Review: Satisfying contemporary romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 30, 2013
My rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is a two book collection from Cindy Gerard's back list. These were originally published by Loveswept. These are not the romantic suspense novels you may be familiar with. Both of these are contemporary romances. The first book is "Temptation from the Past"- January came from an abusive family. She became a lawyer and champions abused children. When journalist Michael Hayward hears an impassioned speech January gives, he is intrigued and decides to look her up. When Michael shows up a January's office asking for an interview, January is shocked to discover the man is the journalist that made her life a living hell after her father's death. She recognizes him, but he doesn't seem to know her. January would find it difficult to trust any man, but especially Michael. She is attracted to him but is terrified of the emotional feelings she is having. Slowly, Michael begins to break down her defenses. But, January is still guarding her past from Michael. The more Michael gets to know January, the more inspired he becomes to make more of his life. He takes an interest in the cases January is involved in and takes steps to make the life of a troubled boy better. But, will January's secret past come between them? This story deals with the emotional topic of spousal and child abuse. The long term effect of growing up that environment and the difficulty in forging positive relationships with the opposite sex. January has major trust issues, which is understandable. Michael knows something has happened to her to make her so skittish, but he is frustrated that she doesn't trust him enough to confide in him. The author does a good job of depicting the scars of abuse without getting into graphic descriptions. Instead she focused on the healing and growth January was able to do with the help of a dedicated man and true love. This was is an A. The second story is "Slow Burn". Joanna is a tiny, tough, determined red head with a huge task in front of her. She is completely alone in world and needs to restore her lodge in Minnesota. When Adam Dursky shows up with information about Joanna's father, she tells him to get lost. She's not interested. But, since she has need of a handyman, Adam stays around to help her with the lodge. Joanna is bitter about the way her father left her. He was an alcoholic and felt like it was best if he disappeared from her life. But, Joanna was left with an aunt that made it clear she didn't want her around. Now, Joanna finds that her father is very ill. As she gets to know Adam, she learns that he too has trouble with drinking, although he has been sober for over a decade. She finds herself thinking about Adam a lot. There is a definite attraction  between them, but Adam is determined to keep their relationship strictly on the business and friendship level. Adam doesn't know what to think when he meets Joanna. He is on leave from his job in Detroit. He is still recovering from his wounds in the gulf war and from the tragic death of his partner on the police force. So, with time to kill, he heads off to tell Joanna about her father's health and see if maybe she would be interested in restoring the relationship. He is stunned when he sees not a woman, but a girl. At least he thinks she is. Despite her tiny stature she is all woman, but Adam can't figure out her true age. Even when he does find out , he thinks there is too much of a difference. Adam has a lot of issues to work through. He still feels like Joanna would be better off without him. But, he is in love with her. No question about that. But, can the two of them work through their issues and find a common ground to begin a relationship? This story was also emotional, but also had a lightness to it. Joanna was funny, impulsive and determined to hold on to her stubborn pride. Adam was just damaged by life and the time he spent away from the city with Joanna did him a world of good. But, will he ultimately decide to return to his job in Detroit? There were a few surprises in this one too. A couple of unexpected twist. It was a very sweet and satisfying HEA. This one gets an A- Both of these books were published in the early 1990's, originally. The second story may be a bit un- PC at times, but otherwise both of these stand the test of time. This is a Pocket books publication. I received this book from the publisher and Edelweiss for an honest review.