Sandy M’s review of Trust in Me (Rancho Del Cielo, Book 4) by Dee Tenorio
Contemporary Romance published by Samhain 23 Jul 13
This is the second book in this series I’ve read, and, to be honest, I didn’t realize there are two prior stories. I’d like to go back and read those, but after spending time with Locke Jackman? I think every other man wouldn’t be able to hold his own next to this sexy and gentle hero.
I so love the way this book begins – a wonderfully written lovemaking scene, something we don’t get very often in romance. We usually have to wait three-quarters of a book before that happens, so this is a breath of fresh air. Afterward is when the fear and the love appear. Locke has been trying, ever since Susie came to town, to get close to her, but the woman has resisted him at every turn. Fortunately for him, now that his siblings are out of the house, all his focus can be on her, the only woman he could ever love and who he thought would never be in his life.
Susie has finally found a place where she feels safe. As much as she’s wanted to give in to Locke, she knows she can’t involve anyone in her life. But as she waits for the news that will change her world – and Locke’s – Susie realizes she’s already involved this family much too deeply for her to just walk away. But when reality slaps her square in gut once again, walking away is exactly what she has to do. However, Locke figures out a lot of what Susie is fearful of and asks just one thing – “Trust me.”
Locke is a patient man. He knows he and Susie belong together, but she can’t get past the idea that he’d still want her once he learns her history. And she’s proud of the new life she’s built, the new person in her who has emerged. So much so she doesn’t want to go back through it all when Locke confronts her and her fears.
I enjoyed both of these characters so much. Locke is a huge, handsome Viking of a man, slow to anger with a lightning-quick lustiness. His tenderness with Susie melted my heart every time. Susie comes into her own when the fear and danger she’s been running from finally rears its ugly head again. And Locke is right there to protect the new life within his grasp with everything he’s got. Love that man!
The relationship with his siblings is just as fun here as it was in the previous book. You can definitely see where it is Locke’s patience comes from. I don’t know if Ms. Tenorio has any books in mind for the Jackman men who are left, but it sure would be fun to see how she handles them.
Grade: A
Summary:
Locke Jackman is single, childless…and he has a bad case of empty nest syndrome. For years, as he fought tooth and nail to keep his brothers and sisters together after his parents died, his entire life was focused on his responsibilities.
Now his siblings have all moved on with their lives, and there’s no one around to distract him from his overpowering attraction to his sister’s best friend. Their mutual desire is stunning…but then again, so are the secrets keeping them apart.
Susie Packard’s nightmarish marriage taught her what happens when she gives in to her weakness for powerful men. Too bad the big, stoic frowner across the street—the one who sets her bells jangling just by breathing—has her in his sights.
Try as she might to keep her emotional distance, Locke is determinedly knocking down all her walls. But as much as she wants to be the woman he needs, she knows better than most— passion may have its rewards, but every secret has its price.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
