His Forbidden Touch

Rating:
Summary: Well done Americana romance
Review: In 1898, Dr. Mariah Lowe would have preferred to remain relatively anonymous while practicing medicine in Chicago. Only her father's deathbed request brought Mariah home to Coffee Creek, Indiana to take over his practice. Mariah never wanted to come home because the memories of her love, trust, and betrayal by Jake Sullivan, foreman of the local mine, remains too strong. When she was sixteen, Jake killed his best friend, her brother.

A mining accident forces Mariah and Jake to meet for the first time in years. He realizes he still loves her, but knows by having hid the truth behind her sibling's death to protect her, he lost her. She also still loves Jake, but feels she can never trust him. As Mariah intends to uncover the truth behind the mining incident and other so-called accidents, Jake becomes determined to protect her from an unknown but extremely dangerous assailant.

HIS FORBIDDEN TOUCH is an exciting Americana romantic mystery that works because of Linda O'Brien's effective characters that bring the "Gay Nineties" to life. The time, place, and romance will remind readers of By the Silvery Moon. The mystery is a delightful historical piece that augments the feel of the audience reading in a previous century's parlor. Sub-genre fans will be courting Ms. O'Brien to provide similarly captivating tales.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: average to good Americana romance...
Review: This romance is unusual because it begins ten years after the hero and heroine break up after a tragedy befalls the heroines brother-and she blames the hero for his death. She moves back to the small town, to take the place of her father-the city's doctor. A accident happens-this romance turns into a semi mystery.

Some sensuality, but quite formulaic in the lovers "battle" to not fall in love again. I'd say this romance was better than average but not much. There's nothing that makes it stand out from similar books. I would give it an award for a beautiful cover but horrible title. I'd say buy if you can get it used, otherwise skip it. 3.5 stars.