Another terrific Lisa Marie Rice book! It's the story of a very controlled, tough guy with a murky past that rediscovers life, love, and warmth with a likeable, rather shy, loner artist named Grace. The hero "Drake" is intelligent, beyond skilled in hand to hand combat, martial arts and firearms, and has many enemies. He knows that to bring anyone special into his world is to put their life in grave danger. When he sees Grace and one of her paintings that bears an eerie resemblance to himself, he becomes obsessed. He buys all of her paintings through a representative, but never meets her in person. Instead, he observes her regular trips to the art gallery from what he thinks is a safe distance. Unfortunately, one of his enemies finds out and sets a trap that results in Grace and Drake being thrown together. I'll stop right there and let you discover the rest for yourself! I will say, though, that it does have a nice happily-ever-after.

If you've never read a book by Lisa Marie Rice, I can tell you that from what I've seen, people either love her books or think that her characters/scenarios are too similar/repetitive. All I can say is that while I like some of her books more than others (loved Midnight Man!), the formula works for me. Almost all of her books are on my keeper shelf. The thing about LMR is that she doesn't write emotionally heavy, extreme angst-filled books. There's no big misunderstanding, secret babies, cheating, long separations, or heroes that can't decide whether to kill the heroine or not (ugh). Usually it's a terrific heroine (no beyond TSTL ones, but no b-busters either) that's suddenly thrown into a dangerous situation and a hero that will go to any length to keep her safe. The heroes are always tough alpha guys, very protective but not obnoxiously overbearing. They figure it out right away that the heroine is for them and will move heaven and earth to protect and care for her. In other words, no fighting the attraction until the end of the book - yay! Oh, and her books always have a nice amount of steam to them along with a happily-ever-after!

For those of you that are big fans of Ms. Rice, apparently she has a new series of three books (tagged the "Protectors") that she's working on. The first is to be released in Spring 2010 and is tentatively called Crossfire. I found this info at the following link:
http://www.bethkery.com/2009/04/13/gabbing-with-lisa-marie-rice-a-peek-at-dangerous-passions-and-a-giveaway-of-a-fine-speciman/

Enjoy!

Share/Like this Review?

My first book by this author, I am wondering if I will pursue her further. A powerful gangster becomes obsessed with a talented artist. Lots of well done sex scenes but I missed the passion/connection. The heroine capitulates incredibly fast, with very little question or doubt. The hero is in such total control of all situations that he is left with little appeal.

Share/Like this Review?

I am usually a huge fan of Rice but this book didnt capture my interest. it was a bit slow and I didnt care for the heroine in this book.

Share/Like this Review?

Being a child of the cold-war era, I am not usually sympathetic to anything Russian (yes, I know - you have to be carefully taught - thank you, Rogers & Hammerstein)But I found this Russian character very interesting & real. And, as an artist, I could completely identify with the heroine, who loses herself in her art. Unlike another reviewer, I understood completely when she suddenly decided that she loved the hero; sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet first. I really loved this book & want to put it on the keeper shelf, but I think it's just too good to keep to myself.

Share/Like this Review?