When I first got this book, I battled to get into it and so left it for a while. I then read Book 6 of the series which I enjoyed so I decided to give Book 1 a go again. It took about 20% of the book before I really got into it and enjoyed it. The tension between the characters was nicely built up and there were a few twists which I did not expect.

Now to get the rest of the books to complete the series... ( )

Evidence of Trust
3.5 Stars

Someone is slaughtering animals in the Rocky Mountain National Park and special investigator Joel Morgan, is sent in to stop the poacher. A wrangler on a local ranch, Britt Lucas, has the magic touch when it comes to horses, but balks at obeying authority figures. Despite their sizzling attraction, Britt and Joel get off on the wrong foot and are wary of growing close and trusting one another. However, their personal issues may have disastrous consequences as the poacher has turned stalker and set his sights on Britt.

The story is reminiscent of Nora Roberts’ Montana Sky with a pretty good stalker plot and an engaging heroine. Where the two books differ is in their heroes as Joel Morgan, unlike Ben McKinnon, is exceedingly unlikeable.

Whereas Ben is arrogant, he never crosses the line into obnoxiousness. Joel, on the other hand, is not only opinionated and egotistical, he is also a judgmental, hypocritical jerk. Although he does mellow as the book progresses and admits his mistakes with Britt, this never quite compensates for his initial self-importance.

Like Willa Mercy in Roberts’ book, Britt has a mile wide stubborn streak and tendency to leap before she looks. Nevertheless, she is quite charming and her horse whisperer type skills make her all the more endearing. Joel and Britt have great sexual tension but it takes too long for them to act on it and by they time they do, their relationship has lost momentum.

The strength of the story lies in the poacher/stalker plot. The mystery and investigation are well-written and the tension builds toward an exciting climax. There are some solid red herrings interspersed throughout but once the smoke clears, the identity of the villain is very clear.

In sum, Evidence of Trust is a good mystery/romance and I recommend reading it despite my issues with the hero. ( )

This book did not suit me. I had to delete it and find something else. ( )