Long and Short Reviews

Rogue's Challenge by Jo Barrett
The Wild Rose Press Faery Rose
Historical, Paranormal
Full length, spicy
Review by Magnolia

He made a vow to fetch the woman back through time. 'Twas a task not taken lightly. But he had not predicted her stubbornness or her beauty. The petite woman with the tenacity of a mule may just find a way into his roguish heart.

♥ ♥ ♥

"Rogue's Challenge", the sequel to "Highlander's Challenge", is a great all around read. The story of Jenny Maxwell and Ian Southernland is so well written I was disappointed when the book ended. The plot is quick, well paced, and engaging. I have not read Highlander's Challenge but was instantly drawn in by the wonderful characters and masterfully written plot.

Jenny Maxwell is a very likable heroine and an equal match for the hero, Ian Southernland. Ms. Barrett does a wonderful job developing both characters so their weakness and strengths are balanced. Ian is a powerful sexy alpha male who is multi-dimensional. When he resists the temptation to build a relationship with Jenny, I found it easy to understand and accept. Jenny has always fantasized about being a Cinderella with a Prince Charming, and is afraid to believe that Ian is in fact her Prince Charming. Her hesitation to accept this almost destroys their relationship. While she hesitates to give Ian her heart, she is totally committed to her friend, Amelia to the point she tries to figure out how to make gummy bears in 1585 Scotland.

The secondary character of Amelia, Jenny's friend, is the reason Jenny traveled back to 1585 and finds her Prince Charming. The relationship between Amelia and her husband, Colin is a sweet tribute to the saying 'love can withstand the test of time'. Amelia has taken on the task of liberating the women of 1585 Scotland which provided me with several laughs. I loved not only the brashness of Amelia but her humor, like when she told Ian that Jenny could care less if he was 'a result of an alien abduction'.

The relationship between Ian and Jenny is not just a sexual attraction. Ian would truly like to take care of Jenny; he is even willing to travel forward in time for her. And Jenny realizes for the first time what it is like to feel loved. Oh, the roadblocks of a good romance!

Along with a heart warming love story, Ms. Barrett offers plot twists and turns, and surprise 'villains' will keep the reader turning the pages.

The next books on my "to be read" list? "Highlander's Challenge"! This reviewer's suggestion for a great summer kick off is to fill a tall glass of ice tea and read "Rogue's Challenge".

COMMENTS:

Date: Fri, Jun 27, 2008 at 8:27 PM

Your Name: Pam P
Your Comment: These sound good, have to make sure I pick them up.

Date: Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 6:47 AM

Your Name: Jo Barrett
Your Comment: You can't imagine my wonderful surprise when I opened my email today and found a note about this wonderful review. Being the author, of course I love the book - LOL - but am always elated when someone else enjoys it as much as I. Thank you for a wonderful review and I hope you enjoy Highlander's Challenge (It's my personal favorite). Happy Reading!