Gwen’s review of Heart of Gold by Jessica Bird
Contemporary romance released by Ivy Books 3 Jun 03

Every now and again, I dig through my stacks and pull one out that I have held onto forever but haven’t read.  You know what I mean – walk up to your TBR stack, cover your eyes, and point at a random book, hoping for the best.  That’s how I picked this oldie but goodie to read.

Jessica Bird, a.k.a. J.R. Ward, has written some very nice contemporary romances for the Harlequin imprints.  There are also a couple of her early books out there, like this one.  Her contemps almost always have a seriously alpha male (I know, go figure).  But until this book I’ve almost universally disliked her female characters.

Carter Wessex, our heroine, is unique in Bird/Ward books.  She’s actually a believably strong heroine who acts in a consistent manner for, gasp, THE WHOLE BOOK.  I know.  I was a little surprised, too.

At the beginning of the book, Carter knows our hero, Nick, by reputation and she isn’t at all impressed.  Nick slowly discovers more about Carter as he agrees to let her perform an archeological dig on his land.  What he learns impresses and intrigues him.  Over the course of the book, these two strong people come to know and trust each other – slowly.

There’s some excellent action, lots of fun dialogue, and interesting characters in this book.  The story follows some rather predictable lines, but it’s still entertaining.  The passion sizzles between Carter and Nick – some very nice love scenes, as is common with Bird/Ward.

I recommend this book if you want to read a nice, easy romance with good characters, a bit of action, and some very tender moments.  If you’re a Ward/BDB fan, you’ll like this book.*

Grade: B+

Summary:

She has a chance to find something more precious than gold, if she’s brave enough to trust her heart. . . .

Her intense passion for unlocking the secrets of the past is what made Carter Wessex an archeologist. Now she’s been given a chance to dig on Farrell Mountain where a doomed party of minutemen lost their lives—as well as the gold they were carrying during the Revolutionary War. Carter refuses to let the mountain’s owner, Nick Farrell, rattle her, even though she’s all too aware of his sexy yet sardonic presence. Her work on the mountain could be the most significant find of her career . . . if she can pull herself away from the smoldering attraction that is undeniably growing between them.

Beneath the steely façade Nick Farrell wears like a well-cut suit, he is a man of hidden tenderness. From his first meeting with Carter, there’s an immediate flare—hotter than he has ever experienced before. But no one is more surprised than Nick when his desire for her deepens into something enduring. Now Nick must find a way to convince Carter that the real treasure to be found on Farrell Mountain is a true and lasting love. . . .

Read an excerpt here.

* And, hey, there are no brand names or pseudo-rap slang.