Review: Fantastic Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 23, 2012
The Librarian and the Preacher: dull premise, you say? Try hot and fast! I hadto read this book all in one sitting. It captivated me from the first few pages!Determined to lead a proper and spinsterish life as a librarian while running away from a disastrous previous relationship, Isis is persuaded otherwise by a handsome preacher. Even their kisses are hotter than a 100 degree day.Isis Garrett traveled from Egypt to Paloverde, Texas to start a library and a new life. The hero, Preacher Prescott Mackay, is enjoying helping people in his parish and taking care of his ranch. Both of them are hiding secrets from the past they worry would have others see them in a not-so-desirable light. What secrets are they both hiding? Will the other person think less of them if their secret is revealed? Isis very reluctantly agrees to a date with Pres. She thought that since he's a preacher, he would surely be a gentleman. What they experience together is a sensual treat sure to have your pulse pounding.Ms. Quinn's writing is wonderful, making the vicarious experience seamless. The plot is well-written and moves along at a quick pace. I felt as if I were transported into this frontier town, experiencing life in 1877. With historical stories, I am often worried the descriptions might take over the story which would have me lose interest in it. Ms. Quinn makes sure her characters are up front and center, with the description enhancing the story like whipped cream on dessert. The characters themselves are honorable and attractive people (despite Isis worrying about her self-perceived plumpness). They won my admiration when they help Opal, a town prostitute, showing her the same concern and regard as anyone else. The characters' internal struggles about their past and their interactions with each other make for a very satisfying story.Hot Under the Collar was a wonderful reading experience. The author has won me as a fan and I will be looking for more books from Ms. Quinn! If you enjoy a well deveolped historical and don't have much time to read, you won't want to miss out on reading this very sexy novella.Originally posted at LAS Romance Reviews