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Romance Book ReviewsShades of Gray by Vicki HinzeSt. Martin's, July 1998.Paperback, 326 pages. ISBN: 0312966105. Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
Laura Taylor is a retired Air Force communications
specialist. Jake Logan is a Special Operations major
in the Air Force who risks his life every time he
goes on a mission for the clandestine unit. Jake's personal
life isn't going so well. He has a small son that his alcoholic
abusive ex-wife Madeline is trying to take away from him. Laura and
Jake have been long-time friends, so it seems natural to
enter into a marriage of convenience in order to stop
Madeline's custody suit. Aware of his low odds for surviving
his missions, Jake extracts a promise from Laura that they
will never fall in love, however. But
Jake's latest mission against some terrorists who use the deadly
anthrax bacteria turns personal when Laura's photo turns up
in the hands of a dead man. Is Laura a target of the group -- or a
sympathizer and a traitor? Laura and Jake
must fight off a determined Madeline, deadly
assassins and their growing passion for each other if they
in order to achieve what they both want most in life.
Shades of Gray is not your usual romance. The characters are of a special breed for whom honor, country and loyalty are not just words, but are part of a personal code of honor which requires them to put their country before any personal considerations. Yet, even the most hardened Special Operative has a heart and is vulnerable, especially when his or her child is threatened. Laura and Jake ring true as characters, and their passion is always smoldering underneath the most mundane conversations. An interesting, suspenseful romance. Stranger in my Arms by Lisa KleypasAvon, July 1998.Paperback, 376 pages. ISBN: 038078145X. Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
"Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead." So begins
Lisa Kleypas' sweeping romance inspired by the French
film, The Return of Martin Guerre. Lara, Lady Hawksworth,
has had her brutish husband returned to her from the dead
along with her money and her home that she lost at his death
because of the action's of the despicable new heir to the title.
At first apprehensive about the return of her husband,
Lara's fear soon turns to puzzlement. For the husband who returns
is a new and improved version of the one that left her
a widow. He is attentive, passionate and caring -- and
though he looks about the same, he seems even more
handsome somehow. His intensity burns right through
all of her reserves -- and she grows to love him. But
there are those who believe that the new Lord Hawksworth
is an imposter and Lara must make a terrible choice --
to believe her heart or her head -- a choice that could
destroy her newfound happiness.
Stranger in My Arms is a skillfully told tale with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing up until the last page. The characters are believable, and the dialogue is fresh and witty. A charming and entrancing tale. To Tame a Renegade by Connie MasonAvon, September 1998.Paperback, 376 pages. ISBN: 0380793415. Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
Bounty hunter Chad Delaney has come to Dry Gulch,
Montana to track down a ruthless outlaw. While
riding through town he stops some toughs
from beating up a young boy who they are
tormenting and calling a bastard. Chad takes
the lad home and meets his unwed mother, Cora Lee,
the disowned daughter of the local preacher.
Cora Lee's life has been rough since the birth
of Abner, a product of rape; nevertheless, she
works hard to salvage her reputation and be
a good mother. Although he has no intention of
getting involved with a woman, Chad finds Cora
Lee irresistible. When the outlaw he seeks
returns and kidnaps Abner, Chad must
overcome his bitterness at women, which arises
out of his past, and put aside his demons to
protect Cora Lee and her son. The two emotionally
damaged, yet passionate people find solace in each
other's arms, but is it enough to make a lasting
relationship?
To Tame a Renegade is the second entry in popular author Connie Mason's Delaney Brothers trilogy. The passion is as hot as the Western sun as the independent and proud Cora Lee and the ruthless, and yet kind Chad Delaney cross swords. The story is action-packed and filled with interesting details of the period. Lovers of western romances will be thrilled with Connie Mason's latest book and will eagerly await the final book in the trilogy: To Tempt a Rogue. Return to Book Reviews Index ** To visit the archives of romance novels reviewed in The IWJ, please click here. |