TEST
I enjoy the Virgin River books by Robyn Carr. As with any book in a series, some work better for me than others. Wild Man Creek was a definite winner for me.
Jillian Matlock has worked in the business world since her graduation from college. Now as Vice President of Corporate Communication, hardly anything surprises her anymore, but that changes when her boss requests a meeting. Her boyfriend, a subordinate, has made a complaint against her for sexual harassment. In order to deal with the complaint, her boss and mentor requests that she take a leave of absence. Embarrassed by how easily she was fooled, and at a loss with so much time on her on her hands, Jillian remembers how peaceful she felt on the porch of the large house in Virgin River.
After crashing his Black Hawk, going to rehabilitation, and retiring from the Army, Colin Radian also is at loose ends. He not sure what he wants to do now but knows that he not ready to give up the thrill of flying. He really hadn’t planned to spend time in Virgin River, because he and his brother Luke always seem to rub each other the wrong way, but he hadn’t counted on his heart being captured by his young nephew.
Jillian meets Colin when she finds him on her property, painting wildlife. Both find each other attractive, but because of the timing never think much about it. But as they are thrown together in Virgin River, the attraction turns to desire, and the reasons against a short term relationship just seem to fade away. They both know the score. They both have a lot of changes going in their lives, and once the summer is over they will both be moving on.
I love it when authors use familiar building blocks of relationships that most real couples actually experience. The couple’s HEA is so much more believable for me. And that was the case with Colin & Jillian. So, beside an realistic meeting and growth of their relationship what else makes this book special?
I really liked the characters. Jillian is a go getter who has never had time to feel sorry for herself. She wasn’t raised in a privileged home, but learned from her nana’s philosophy of “Thank God for work” which just hit a chord with me. Both Colin & Jillian have had the foundation kicked out from under them, but they get back up and dust themselves off. Also, the balance between the storylines was perfect. Sometimes in series books, authors juggle so many story arcs that the main couple’s story is overshadowed. While the characters from previous books are in the story, they didn’t distract from Colin’s and Jillian’s romance.
The other characters’ actions also seemed authentic. In some of the other books in the series, Mel or Jack or one of the other characters acted in a way that just didn’t seem credible. That wasn’t the case with Wild Man Creek.
With admirable characters, a realistic relationship with plenty of heat, believable conflict, and a balanced storyline, this book is a winner. Block out some time, because you won’t want to put it down. If you are like me, you will end the book with a smile on your face.
Grade: B+
Book Type: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 05/02/11
Publication Date: 2011/02
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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.