IF THERE BE DRAGONS

Author: Kay Hooper ISBN: 9780553590500 9/2008 SUSPENSE Publisher: BANTAM

What was a woman like Brooke Kennedy doing running a guest lodge alone in the Montana wilderness? And why was her best friend so worried about her? Those were the questions Cody Nash asked himself after agreeing to cancel his tropical vacation to go on a mission of mercy into blizzard country. For the strong and self-assured woman he found didn’t need or want his help—but she was in trouble. Brooke had isolated herself from the world for reasons she wouldn’t or couldn’t say. But Cody didn’t need to be a psychic to sense that Brooke was afraid. Even more, her fear had intensified from the moment he arrived. Now, as a dangerous storm strands them together, Cody must learn the well-guarded secret of this beautiful, gifted woman—if he can convince her to give him the one thing he needs to save her from a self-imposed exile: her trust.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

IF THERE BE DRAGONS is mysterious, romantic and fast-paced. A great way to pass a long afternoon, this story kept me interested from beginning to end. And, I must admit, it's made a Kay Hooper fan of me.

Cody heads to Montana in the middle of winter—much to his disgust—to investigate how a friend of a friend's wife is doing. It sounds complicated, but it's anything but. The truth of it all is that he's been set up by his best friend's wife, a worried matchmaker who's got plenty of time on her hands. She calls in a favor that hinges on a debt wrought by a cat... and begins what turns out to be a journey of discovery for all parties involved.

Brooke's inheritance from her uncle, an isolated cabin in the woods, is both a blessing and a curse. She's isolated herself not only physically but emotionally. Rescue does seem to be the thing she needs. But she has a reason for building a wall around herself--one Cody recognizes instantly. A wounded ankle makes him needy, and brings down some of Brooke's barriers, but there's more going on than just hermit-like behavior.

Cody and Brooke are an ideal couple. He is the extra-measure hero, and even without a charging steed he fulfills Brooke's Cinderella Complex visions. Cody is almost too good to be true but isn't that every woman's fantasy hero? He works for me... really well, actually. Brooke, however, comes off as too needy in spots. She is so insulated and mistrusting that there are moments where I want to give her a little shove forward. Thankfully, Cody is more patient than I am so in the end, things work out well for this couple.

All in all, a very enjoyable read. Kay Hooper's IF THERE BE DRAGONS is a modern-day fairy tale with its share of twists, turns and unexpected surprises.

Kay James