Limecello’s review of The Loner by Rhonda Nelson
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jun 08

I really enjoy Rhonda Nelson’s books, and she’s a Harlequin author I always try to keep an eye out for. I know I’ll not only read, but enjoy her books. However, I let this book sit for nearly a month before reading it (from cover to cover in one sitting) – and, I’d say I don’t know why, but I do. The blurb/heroine – she’s described as “a doggy-toting debutante.” Every romance novel claims the heroine has substance, and is different from the vapid tabloid trust fund baby, but I’ve been burned too many times. Based on what I know of Ms. Nelson’s writing, I should have believed. This book is indeed different.

As soon as I began reading the book, I was hooked. The Loner is another one for the Men out of Uniform series, and I loved The Player, The Maverick, and The Specialist. All the heroes are former Army Rangers, and incredibly well written. The beginning is something like the others in the series- following Lucas “Huck” Finn from the end of his military career, to starting his new job with Ranger Security.

I liked that Huck left the military due to something relatively mundane, and rather ignominious – messing up a training mission. Still, he’s a Ranger. It’s sexy that a man who carries enough ordinance to take out a tank sets up a retirement account for his mother, to “make up” for the sacrifices she made raising him as an unmarried single mom. I also appreciated the fact that Huck manned up to his circumstances. No angsty or maudlin, whiny scenes for our hero. Of course, Huck did regret have some bad moments, and felt adrift. He’s complex, layered, and a very likeable character.

Sapphira Stravos is yet another great character – all the more impressive because I was prejudiced against her at the start. A pampered “oh woe is me” heroine is not someone I want to read about, or root for. Luckily, Sapphira is nothing like that. She went to college (Wellesley) and graduated summa cum laude, but more importantly, wanted to jump into the work force. I respect that. She wishes to be a useful human being, contributing to society. When her father pulls the rug out from under her feet, Sapphira doesn’t sink into depression or pettiness- she finds alternative routes to support a good cause. Then, she keeps appearances of an idle lifestyle, because it’s not about the status or praise she’ll get from people. She genuinely cares. Yes, Ms. Nelson won me over big time with her heroine. Even with Sapphira owning a toy dog. Who got a pedicure.

The plot is interesting, reads well, and focuses heavily on Huck and Sapphira’s relationship, which is how I really love romances. The secondary characters are developed nicely, and serve to further the story. I also enjoyed the chance to revisit with Flanagan, Payne, and McCann, the heroes from the previous Out of Uniform books. The Loner holds the right amount of emotion, humor, and real life. There was one scene near the end I found especially poignant. At times the book was a bit rushed, but considering page limits, The Loner flowed admirably. Although there is something I could have done without – the overwhelming use of the word “throbbing” in conjunction with the word “loins.”

I’m glad I read this book, and am already looking forward to the next one. Blaze is one of my favorite category lines, and Ms. Nelson is one of my favorite authors from it. If you’re looking for a nice, short story with great characters and a satisfying romance, supported by a well written plot, I recommend reading this book, as well as Ms. Nelson’s books.

Grade: B+

Lucas “Huck” Finn is thrilled to join elite Ranger Security—until he learns his new assignment is to babysit heiress Sapphira Stravos, a doggy-toting debutante who’s driving everyone crazy. Still, he can’t help but feel there’s more to Sapphira than meets the eye. And what’s meeting the eye is damn hard to resist….

Thanks to a few stupid threatening letters, Sapphira Stravos is having her style cramped, big-time! How is she going to look after the charities she secretly supports? Although she’d managed to ditch her former jailers, this guy isn’t budging. Still, having a guy as hot as Huck around has its perks. After all, if he has to guard her body, he might as well get to enjoy it, too….

Read an excerpt here.