Gwen’s review of Holding Out For A Hero by HelenKay Dimon
Contemporary romance released by Brava 29 Sep 09

Hero is set in the world of Dimon’s loosely related books set in Kauai.  You don’t need to read the others to enjoy each book, but they’re so much fun that there’s no reason not to read them all.  Hero is no exception – it’s a fun, hot romance with a good story, first-rate dialogue,  and great characters.

We meet Josh and Deanna on what is definitely NOT their best day.  Josh has just “quit” the DEA in a bit of a huff and Deanna is on her last hope for finding someone to help her find evidence her nephew is innocent of a horrendous crime. They have a previous acquaintance with each other that was not, shall we say, positive.  Suffice to say they can’t stand each other.  Naturally they’ll fall in love!

Dimon is a real pro with snappy dialogue.  Her books are always full of it and most of the story is told through what the characters say.  Hero is one of her best for quick-witted come backs.  The hero and heroine in this book are smart people trying to make it through tough times.  Naturally they resist each other as much as they can, but can’t resist the animal attraction.  Their dialogue is smart, sometimes snide, but always fun.

The heroine, Deanna, is desperate to find someone who can help her vindicate her nephew.  She’s lost a lot of people she loves in her life and she doesn’t want him to be yet another.  Because of her experience with him, Deanna believes the hero, Josh, is the man to help her.

Josh wants nothing to do with the glacial Deanna of the upper-crust Hawaii society.  He sees her as a privileged, protected princess who has never had to deal with life’s consequences.

In some ways, as Deanna comes to discover, Josh is right.  Watching these two people overcome their individual prejudices and preconceptions is the most interesting part of this book.  Watching Josh uncover detail after detail about the nephew’s crime is also interesting and adds a very real bit of drama to what is already an interesting story.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a read full of snappy dialogue and a believable romance.  If you’re a fan of Dimon’s Hawaii books, you need to read this one.

Grade: B

Summary:

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT…

Deana Armstrong needs a hero—not for herself, but for the nephew all her money and time can’t seem to get out of jail. Unfortunately, the best hero in all the Hawaiian Islands is set on turning in his badge and getting his excellent butt into another line of work. If that wasn’t enough, Josh Windsor also has a big-time grudge against Deana herself. But if there’s anything being rich, smart, and stubborn has taught Deana, it’s never to settle for second best…

Josh has had it with saving people. He’s had it with getting hauled into court. And boy, has he ever had it with Deana. Or well, he hasn’t had it. Yet. But the more she pops up sounding infuriating and looking good enough to eat, the more her hot bod and her cold case wriggle into his mind. And there’s only so much even a hero can resist…

Read an excerpt here (scroll down).