Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
This is a terrific story in an unusual setting for a Harlequin Historical. In a line mainly set in the Regency or Medieval eras, this book takes place in 20th-century Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. I have lived in Hawaii and visited the Arizona Memorial, so this character-centered look at the attack and its aftermath was fascinating. I especially appreciate the author's attention to the small details that made the story come alive.
Wendy is a young woman from Nebraska with a spirited personality. She has a craving for adventure and promised her mother she would see the world. Becoming a Red Cross nurse's aide was her first step, followed by accepting a post in Hawaii. Though she is in a tropical paradise surrounded by men, Wendy plans to avoid romantic entanglements that could tie her down or affect her independence. She is determined to live her life to the fullest.
KT is an underwater welder with the Navy. He's often amazed that a guy from land-locked Oklahoma has ended up in tropical Hawaii. KT is a serious man with a well-developed sense of honor. He has a girl back home with expectations of a future together, so he avoids any opportunities for impropriety.
Wendy and KT meet on December 6 at a dance for the people stationed at Pearl Harbor. Wendy's excitement is evident in her enthusiasm for dancing, though she's a little frustrated that no one matches her enthusiasm. A handsome sailor draws her attention, but he doesn't seem interested, so she dances with others. Wendy's exuberance attracts KT's attention. He notices her talent for dancing and her apparent disappointment in her partners. He loves to dance but wouldn't feel proper dancing with anyone other than his Betty. I loved when they encountered each other. Their banter was fun, and I loved how Wendy challenged him to dance with her. Their connection was immediate, and they danced together as if they'd been partners for years, to the point where they won an impromptu dance competition. They parted at the end, not expecting to see each other again.
A few hours later came the attack by the Japanese. The descriptions of the attack from the viewpoints of KT and Wendy were vivid enough that I could almost smell the smoke and hear the explosions. Their experiences in the aftermath were realistic and easy to visualize.
Wendy never expected to end up with KT as one of her patients. She had thought of him often during the hours since the attack and hoped for his safety, so it was a shock to find him at the hospital. KT was severely burned while using his diving skills to rescue trapped sailors. His injuries require frequent attention, and the head nurse has requested her skills.
As the days go on, Wendy and KT's connection grows deeper as they spend many hours together. I enjoyed watching their friendship develop and could see them fighting the deeper feelings that were building. There were some terrific scenes of them together, from his time in the hospital to after he was released.
But Wendy is hiding a secret from KT. It began as a simple desire to save him from more pain during his recovery but went on too long. She felt guilty about not confessing but couldn't bring herself to do anything about it. Unsurprisingly, it eventually came back to bite her, creating a rift between her and KT. Each has decisions to make when unexpected career opportunities are offered. I loved the advice Wendy received from her mentor and its effect on her perception of her life. KT also had the chance to reevaluate his plans after an unexpected conversation.
I loved the ending and seeing how Wendy and KT found their way back to each other. Their reunion was sweet, and their future looks bright.
Wendy is a young woman from Nebraska with a spirited personality. She has a craving for adventure and promised her mother she would see the world. Becoming a Red Cross nurse's aide was her first step, followed by accepting a post in Hawaii. Though she is in a tropical paradise surrounded by men, Wendy plans to avoid romantic entanglements that could tie her down or affect her independence. She is determined to live her life to the fullest.
KT is an underwater welder with the Navy. He's often amazed that a guy from land-locked Oklahoma has ended up in tropical Hawaii. KT is a serious man with a well-developed sense of honor. He has a girl back home with expectations of a future together, so he avoids any opportunities for impropriety.
Wendy and KT meet on December 6 at a dance for the people stationed at Pearl Harbor. Wendy's excitement is evident in her enthusiasm for dancing, though she's a little frustrated that no one matches her enthusiasm. A handsome sailor draws her attention, but he doesn't seem interested, so she dances with others. Wendy's exuberance attracts KT's attention. He notices her talent for dancing and her apparent disappointment in her partners. He loves to dance but wouldn't feel proper dancing with anyone other than his Betty. I loved when they encountered each other. Their banter was fun, and I loved how Wendy challenged him to dance with her. Their connection was immediate, and they danced together as if they'd been partners for years, to the point where they won an impromptu dance competition. They parted at the end, not expecting to see each other again.
A few hours later came the attack by the Japanese. The descriptions of the attack from the viewpoints of KT and Wendy were vivid enough that I could almost smell the smoke and hear the explosions. Their experiences in the aftermath were realistic and easy to visualize.
Wendy never expected to end up with KT as one of her patients. She had thought of him often during the hours since the attack and hoped for his safety, so it was a shock to find him at the hospital. KT was severely burned while using his diving skills to rescue trapped sailors. His injuries require frequent attention, and the head nurse has requested her skills.
As the days go on, Wendy and KT's connection grows deeper as they spend many hours together. I enjoyed watching their friendship develop and could see them fighting the deeper feelings that were building. There were some terrific scenes of them together, from his time in the hospital to after he was released.
But Wendy is hiding a secret from KT. It began as a simple desire to save him from more pain during his recovery but went on too long. She felt guilty about not confessing but couldn't bring herself to do anything about it. Unsurprisingly, it eventually came back to bite her, creating a rift between her and KT. Each has decisions to make when unexpected career opportunities are offered. I loved the advice Wendy received from her mentor and its effect on her perception of her life. KT also had the chance to reevaluate his plans after an unexpected conversation.
I loved the ending and seeing how Wendy and KT found their way back to each other. Their reunion was sweet, and their future looks bright.
