max surprisingly appealing - and he finds her attractive too, for a lesser being.
An interesting take on the vampire story, with nice chemistry between the hero and heroine. Unfortunately, the story is mostly focused on suspense and action, which keeps taking away from the characters just when I was getting interested in their relationship.
It's probably clear that I'm not a big fan of suspense. But I'm surprised that anyone would think a run-of-the-mill action story is more interesting than exploring a relationship between a human and a vampire. Why does the action always get all the attention?
Embracing Darkness by Margaret Carter
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3
When Linnet goes looking for the woman who caused her niece’s murder, she finds something unexpected - a vampire. He’s looking for the same woman, who killed his brother. Although Linnet is rather shocked to discover that her niece was dating a vampire, she finds Max surprisingly appealing - and he finds her attractive too, for a lesser being.
An interesting take on the vampire story, with nice chemistry between the hero and heroine. Unfortunately, the story is mostly focused on suspense and action, which keeps taking away from the characters just when I was getting interested in their relationship.
It's probably clear that I'm not a big fan of suspense. But I'm surprised that anyone would think a run-of-the-mill action story is more interesting than exploring a relationship between a human and a vampire. Why does the action always get all the attention?
Monday, May 22, 2006
Bad Girl Heroine
Sometimes I get frustrated by the double standard in many romances - heroes are allowed to be bad, and even when they treat the heroine like dirt, they're easily forgiven. But a bad girl heroine usually turns out to be "just misunderstood". Thankfully, not in this book (which, unsurprisingly, is more women's fiction than romance).
Any Rich Man Will Do by Francis Ray
(2005, Contemporary) 5/21/06
Grade: 3
After working her way through most of the wealthy men of Dallas, Jana has hit rock bottom. She faints with hunger in the elegant linen store of Olivia, who thinks the best of everyone and who takes in Jana despite her past. Her brother Tyler is more skeptical, but as Jana works to redeem herself, he finds himself more and more intrigued. This book is obviously a sequal, but I was able to follow along without too much trouble. (The review at AAR helped to explain some of the back story.
At first, I really enjoyed this story of redemption - Jana isn’t just misunderstood, she did some awful things, and her struggles to get back on her feet were compelling. But the other characters in the book, particularly Olivia, were just too saintly to be true, and after a while, they began to grate. (There’s also an over-emphasis on the expensive linens that Olivia sells - isn't Jana supposed to be learning that material things aren't important? It's hard to get the message when the author keeps fawning over the $10,000 sheets.) Jana gets over her past a little too quickly, and in the second half, the focus shifts to Olivia, and she’s so “perfect” that I lost patience. (Even when she’s making questionable decisions, everyone around her treats her as a saint.) Still, I liked Jana’s story enough to finish.
Even though it ended up being somewhat disappointing, it's nice to read something different once in a while.
Any Rich Man Will Do by Francis Ray
(2005, Contemporary) 5/21/06
Grade: 3
After working her way through most of the wealthy men of Dallas, Jana has hit rock bottom. She faints with hunger in the elegant linen store of Olivia, who thinks the best of everyone and who takes in Jana despite her past. Her brother Tyler is more skeptical, but as Jana works to redeem herself, he finds himself more and more intrigued. This book is obviously a sequal, but I was able to follow along without too much trouble. (The review at AAR helped to explain some of the back story.
At first, I really enjoyed this story of redemption - Jana isn’t just misunderstood, she did some awful things, and her struggles to get back on her feet were compelling. But the other characters in the book, particularly Olivia, were just too saintly to be true, and after a while, they began to grate. (There’s also an over-emphasis on the expensive linens that Olivia sells - isn't Jana supposed to be learning that material things aren't important? It's hard to get the message when the author keeps fawning over the $10,000 sheets.) Jana gets over her past a little too quickly, and in the second half, the focus shifts to Olivia, and she’s so “perfect” that I lost patience. (Even when she’s making questionable decisions, everyone around her treats her as a saint.) Still, I liked Jana’s story enough to finish.
Even though it ended up being somewhat disappointing, it's nice to read something different once in a while.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Humor and Balance
Even though I enjoy a humorous book from time to time, I have a much harder time finding funny books than I do finding serious ones. It's hard to find a funny book that suits my sense of humor - many of them seem too silly, too "wacky", or just not funny to me. But I hate to give up and just read angst, because sometimes it's fun to laugh!
The Vicar's Daughter by Deborah Simmons
(1995, Regency Historical) 5/18/06
Grade: 4
When straight laced Lord Wycliffe first meets Charlotte, the vicar’s daughter, he is immediately struck by her beauty and sweetness, and warmed by her loving family. But nothing could ever come of it. When Charlotte comes to London for a season, he’s perfectly proper - but there’s something about her that makes him want to throw away his timetables!
A cute book that manages to be funny without being too wacky or too sweet. The story is typical - she brings life and laughter to his staid life - but it’s well done and the hero and heroine are very likeable. The book starts to falter in the second half - the author seems to run out of story and throws in a crazed suitor to fill out the page count - but the characters are so charming, it’s hard to complain too much.
I read this one on the train, and I got some odd looks when I started giggling.
The Vicar's Daughter by Deborah Simmons
(1995, Regency Historical) 5/18/06
Grade: 4
When straight laced Lord Wycliffe first meets Charlotte, the vicar’s daughter, he is immediately struck by her beauty and sweetness, and warmed by her loving family. But nothing could ever come of it. When Charlotte comes to London for a season, he’s perfectly proper - but there’s something about her that makes him want to throw away his timetables!
A cute book that manages to be funny without being too wacky or too sweet. The story is typical - she brings life and laughter to his staid life - but it’s well done and the hero and heroine are very likeable. The book starts to falter in the second half - the author seems to run out of story and throws in a crazed suitor to fill out the page count - but the characters are so charming, it’s hard to complain too much.
I read this one on the train, and I got some odd looks when I started giggling.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Christmas in May
I picked this one up at Christmas time, but never got around to reading it.
Christmas Keepsakes (Anthology)
containing "A Handful of Gold" by Mary Balogh,
"The Three Gifts" by Julia Justiss and
"The Season for Suitors" by Nicola Cornick
(2005, Regency Anthology) 5/13/06
Grade: 3
Balogh: Verity has been forced to become an opera dancer, and plans to spend the holidays with a wealthy Earl. But Christmas brings more innocent pleasures. Justiss: After Miles is injured in Spain, he must make a marriage of convenience. Cornick: Clara needs some advice that only a rake can give - but will she lose her heart as well?
Three short stories, none of them really outstanding. The Balogh story is the best of the three, but even it’s overly sweet, without the sparkle of Balogh’s best stories. But it’s charming enough, and the characters are well written and interesting. The Justiss story started out well, but soon dissolved into misunderstandings. The Cornick story felt rushed, and I felt like I’d started a book in the middle - evidently the characters came from her previous books, which I haven’t read. All in all, not a terrible anthology (none of the stories were bad) but nothing really outstanding, either.
Nothing Balogh writes can ever be called "bad", but I prefer her stories with a little more bite to them. I found "No Room At The Inn", which is very similar, more touching than this one.
Christmas Keepsakes (Anthology)
containing "A Handful of Gold" by Mary Balogh,
"The Three Gifts" by Julia Justiss and
"The Season for Suitors" by Nicola Cornick
(2005, Regency Anthology) 5/13/06
Grade: 3
Balogh: Verity has been forced to become an opera dancer, and plans to spend the holidays with a wealthy Earl. But Christmas brings more innocent pleasures. Justiss: After Miles is injured in Spain, he must make a marriage of convenience. Cornick: Clara needs some advice that only a rake can give - but will she lose her heart as well?
Three short stories, none of them really outstanding. The Balogh story is the best of the three, but even it’s overly sweet, without the sparkle of Balogh’s best stories. But it’s charming enough, and the characters are well written and interesting. The Justiss story started out well, but soon dissolved into misunderstandings. The Cornick story felt rushed, and I felt like I’d started a book in the middle - evidently the characters came from her previous books, which I haven’t read. All in all, not a terrible anthology (none of the stories were bad) but nothing really outstanding, either.
Nothing Balogh writes can ever be called "bad", but I prefer her stories with a little more bite to them. I found "No Room At The Inn", which is very similar, more touching than this one.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Don't Know Much About History
I vaguely remembered that this book was an "alternate history" but halfway through the book, I had to go online and figure out what exactly was changed. I guess I've forgotten most of my Tudor history...
Prince of Hearts by Katy Cooper
(2000, Tudor Historical) 5/8/06
Grade: 4.5
In a slightly altered Tudor England, Prince Edmund meets and falls in love with Lady Cecilia Coleville - but he knows he cannot marry her. Even though they both know their relationship is impossible, the attraction between them keeps growing stronger.. as political machinations play out around them.
An interesting book with a lot of fascinating court intrigue. I barely registered the “alternate history” part of the book (Henry VIII is replaced by a brother who actually died in childhood) but it felt real. I liked the characters, and the sexual tension between them was especially well done. At times, the book felt a little bit padded with Celia’s relatives - even though the barrier between Edmund and Cecilia is real, there wasn’t a lot of story here - but the strength of the characters and the historical background made it well worth reading.
Another book I've been saving for a long, long time: I bought this new back in 2000.
Prince of Hearts by Katy Cooper
(2000, Tudor Historical) 5/8/06
Grade: 4.5
In a slightly altered Tudor England, Prince Edmund meets and falls in love with Lady Cecilia Coleville - but he knows he cannot marry her. Even though they both know their relationship is impossible, the attraction between them keeps growing stronger.. as political machinations play out around them.
An interesting book with a lot of fascinating court intrigue. I barely registered the “alternate history” part of the book (Henry VIII is replaced by a brother who actually died in childhood) but it felt real. I liked the characters, and the sexual tension between them was especially well done. At times, the book felt a little bit padded with Celia’s relatives - even though the barrier between Edmund and Cecilia is real, there wasn’t a lot of story here - but the strength of the characters and the historical background made it well worth reading.
Another book I've been saving for a long, long time: I bought this new back in 2000.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
I Love A Man Who Can Cook
There's something about a man who can cook that just makes my toes curl...
Beauty and the Black Sheep by Jessica Bird (SSE 1698)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Frankie is about to give up on the run down B&B she inherited from her parents, when chef Nate Walker shows up at her door. She’s desperate to keep the place going for her grandmother and sister, and he needs a job for the summer - but can their attraction lead anywhere, with their future plans taking them in different directions?
This was an easygoing book, and I always like a chef hero. The characters were sympathetic and interesting, and I like the author’s easy style. The sexual tension between the hero and heroine is also nicely done. There was one plot point that kind of annoyed me, but the author didn’t belabor it. Overall, not particularly memorable, but an enjoyable read.
Nice enough, but I can't remember much about it, a few days later.
Beauty and the Black Sheep by Jessica Bird (SSE 1698)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Frankie is about to give up on the run down B&B she inherited from her parents, when chef Nate Walker shows up at her door. She’s desperate to keep the place going for her grandmother and sister, and he needs a job for the summer - but can their attraction lead anywhere, with their future plans taking them in different directions?
This was an easygoing book, and I always like a chef hero. The characters were sympathetic and interesting, and I like the author’s easy style. The sexual tension between the hero and heroine is also nicely done. There was one plot point that kind of annoyed me, but the author didn’t belabor it. Overall, not particularly memorable, but an enjoyable read.
Nice enough, but I can't remember much about it, a few days later.
A Good Harlequin Presents?
Normally I’m not a big fan of Harlequin Presents - I want to smack some sense into the arrogant heroes and inject some spine into the virginal heroines. But this one was recommended to me some years ago (and has been languishing in my TBR ever since).
Ishbel's Party by Stacy Absalom (HP 943)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 5/3/06
Grade: 4
After a bombing in Beirut, Bethan is under doctor's orders to rest and recover. She’s been working in war-torn hospitals for ten years, since a drunk driving accident that killed a child. She ends up as nurse and companion to Lorna Rushton, not knowing that her nephew was Fraser Laurie, the man she’d loved who abandoned her after the accident. At first Fraser is harsh and unforgiving, but as he gets to know Bethan again, he tries to help her recover from her guilt and doubt - but what about his young, innocent fiance?
The story is typical Presents - the misunderstandings, the other woman, the purple prose, the ending that wraps up everything a little too neatly. But Bethan is an interesting heroine, and most of the book focuses on her journey and her character. The author makes her sympathetic despite her too-perfect innocence. Fraser is definitely an alpha hero, and he's less believable, especially when he erupts with purple prose near the end. But he manages to get over his fits of arrogance without crossing into “jerk” territory. Despite the sometimes over the top story and dated language, I enjoyed it.
I doubt I'll become a Presents fan, but this one was an interesting change of pace.
Ishbel's Party by Stacy Absalom (HP 943)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 5/3/06
Grade: 4
After a bombing in Beirut, Bethan is under doctor's orders to rest and recover. She’s been working in war-torn hospitals for ten years, since a drunk driving accident that killed a child. She ends up as nurse and companion to Lorna Rushton, not knowing that her nephew was Fraser Laurie, the man she’d loved who abandoned her after the accident. At first Fraser is harsh and unforgiving, but as he gets to know Bethan again, he tries to help her recover from her guilt and doubt - but what about his young, innocent fiance?
The story is typical Presents - the misunderstandings, the other woman, the purple prose, the ending that wraps up everything a little too neatly. But Bethan is an interesting heroine, and most of the book focuses on her journey and her character. The author makes her sympathetic despite her too-perfect innocence. Fraser is definitely an alpha hero, and he's less believable, especially when he erupts with purple prose near the end. But he manages to get over his fits of arrogance without crossing into “jerk” territory. Despite the sometimes over the top story and dated language, I enjoyed it.
I doubt I'll become a Presents fan, but this one was an interesting change of pace.
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