Sandy M’s review of His Secret Past by Ellen Hartman
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin SuperRomance 13 May 08

I’m really glad we’ve been dedicating a portion of our reviews to Harlequin’s books. I got away from reading them for a while and starting with the Nocturnes a few months ago, I’ve found some really wonderful books each month. For some reason the SuperRomances are ones I haven’t read very often. That’s too bad. If this book is any indication, I’ve been missing some satisfyingly good stories.

Anna Walsh’s best friend from high school was the only fatality in the crash of Mason Star’s bus twelve years ago. No one ever found out what happened that night and now because their documentary production company is about to close, Anna wants their last project to be about the the band to finally get the truth about her friend’s death. However, when she finally meets Mason and learns about his life since he left the limelight not long after the crash, she’s amazed over and over at the man he is now, one who gives of himself so freely to those he’s trying to help get a second chance in life.

With a son he loves and his community center for those in need doing well, Mason has come to terms with his out-of-control life he led while on the road and has lived a good life since then. Suddenly, though, he’s about to lose everything again out of the blue just like it happened with the band. This time he fights to keep his life, however, against the local folks who want to shut Mulligan’s down for some unfathomable reason. He also is losing his son. Christian has a band of his own and is ready to throw everything away to run after fame and fortune, something Mason doesn’t want his son involved with. But try telling that to a 17-year-old.

Meeting Anna throws Mason for another loop. He’s never discussed the bus crash with anyone, period. He doesn’t need her nosing around on top of his other troubles, but there is something about the woman that draws him and he also needs her film making talent to show the community what Mulligan’s is really about in their efforts to help people. The more these two characters are together, the more they learn about one another and peel each other’s vulnerabilities away. Mason begins to think perhaps he can try another relationship and maybe it will work this time. Anna begins to want to all the domestic things she never thought about while building her career.

After all the emotion between them, between Mason and Chris, when they finally come together, this book is one of the most satisfying in the way these characters work out their problems while still doing what they need to do to get through, being honest with themselves and each other, and giving life and love a chance.

Grade: B+

Be sure to check out the trailer for this book on the author’s website. Cute!

     Summary:

     Money, women and fame aren’t everything they’re cracked up to be. Former rock star Mason Star should know. He had it all and lost it. Now, years later, he’s about to lose even more: his son and Mulligan’s, the community center he’s poured his heart into.

     Returning to the public eye is the last thing Mason wants to do—but Anna Walsh’s documentary is the only chance he has to save Mulligan’s. Besides, Anna won’t take no for an answer…and the beautiful, complicated woman has proved to be very persuasive. Especially on the dance floor…

     But what Anna wants may be more than he can give.

     Read an excerpt.