I have to give it up for Gail Barrett, one of my fellow Silhouette Romantic Suspense authors. In HEART OF A THIEF, she creates wonderful characters, a fast-paced story, and a whole lot of sizzle. I loved the Spanish setting and Gypsy hero. Luke Moreno is muy caliente!
My favorite part deserves excerpting, so here goes. Luke is speaking to Sofia, the heroine, about their difficult childhoods.
"Learning your family doesn't want you doesn't help your pride." His eyes held hers. "But I guess you know that."
"Yes." She knew exactly how a rejection like that felt. "So where did you go?"
"To an orphanage, una casa de acogida. It had about thirty kids."
She pressed her lips together, tightened her hands on the afghan. "I was in a group home once. I hated it." A bully had made her life miserable.
The corner of his mouth curved up. "It was probably worse for you, querida. You're too gentle for that kind of life."
"I'm not weak."
"I didn't say you were weak. Just gentle. There's a difference."
"Is there?"
"Yeah." He moved closer, cupped her chin in his hand. Heat flared in his eyes, and her breath caught. "You're gentle, elegant, brave. And soft. I like how soft you are." His voice grew deeper, rough. He slipped his free hand under her afghan...
I have a weakness for Spanish-speaking men (my husband is one) and a fondness for "real" women. Many heroines these days are tough, and I admire that, but I can also appreciate softness, and relate to a more subtle kind of strength.
Gail Barrett encorporates the perfect amount of emotion, sensuality, and suspense. HEART OF A THIEF is a great read!
Jill Sorenson
http://www.jillsorenson.com
