Gwen’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.
Grade: 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!)
I’m sooo looking forward to getting my little mitts on this one – loved her Promises series.
I want this book! The Promises series were excellent and this looks to be a nice addition to her catalogue. Looking forward to it. 🙂
Must. Get. This. Book.
I don’t think I can wait until November.
I love Sarah’s ebooks and have been waiting anxiously for this one. Plus she writes really good and hot sex scenes 😉
I’ve never read any of her books before but I think I’ll give this one a try – the excerpt was great and the cover is hot!
Sounds like something I would love!! I better order this one!
Definite fan of the western historical, and of Sarah McCarty’s books. (And Beth Williamson’s, too! Hi!) Can’t wait to read this one!
I bought this book on Friday at Booksamillion in Florida. There was only one copy on the shelves. I also bought the new Sylvia Day, A Passion For Him. I have to tell you that I never, and I mean never manage to find books early!
I started reading Caine’s Reckoning in the car and finished reading it this morning. I knew about a quarter of the way it that I didn’t like it. I trudged on because I have read every freaking book by Sarah McCarty, (favorite is Mac’s Law) but this book was just average for me. Kind of boring in parts and the sexual content is lacking. I don’t mean that there is no sex, it’s just the sex that was there was tamer than previous books and not as descriptive. Hard to explain, as you can tell I am not a reviewer.
I am very curious as to what other readers think. I’ll keep checking back to see if anyone else felt the same way. This book is quite expensive but it is long. I’m just a bit disappointed.
Not her best by any means, but it was enjoyable and I got drawn into the characters, as McCarty always makes me, and will be buying the other ones in the series as soon as they are available. Hoping that like Gwen has in her review that some of the pains in the story, are just from first book in a new series, and that with the other ones she has grown more comfortable with the characters and their stories.
Anni K… I think I read something on McCarty’s website about her taming them down for the mainstream publisher? So it may be something we will have to accept from these series? But must admit it is a bit of a disappointment on that level, as her love scenes in her other books are the best I have come across in ages.
Seriously pouting that there does not seem to be any more Ellora’s Cave titles planned for near future. 🙁