TEST
Badge of Honor is the fifth in Justine Davis’ Trinity Street West series, a series which has revolved around the men and women who risk their lives and hearts while working in a very special police precinct. The series has been terrific far, and this entry is no different – it is a stirring tale of romance, honor and intrigue. Readers who have followed the series from the start will appreciate this latest tale, while those who haven’t will be clamoring the used book stores to find the stories that came before.
Badge of Honor tells the love story of Sergeant Kit Walker and Police Chief Miguel de los Reyes, two characters introduced earlier in the series. Kit and Miguel have been friends for a number of years and have a special bond because of the support Kit provided Miguel when his wife, Anna, was dying of cancer. They great respect they have had for one another as police officers is turning into something deeper.
Both Kit and Miguel are reluctant to get involved in a new relationship, especially this one. Kit has worked hard to get where she is in the police department and knows that a relationship with her boss would only damage her chances for advancement. Furthermore, Kit has already lost one man she loves due to the dangers of his job and she witnessed Miguel nearly dying once before and fears it could happen again. As for Miguel, he doesn’t want to hinder Kit’s career, so he suppresses his feelings. And, he is still haunted by the memory of his dead wife.
The manner in whichKit and Miguel eventually manage to find one another is very believable. These are not two people so blinded by love that they can’t see the world around them; they are experienced, mature people who have been batted about by life, but find a safe haven with each other.
Both characters are very well drawn. Kit is believable as a police officer; she is depicted as an intelligent, competent woman who isn’t willing to toss aside her career for the sake of a man. Even better, she’s not the kind of woman who needs rescuing and is more than capable of taking care of herself in dangerous situations.
Miguel is equally as compelling. Despite his compulsion to run interference for Kit when she faces difficulty, he has enough respect for her to let her handle her problems himself. He is a warm, loving, compassionate man, yet is every bit the seasoned police officer when the situation calls for it.
Badge of Honor is a wonderful novel that skillfully mixes a heartwarming love story with an interesting mystery. It also manages to deal with issues of racism, sexual discrimination and gang warfare, which gives the book a realistic touch. The pace is somewhat slow, but it is only a small problem in an otherwise strong read. The only good thing about the book ending is that you have the next edition to look for to, which tells the mysterious Clay Yeager’s story. However, this reader was interested in knowing more about Roxy, the spirited African-American doctor who tends to Kit when she is injured. Where’s this lady’s romance?
Grade: B+
Book Type: Contemporary Romance|Series Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 01/07/99
Publication Date: 1998/07
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.