As a teenager, Gracie worshipped her stepbrother, Jason, a strong, silent young cowboy who left home early to seek his fortune. Though Gracie hadn't seen him in years, when her mother passed away, Jason ensured that Gracie would be cared for. Now the wealthy owner of Comanche Wells ranch, Jason has finally come back home, and discovered that the little girl he knew is all grown up.
When a moment of unbridled passion results in a kiss, Jason realizes that he's falling for Gracie. But Gracie harbors a shameful secret that makes her deeply afraid of love. Stung by her rejection, Jason leaves, ready to put the past - and the one woman he can't have - behind him once more.
Gracie thinks she's lost Jason forever. But when danger threatens her and the ranch, she can only hope that her long, tall Texan will come blazing home to save her, despite her secrets - and take control of Comanche Wells, and her heart, once and for all.
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"Ok, where do I begin. It seems like forever since I've read a DP book that I've been satisfied with. I mean, really satisfied. Typically what I get from her books, at least the last few I've read, is a sense of outrage and frustration. Standard formula; jerk hero who is over-the-top stubborn and prideful, who very intentionally hurts his woman until she's about to just lose her soul in grief, and then comes to grips with the reality of his love for her and he makes it better in the last few pages of the book. But without half of the groveling that is deserved!! And in all fairness, a lot of the females in the stories are these innocent, weak, young women who don't know how to really stand up for themselves, for whatever reason. Be it the understandable reason of past tragedy or just pure naivete. And of course there is also ALWAYS the elephant in the room....the sex that can't happen until marriage. The virginal woman who can't imagine giving it up until the wedding bed. And if and when we are privileged to read the long anticipated love scene, its very tame and flowery.
WELL.... this book was NOT like that. Why oh why do we have to wait for so long to find the gem like this. Truthfully this book was initially still your standard DP formula. Stubborn male, innocent female.... unrequited love, misunderstandings, hurts, jealous girlfriends, etc. However, from the get-go we know that Jason is a wonderful man. He's got his flaws. He's stubborn and prideful as well. But he adores his step sister, Gracie. He treats all his employees with respect. He's charitable and very humble. We can't help but like him and see through his gruff exterior. He handles Gracie like she's fine china. Its really touching. However, he's unaware of her past (for MANY reasons you will find out when you read the story). So, when he gives in to temptation and makes a move on her that shows his non-brotherly feelings for her, she is shocked and also scared. He just doesn't know why, of course. To him it just seems like disgust and rejection. His reaction is rage, frustration and ultimately the need to forget her and make her feel just as horrible. (men!!! ugh!!) So, in typical fashion, he proceeds to behave in an abominable way. Not giving up all those details either. But needless to say, I do agree with some of the past reviewers. There were a lot of things going on in this story. Jealous lovers, kidnappings, unknown family secrets, etc. It was a lot to take in, but I didn't really have any trouble with it, surprisingly.
And the beautiful part of this book.... We had a couple that the author allowed us to watch them truly show their love for each other in all ways, the male showing his remorse for his behavior, his ability to apologize and humbly beg forgiveness for his actions. The female's ability to stand up on her own two feet and not be a doormat. The romantic and also erotic side to this couple's desire for each other. Their devotion to each other and their family. It was all so powerful. And there were multiple moments when I caught myself getting a lump in my throat. From frustration with Jason's actions and wanting to strangle him, to how touching it was to seeing them come together so beautifully. And yes, finally.... some very steamy love scenes. It was all very balanced. Big huge sigh of relief to read one that I truly enjoyed. It had everything I needed from the story. Maybe not everyone will agree with me, but I really liked this story. Well done, Diana."
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Mspink (5 out of 5 stars)