This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Published by Indie/Self Published
Released on May 17, 2019
Pages: 209
Format: eBook
Source: Author
The Delight
Brooding military man turned rancher, Idaho mountain country and small town, accident victim with some sass, a case of amnesia, and a flavoring of suspense blended together to leave me savoring an engaging story opening a new series. This set up was a big draw for me and I was eager to try a new to me author while I was at it.
Review
The Darkness introduces horse rancher and former special forces soldier, Rafe Blackwolfe. Rafe grew up in this high, rugged Idaho mountain country so when a mission goes sideways and his best friend and brother in law, Josh gets killed, he makes the decision to come home and go into horse breeding. He’s content to simply exist and keep all his emotions and struggles tucked away just as he stays up in his cabin away from everything. Then a little Cessna goes down and he’s got an injured woman on his hands that needs his training and care. But, its her eyes full of fear and the soft voice begging for him not to leave her that starts the cracks in the ice around Rafe. He feels the connection that only grows stronger with time.
She wakes up in the small mountain town clinic with dark dreams, accident injuries, a sensual feeling about a man with dark eyes, and the knowledge that she has no idea who she is. Doc, Ness his nurse, and Ness’ brother, Rafe are there to help her as she struggles to heal and hope her memories come back. Taking Ness up on her offer to stay at the ranch while she recovers brings her to a beautiful peaceful place, but also closer to the rugged, handsome and very much alone, Rafe. The attraction is strong, but she hesitates to reach out until her memories return and her fear that what troubles him will make him drive her away. Then the evidence from the crash starts trickling in with some shocking revelations…
Both Rafe and Ange split the narration of the book taking turns with their perspectives. Sometimes the other side characters get to voice a short scene.
The book starts off with a bang because of the plane crash and Ange’s amnesia and leads into some early spicy sexy times that were an oopsie-sorta-wanted that. But, then the pace levels off for the setting and background to be filled in while the characters and relationship are developed. I had been worried by that instant attraction being all there was particularly with an early bed scene, but no worries there.
Naturally, it was focused around Ange remembering and Rafe struggling to let go of his guilt while showing how this pair were really good for each other. Rafe’s past is open so he tends to be more easily understood while with Ange, it’s more instinctive and sudden as bits and pieces of memory come back. She pretty much falls for Rafe without knowing much about herself which was rather intriguing to me because there is the wonder of whether her past being revealed will be a game changer for them adding some good tension to their romance.
The book was all set to wrap up nicely in the usual way with the romance and maybe a new couple of people introduced and poised to take over in the next book, which did happen to a certain extent, but there was some late action in the suspense that didn’t entirely wrap up so it will carry over. It’s not a jarring cliffhanger because the romance and the individuals find internal resolution, but it is definitely left with the reader needing to continue to get all the answers about the suspense side.
All in all, this was a light, engaging story that read quickly. I loved the setting and the circle of characters that were introduced. The romance pair were easy to get behind and I enjoyed the bits of humor and spice. I definitely want to see what comes next with Ness and Rico and the ongoing suspense thread. I can definitely recommend this one to those looking for some light romantic suspense set in the gorgeous Idaho back country.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #92
COYER Summer #11 Man in clothes on cover
Preview
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I love a rugged, emotionally scarred hero. This sounds like a good romance.
Same here, Mary. Rafe was an amazing hero all around. I forgot to mention what a great brother he was to his sister, too. Swoonworthy. 🙂
I loved this book. It grabbed me from page one!!
You said it, sister. Plane crash, amnesia, great hero, yes please! 🙂
I like this cover! The male lead sounds very swoon-worthy how the ice melts around his heart when he meets the female lead. The amnesia thread is always interesting, and I’m glad that this story didn’t end up being an insta-love one. The setting and secondary characters sound wonderful! Great Review Sophia 🙂
It definitely hit the spot for me, Lindy. I enjoyed how the vary bits that I enjoy came together. Yes, great cover, too.
Not sure why the cover made me feel like this was going to be sadder.
He does look despairing. But the sadness is all in the past. 🙂