Karen Does Sarah McCarty’s, Caine’s Reckoning…
Sunday, November 4, 2007Posted in: Caine's Reckoning, Hell's Eight, reviews, Sarah McCarty says ta-ta to EC and hello to New York
So, I read Sarah McCarty’s Caine’s Reckoning last week. As most of the people who request book reviews from me can attest, I’m a lazy bugger when it comes to writing reviews, especially when the book is dull as dishwater.
Anyway, without further ado, here’s the back cover blurb:
Caine Allen is a hardened Texas Ranger, definitely not the marrying kind. But when he rescues a kidnapped woman and returns her to town, the preacher calls in a favor. One Caine’s honor won’t let him refuse.
From the moment he beds Desi, Caine knows turmoil will follow. Desi might have the face of a temptress, but she also has a will of iron and while she needs his protection, she’s determined that no man will control her again. They establish an uneasy bond, but it still isn’t enough for Caine. He wants all Desi has to offer. He wants her screams, her moans, her demands…everything. Yet there’s still a bounty on Desi’s head and keeping her satisfied is proving easier than keeping her alive.
VERDICT
I loved this book. I really did.
One of the reasons I love Ms McCarty’s stories is because of her ability to deliver the reader into the psyche of the characters in her books. I love when I can get to know the people in a book on an intimate level, rather than just observing them as an outsider.
As I do with the books that I really love, I like to look at the characters individually, so here goes:
The Heroine
Desi’s story is an extremely tragic one, the only survivor when a group of Comancheros attack her home, killing all of her family, with the exception of her, and her twin sister, Ari, who was taken away to God-knows-where.
Much of Desi’s sorrow stemmed from the knowledge that she had never appreciated how lucky she was, and how pampered and spoiled her life was, before everything was so cruelly ripped from her. The loss of her sister is one thing that haunts her, yet she holds on to the belief that Ari is still alive.
I liked Desi, because she was a victim, who refused to behave like one. She refused to be beaten down by life, and had the courage to keep fighting, even when the odds were heavily weighted against her. Having said that, I did find myself wanting to hug her, and tell her that she wasn’t to blame for any of the things that had happened to her.
She was a mass of contradictions, in that she could be feisty as hell, when faced with a bunch of men trying to hurt her, yet she had a fragility about her that was quite touching. She also had a very tender side, which became more evident, as her trust in Caine grew.
For a book to work for me, the heroine has to be spot on, and I think that Desi was. She wasn’t annoyingly feisty (read: assholic), and she wasn’t as dumb as a box of rocks. That pretty much made her perfect in my eyes.
The Hero
Caine Allen is very typical, as McCarty heroes go. He’s sexy, he’s confident, he’s possessive, and once he falls in love, he loves with everything that he is. How can anybody not love a hero like that?
Also, as well as all of the above, he was likeable. I’ve read so many books where the hero is actually so unbearable, that it’s been hard for me, the reader, to understand why the heroine would fall for such an arsehole. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case with Caine.
The story starts with Caine and his posse tracking a bunch of ruffians who’d kidnapped the sheriff’s wife, and a few other women, including Desi.
When Caine first meets Desi, she’s trying to defend herself from one of the kidnappers who’s determined to get hold of her. Caine is mightily impressed by Desi’s wicked right knee, as well as her courage. He becomes smitten with her then and there, and when the town preacher calls in a favour, he doesn’t hesitate much to make Desi his.
Caine was a surprisingly well-rounded character, and I loved that he was able to find humour in any situation, even when dealing with Desi’s understandable reticence, and her constant self-flagellation.
It was the little things that he did for our heroine, that made this reader totally fall for him. There was a scene where he brought Desi chocolate that totally melted my heart. There was also a scene where he washes Desi’s hair for her. He was so gentle and sweet with her that it almost brough tears to my eyes.
“No one had washed her hair since she was a child. She’d always been too impatient to wait on a maid, and quite frankly had considered another’s hands on her an intrusion, but Caines’s touch was different. Firm and gentle, it seemed more like a caress than a functional act, and the places his fingers lingered seemed to find the last corded bits of tension within her, and unraveled them one slow circle at a time. He pressed gently at her temples and she groaned. How could such a big man be so gentle?”
That was such an “awwww shucks” moment.
The Secondary Characters
There were a whole host of secondary characters to get to grips with, but that wasn’t so surprising, seeing as CR is the first book in the Hell’s Eight series. I have to say though, at no point was I overwhelmed by the number of secondaries, as every person who appeared in the book had a good reason for being there.
I was most fascinated by Sam and Tracker, who were both Hell’s Eight men. Sam had a bit of a thing for Desi, and didn’t mind that Caine knew it, which I thought was quite sweet. He seemed to be the most easy going of the two men, but this may have just been a front.
Tracker was much harder to gauge. He was the quintessential darkly brooding hero, didn’t say much, but when he spoke, he was quite compelling. I’m really looking forward to his story.
Tia, another secondary character, was the Hell’s Eight house-keeper. She seemed to be the obligatory Mammie-type character, equipped with a quick temper, and a warm heart.
There were other characters, including the villain of the piece, but I just can’t be arsed writing about them.
One of the things that I appreciate most about McCarty’s stories, is that they aren’t just about swapping bodily fluids as often as possible, in as many positions as possible, with as many people as possible.
Although Desi and Caine spent a lot of time getting horizontal, the scenes were timely, beautifully written, and really demonstrated the difference between erotic romance and some of the smutty pretenders out there.
Caine’s Reckoning is definitely a character-led story, so for the readers who crave fast-paced action, and guns flaring on every other page, this may not be the book for you.
However if you appreciate a slower sensual ride, where you have time to smell the roses, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and fall in love, then I would highly recommend Caine’s Reckoning.
You can buy Caine’s Reckoning here, and visit Sarah McCarty here.
Dev
November 5
2:16 am
I really loved this book. It was my first by SM, but she has definitely won me over. I now have the Promises series I need to read and will patiently wait for Sam’s story coming next Summer.
HelenKay
November 5
3:03 am
I hear about Sarah’s books all the time. I’ve been tardy about picking one up. For those in the know, is this book a good place to start a Sarah McCarty binge?
Tracy
November 5
3:27 am
I just read PROMISES LINGER. Holy cow! Asa~~*fans self**
I am IMPATIENTLY waiting for Amazon to deliver CR to me!! After reading this I am more impatient! LOL
Kat O+
November 5
7:06 am
I’m very intrigued by this book, but I’m not sure when the Spice line is coming to Australia.
Dawn
November 5
8:50 am
I want this book so bad! It’s sold out at Amazon.co.uk. I think I’m gonna have to get it second hand.
Karen Scott
November 5
9:19 am
HK, I’d start with The Promises series. Promises Linger is the first book, and was just a treat.
Anonymous
November 5
10:22 am
Oh drat! I knew I shouldn’t have read this review.
I’m not supposed to be doing this (whips out credit card and heads to amazon.com to pay the ridiculously over-inflated international express shipping charges)
I have 2 exams on the 22nd – I’m taking a break from romance reading, but I can’t resist Sarah’s writing (and those hunky alpha heroes).
I would have bought the book anyway, but now I’m not going to wait.
Sarah McCarty
November 5
10:22 am
Ahh, Karen, You liked it!!!!!! *happy dance* (Of course you’ll restrain from noticing the extra jiggle in my dance. I think I went through 5 pounds of chocolate ever since I knew you’d received it.)
I’m so relieved it lived up to your expectations. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of coming back after a 2 year release hiatus… I don’t think I’ll do that again. *G*
Hmm, maybe more chocolate to celebrate. 😉
Thanks so much for giving Caine and Desi a whirl and for taking the time to write up such an excellent review.
Sarah McCarty
November 5
10:31 am
Hi Dawn! *waving*
Won’t Amazon UK restock pretty fast? Amazon US ran out of stock 24 hours after it released but they had it back lickety split. Does it take a lot longer for the UK?
Sarah McCarty
November 5
10:38 am
Ah, Dev, Anonymous and Tracy, *blush* Thanks!!
And HelenKay- Promises Linger is the first in the Promise series. The third book is always hard to find in print as it goes out of stock pretty fast (Usually within a day or two) and takes a bit to get replenished (2-3 months)so if you see Promises Prevail in stock it’s good to grab it while you can.
It is, of course, always available in e-form.
Thanks so much everyone. You’ve made my morning.
Anonymous
November 5
12:44 pm
Hi Sarah
Where can I get the book the e-form?
Zini (Anonymous)
lisabea
November 5
1:05 pm
Well, guess what I began reading this morning! It’s been sitting on my TBR for 3 days, which means it leap frogged everyone. Naughty thing.
Anne
November 5
1:19 pm
I just KNEW you’d love this book as much as I did. Sarah has an amazing talent and character-driven stories like hers are so hard to come by. Woot!
Zini- Ebook format can be found here.
Dawn
November 5
2:48 pm
Hey there, Sarah!
Well, I first looked last Thursday and they were sold out and when I looked again this morning, no more had arrived.
I think I’m going to have to try and find another place that stocks print books ‘cos I want to get my hands on Caine. Of course, if I can’t get my hands on a print copy, I’ll have to get a download.
Anonymous
November 5
2:53 pm
Hi Sarah
I meant to ask “where can I get the book in e-form?”
The fastest Amazon option takes 3 – 7 days and costs $50, excluding the cost of the book. My poor credit card was crying for mercy. 🙂
Zini (Anonymous)
Zini
November 5
3:47 pm
Thanks Anne
I’m off to place my order.
Zini
Sarah McCarty
November 5
5:02 pm
Kate+0 Rendevous Romance Books in Brisbane have Caine’s Reckoning in their newsletter and they say they ship. Here’s the link
Anne, Thanks so much for the thumbs up and giving Zini the link.
Zini-WOW! That’s pricey. Just wow!!!
Sarah
November 5
5:10 pm
Trying the link to rendezvousbooks.com again.
Here is the link.
HelenKay
November 5
9:18 pm
Karen & Sarah – Thanks for the info. Will get started on the Promises series once I get through this deadline.
Congrats Sarah!
JasmineF
November 5
9:23 pm
Great review Karen. Have to agree completely with you – the emphasis on the characters in this book is what makes it so enjoyable. Sarah has been on my TBR list for awhile and I had read so many recommendations for the Promises series that I bought the first one 2 weeks ago. As soon as I finished it I had to buy the other two (I just love the immediate satisfaction ebooks provide!). Really enjoyed them and loved Caine’s Reckoning. Can’t believe I have to wait until 2008 for the next Hell’s Eight! I’m off to re-read the Promises Series to get my fix!
Tracy
November 5
11:17 pm
it’s here, it’s here!! WHOOOT!!
Karen Scott
November 5
11:36 pm
Sarah, you’ve had such great reviews for this book, have you even had one negative review yet? *g*
Karen Scott
November 5
11:41 pm
BTW, congrats on your book arriving Tracy!
Thanks Jasmine, the book rocked for me, and I don’t mind saying so! I have a habit of re-reading Promises Prevails, whenever I get in slump.
Dawn, you really want to hold out for the print book, it was lovely taking it to bed with me!
Lisbea, you’ll have to tell me what you thought of it.
Kat, can you not just get the book from Amazon?
avidbookreader
November 6
1:27 am
I hope this is in ebook or will be soon. That’s all I buy these days. Really enjoyed the Spice Brief at Harlequin–Keishon
Kat O+
November 6
1:54 am
Thanks, Sarah. I’ll try Rendezvous. (Karen, Amazon isn’t worth it for one or two books. I usually piggyback an order with a friend.)
lisabea
November 6
2:44 am
Smokin’ hot is what I think of it. Phew. I can’t wait for the next.
Sarah McCarty
November 6
3:05 am
Lisabea- You read it already? Wow! You read fast. Caine’s Reckoning is a BIG book. And yeah, Caine can be a bit naughty ;).
AvidBookreader- Its out everywhere in ebook so you’re covered.
Congrats Tracy! Hope it lives up to your expectations.
Karen- Oh sure, there are people that don’t like my books. Just not HUGE obvious numbers, thank goodness. 🙂
Jasmine-Ha! Another one brought over to the dark side of Western Historicals. *G* Seriously, glad they lived up to the advance billing.
HelenKay-Fingers crossed you enjoy and I hope you have smooth sailing to deadline.
Kate+0-I hope Rendezvous Romance Books can help you out. They’re very nice. They have an excellent newsletter.
Sarah McCarty
November 6
3:42 am
Dawn-I hope you can get a copy, any copy. I prefer e over print so I can swing both ways on that.
Karen- *Gasping and covering eyes* You took Caine to bed? *G*
lisabea
November 6
2:41 pm
Sarah:
I read very quickly. It’s actually a horrible curse because I’m forever OUT of new books to read. grr. And I spend way, way too much on “entertainment” (books) per month. That’s why I’ve read my favs over and over again. So, the thicker, the better is my motto. In books,I mean. heh.
Sarah McCarty
November 6
3:53 pm
Lisabea- I feel your pain. My TBR pile is also non existent due to a fast reading pace. Hmm, and I also prefer thick over thin because shorter books don’t allow me the time to “relax into” the story before I’ve reached the end.
sula
November 9
3:11 am
ok, I have been haunting my local borders in search of this book to no avail. But today I came up to Baltimore for a convention and lo and behold, the Waldenbooks had two copies! Squee! So I know what I’m reading this weekend. *g*
Sarah McCarty
November 10
1:22 pm
Sula,
I’m so glad you found it!! Apparently demand is outstripping supply so there have been outages, and a bit of a “traffic” jamb in getting the books from the distributor to the warehouses, but SPICE is on it and it should be smooth sailing again shorty.
Anonymous
November 10
9:32 pm
I’m a few days late to this thread, but I just wanted to second (thirty-second?) all of the recommendations. Yesterday, I was browsing at the local B&N, passed by this book, and bought it on impulse on Karen’s recommendation. I am sooo glad I did. I started it last night, couldn’t put it down until 3am, and then spent the rest of the day reading today. I got nothing accomplished in my real life, but it was so worth it, because I was blown away! I’ve never read anything by Ms. McCarty before, but I’m going to check out her backlist at EC now. Oh, and I’m so glad that western historicals are starting to make a comeback. They never used to be my thing, but I’m so completely tapped out on paranormals.
Jen
Sarah McCarty
November 11
1:42 pm
I just wanted to thank Karen again for doing such a fab review on Caine’s Reckoning and everyone else who bought a copy, thanks so much for giving Caine and Desi a try.
Review: Caine’s Reckoning, by Sarah McCarty |
May 29
10:24 pm
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