Judith is a local author who has previously released 2 books, one with Medallion and another with Sourcebooks before moving to HQN. I have Highland Rebel on my shelf as well (and a case of too many books and too little time, I haven't gotten to it yet) so this is the first of hers I've read.
William de Veres is a nearly unredeemable hero. Notice I said nearly. The man is really, really damaged, and he is not a good man. But the heroine, Lizzy, remembers William when he was a boy. When he was her champion and she knows that side of him is still in there - somewhere. Added to that, the reader understands very quickly WHY he is the way he is and so despite his very questionable behavior (more than your typical bad boy) we can't help but love him anyway. And the way he treats others is NOT how he treats Lizzy. He is good to her. He just denies it to himself and tells himself all sorts of lies to prove to himself she doesn't matter as much as she does.
Lizzy is also a really strong woman. Strong in character and strong in that she stands up to every challenge thrown her way. I also think it's a sign of strength that she CHOOSES to love William even though she knows that they will never have the fairy tale. There is strength in her acceptance of that and going through with it anyway.
Judith's writing is very unique - there is an intellectual quality to it that stands out, and yet at the same time there is a rough and raw edge to it that is quite intriguing and captivating.
A historical romance (my favourite genre to read) by a unique voice...and a rewarding reading experience all told. :-)
Donna
HONEYMOON WITH THE RANCHER, Cherish UK March 2011
A FAMILY FOR THE RUGGED RANCHER, Cherish UK June 2011
HOW A COWBOY STOLE HER HEART, Cherish UK October 2011
www.donnaalward.com
