RETURN TO FALCON RIDGE
RITA HERRON
ISBN# 0-373-22918-6
May 2006
Harlequin Intrigue
P.O Box 5190, Buffalo, NY 14240-5190
Paperback
$4.99 U.S./ $5.99Can.
249 Pages
Suspense, Adventure
Rating: 4 Cups

Elsie Timmons is a survivor, having escaped from Wildcat Manor, existing on the streets and constantly running from her past. Now that past has caught up with her and she must return to face it for good. When she inherits the manor she vows to redeem it’s reputation and in doing so, redeem herself. When she is attacked by a shadowy figure in black, she is reminded of the legends of what could possibly live in the woods surrounding the manor, werecats, bobcats the size of tigers and possibly demons. She is saved by Deke Falcon, the private investigator asked to locate her. Used to relying on her wits alone, she rejects his efforts to help. Can she finally trust a man again?

Deke Falcon has been asked to locate Elsie by her mother, a close family friend. When he catches up with her she runs to the small town of Wildcat, where the scenery is at best dreary and the atmosphere is down right spooky. Meeting hostility from the town’s inhabitants makes her choice suspicious and after the local sheriff suggests he leave, he promises to unearth the secrets of the malevolent town. After researching Wildcat Manor he learns of it’s sad past and tries to understand Elsie’s determination to stay. That indomitable spirit feeds his admiration for the spunky woman.

Elsie and Deke embark on a journey of discovery when she realizes that Deke’s stubborn need to protect actually comes in handy, when she meets several accidents where he saves her from harm. Questioning the local authorities leads to more questions than answers and more warnings. Then the skeleton of a small child is unearthed in the manor’s garden and the truth starts to emerge. Elsie begins to count on Deke’s strength and his reliability, while Deke’s heart grows softer towards the hardheaded female. Will he be able to walk away from her after this assignment is through?

Ms. Rita Herron has written an exciting tale of love overcoming treachery and evil. Elsie embodies the strong willed heroine determined to right the wrongs of her past, battling memories and laying to rest her guilt. Deke is the strong dark and brooding hero, unwavering in his quest to protect and do the job he was hired to do. Their clashes added underlying tension when their attraction becomes apparent. I enjoyed the way Deke’s patience wore down Elsie’s barriers and his own trepidation eases. When their emotions are finally revealed, it is with a tender passion that soothes and comforts. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to any reader looking for a suspense filled romance.

Kathy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books