Dinca’s review of Dancing in the Moonlight (Cold Creek Series, Book 2) by RaeAnne Thayne
Contemporary Romance published by Silhouette Special Edition 1 May 06
I find myself back in Cold Creek with another RaeAnne Thayne novel. I would even stop to rest when I didn’t need to during daily chores so I could get in another chapter. The Kindle version is a free iPhone download and as I have enjoyed other novels by RaeAnne Thayne, I went for it.
The story line is not as predictable as one might think in a romance novel. It has a few surprises even for me. I am not generally a fan of my heroines being whinny, but even I realize whine is a part of life’s adjustments and this heroine has a lot to pull together to get her life back in focus.
Maggie Cruz is an Army nurse who is stationed in Afghanistan. After receiving a life-changing injury, she thinks her only option is to return home. Of course, home after living elsewhere is never the way you left it. Her uncle has moved on and left her mother struggling alone on the ranch, which turns into an interesting side story.
Maggie struggles with her own physical and emotional personal trauma along with the ranch work and the stress of the Dalton family, who she hates for the stress the family heaped on her father and feels they contributed to his early death. I enjoyed Maggie’s long journey to overcome personal obstacles, most of which her stubbornness brought her to. Even though I am undecided on this, without a strong will I don’t see how anyone could get through it. At least she has a good head on her shoulders and a mind that reasons when it is not filled with physical pain.
Dr. Jake Dalton is the most tender, loving, strong, and antagonist character RaeAnne Thayne has ever written. I’ve been in love with him from the get-go. I’m now his No. 1 cheering squad. I generally find doctor heroes arrogant, but not this man. He is the most caring soul you will ever find across the pages of any romance novel. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to say just the right thing at just the right time and struggle to do so, you will love him too. He is perfect for Maggie Cruz. He knows what he wants and is willing to travel the bumpy road the whole distance to get it.
The Cold Creek series is another one I have not read in order. Now I will have to hunt up Jake’s brother’s story. It sounds interesting and as much as I have enjoyed her other tales, I am sure I will be back soon with another review, especially after also reading and reviewing last year’s A Cold Creek Baby.
Grade: A
Summary:
Lieutenant Magdalena Cruz had come home…And though all she wanted was to be alone, infuriatingly handsome Dr. Jake Dalton—of the enemy Daltons—wouldn’t cooperate. And she needed him to, because the walls around her heart were dangerously close to crumbling every time he came near.…
Jake had spent most of his life trying to get closer to Maggie, with little to show for it. But she was the woman he’d always wanted, and no injury in the world could change that. Now if only he could convince her that the woman who stood before him was beautiful, desirable, whole…and meant to be his.…
Free e-copy in celebration of Harlequin’s 60th anniversary.
Other books in this series:
