Veena’s review of Jaded (Walkers Ford, Book 2) by Anne Calhoun
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by Berkley 4 Feb 14
A new author for me helping me to hold to my resolution of a minimum of one or two new authors a month. A complicated story about two characters who would’ve never met if their lives hadn’t taken a detour that caused them both to end up in a small town as next door neighbors. More than a love story, it’s a story of hope and rebirth of small-town Americana told in the form of a series of cameos featuring an interesting cast of supporting characters.
The town of Walkers Ford epitomizes small-town USA, which young people can’t wait to say goodbye to as soon as they can, leaving behind the poor, the old, and the infirm.
A young man is prosecuted for stealing food from the grocery store. Normally this would have been followed by a series of petty crimes, followed by a major crime, leading to a criminal life. Happily this young man is given community service instead of jail time by a compassionate judge. This single act, along with Alana’s presence in the library, changes this young man’s life, as well his family’s, forever.
An old woman, the former librarian, is going blind but has no family who can take her to the doctor and care for her comfort. A young woman who threw away all her potential and opportunities by becoming hooked to the pain medication that she needs for the accident that destroyed her life. Can she find redemption?
Lucas has his own demons that he’s fighting with. He retreated to the one place which had been his childhood safe haven where he sits and watches life pass by as he licks his wounds. Alana and her shy lust for him, as well as her compassion for those less fortunate, awakens the passionate, caring man he used to be and breathes new life into him.
Alana is a short timer. She’s only the temporary library director. Will her departure keep alive the town that she’s breathed life into, especially the proposal for the new library?
Interestingly, Alana, who’s been born to a life of privilege and wealth, is more comfortable in this small town than in the social milieu to which she was born and bred. Is there a way for her to blend both the worlds in some way that allows her to have her cake and eat it too?
Grade: B
Summary:
They can’t hide from desire…
After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?
Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn’t supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
