Romance Book Reviews
Shades of Gray by Vicki Hinze
St. Martin's, July 1998.Paperback, 326 pages.
ISBN: 0312966105.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
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.
To Tame a Renegade by Connie Mason
Avon, September 1998.Paperback, 376 pages.
ISBN: 0380793415.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
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 the October 1998 issue of The IWJ.
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