Review: Wonderful Hero, Delightful Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 14, 2014
Not having read the previous book in this series, or any of Ms. Brocato's previous books, I didn't know what to expect.  What I got after the final page was turned was an emotional journey where two lost souls finally start living their lives amidst the political backdrop of war.  While the story was immensely satisfying on a personal level, it was a bit overwrought when it came to the discussions of war and homegrown terrorists.Pippa's life has revolved around her children and her music therapy work since the day her husband died in war.  She still visits his grave regularly and surrounds herself with other families dealing with the same kind of grief.  The day she meets Clay is the day her life begins once again as she and he set out on a rocky yet sensual road to romance.  Pippa is a likable heroine, strong-willed, and more than capable on taking care of herself.  She's drawn to Clay as he challenges her and their interactions both in and out of the bedroom are combustible.Clay is a man of few words but when he does talk it's cloaked in gruffness.  He's a sexy man who exudes power but is very rough around the edges.  He speaks his mind which leads to some jaw-dropping moments that put a smile on my face though.  He's drawn to Pippa the moment he sees her but doesn't want anything long-term.  He and Pippa therefore start off as friends but soon evolve into more in an entertaining dance full of push and pull.  Through it all Clay's emotional walls slowly crumble as Pippa and her kids give him a glimpse of what he's always wanted but didn't think he'd ever get.  Theirs is a rocky yet immensely satisfying journey to HEA and it's mostly due to the endearing Clay.This was a sweet yet sexy story with likable main characters and a colorful and heartwarming collection of Granite Pointe denizens, particularly Clay's mother, that added to the feeling of family this close-knit group of people portray.  The romance was entertaining and full of sexual tension and when the story focused on them I found myself fully immersed in the story.  But when the storyline veered off into the political arena in became over-the-top with its villains and felt like a distraction.  Dewey was stereotypical in his villainy and I dreaded seeing him.  For the most part though this was a delightful story with a great romance that can be read on its own.  With the talent shown here, and by the smile on my face, this won't be the last book I read by Ms. Brocato.