Her Shadow (Harlequin Intrigue, No 457)

Rating:
Summary: Good, But A Little Too Familiar
Review: "Her Shadow" is the final book of Thurlo's "Four Winds" trilogy after "Her Destiny" and "Her Hero." Anyone who hasn't read those books will probably find this to be a great read, but for me, it was a bit too similar to those books. It follows the same basic structure: the heroine, Marlee, receives a cursed gift from the town's mysterious peddler. As in the other books, it brings her nothing but trouble, as the townspeople turn against her. Only Lucas Blackhorse, who she secretly loves can help her. The mystery element was interesting, and the way an illness was being spread to the townspeople was a surprise. But Thurlo has been telling us since the first book that Four Winds is a place people seem to find when they just need somewhere to go. I don't know, but I sure wouldn't want to stick around this place. This is the third straight book where the townspeople turn against our heroes and are out to get them. Not exactly my idea of home sweet home. The romance is also a bit underwhelming, since we learned in "Her Destiny" that Lucas and Marlee love each other. The book is just about them admitting it to each other. Bo-ring. Thurlo's writing flair lifts the proceedings considerably, but for me, that wasn't enough to make it a great book. Just a good one.

Rating:
Summary: FINAL EPISODE OF FOUR WINDS!
Review: Lucas Blackhorse is the middle of three brothers.
He learned his medic skills in the military.

He and Marlee try hard to deny their attraction for one another [but I couldn't feel any real passion] just an excellent explaination of their feelings.

The mystery was again centered around the mystical peddler and the way people tend to react when they don't understand what is going on.

The villian turned out to be a twit. Just like any average sour, greedy person.
The explaination of Marlee's background and her secret was a bit different than I expected. Also proves my point that the more you hide the more trouble you cause yourself.

Loved the enteraction between the brothers and their wives and finally we are getting a baby for all their troubles. Does everyone anticipate their marriage? And I thought people had more self-control! Hop into bed just because you feel like it? Now that I find exceedingly boring!

As a set I enjoyed the whole picture of the brothers, Blackhorse - enjoyed the mysteries and the people characters -- just couldn't get the feeling of any passion between the lovers even with the worded version. Ah, well!

RECOMMENDED --M for an enjoyable read -- not a keeper for my library.