Just Finished:
Why I Read It: Because I won an ARC from Sarah
From the Back Cover: Caine Allen is a hardened Texas Ranger, definitely not the marrying kind. But when he rescues a kidnapped woman and returns her to town, the preacher calls in a favor. One Caine's honor won't let him refuse.
From the moment he beds Desi, Caine knows turmoil will follow. Desi might have the face of a temptress, but she also has a will of iron and while she needs his protection, she's determined that no man will control her again. They establish an uneasy bond, but it still isn't enough for Caine. He wants all Desi has to offer. He wants her screams, her moans, her demands…everything. Yet there's still a bounty on Desi's head and keeping her satisfied is proving easier than keeping her alive. My Thoughts: This was my first Sarah McCarty book. And wow, what a treat. Desi is compelling, strong, tenacious, and willful. I absolutely loved her as a heroine, and to imagine the things that she had to endure before ever meeting Caine and the Hell’s Eight is just so heartbreaking.
I have so many thoughts about this book. I laughed so much ~ whether it was they way Desi and Caine first met, Desi’s adventures with the rooster, or the outhouse scene, I cracked up. I also cried ~ both from anger and from sadness. Desi’s past affected me more than Caine’s, but they both came from tough backgrounds ~ but Desi’s abuse got to me more. The fact that she went through what she did and still remained so strong was so wondrous to me.
It wasn’t all wonderful for me. I understand the concept of Erotic Romance, but I’m also one who likes sex as part of the story ~ I don’t want it to be the whole story. Know what I mean? So when I got to page 38 and the whole foreplay stuff started already, I had misgivings. Luckily, it didn’t amount to anything more than a bluff, so I continued on. And I’m so glad I did. Watching Caine and Desi’s relationship evolve from one of a marriage of convenience to a real marriage was magical for me.
I enjoyed the members of Hell’s Eight, also. I really liked Sam and Tracker and am looking forward to Sam’s book which comes out next year. I want to know more about all of them though, how they came together to form the “family” that they did. I hope that more clues are given throughout the series. Caine’s Reckoning gave me just enough of the background that I want more.
I’d say this is a Very Good read. For those of you who love Sarah, I doubt you'll be disappointed with this one. I'll definitely have to read a few more of her books ~ if her others are as good as this one, she may become an auto-buy for me.
Labels: Erotic Romance, Sarah McCarty, Very Good
If you liked this you will swoon over that PROMISE series. Wish we were closer, I'd lend you mine.