Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Check out Denyse Bridger's latest - REBEL HEART

I discovered author Denyse Bridger several months ago when I selected her Amber Quill Press book, HEART OF STONE, for Romance Junkies review. I loved her voice and was immediately hooked; I have since read three more of her books, ANY OTHER WAY, MIRAGE, and most recently, REBEL HEART. I highly recommend any of these books, but REBEL HEART should not be missed. Once you have read REBEL HEART, be sure to check out the continuation entitled REBEL KNIGHT, available on Denyse's website. I have loved it so far, and anxiously anticipate each new installment. Not only is Denyse a talented author with the ability to write heartfelt emotion, but she is just plain nice, a real sweetheart who truly appreciates her readers! I do hope you will check out Denyse's website, look at her extensive book list, and take a minute to visit her blog - there are links to both below. I am also anticipating Denyse's upcoming book SIMPLY THE BEST, an erotic/action novel to be released by Liquid Silver Books, and I would encourage you to keep an eye out for it.

http://www.denysebridger.com/

http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com/

This is my Romance Junkies review for REBEL HEART (4.5 Blue Ribbons):

When a beautiful young woman's life is shattered at the hands of a violent man, she never would have guessed that it would be the loving hands of another man who would put her back together.
Francesca "Frankie" Daniels was furious when her trusted old VW failed her by having a flat tire, in the middle of a violent thunderstorm, to boot. Her anger quickly turns to fear when she hears the roar of a motorcycle engine approaching. That motorcycle is carrying Nick Red Cloud, a gorgeous man whose every movement shouts the self-confidence of a man who is very comfortable with his masculinity. When he offers Frankie a ride to her house, she eventually accepts, seeing how the rain and wind have turned her into a sodden, frozen mess. Frankie is an emotionally damaged young woman after a violent attack and rape several years prior by someone that she trusted and looked up to. Extreme fear kept her from pressing charges and also prevented her from allowing herself to get close to anyone after. While she is extremely attracted to Nick, she is equally cautious and slow to let down her guard.
Nick Red Cloud is looking for Frankie, tracking her for a client of his investigative firm. He did not intend to fall for this beautifully feminine woman, but her gentleness and vulnerability were a pull that he could not resist. When he unknowingly brings danger and violence back into Frankie's life, it becomes apparent that she will probably never forgive him, or trust him again.
REBEL HEART is an emotionally charged example of the writing talents of Denyse Bridger. Frankie has dealt with the upheaval in her life resulting from the attack the only way she knows how. She sheltered herself from anything or anyone who could hurt her, virtually living in a self-imposed seclusion. Nick unintentionally brings past threats back into Frankie's life, and although he doubts that she will ever want to see him again, he is determined to see her attacker prosecuted and punished, and needs her cooperation in order to make it happen. Frankie has to face the demons from her past so she can move on with her life and allow herself to have a bright, love-filled future. Nick's tenderness is touching and sweet; he is patient and kind, passionate in his pursuit of Frankie's heart. Frankie's pain and fear is realistically written and her softening under Nick's gentle attentions is heartening. I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy tender romance, sizzling passion and a touch of suspense.


I feel I should note that there is a somewhat violent rape scene in a flashback that involves the heroine, but not the hero. It is essential to understanding Frankie's emotional state. I personally did not find the rape scene to be troubling or offensive.



Thanks for checking it out!
Laurie
:)

2 comments:

Denysé Bridger said...

Hi, Laurie!

Thank you SO much for the lovely review, and the terrific personal promo. I am honoured that you'd write such sweet things, you're wonderful!!

Big hugs,
Denyse

Laurie D. said...

No thanks necessary. You are a very talented storyteller - I want everyone to know about your great books!