Limecello’s review of Heartless by Diana Palmer
Contemporary western romance released by HQN Books 26 May 09

I was pleasantly surprised by Diana Palmer’s newest book. If you’re new here… Hi, my name is Limcello, and I read Ms. Palmer’s books. If you’re a regular at the pond, you know I’m addicted to the crack. There’s something about Ms. Palmer’s books that keep me coming back for more. Even though, like most people say, her books are pretty much the same, and there’s something about her characters that make you want to smack them. But the rest of it – well… every so often, a story is magic. And I feel that it hit here, with Heartless.

Gracie is your typical Diana Palmer heroine, but I felt that she was a bit more self-actualized. Yes, she has a tragic past (honestly, check out some of my other Diana Palmer reviews [here] for context if you haven’t read her before). Gracie’s had a lot to deal with – and it’s rather incredible. Almost ludicrous, but you get over it. It’s so twisted, yet so much a part of who she is.

Nevertheless, Gracie does get to assert her independence, and I loved that. She’s a sweet girl who is spunky, and definitely more optimistic than I could ever be. Yes, Gracie’s ridiculously naïve – unbelievably so-  but her saving grace is that she’s not too stupid to live. This is a key factor in what saves Diana Palmer books for me. While Gracie is clueless as to any number of things, including interpersonal relationships, and sex, she’s not about to run into the middle of a gunfight on some misguided notion of asserting herself.

Jason is your quintessential old school romance hero. He’s rich, a bit rough around the edges, totally emotionally stupid, makes a lot of mistakes, and is madly – madly– in love with the heroine. He just doesn’t have the social skills or aptitude to tell her. Instead, Jason suffers from what he believes to be unrequited love for a number of years, and then lashes out. It’d be comical, if it wasn’t so sad. Jason is a good guy, and seems to get swept along for much of the book. Although Jason is an ass for much of the novel, the fact that he comes to his senses- and is generally abused by almost all the other characters, make forgiving him acceptable.

I really liked that Ms. Palmer allowed more of the story to progress. I felt that Gracie was a much more developed heroine then normal, and someone who grew throughout the course of the book. Ms. Palmer manages to pack in an extraordinary amount of plot in a relatively short book. I actually wish it was longer, and some of the side stories more developed. I definitely was never bored at any point while reading Heartless.

Yes, this book, and Ms. Palmer’s books in general are formulaic, but it’s what is within the plot, the characters, and their stories – that indescribable, intangible something that keeps me coming back for more. I feel for the characters. I become emotionally invested, and involved. I remember many of their names and experiences – even more than a number of other books, even with books I may have liked better.

I have to say… I did fervently hope that more would come of General Machado and Gracie. Ms. Palmer’s heroines are too often the beaten down, defeated woman, while the hero is someone women absolutely go mad over. I’ve also mentioned before, that Ms. Palmer appeals to me because she makes her heroes suffer what I consider to be an adequate and satisfying amount. (Generally they go through soul searing agony and the threat of absolute loss – yet without becoming annoying or excessive.)

What did bother me, because I knew Heartless was connected to other books (like 50 of them) – that I had some trouble remembering specifics about the previous book[s]. Or at least, what I felt would be relevant. Also, at this point I believe I’ve read nearly 100 of Ms. Palmers books, if not more, and it’s incredibly difficult to keep them all organized and distinct in my head. Especially since the vast majority of them are linked. Although, I will give Ms. Palmer props for the fact that each of her books are stand alone. You get a better and deeper sense of characterizations and community, or perhaps a few inside jokes if you’ve read the others, but each one can be read by itself. And that is incredibly impressive. It’s definitely one aspect of the “old school writing” that I wish would be revived.

I don’t know if I let that affect my opinion – and I generally try not to, but a number of people suggest approaching a Diana Palmer book differently than you would other books. While I generally agree, I will say I don’t think Heartless necessarily needs that caveat. Ms. Palmer’s books have been reprinted countless of times, so a new reader might pick up a book originally published in the 1970s, read it today, and be furious. Gracie and Jason’s story may require some suspended belief for the plot, but the characterizations (aside from Gracie’s ignorance about sex), and the way their relationship finally comes about is believable, and enjoyable.

If you’re considering a Diana Palmer book, I suggest this one, whether you’re a fan, or a new Diana Palmer reader.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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As a teenager, Gracie worshiped her stepbrother, Jason, a strong, silent young cowboy who left home early to seek his fortune. Though Gracie hadn’t seen him in years, when her mother passed away, Jason ensured that Gracie would be cared for. Now the wealthy owner of Comanche Wells ranch, Jason has finally come back home, and discovered that the little girl he knew is all grown up.
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When a moment of unbridled passion results in a kiss, Jason realizes that he’s falling for Gracie. But Gracie harbors a shameful secret that makes her deeply afraid to love.
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Read an excerpt here.