Sandy M’s review of Desire After Dark (McCarthys of Gansett Island, Book 15) by Marie Force
Contemporary Romance published by HTJB, Inc. 23 May 16
I always love a story when the hero is too good to be true. Of course, all of Marie Force’s heroes are too good to be true, so there was no doubt I’d like this book. Slim is loving and patient with Erin from the moment they meet, even the second time around after they spend a number of months apart. Her issues stem from one of our nation’s darkest days, September 11, 2001.
Losing her twin brother when the World Trade Center was hit and subsequently fell, Erin has suffered OCD in a variety of ways, all aspects of the disorder having to do with her sibling and the resulting fear from the horrific loss. She’s finally found a home on Gansett Island, a place where she belongs and where she’s made great friends. Then she met Slim at one of said friend’s weddings, and now he’s back months later for the upcoming holidays and she can’t wait to see him again. So much so, in fact, she invites him to stay his twelve days on the island with her. No one is more surprised at that than Erin herself.
Slim doesn’t hesitate – he takes her invitation to heart, wanting to spend as much time as possible with Erin. He’s never understood how all his friends are dropping like flies to get hitched lately. Of course, that attitude is about to change during the next twelve days. Living with Erin day in and day out, having her in his bed whenever the mood strikes, and getting to know the real Erin is more than he could have imagined. He knows she has secrets, but he can wait if it means she’ll want more from him too.
I really enjoyed this couple. They’re fun and funny together. What I like more than anything is the fact they’re an older couple, 39 and 38, respectively. I love reading about a mature match like this any time I can. They don’t panic at the first sign of trouble. They work their issues out together. Even Erin has to face her phobias to have the life she knows would be wonderful with Slim. And she goes for it, with him by her side.
While I enjoyed the rest of the story about weddings in the McCarthy family and all their shenanigans and family life, this is my first time meeting all of them. Yes, in fifteen books in the series, Desire After Dark is my first. They are a fun and loving family, but I definitely got lost with everyone coming together in this book. The only character I could keep straight is Big Mac, only because he’s part of the nucleus that is the McCarthys. However, when it comes to all the children, all the friends of the McCarthys, I’m seeing them on the flip side. I am intrigued with Quinn, Jared’s brother, I believe. Whether or not he’s a new character, I’m not sure, but if I read more in this series before going back to the beginning, he’s one I definitely want to journey with.
All in all, Marie Force never disappoints, no matter where you come in to one of her series. I wouldn’t suggest starting here like I did, though. Get the full impact of the series starting with Book 1 and work your way up to this fun and romantic read.
Grade: B
Summary:
Tobias “Slim” Jackson has the perfect life as a pilot on Gansett Island in the summer and in Florida in the winter. He’s happiest when he’s in the air, or at least that was the case before last summer when he met Erin Barton, Gansett Island’s newest lighthouse keeper. Now he can’t seem to find his usual enthusiasm for flying, winter in the sunny South or anything that doesn’t include her.
Erin has been stuck on pause since she lost her twin brother. She’ll tell you herself that her life has been a hot mess since Toby died. After dropping out of law school, she’s flitted from one pointless job to another, existing rather than truly living. Then she comes to Gansett Island to take over as the new lighthouse keeper and meets Slim, who happens to share her beloved brother’s first name. That small coincidence is enough to convince Erin that she needs to spend more time with the dashing pilot—except for the fact that he’s spending the winter more than a thousand miles from her.
Now Slim’s come home to Gansett for the holidays and to hopefully pick up where he left off with Erin. He’s got twelve days before he’s due back in Florida to finish out the remainder of his winter obligations. A lot can happen in twelve days, but will it be enough to convince Erin that it’s time to start truly living again?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
