Book Review: Loving Luke by Suzanne Barrett

 A solid, entertaining romance with a tortured hero.

Loving Luke
by Suzanne Barrett

• File Size: 726 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1622370112
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (July 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2012
Jo McGuigan’s job is on the line. She needs a photographer to teach her rehab class, but the only one available is an angry recluse who wants nothing to do with the hospital or its outreach program.
Luke Falconer’s photo career ends in a fiery auto crash that leaves him badly burned and crippled. Hating the world, he retreats to his cabin. But when an encounter with the intriguing social worker ends in a night of passion, their lives are changed forever. Jo is a spark to Luke’s flame, and where there’s smoke, there is often a raging inferno.

Review:
Jo is a maverick in her family. Her socially minded mother and sister frown on Jo’s choice of career as a social worker. They frown on her disregard for fashion and her lack of a suitable mate.  But Jo sticks with her independent nature and loves her job.

Jo’s soft heart has gotten her transferred to a trial position as director of a rehab class for the disabled patients.  Jo decides that a photography program would be something worthwhile for these rehab students struggling to find new meaning in their lives. The problem is the local photography expert, Luke Falconer, has retreated from the world.

Luke was a renowned mountain climbing photojournalist until a fiery car accident took the life of his pregnant wife and left him with more than just severe skin scars.  Luke blames himself for the accident and questions whether he can find a suitable replacement for his athletic career.  He has retreated to his secluded cabin.  He has also retreated emotionally to protect himself because he feels he failed in his marriage. Although he is beginning to find enthusiasm for his wild bird photography he has little interest in engaging with humans.

Jo and Luke meet when stuck in an elevator at the burn center. He is standoffish and rude even as he feels a pull toward the feisty young woman.  After Luke fails to return several phone calls Jo seeks out the lion in his den to ask him to work with her program.  He is still hostile but when a storm strands Jo at the cabin passion flairs between them.  The heat of their night together turns into a cold morning when Luke rejects his feelings and pushes Jo away.

Jo continues to struggle trying to teach the photography class herself. When Luke runs into her a few months later he realizes that other problems have developed from their reckless encounter.  Luke proposes a solution but can Jo trust Luke to provide all the support a family will need or is she facing the risk of greater heartache?  The passion between them is combustible but the communication is a bust. Can Luke rise above his past pain to create a life with Jo before he loses the opportunity?

Once again Suzanne Barrett has created a romance with real, vibrant characters and realistic conflict. Luke is a wonderfully tortured soul who needs a lot of patience. His gentle caring is beautiful even as his silence is frustrating. Jo is a nurturer with her own vulnerabilities.  The chemistry between the two sizzles as they try to come to terms with their preconceptions and misunderstandings. The story includes beautiful scenery and a few surprises.

I love that each of Suzanne’s books have unique characters and plots. They are reliably engaging with conflict and sensual romance. If you love sensual romance you need to try one of Suzanne's lovely stories.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luke feels but doesn't express his loneliness:

Lonely? She didn't know the meaning of the word. His loneliness wasn't something you talked about. It was a gut-wrenching emptiness that ate at him like a cancer. Location 680.

And Luke fears his emotions:

But they'd argued, and he'd retreated. It was what he always did when he felt control of a situation slipping away from him.  Location 3956.

I received this ebook from the Author for an honest review.  See Author Guest Post for Giveaway of earrings and ebook.

This story is set in Muir Woods, California for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaways: Risking It All by Suzanne Barrett

This is a delightful contemporary romance.
Risking it All
by Suzanne Barrett

• File Size: 676 KB
• Print Length: 218 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1622370007
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (March 12, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007JQTEU0

Genre:  Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS

Pushed out of his own start-up company, Tom McKittrick is ready to lick his wounds in private at the rural family estate he’s inherited. But he isn’t prepared for his Garden of Eden to have a built-in Eve—a reclusive naturalist with a long-term lease on the caretaker’s cottage, a knack for gardening, and an incredibly beautiful face.

A PARADISE FOR TWO

April Fairchild is not about to let Tom McKittrick order her out of the home that has been her cozy retreat from the world. But she has to feel sorry for him—the corporate bigwig is clearly out of his element in, well, the elements. April knows she can teach this hunky guy a thing or two about how to relax. All she has to do is sow the seeds of romance…and let nature take its course.

Review:
This is a delightful contemporary romance.
Lovely and natural April is definitely a country, hands on woman.  She is the gardener/caretaker for the Creggan estate where she has lived since her estranged, celebrity husband died in a car crash. April is determined to keep her independence and even if she lives a bit remotely, she’s satisfied with her work and friends. Her residence at the cottage allows April the resources to make soaps and sachets which she sells at market.  She has a lease that assures her occupancy for a number of years so she is surprised to get a letter demanding that she vacate.

Tom McKittrick is a city slicker, a sharp corporate take-over specialists, has come to the country estate he inherited. He is seeking solitude and quiet since his doctor says he needs time off to reduce stress on his heart. Tom expected the estate house to be ready for him to occupy. But he arrives to find the place locked up tight with no utilities on and serving as a cozy home to the spiders and rats. Tom also thought the caretaker cottage would be empty so he isn’t happy to find a strikingly beautiful young woman stubbornly ensconced.

Tom is going to have to ‘crash’ in April’s guest room while she tries to talk him into letting her stay.  Neither is looking for a romantic involvement but slowly their chemistry pulls them together. But can either stubborn character change from their routines and comfort zones to find a meeting place in the middle?

There is a lot of low key humor in the troubles that Tom faces when he arrives which made me smile. Both characters are likeable and though it’s easy to see where the story may go, it is a delightful journey. I enjoyed the give and take and the trade offs that the pair negotiate. There is a last minute twist that has them both evaluating what they really want. There are lovely gardening details too that give an extra lush richness to the settings.

Suzanne’s smooth writing style reads easily and is always a pleasurable experience. The characters have real features, including flaws and the setting and plot are realistic.  If you like warm contemporary romances, I recommend that you try one of Suzanne’s stories.

A warm, cozy description:

The kettle shut itself off. She poured boiling water over and Earl Grey tea bag, settled onto a green painted ladder-back chair at the round kitchen table, and stared at the row of potted herbs on the sunny windowsill. Sage and thyme, root cuttings of lemon verbena, lavender, and purple-blooming hyssop.  Location 103.

Tom begins to see a dilemma:

How could he live next door to her, see her day after day, work with her and not be affected? She was a capital D distraction.  Location 2043.

I received this title from the Author for an honest review.

This is set in Sonoma, CA for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. 

Thank you to Suzanne Barrett for providing the book for Giveaway!
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for (1) a Print Copy for US winner 
AND (2) eBook copy for International winner:

(1) ENTRY FORM HERE FOR Print Copy - US Only

(2) ENTRY FORM HERE FOR eBook - CANADA/INTERNATIONAL

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website or blog and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is only open WORLDWIDE BUT OFFERS DIFFERENT Format for winners.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 12, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 13, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.  

Book Review: An Irish Rogue by Suzanne Barrett

What might a charming rogue do to get a green card?

An Irish Rogue
by Suzanne Barrett

• File Size: 662 KB
• Print Length: 232 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (December 27, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006QZJ8SS

(Also available in print format)
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

Justine Farris would do anything for her dotty old aunt, but marrying Declan Walsh seems just plain crazy. Although the handsome handyman might be sent back to Ireland unless they pretend to tie the knot, how can Justine possibly say “I do” when they can’t agree on anything.

Declan would never have proposed to an independent, unconventional woman like Justine, but this is an emergency. Then, suddenly, he begins to wish that his temporary fiancée could stay in his arms forever. And where there’s a will, there’s a way…

Review:

This is a fun, engaging romance with very likable characters.
Declan is laying low until he can get a new job and renew his visa. He needs to hide from a vindictive ICE (immigration) agent.  Declan’s cousin helps him get a job at an out of the way house doing carpentry renovations. That’s not his field but he figures he can handle it.

Justine lives in the “fixer-upper” property with her eccentric aunt, Laverne,  and her new age, vegan sister, Willow. Justine is the business mind of the family, running her bookstore in town and managing the household. She is practical, down to earth and comfortably looking forward to marrying her teacher boyfriend. At least she was comfortable until her aunt hired this distracting, handsome, Irish rogue to work on the house. Now she can’t seem to stop ogling those flexing muscles while he’s working.

Justine can’t seem to stop herself from comparing the rugged, intense Irishman to her easygoing, poetry reading, sort of average, James. But she and James have many things in common, don’t they?  Irrepressibly she is drawn by the passion she experiences whenever she is near Declan.

Declan is intrigued by Justine but he is woman shy since he was feels he was betrayed by his ex-wife, Maura. He can’t stop thinking about Justine yet he struggles to tell her how he feels. 

When the ICE agent locates Declan the only way to keep him in the States is if he gets a green card through marriage. Justine impulsively tells the agent they are married and they have to begin a pretense for the spying eyes. But when it comes time for the hearing will Justine step away from her well ordered life and risk her heart with Declan? Can Declan respond to Justine’s willingness to love and can he learn to express his feelings in order to keep her by his side?

The writing is smooth making this a quick and easy read. The characters are strong, independent and flawed; very real. The secondary characters are quirky and further the fun elements of the story. The Irish brogue and words adds a flair that I really like.  The chemistry is immediate and visual but the romance builds slowly in a very nice progression of draw and resistance. Once again Ms. Barrett has provided a fine, entertaining romance.

~~~~~~~

Here are a few quotes showing the reactions of the protagonists when they first meet.
Justine watching Declan:

Something about the set of his shoulders, the easy way he moved, disturbed her. Deep inside a little flutter of unease rippled and then flared to a dazzling warmth. Location 116.

Declan following Justine:

He’d never given much thought to how women walked, but Justine Farris made him take notice. Her stride reminded him of a racehorse, each movement precise, yet fluid. Location 133.

Declan's second thoughts:

He offered her a wicked grin. Discovering the woman behind that cool business facade might prove the most intriguing challenge of all. Location 142.

Thank you Ms. Barrett for providing this book to read and review.

This story is set in California for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC challenge list.

Book Review and eBook Giveaway: Gift of the Heart by Suzanne Barrett

This author writes reliably heartwarming stories.
Gift of the Heart

by Suzanne Barrett

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 295 KB
• Print Length: 65 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (October 8, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005U53DKE

    Genre: Novella, Contemporary Romance
    My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Amy Wilson struggles to make a home for herself and her small son in the Northern California town of Riverton. Widowed and alone, and saddled with debt from her husband’s failed business, she vows to pay off his creditors herself and remain independent from her overbearing in-laws.

Shay McHugh is dissatisfied with his life. At thirty-three, he has a home on the river which he has just remodeled, a white Porsche, a powerboat, and a position as manager of Riverton’s ValuKing Supermarket. But lately he finds life doesn’t offer the fulfillment he craves. Something is lacking. When he meets Amy, he has an overwhelming desire to protect her, which is exactly the thing Amy has been escaping. Can the two set aside their differences and make room for love?

Review: This is a sweet romance for a Christmas treat.
Amy is a loving and caring mother. She escaped her family to marry a man who charmed her until they were married. Then he revealed his true abusive and overbearing nature. Jonathan died three years before leaving her a pile of debt. At least she has her wonderful son, Josh. She has left her home town to get away from her critical and controlling parents and in-laws. On her way to start a new life with a friend her car gives out and she is stranded in the small town of Riverton.
Amy is lucky enough to find a friendly welcome in town with a waitress job and a small cabin.

 As she tries to settle in she meets
Shay McHugh is a well established business man who has a lovely but empty house. As he watches friends enjoying their families he begins to think something is missing in his own life. His attention is caught by the beautiful Amy and sweet little Josh.  It is apparent that Amy is struggling but she refuses to swallow her pride and accept help.

Slowly Shay charms his way into Amy and Josh’s lives.  Amy continues to resist having her independence and decisions controlled by anyone, even this wonderfully handsome and nice man.  Will Amy’s fear from her past prevent her from realizing a full loving relationship with Shay? Or will she be able to realize all that he is willing to share with her if she can give the ‘gift of her heart’?

These characters come alive as you root for them to get together. Josh is a sweet addition as a well behaved little boy with lots of little boy wishes.  The community is charming and quaint as small towns can be. The author adds in some traditions regarding Saint Lucia which added interest. Once again Ms. Barrett's smoothl writing portrays warm characters in a realistic and engaging situation. This novella makes a perfect quick read to slip in during the holiday season or anytime you want a heart lift.  

Thank you to Ms. Barrett for the book to read and review. She has graciously offered to give away an eBook copy to a lucky commenter.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1.   Visit the author's website and tell me something you note of interest. Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest  is Open Worldwide.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 23, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 24. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and eBook Giveaway: Sierra Bride by Suzanne Barrett

 This is a warm, lush historical western.

Sierra Bride 

by  Suzanne Barrett

Release Date: November 6, 2011
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
ARC pdf pages: 207

Genre: Historical Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Description:

Sierra County, California - 1883

Widowed rancher Wade Guthrie needs help raising his unruly young daughter and advertises for a housekeeper. Instead, he finds himself saddled with a mail order bride.

Irish immigrant Corrie Kiernan needs a place to hide. Witness to a brutal murder at the mill where she worked, she’ll do anything to escape the killer who now threatens her life, even if it means marrying a stranger and weaving a web of deception. Falling in love with the handsome rancher is easy, but can a man who values honesty above everything else love a woman whose life is a lie?

Review: I have come to really enjoy Ms. Barrett’s rich and warm writing.

Corrie is brave and industrious. After she witnesses a murder at her mill job in Massachusetts she flees to California. When she arrives in Sierra, Corrie learns that the rancher she is supposed to wed doesn’t want a wife.

Wade is upset to learn his friend has tried to arrange a mail order bride instead of a housekeeper. The girl is a redheaded beauty but he isn’t interested as he knows he won’t love another women.  He intends to ship her back until he discovers her singing at the local saloon.  Then he insists on marrying her only to protect her.

Wade brings her home to a dirty, untended cabin and introduces her to his young daughter, Charity, who resents a new woman in the house. Corrie lied in her reply to the bride ad. She can’t cook, she is not from a wealthy home with all the social manners to teach Charity and it appears that Charity has more education already than Corrie has.  But Corrie is willing to work hard. She’ll chop wood, scrub floors, wash windows, sew clothes, even work with the horses if Wade would let her. She is intent on making herself useful so that Wade will appreciate her.

Wade is concentrating on his struggles to keep his mustang ranch and tries to ignore Corrie and keep her at a distance.  Slowly Wade begins to recognize the fresh life that Corrie brings to the household. Then the killer shows up claiming to have authority to arrest Corrie for murder.  Since everything she has told Wade is a lie, who will he believe? Even if she can escape the killer can she win Wade’s love?

The characters are well written and likeable and the setting is beautifully described. The relationship between Corrie and Wade builds slowly to a sensual union.  Although the plot is not so new I was interested to see where the story went - when and how the killer would show up and how Wade would react when he discovered all the lies.  That presentation was fine. Although I appreciated that the town folk would support Wade when he ran into trouble I felt  part of the ending was unrealistic and it was too “pat” a conclusion.

I like that this author is consistent with strong characters, vibrant descriptions and natural emotions.  It is interesting to see these strengths applied well in varied settings and genres. I am looking forward to reading a Christmas Novella by Suzanne in the next week or so.

 Thank you to Suzanne for the ARC to read and review. Suzanne is generously offering an eBook copy to one lucky commenter.


OPEN WORLDWIDE.
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR an eBook Copy of Sierra Bride:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3.  For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* Open Worldwide.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on November 18, 2011.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 19. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Taming Rowan by Suzanne Barrett

A very engaging romance.

Taming Rowan by Suzanne Barrett

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (May 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935817922
• ISBN-13: 978-1935817925

     Genre: Contemporary Romance
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

“A keeper! A winner! A deliciously sexy romance!" —Gloria Miller, The Literary Times Karin Williams' devastatingly handsome project officer has a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder. Rowan Marsden expected a male engineer and he's not giving Karin an inch. Working conditions are...tense. Even...worse, she must share on-site accommodations with the sexy Brit who she fears will break her heart. What's a girl to do? If Rowan had his way, he'd never work with a woman. Yet as Karin demonstrates her expertise on the job, he cannot deny his growing respect for her--or his desire. He wants the passion she offers, but not the commitment. Until a horrendous accident at the project site threatens Karin's life, and proves that even a wounded man is destined to love....

Review:  This is a story with wonderful characters, a good plot, and fine writing.  Once again Ms. Barnett has written a superbly crafted, entertaining story.

Karin is a skilled engineer who has established herself in a man’s career. She doesn’t use her feminine attributes to get ahead and only asks for respect for her competent work the same as any other professional engineer.

Rowan Marsden is an arrogant, stubborn chauvinist. He is a wounded man whose past experience with betrayal by a beautiful woman has set him against women in general. And for sure he doesn’t need a female on his remote, barren work site. He is prepared to put her on the next plane out until his boss overrides that plan.

Karen has been busy with her career and has not spent time dating, especially considering she hadn’t been drawn to any male. Now she is drawn to a man who may be sensually compelling but who has little softness for women. Needless to say the sparks and antagonism fly between these two as their sizzling attraction smolders beneath their best intentions to remain aloof and apart. There is plenty of tug of war and dancing on the edges before they finally succumb to the chemistry. The problem remains that Karin is ready for a serious relationship and Rowan is only interested in a hot, limited affair.

There is good detail in the scenery and the project work site which I found interesting and gave good plot support. The project crew are a warm group and the protagonists’ parents are unique characters as well.

The author’s writing style is clean, emotional and engaging. There is plenty of conflict and sexual tension, then engagement with fairly explicit scenes although in no way vulgar. Ms. Barrett provides a rich, strong romance to please any true contemporary romance fan.

xxx

Please  visit Suzanne's Blogoversary Spotlight!

Book Review and Giveaway: In Love and War by Suzanne Barrett

This story is rich in character, setting and romance.
In Love and War by Suzanne Barrett

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (January 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935817418
• ISBN-13: 978-1935817413

    Price: Paperback $13.99; Kindle $4.99
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Embittered war correspondent Quinn Lawlor returns to his ancestral home in Ireland where he finds solace in the arms of Waterford dairy farmer Meaghann Power.
Meaghann must separate her daytime life as farmer and daughter of Irish rebels from nights of blazing desire for the one man she shouldn't love.
Will their passion prove strong enough to overcome a decades-old bitter struggle?

Review: This story has wonderfully full characters, beautifully detailed settings and a well written story all working together to make a very enjoyable read.

Meaghann is a solitary woman struggling to maintain a dairy farm in rural Ireland.  She is nearing 40 but has not married as her fiancé had been killed 12 years earlier in an IRA related incident. Meaghann’s younger brother, Declan, wants nothing to do with the family business.

Meaghann is a “good” catholic girl in a community that stresses older time values and morals.  She helps at the church setting up flowers and pressing altar linens.  Her Aunt is encouraging her to marry a local widower but Meaghann is not attracted to him. She would rather make it on her own even if she has a sense of loneliness.

Meaghann’s Uncle has arranged for her to take on a border in the old keep on her property. Having a male border may create some moral concerns but Meaghann is determined to have the border who will bring in extra money and hopefully add an extra pair of hands to the work load. When Quinn arrives she is annoyed to discover that not only is he recovering from injuries, but he is rude and difficult.

Quinn is very bitter from all of the war he has seen as a television correspondent. Because of his injuries he no longer has that job and all he wants is to be left alone to write his book. Although he is sullen and withdrawn, Meaghann is physically attracted to Quinn. Bit by bit the two move from confrontation and contention to conciliation and consolation. Although the attraction is strong and the love affair begins to grow, they both have fears and reservations that keep them from really committing to the relationship.

Declan begins to bring around some politically inclined friends that cause concern for Meaghann.  Quinn is furious when he begins to suspect that Meaghann is somehow involved in the Irish rebellion.  As if that strife is not enough, Quinn is called back home unexpectedly and Meaghann is forced to face the likelihood that he might never return.

I really enjoyed the description of day to day living on the dairy farm.  (I was blessed to visit a cheese/dairy farm in Gouda, Holland and this book brought back wonderful memories of that visit.)  The characters are full and complex and the interaction between Meaghann and Quinn is rich with emotion. I liked how their relationship developed and grew.  The story moved along very well and the author presented some interesting insights for thought on the political issues and tangles of Irish Republicanism and stubborn Irish pride. I definitely recommend this story for its deep romance and rich warmth. I look forward to reading another book by Ms. Barrett, Late Havest, very soon.

Thank you to Ms. Barrett for the book to read and review. She has also graciously offered to giveaway an eBook copy AND an autographed trade paperback copy!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

PLEASE NOTE if you want to be entered for the 

A. The ebook - open internationally.

B. The print book - US and Canada only.

C. Either.

1.   Visit the author's website and tell me something you note of interest. Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry comment on the Author's Interview.

3.  For another entry Answer the author's question at #12 from the Interview.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 25, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review: Kentucky Blues by Cat Shaffer

I liked the easy writing style in this book with life like characters and good chemistry.
 Kentucky Blues by Cat Shaffer

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 680 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (August 23, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0040JI3UG

     (Print pages: 278)    
     Price:  Print $13.99; Kindle $4.99
     Genre: Romantic Suspense
     My Rating: 3.75+ (a good read but not quite "need" to read level)

Product Description:
Elise Drummond has never forgotten her first love – and never expected to learn via the grapevine that he was back in Brookville and living with her mother. Sam McCade had broken her heart, and she wasn’t about to let him destroy her mother’s as well. A quick trip back to Kentucky to lay down the law and she could get back to the safe life she’d built for herself in Kansas City.

When Sam McCade went on the run in the middle of the night to save his sister from her abusive husband, there was only one person he could trust to help them, Hannah Drummond. He expected the local gossips to have a field day with his return to Brookville, but he never dreamed Elise would roll into town to check out the situation for herself.

And he certainly never imagined that in order to save his sister, Elise would be willing to sacrifice herself as the pawn in a dangerous game of catch the monster when his brother-in-law decides to take back what he wants – no matter who stands in his way.

Review: This is a nice romance with the added elements of suspense.  I guess it is categorized as Romantic Suspense but it seemed more romance to me with the suspense added in the later part of the book.

I liked the characters and the plot for the most part.  They are real to life people with real life circumstances.  Sam is trying to protect his sister, Annie, from her abusive husband.  He has brought Annie to stay at a cabin owned by his dear friend, Hannah.  It was Hannah who helped Sam as a teenage boy to turn his life around.  After that help Sam ultimately turned his opportunities into a big business success. It’s just a coincidence that Hannah is mother to Sam’s secret high school sweethear, Elise. The romance was secret because Sam was from the wrong side of the tracks and a “bad boy” to Elise’s sweet wholesomeness.

Elise is so distressed to hear that Sam is living with her mother that she flies home to the small town in Kentucky to see what is going on.  Seeing Sam again is a punch to her heart but she is completely confused by the mixed messages she gets from Sam and her mother.  They might be an item but it is hard to imagine or accept.  Elise, a successful businesswoman, has left behind in Kansas City a reliable, if boring and demanding, boyfriend.  Now that she has re-experienced the chemistry with Sam, Elise thinks maybe she should truly leave the boyfriend behind altogether.

But Elise felt abandoned by Sam in high school and can’t understand now what Sam is doing with her mother.  She is mislead in the situation until she learns of the danger that exists for Annie.  Then Elise steps forward to offer herself as a decoy.  There is some good tension in the ensuing suspense, kidnaping and chase. There was also fine chemistry and sensual tension between the protagonists.

My main difficulty with the story was Sam’s repeated reluctance to realize that he is good enough to pursue a relationship with Elise.  Sam may feel compelled to help his sister and his ailing mother. However, considering his own business success, why would he not reach for a chance with the one true love of his life?  The issue seemed to be a little overplayed.  Otherwise this was an enjoyable and easy read.  I'd have no problem paying the Kindle price for the book and I would try more books by this author.

Learn more about the author  or check out the video trailer at Turquoise Morning Press.