Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Book CoverGwen’s review of Caine’s Reckoning (Hell’s Eight Book 1) by Sarah McCarty
Historical erotic romance published 1 Nov 07 by Spice

This historical erotic romance is set in 1858, in the Texas Territory, supposedly about 20 miles west of San Antonio, putting it close to home in about modern day Helotes (that’s “he-loh-tees” to you yankees). 

The heroine is a young woman named Desdemona, or Desi, who is from a privileged background but has fallen into a very bad situation. The hero, Caine, is a Texas Ranger (naturally) and horse rancher who has seen his share of trouble but still has a sense of honor and humor. This story tells how they meet (good scenes), win each other’s trust, break thru emotional barriers, and fall in love. Really quite a remarkable story of healing.

This was a very good book. It wasn’t perfect, but it was nonetheless very worth the time (almost 500 pages!). Ms McCarty weaves a tale of depravity and redemption. Of injury and healing. Of two people finding their way through their personal darkness into a light cast by their mate. (By the way – there was none of that “soul mating” business in this book, and yet I was still convinced these characters were meant for each other. Hint to other authors – “soul mating” isn’t necessary to show a bone-deep bond.) It was a lovely story with a rich setting and nicely, if lightly, developed secondary characters.

There were a few spots where I felt like the plot wandered or stalled. I should think as Ms McCarty gets more familiar with her characters much of this will smooth out. At least, that’s what I’ve found with other authors penning a multi-volume series. I also got a bit confused about which way a character was facing or where a body part was placed during several of the sensual scenes. That has got to be one of the toughest scenes to write – unless you’re using anatomically correct, posable dolls, how on earth do you keep it straight!

This is the book for you, folks, if you’re a fan of westerns, historicals, redemptives, erotics. I scarfed it down in a day and really enjoyed the hell out of my self while doing it.

faye.jpgGrade: B

Here’s the book blurb:

Caine Allen is a hardened Texas Ranger, definitely not the marrying kind. But when he rescues a kidnapped woman and returns her to town, the preacher calls in a favor. One Caine’s honor won’t let him refuse.

From the moment he beds Desi, Caine knows turmoil will follow. Desi might have the face of a temptress, but she also has a will of iron and while she needs his protection, she’s determined that no man will control her again. They establish an uneasy bond, but it still isn’t enough for Caine. He wants all Desi has to offer. He wants her screams, her moans, her demands…everything. Yet there’s still a bounty on Desi’s head and keeping her satisfied is proving easier than keeping her alive.

Read an excerpt.

What’s next for this author: More than I can shake a stick at. Go to her website to get more details. In the Hell’s Eight series – Book 2, Sam’s Creed, coming July 2008. (I’ll be first in line at the book store!)